Fun Time Fridays – Edinburgh
Welcome to Fun Time Fridays! Today we are going to head north to the very cool city of Edinburgh.
Edinburgh has a cool vibe with lots of attractions, both cultural and natural. Their bus system is topnotch, making it simple to find your way around – and the main sights in the city’s old town can all be covered on foot. For accommodation, Scottish bed and breakfasts are superb. Cozy rooms, welcoming owners and a made-to-order breakfast are typical for most Scottish guest houses. And you’ll need a warm and filling breakfast to keep you going throughout your long, possibly cool and rainy day. Yes, the weather may be something to contend with in Edinburgh, but think of it as atmospheric. To find B&B’s check Bed and Breakfasts or one of the tourist bureaus listed below.
Culture buffs will be thrilled with the number of Edinburgh’s museums that have permanent free entry. Check out the Museum of Edinburgh, Museum of Childhood, National Gallery of Scotland, Royal Museum and the Writer’s Museum, just to name a few. The permanent collections are always free; you may have to pay for any temporary exhibits being shown. Other free attractions include the Royal Botanic Garden, Scottish Parliament and St.Giles Cathedral. One may wonder what you will have to pull out your wallet for. Well, Edinburgh Castle isn’t free (12 GBP) and is a little pricey. It is perched on a big, rocky hill but you can wander the gardens below for free. Also walking the Royal Mile is of course free, and you’ll see most of the photograph-able sites. If the weather is cooperative, and you feel like stretching your legs, take a walk up to Arthur’s Seat located just out of the center in Queens’ Park next to Holyrood House. To find out what’s on when you are in Edinburgh, visit The Oracle a website dedicated to listing free events in Edinburgh. How cool is that?
Another cool way to see the city (which has quite a ghostly reputation) is on a night tour. These usually run in the 10 GBP range, but are well-worth it for getting a unique perspective on Edinburgh at night. And for free, check out New Edinburgh Tours which offers free, three hour walking tours of the city. Edinburgh is festival central. There is always something or another going on – check Edinburgh’s Festivals for what’s happening when you are in town.
For more information check the Scotland Tourist Board or the Edinburgh Tourist Board. Next week – Berlin!
Photo Credit: Extra Medium@Flickr
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