Scotland’s capital is the perfect city break destination with a yearlong calendar of events to enjoy from The Edinburgh Fringe Festival to the Military Tattoo- there is always a good time to visit Edinburgh! The city combines modern with historic and traditional with quirky seamlessly, here are my suggestions for a weekend stay.
Where to Stay
The Missoni Hotel is for me, the only choice. The hotel is a fashionista’s dream and you cannot fail to be  impressed by the attention to detail and service in this 5 star oasis just off The Royal mile. Visually the hotel , even from the outside is stunning but once inside you are in another world.
The iconic colourful Missoni design features throughout from soft furnishings to bathrobes and is further complimented by small luxury touches such as iPod docks and espresso facilities in all of the 136 rooms and suites. Onsite there is also an awarding winning Italian restaurant and Spa featuring Eve Lom products. This hotel is a treat not to be missed.
What to See
The Old Town and Royal Mile is steeped in history and there are many museums to enjoy, The Edinburgh Dungeon is a firm favourite but not for the feint hearted. The Castle is also un-missable and there are plenty of photo opportunities with the resident “Braveheart” and traditional piper. The New Town is full of shops and stylish bars- The Harvey Nichols just off Princes Street is very popular as is the oldest department store in the city, Jenner’s. One of the best ways to see Edinburgh is by open top bus, there are numerous daily tours leaving from Waverly Bridge which is one way to avoid the many hills of Edinburgh! Waverly Bridge is perfectly located at the point where the Old and New Town meet. Just outside of the city (around 4 miles from the airport) is Edinburgh Zoo, recently made famous by the addition of two new pandas.
Feeling Energetic?
Less than a mile from the city you are able to climb Arthur’s Seat which provides the perfect panoramic view of Edinburgh and surrounding area on a clear day. Despite it’s close proximity to the city this is the perfect place to enjoy the highland air and is a very popular spot with serious and amateur hikers.
Getting There
Edinburgh is extremely accessible with flights daily from all major UK airports, I flew from Southampton which takes just under an hour with British Airways City Express. The airport is located 8 miles from the city centre and the best way to get there is by bus with a return ticket costing under ten pounds.
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