Edinburgh, Scotland
Best Places to Stay
- **Luxury**: The Balmoral, Waldorf Astoria Edinburgh - The Caledonian, The Witchery by the Castle
- **Mid-range**: Radisson Blu Hotel, Edinburgh City, The Sheraton Grand Hotel & Spa, Embassy Edinburgh Hotel
- **Budget**: Edinburgh Central Hostel, Castle Rock Hostel, Holyrood Hostel
Best Places to Eat
- **Fine Dining**: The Kitchin, Restaurant Martin Wishart, Konditor & Cook
- **Traditional Scottish**: The Witchery by the Castle, Sheep Heid Inn, The Holyrood 9A
- **Seafood**: Ondine, The Fishmarket at The Dome, Shellfish Bar
- **Whiskey Bars**: The Scotch Malt Whisky Society, Whiski Bars, The Devil's Advocate
- **Afternoon Tea**: The Palm Court at The Balmoral, Colonnades at the Signet Library
Best Sites to Visit
- **Castle & Royal Mile**: Edinburgh Castle, Royal Mile, St Giles' Cathedral, Palace of Holyroodhouse
- **Old Town**: Real Mary King's Close, Gladstone's Land, Writers' Museum
- **New Town**: Princes Street, George Street, Charlotte Square, Scott Monument
- **Calton Hill**: National Monument, Nelson Monument, City Observatory
- **Arthur's Seat**: Holyrood Park, volcanic peak with panoramic views
- **Museums**: National Museum of Scotland, Scottish National Gallery, Scottish National Portrait Gallery
Sample 2-3 Day Itinerary
Day 1: Castle & Old Town
- Morning: Edinburgh Castle (Crown Jewels, Stone of Destiny, National War Museum)
- Afternoon: Royal Mile (St Giles' Cathedral, Gladstone's Land, Real Mary King's Close)
- Evening: Dinner in the Old Town, optional ghost tour
Day 2: New Town & Culture
- Morning: Princes Street Gardens, Scott Monument, Georgian House (Charlotte Square)
- Afternoon: Scottish National Gallery, Princes Street shopping, or Dean Village
- Evening: Explore Grassmarket area, dinner with a view of the castle
Day 3: Hills & Local Life
- Morning: Arthur's Seat hike (Holyrood Park), or Calton Hill for easier ascent
- Afternoon: Palace of Holyroodhouse (Queen's official residence in Scotland), Scottish Parliament
- Alternative: Royal Yacht Britannia (in Leith), or Port of Leith for seafood
- Evening: Traditional Scottish music pub, try haggis, neeps, and tatties
*Note: Consider visiting during August for the Edinburgh Festival Fringe (world's largest arts festival). Purchase an Edinburgh City Pass for attraction discounts. Wear waterproof clothing and comfortable walking shoes.*