🏰 Edinburgh Travel Guide

🌟 City Introduction

Edinburgh, Scotland's capital, is steeped in classicism and artistic flair, earning it the nickname "Athens of the North." It blends medieval cobblestone streets, a magnificent castle, a vibrant literary atmosphere, and vibrant arts and cultural events. Especially during the summer Edinburgh Festival, the city comes alive like a stage.

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📍 Must-visit tourist hotspots

1. Edinburgh Castle

• Located on Castle Rock, it is the city's most iconic landmark.
• It offers a panoramic view of Edinburgh, and the museum also displays the Scottish Crown Jewels and the Stone of Destiny.

2. Royal Mile

• It stretches from Edinburgh Castle all the way to Holyrood Palace.
• The streets are full of unique shops, cafes, and traditional Scottish pubs, making them perfect for a stroll.

3. Palace of Holyroodhouse

• The official residence of the British Royal Family in Scotland.
• The interior of the palace is magnificent, and you can also visit the Queen's State Banqueting House.

4. Arthur's Seat

• Ancient volcano in Holyrood Park.
• After the climb, you can enjoy the view of Edinburgh city and the distant coast. It is of medium difficulty and highly recommended.

5. Calton Hill

• Another viewing hotspot, especially suitable for taking photos at sunset.
• There are the National Monument and Nelson Memorial on the mountain.

6. Edinburgh Old Town & New Town

• Old Town : With a strong medieval atmosphere, the cobblestone roads and Gothic buildings are full of stories.
• New Town : Geometric street planning, with many boutiques and trendy restaurants.

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🍴 Must-try food recommendations

Scottish Classic

• Haggis : A traditional dish made from lamb offal mixed with oats and spices, usually served with "neeps and tatties" (radish and mashed potatoes).
• Scottish Salmon : World-famous, with sweet and fresh meat.
• Scotch Pie : A small pie commonly found on the streets.
• Cullen Skink (Scottish cream and smoked fish soup) : Rich and warming, perfect for cold weather.

Must-try desserts & drinks

• Cranachan : A dessert of raspberries, oats, honey and whiskey cream.
• Shortbread (butter shortbread) : crispy and fragrant, it is the first choice for souvenirs.
• Whisky : The pride of Scotland, there are many whisky experience centers in Edinburgh.

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🚋 City Transportation Guide

City transportation

• Walking : Both the Old Town and the New Town are very centralized and you can explore the main attractions on foot.
• Lothian Buses : There are many routes, and the one-way fare is around £2. You can also buy day tickets.
• Tram (Edinburgh Trams) : The most convenient way to travel between the city center and the airport.
• Taxis & Uber : Convenient for short distances within the city, but more expensive.

Airport transfers

• Airport Tram : Directly to the city center in about 30 minutes.
• Airlink 100 bus : operates 24 hours a day and the journey takes approximately 30 minutes.

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💡 Editor's Tips

1. Edinburgh's weather can be unpredictable, so be sure to bring a waterproof jacket and comfortable shoes !
2. If visiting in the summer, remember to book your accommodation in advance as it fills up during the festival.
3. Want to take photos of the sky? We recommend heading to the Royal Mile early in the morning.
4. The Scottish accent is quite heavy, so don't be shy if you don't understand what they are saying. Just ask them to repeat it slowly.

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✨ Summary:
Edinburgh is a city that combines history, culture and nature. Whether you want to visit historical sites, immerse yourself in the literary atmosphere, or taste local cuisine, it can satisfy you here!

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🗓️ Edinburgh 3-day itinerary suggestions

📍 Day 1: Explore the historic city

Theme: Edinburgh's classic landmarks and royal atmosphere

• morning
  • Edinburgh Castle: Visit the castle in the morning to avoid the crowds. Visit the Crown Jewels, the Military Museum, and enjoy panoramic views of the city from the castle walls.
• noon
  • Enjoy traditional Haggis or Scottish salmon at the Royal Mile Restaurant.
• afternoon
  • Take a leisurely stroll along the Royal Mile and browse the unique handicraft shops.
  • Walk to the end and visit Holyrood Palace to feel the royal atmosphere.
• night
  • Experience the Ghost Tour and explore the spooky basements and ancient alleyways of the old city.
  • For dinner, we recommend tasting Cullen Skink (smoked fish soup) with a glass of whiskey in the bar.

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📍 Day 2: Nature and Literature Tour

Theme: Climbing High and Gazing Far Away + Scottish Culture

• morning
  • Climb to Arthur's Seat, which takes about an hour to reach the top, and overlook the entire city and coastline.
• noon
  • Stop by one of the city's cafes and try a Scotch Pie or sandwich.
• afternoon
  • Visit the National Museum of Scotland (free admission), which houses a rich exhibition covering everything from dinosaur fossils and aerospace technology to Scottish history.
  • If you enjoy literature, you can visit the Edinburgh Writers' Museum or The Elephant House Cafe (the inspiration for Harry Potter).
• evening
  • Head to Calton Hill to take beautiful photos of the sunset.
• night
  • Enjoy a traditional Scottish dinner, with Cranachan being a recommended dessert.
  • If you like nightlife, you can go to [Whisky Bar] for a whiskey tasting experience.

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📍 Day 3: Old Town Alleys & Relaxed Shopping

Theme: Slow Market + Artistic Atmosphere

• morning
  • Stroll through the Grassmarket area and admire the old buildings and small shops.
  • If it's the weekend, you can also visit [Farmers Market] (below Edinburgh Castle).
• noon
  • Try Fish & Chips , simple and classic.
• afternoon
  • Go to [George Street & Princes Street in the new town] for shopping and walking.
  • Or go to Dean Village, a fairy-tale quiet village that is perfect for taking photos.
• evening
  • Sit back and relax at Princes Street Gardens while enjoying the views of the castle and gardens.
• night
  • End your trip with a hearty dinner, and we recommend trying the Scottish salmon or steak.

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💡 Editor's Tips

• If it rains during your trip, you can replace outdoor attractions (Arthur's Seat, Calton Hill) with indoor museums or whisky experiences.
• For music and drama enthusiasts, be sure to reserve time to catch a performance if you visit during the August Arts Festival !
• Want to take the most beautiful panoramic view of Edinburgh:
  • Go to Arthur's Seat in the morning.
  • Go to Calton Hill at sunset.
  • At night, take photos of the castle at North Bridge.