The city of Edinburgh is well known for the annual Fringe Festival which celebrates and showcases talent within the arts, but there's a lot more on offer in this busy Scottish city than the summer festival of fun. For a start, there are other festivals held here, the most famous one being the annual military tattoo which takes place outside the castle. There's also the Royal Highland Show in June and an international science festival in April.
Festivals aside, Edinburgh is a diverse, exciting place to visit. The museums and art galleries here can take up a day's visiting alone. The national gallery of Scotland Complex is free to enter and shows works by Monet, Van Gogh, Gauguin and many others. The Queens' Gallery on the Royal Mile has changing exhibitions, including a wide range of art and treasures held in trust by The Queen. Then there's the Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art. This is also free to enter and includes works by Dali, Warhol and Hirst.
If you're looking for more of an experience The Real Mary King's Close is a guided tour of Edinburgh's famous underground streets, showing what life was like in the city in the 17th century. Later in the evening the Edinburgh literary pub tour begins at the Beehive Inn.
Shopping can also be a bit of an experience in Edinburgh. The Edinburgh Old Town Weaving company shows tartan being woven on the premises. Upstairs there's an information point where you can find the tartan for any clan, as well as other information on Scottish names and history. In the Scotch Whisky Experience by the castle not only can you buy your favourite single malt, but there's a tour which lasts about an hour revealing the mysteries of whisky and offering free tastings.
When it comes to eating out in Edinburgh there's a wide choice, ranging from lunch time cafes, Indian restaurants, Thai, Italian and many bistros. The Rhubarb restaurant on Prestonfield Road recently won Best Hotel Restaurant 2007 and is the latest restaurant from James Thomson whose other Restaurant, The Witchery By The Castle is already Scotland's most famous place to dine out.
Walk the streets of Edinburgh and you'll notice many pubs and bars. The Golf tavern overlooks Bruntsfield Links and is a unique place to enjoy a drink. The Bollinger Bar at Palm Court is Scotland's only Bollinger Champagne bar. The Prestoungrange Gothenburg on the High Street brew their own real ales on the premises. And The Jam House on Queen Street is Edinburgh's newest Live music venue, also offering fine dining in this old Georgian town house.
If you want something a little more lively The Stand Comedy Club has the best in Scottish and international stand-up comedy. There are many theatres and playhouses such as the Edinburgh Festival Theater on Nicolson Street and the Ross Open Air Theatre in Princes Street Gardens. But if you want something more authentic The Thistle on Leith Street boasts the best traditional Scottish entertainment the city has to offer.
We stayed in a lovely B&B in the Portobello region, and at the end of the quaint side road lined with beautiful town houses, was a beach! I thought this was the strangest place I had ever visited.
On the one hand, great shopping, fabulous sight-seeing and wonderful food and drink establishments...and on the other hand, somewhere quiet to sit and contemplate!
What was even more amazing was the frost that coated the sand dunes first thing in the morning, along with the light mist that came in from the sea. And yes, I did walk down to the seashore early on the last day, all bundled up in warm clothing...and the sea was as cold as liquid ice cubes!
Fantastic memories Samantha, well done, and thanks for bring them back to my attention. I hope I've added some more useful info for those that want an all-round holiday!!!