1. Perched on an extinct volcano, this instantly recognisable fortress is a powerful national symbol and part of Old and New Towns of Edinburgh World Heritage Site. Its story is Scotland's story
www.edinburghcastle.gov.uk/index/story.htm
2. The Penguin Parade at Edinburgh Zoo is a much-loved institution, and if you’re in need of a smile, one that takes some beating – there’s something about the little tuxedo-ed participants that never fails to raise one. The penguins take their stroll every day at 2.15pm, although as the zoo points out, their participation is on a strictly voluntary basis, and no penguin is forced to promenade.
edinburghzoo.org.uk
3. Float on your back under the stars in the Sheraton’s One Spa rooftop pool. The outdoor Hydropool is a thermal pool with body jets pumping out mineral-rich water to make the experience, if possible, even more relaxing – go in the evening for the best view in town: the night sky. www.onespa.com
4. Do away with the fabled “You’ll have had your tea” notion by taking your mum to afternoon tea in the Palm Court at The Balmoral, an icon of Edinburgh gentility if ever there was one. Mini chocolate scones with Devon clotted cream, Bollinger, Scotch beef and red onion marmalade finger sandwiches – she’ll forgive you a lot after those.www.thebalmoralhotel.com
5.Whilst you're at the hotel o underground and visit the city under the city at Mary King’s Close, and the Vaults under South Bridge, where Edinburgh’s reputation as one of the most haunted cities in the world becomes understandable. Paranormal studies on the Vaults (heart-stoppingly close to Burke and Hare territory and fabled as a stash for their grisly wares) have shown high levels of poltergeist activity and there have been reports of punching, bruising, scratching, hair-pulling and ankle-grabbing from the tour. www.thebalmoralhotel.com
6. Breakfast karaoke at Priscilla’s on Leith Walk is a must for those seeking sustenance at 5am but with no intentions of hitting the sack afterwards. Think of the toasties on offer as more of a mid-session snack to help you keep going, than a very late supper to see you off to bed, because you’ll be washing them down with £1 “Gaygerbombs” from the Sound as a Pound drinks menu, and the bar staff’s idea of an early-morning soundtrack isn’t exactly a lullaby. Priscilla’s is open Saturday mornings 5am-12pm.
www.priscillasedinburgh.co.uk
7. Take your wallet on a wander down Victoria Street, the prettiest in the city with its curving candy-coloured row of eclectic shops. Stop off at Oink hog roast shop with its daily spit-roasted pig on proud display in the window; IJ Mellis, Scotland’s definitive cheesemonger and the maker of a mighty fine ficelle to go with it; Odd One Out for hipper than thou street wear and edgy Scottish designers’ wares; and Aha Ha Ha joke shop, a local institution thanks in part to the giant joke nose and specs over the door, before heading across the Grassmarket to Armstrongs, the vintage behemoth that has set the standard in Scotland since 1840.
8. The National Galleries of Scotland, comprising the Scottish National Gallery, the Portrait Gallery, and the Gallery of Modern Art, are a treasure trove of pieces you probably didn’t even realise call Edinburgh home – The Three Graces anyone? From Paolozzi to Picasso, Andy Warhol to Annie Leibovitz and Lichtenstein’s In the Car, surrealists Magritte, Duchamp and Dalí to Velázquez, Boticelli and Da Vinci, you’ll find them all right here, for free, every day. The Portrait Gallery reopens on Thursday, 1 December.
www.nationalgalleries.org
9. Portobello is home to the one of the few remaining original Victorian Turkish baths in the UK. The benefits of Turkish baths come from stimulating the body with exposure to varying temperatures in quick succession, and the beautifully tiled hammam has the requisite tepidarium (warm), calidarium (hot), laconium (hottest) and frigidarium (cold), plus icy plunge pool.
www.edinburghleisure.co.uk
10. The Botanics is one of the most peaceful and calming spots in the city, perfect for putting your head to rights. Forget the world outside in the steamy tropics of the glasshouses – the elegant Victorian Palm House dates from 1834, while the 1967 glasshouses were hailed for their controversial cutting-edge design. Highlights include the rare Amorphophallus titanum – yes, the one that smells like dead bodies. Gifted to the Gardens in 2003, a bud finally emerged in 2011 and since then has been making up for lost time growing at a rate of 10cm a day, with its own webcam to prove it.
www.rbge.org.uk
11. The New Scotch Whisky Experience Tour
Visit the new Scotch Whisky Experience for a sensational journey! Take a swirling, bubbling barrel ride through a replica distillery as you become part of the whisky making process.
Along the way you’ll hear the stories behind this magical craft, with expert tour guides and whisky advisors with you every sip of the way.
We’ll help you discover the aromas and flavours that appeal to your palate and lead you to your perfect Single Malt Whisky.
www.scotchwhiskyexperience.co.uk/
12. Combined Visit for groups: Palace of Holyroodhouse and The Queen's Gallery, Edinburgh
Combine your visit to the Palace of Holyroodhouse with the exhibition Treasures from The Queen's Palaces at The Queen's Gallery. The exhibition reflects the tastes of monarchs and other members of the royal family
www.royalcollection.org.uk/visit/palaceofholyroodhouse
13. Celebrate everything on, off and about Edinburgh's famous and historic Royal Mile.
Every Place of Interest, Business, Shop, Bar, Restaurant, Hotel, Hostel, Tour Guide, Cafe & Closeis featured here and much more. Explore, experience & enjoy The Royal Mile from anywhere at any time.
http://www.edinburgh-royalmile.com/
14. The Camera Obscura show is a fascinating and highly amusing way to see the city and learn about its history. This unique experience has delighted and intrigued people for over 150 years. It is a 'must' on any visit to Edinburgh.
camera-obscura.co.uk/camera_obscura/camera_obscura.asp
15. Arthur's Seat is an extinct volcano which looks like a mountain, even though it is only 250 meters (823 feet) above sea level. It is located in Holyrood Park, a 650 acre open area which is also sometimes known as Queen's Park because it is owned by the queen.www.virtualtourist.com/travel/
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