Visiting Edinburgh, Scotland - A World Class Heritage City

While Edinburgh, Scotland may not conjure up images or romantic European getaways and gourmet international foods, it is a uniquely beautiful vacation spot for families. The citizens of Edinburgh claim to be the friendliest in the United Kingdom. It' proximity to Glasglow, Scotland's largest city, and to the Scottish Highlands make it a wonderful central vacation spot for viewing the entire country of Scotland.

As the capital city of Scotland, Edinburgh offers many scenic and cultural activities along with some of Europe's most historic sights. With a population of 440,000, Edinburgh is small enough to manage a lot of sight seeing on foot or on bicycle, but packed with hundreds of pubs and restaurants that offer traditional Scottish meals with a pint of Scottish Highland beers. The city is smoke free, and welcome children into most of the pubs and eating hot spots. Edinburgh has been classified a "World Heritage City."

Scottish weather can be unpredictable, so vacationeers are encouraged to take rain wear and umbrellas with them, with the winter months being especially cold and damp. Summer is the best time for visiting weatherwise, with mild weather and longer daylights hours for sight seeing. Many of Scotland's famous festivals are held during the summer. Of course the increase in tourist travel during these months makes it difficult to find affordable hotel rates, so plan your trip well in advance to get the best rates. Spring and autumn trips will still offer decent weather, but more affordable pricing on lodging rates.

The Scottish people enjoy a friendly rivalry with England which they refer to as "down south". For those who aren't up on United Kingdom history and geography, Scotland is now a member of the United Kingdom, but has it's own parliament as a governing body for Scotland itself. A visit to the Parliament and to Edinburgh Castle should be a focal point of any visit to Edinburgh.

Built in the 1200's, Edinburgh Castle, which sits upon an extinct volcano, has been continuously occupied since that time, with layers upon layers of changes. The oldest part from the 1200's, is St. Margaret's Chapel; the Great Hall was built in the 1500's by King James IV; the Half Moon battery was added in the late 16^th century with the Sottish National War Memorial being built after World War I. Mary Queen of Scots gave birth to Prince James who became Scotlands' King James VI and then was crowned King James I of England in 1603.

For mystery and romance, tourist can view the Honours of Scotland, the crown, sword and scepter which are the oldest royal regalia in the entire United Kingdom. Along side them is the Stone of Destiny, the national symbol of Scotlands nationhood. The Stone was used as the coronation throne for every king of Scotland, including Macbeth in 1040! The history and romance of Edinburgh Castle make it a priority for any visit to Edinburgh.

The historical wonders of Edinburgh include the port area, called Leith, where you can take a tour of the Royal Yacht Brittania, docked in the harbor. This luxurious boat has been the honeymoon home for four British Royal couples, including Princess Diana and Prince Charles. Leith was a working class dock area, but has recently been revitalized with urban night life entertainment and music and food venues.

Edinburgh has arrived as a world class city, mixing and mingling it's history with new innovations in building and commerce to create a world class destination for tourists. Visitors from around the globe come to be part of one of Scotland's most treasured events, Hogmanay, which is one of the worlds biggest and best New Year celebrations. For four days and nights, the streets of Edinburgh come alive with the traditional torchlit procession, fireworks, special concerts, the Hogmanay Street New Year's Eve party. Edinburgh becomes an international magnet during this festival.

Edinburgh hotels offer amazing price packages during this season and you can find some great bargain packages that include hotel stay, food and outings with the Edinburgh Pass, a special package deal to over 20 top Edinburgh tourist attractions.

Family friendly and affordable lodgings in Edinburgh

The Apex International Hotel offers a great packages where two children up to 16 can stay free when sharing with two adults. There's the usual swimming pool, tasty food and plenty of exciting things to do in Edinburgh, including swimming with the sharks and spooky ghost tours of haunted Edinburgh.

If money is not a problem, then the discriminating tourist will want to stay at Edinburgh's luxury world class hotel, the Balmoral. You can check out rooms, accomodations and prices at their website.

The top rated hotel in Edinburgh is the world famous Gleneagles, a luxury resort sitting on 850 acres of beautiful hilly Edinburgh.

If a budget hotel is needed, Edinburgh has many, including The Cairn, located in town centre within easy walking distance of the major tourist attractions in Edinburgh, including Edinburgh Castle. it's quaint, older but clean and well maintained for the budget tourist or trekker.

Edinburgh Hotels offers a comprehensive website that allows you to compare and even book hotel rooms. The layout allows you to check a wide variety of options for lodging in Edinburgh.

Of course, if you are a youthful backpacker or trekker, then you'll want to check out the wide variety of travel hostels available in Edinburgh.

Edinburgh, Scotland, offers an amazing mix of history, world class accomodations, breath taking scenery and modern festivals and tourist attractions.

Resources:

http://www.edinburgh.org/

http://www.edinburghcastle.biz/

http://www.stuckonscotland.co.uk/edinburgh/information.html