Edinburgh is a vibrant, colourful city brimming with culture, history and fun. If you’re planning a trip to Edinburgh, it’s hard to know where to start. You’ll have to make some tough decisions as it’s impossible to fit everything in in just one city break – but it’s the perfect excuse to come back! Before you add to your Scottish bucket list, book the ideal accommodation in Edinburgh. The newly opened PREMIER SUITES Edinburgh offers serviced apartment accommodation giving you a home-from-home feel with the luxury of a hotel stay. Here are some of our favourite things to do in Edinburgh to inspire your visit.
Get Active
While hikes and mountain climbing aren’t always at the top of the list, it’s not often you visit a city that has an extinct volcano close by! Arthurs Seat is a popular walk among tourists and locals alike. Its peak sits 251 metres above sea level so you can imagine the views from the top. Bring your hiking boots or rent a bike and enjoy the walk from the grassy slope on the east side rising from Dunsapie Loch on Queen’s Drive. For those who love a view but not a strenuous climb, you can enjoy a leisurely walk to Calton Hill, home to a collection of striking Greek-style historic monuments, as well as The Collective contemporary art gallery. Enjoy views of some of Edinburgh’s favourite spots like Arthur’s Seat, Holyrood Palace, the Parliament and the Royal Mile.
Visit Edinburgh Castle
Arguably the most iconic building in Scotland, a visit to Edinburgh Castle has to be on your list of things to do in Edinburgh. Sitting atop the city’s second extinct volcano, the castle is a regal reminder of our historic roots. We’d recommend a tour of the inside to see for yourself how the other half lived, but if you’re busy just seeing this iconic building is a must. If you venture inside, you’ll see the Great Hall and St Margaret’s Chapel and learn about the castle’s time as a military fortress, royal residence and prison of war. There is a tearoom with some of the best scones in the capital and nearby Mary’s Milk Bar has the best gelato we’ve ever had in some pretty unconventional flavours.
Visit Leith
Leith is one of the most lively and exciting neighbourhoods in Edinburgh and is definitely worth a visit during your stay. Here you’ll find some of the best nightlife, a unique shopping scene and some excellent dining options The Pitt is Leith’s popular independent weekend market, where you’ll find an array of street food, craft beer and live music. Leith Theatre is one of the main attractions here. Saved from disrepair it’s now one of the best music and theatre destinations in the city. Enjoy a leisurely walk along the Water of Leith, especially the route between the Dean Village and Leith, which takes just over an hour to walk.
Shopping in Edinburgh
Edinburgh is a haven for shoppers. With flagship luxury brand stores and independent second-hand shopping on the same street, we really have all bases covered. A highlight of the shopping scene is the winding Victoria Street which curls from George IV Bridge down to the historic Grassmarket. It’s home to Edinburgh’s finest selection of independent boutiques. You’ll find everything from custom-made tartan kilts to all sorts of Harry Potter paraphernalia with some fantastic dining options to refuel along the way. Nearby Princes Street not only has some huge brand names like Marks and Spencer, Primark, Clarks and Dr Martens on one side, there are also unspoiled views of castles towers and Edinburgh old town on the other
Visit Edinburgh Museums
Whatever your artistic preference, there’s a Scottish National Gallery to suit you. You’ll find everything from classical to contemporary art spread across several complexes in the city. You’ll find some of the world’s masterpieces houses within their grandiose walls. Particular mention to the portrait gallery which has some truly impressive paintings. The National Museum of Scotland is the grandfather of the city’s cultural spots and is as is an eye-catching mix of old and new. Its contents are wide-ranging from dinosaur skeletons and Egyptian sarcophagi in the old wing to artefacts from more modern Scottish history in the new wing.
Book the ideal family, corporate and couples accommodation at PREMIER SUITES Edinburgh. Our spacious and comfortable serviced apartments offer a home-from-home feeling in the heart of the city, ideal to explore the best of Edinburgh. Book our best available rates exclusively on our website.
