Edinburgh
Edinburgh looks like someone built a city inside a fantasy novel. A castle on a volcanic rock, medieval closes and stairways winding through the Old Town, and a mountain (Arthur's Seat) right in the city center. The pubs serve proper whisky and the Festival in August turns the entire city into the world's biggest stage. It's walkable, dramatic, and a little bit haunted.
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Edinburgh travel FAQ
How many days do I need in Edinburgh?
2–3 days covers the highlights. Day 1: Edinburgh Castle, Royal Mile down to Holyrood Palace, and climb Arthur's Seat for sunset. Day 2: National Museum of Scotland (free), Grassmarket pubs, and a ghost tour in the underground vaults at night. Day 3: Dean Village walk, Calton Hill, and a whisky tasting at one of the many whisky bars. If you have more time, day trips to the Highlands or St Andrews are easy.
Is the Edinburgh Festival worth visiting?
The Edinburgh Festival Fringe in August is the world's largest arts festival — over 3,000 shows in hundreds of venues. Comedy, theater, music, street performers everywhere. Many shows are free or £5–15. The city triples in population and accommodation prices skyrocket — book months ahead. Even if you're not into theater, the atmosphere is electric. The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo at the castle is separately ticketed and spectacular.
What should I eat and drink?
Haggis is a must-try — it's much better than it sounds. Order 'haggis, neeps and tatties' at a traditional pub. Fish and chips from a proper chippy (not a tourist trap). Scotch eggs for a snack. For whisky, skip the tourist shops and go to a proper bar like The Bow Bar or Cadenhead's — ask the bartender to guide you through a tasting. Cullen skink (smoked haddock soup) is perfect on a cold Edinburgh day, which is most of them.