Fancy an Edinburgh city break? Here are some tips for the perfect destination from the viewpoint of an adopted local.

The Attractions

Go to camera Obscura: It is full of optical allusions with great views of the city. Fun for kids and adults.

Take a bus tour: If you don’t like walking, book a hop on hop off bus tour covering the main points.  MacTours Vintage bus tours are the best and trust me – I have been on them all.

Visit the Writers’ Museum: Learn about three of Scotland’s most famous writers very much respected to this day; Robert Burns, Sir Walter Scott and Robert Louis Stevenson.

Go on a ghost tour: If you like history teamed with being scared then take a night-time walking tour which tells you all about Edinburgh’s darker past.

Visit the Edinburgh Dungeons: Brilliant fun with family or friends.

Have a whiskey cocktail: At Whiski on the Royal Mile or learn more about whiskey at the Whisky Rooms.

Visit Greyfriars Bobby: The monument of Edinburgh’s most loyal dog who sat by his owner’s grave for many long years. Bobby has become a local hero. Remember to touch his nose for luck.

See Edinburgh Castle: Save a good few hours for visiting the castle and be there for 1pm to see the 1 o’clock gun go off.

Climb Calton Hill: Stunning views of Edinburgh and right in the city centre so easy to access.

Go Somewhere Less Obvious: Visit Edinburgh’s seaside at Portobello, or how about the quaint boutique shops of Stockbridge. You could also visit the shore which has some fantastic restaurants lining the water of Leith.

Walk Princes Street Gardens: A beautiful green space opposite Edinburgh’s chief high street.  Amazing that one minute you can be in the hustle and bustle and the next relaxing.  In winter it has a stunning Christmas Market and amusements and in summer it is great for a picnic.  The gardens are also near the National Gallery and National Portrait Gallery which are free to enter.

Visit a Museum: Most of Edinburgh’s museums are free so are a must!  Edinburgh has a major medical past and present so visit the Surgeons Hall, it is informative and entertaining.

The secrets

Locals Love:

Value treat – Bar Napoli – Hanover Street

Luxury treat – The Witchery – The Royal Mile

Afternoon tea – The Dome – George Street

The Accommodation

Edinburgh is the perfect place to stay and there are great city break serviced apartments in Edinburgh.

There are plenty of places to stay in Edinburgh for a city break, but like London, Edinburgh can be expensive.  Hotels and B&B’s are great for a nights stay but for longer, options like city break serviced apartments in Edinburgh offer great value for money whatever your budget.

You can inquire about our serviced apartments in Edinburgh here.