Classic Scotland in Edinburgh, Scotland - 24-Hour Travel Guide

Old Town

Edinburgh Castle

The Royal Mile

The Scottish Parliament

Overview - Scotland's capital, Edinburgh - 'auld reekie' - is a place steeped in history. The dark grey buildings, resting under watch of the impressive castle, may look uninviting, but inside them you will find some of the world's best art, food, and drink. Explore this city with these suggestions and find out what classic Scotland really means.

Breakfast - Most cafes do not open before 9AM in Edinburgh, so enjoy an extra hour in bed – save yourself for the long day. Exceptions to this rule are the coffeehouse chains, including Starbucks, Costa Coffee, and Caffé Nero, all of which are recommended. After nine, though, tea and scones are the order of the day at shops like Clarinda’s, a small café near the bottom of the Royal Mile. Be sure to check out the tempting piles of pies and cakes on the dessert cart.

Morning - After a caffeine and carbohyrdate-infused start to the day, head up to the highest point in town, Arthur’s Seat. The views from here are always spectacular but be sure to bring a jacket as the weather at the top can be cold and windy regardless of the time of year. Proper footwear is also needed as it can be a bit rocky and steep near the top.

Back down the hill, stop in for a visit at the Scottish Parliament, a controversial building and without a doubt Edinburgh’s most modern piece of architecture.

Lunch - Halfway up the Royal Mile from the Parliament you will find George IV Bridge. Here you will find a number of restaurants, such as the Elephant Café, which boasts excellent views of the castle and is where J.K. Rowling wrote much of the Harry Potter series. Maybe you can also find your muse in such a classic Edinburgh setting?

Afternoon - At the top of the Royal Mile is Edinburgh Castle, the city’s most famous icon and a must-see. By now you are hopefully feeling quite inspired, so duck into the many shops nearby for your fill of Scottish souvenirs. Wool tartan blankets, kilts, shortbread, and haggis are fully stocked. The Royal Mile Whiskies shop is recommended for any alcohol purchases as they have a great selection and the staff are very knowledgeable.

Dinner - While Edinburgh is well represented in a number of cuisines, go traditional, go for British. Try Stac Polly for the upper end of the budget, or Monster Mash for the lower end. Although the city has literally hundreds of restaurants, reservations are always recommended to avoid disappointment (just ask your hotel to make a booking). For a casual dinner, try the Tempting Tattie on Jeffries Street. You can get a large portion of baked potato with a mound of fillings for less than £5, although there is not a proper dining area, just a few stools in the window but a good place to watch the world go by.

After Dark - Edinburgh has plenty of options when it comes to nightlife. Try your luck on the Cowgate – a street running underneath the old city full of clubs built into old vaults, or try the Grassmarket, which is lined with pubs full of old world charm enjoyed by locals and tourists alike. On your way home, be sure to stop by a fish and chips shop (more affectionately known as a ‘chippy’ in Scotland) as a reward for all your efforts. Skip the deep fried mars bar and go for the chips and cheese with brown sauce.

Sleep - The ‘majestic three’ – the Balmoral, the Caledonian Hilton, and the Royal Scotsman – are the city’s highest profile hotels, with eye-popping prices to match their unbeatable views. Should you not have deep enough pockets, the Old Town is a good area with plenty of hotels located amongst the winding alleys and hilly streets. Excellent accommodation can also be found just west of the city center, in the West End or near Haymarket.

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