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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...]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/13742 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/13736
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.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/13736 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/7960 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/7960