A website with loads of information on Scotland with accommodation, maps, castles and whisky distilleries.

www.roomsinscotland.com

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If up near the castle it is well worth wandering down through the Grass Market as a previous reader has remarked. Where the road continues into West Port there are some splendid shops tourists might not otherwise find. Just by walking a bit more I came across a wonderful shop, Cabaret Antiques and Curios, which is spread over two floors and has an extraordinary selection of antiques, knick knacks, curios, books and other treasures. I found presents for several people in here and the prices seemed very reasonable. The owners seem happy for you to browse and take your time. It was an unexpected surprise and proves it is well worth exploring sometimes away from the usual tourist areas. Edinburgh is definitely a city for walking and exploring, especially the old town bit all around the castle which so dominates the city.

137 West Port
Edinburgh
EH3 9DP
0131 229 4100

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From the antique grandeur of the Old Town to the cold classical beauty of the New Town, this is the most beautiful city in Europe.

I am a Canadian who visits every January. The weather is not unpleasant: last year there were days and days of glorious sunshine.

The best place to stay is in the Old Town. This is where all the real-life characters of the city hang out. Sit on a bench in Hunter Square or one close to St Giles and just observe the people. Walk down the High Street from the castle to Holyrood.

A great place to eat is Always Sunday close to the Fringe Office, spend Friday/Saturday night listening to the band at the small Scotsman Lounge on Cockburn.

See you there...

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Visit Edinburgh in the middle of winter - at Christmas or at New Year...?

Yes, and I recommend it!

The locals are full of bonhomie; every pub or eatery with a fireplace is welcoming; and the locals, who act as tourist guides at the castle and other touristy places, are happy to see you and have a chat.

Crowds? No ... have have the castle and the whisky tours all to yourself.

You can even venture out of town and maybe have a hit at St Andrews ('cos there is noone else there playing).

There is also the added bonus of Scottish New Year celebrations. Something everyone should do at least once in a lifetime: Hogmanay.

Downside? It's cold - very cold; sleeting and snowing, but hey, nothing a couple of jackets, coats, mufflers, gloves and hats can't fix.

Seriously: go and visit in winter;
it is a different place.

Edinburgh is in Scotland! Drive or fly or train it there.

www.edinburghschristmas.com/
and
www.edinburghshogmanay.org/

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Take an al fresco jaunt with chilled drinking vessels to The Meadows. Get great views of the city skyline on raised grassy knolls where beer and good company can enjoy the respite in Scottish summer weather - welcome global warming (just kidding)!

It’s a popular and well-known area of green in the centre-south of the city - 5 minutes from the George IV Bridge and student area – a 10 minute walk from Princes Street.

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