We are staying near the Waverley station and not planning on renting a car. Must-sees include St. Andrews and Rosslyn Chapel. But as for the rest of our time in Edinburgh, how should we spend it? We love history, castles, pubs, exploring cities and hiking in the countryside...considering visits to Glasgow and Stirling Castle. but is there something we shouldn't miss that's within reach?
Posted by
Charleston & Birmingham
4300 posts
I suggest a Rabbies day tour to the Highlands. Waverly Station is a convenient location.
Posted by
35 posts
Edinburgh castle is a pricey entrance fee but if you like castles at all it is a must see. Sandeman's offers some very good paid tours with a live guide (ask for Alasdair - trust me). If you do not do a tour, skip the audio guides they're rubbish. There is plenty to read to understand the history without them. Buy your ticket online before hand and pick it up from a kiosk to save time.
Arthur's Seat is a nice hike with a good view of Edinburgh.
Dean Village is a great little place in outer Edinburgh to take a walk. There is a beautiful walking path by the water.
My favorite pubs in the world are in Edinburgh. I recommend Jolly Judge and the Jingling Jeordie (very close to Waverly). You're likely to find a local here.
Glasgow is fun for the younger crowd but if you don't have a lot of time I would skip it for more time in Edinburgh.
Posted by
Washington DC
27063 posts
There are lots of interesting things to see in Edinburgh, far more than you'll have time for, especially if you are definitely going to St. Andrews and Rosslyn Chapel. We don't know your tastes as well as you do. You need to consult a guide book and pick your own top priorities.
Side-trips by public transportation will take a lot of time, and yours each seem to be heading in a different direction. I use only trains and buses myself, and I'd expect the chapel to take close to half a day (I think the bus is 45 minutes or so each way) and St. Andrews nearly a whole day. I'm spending five full days in Glasgow (museums and architecture), so I'd certainly plan for any day-trip to that city to be a very full day. Pretty soon you won't have any time for Edinburgh itself. If St. Andrews and Rosslyn Chapel are musts, I don't think you have time for Glasgow; Stirling I haven't researched.
Posted by
Camano Island, WA, usa
1446 posts
Stirling Castle is worth visiting and is easily accessed by train. There might be a tour available also. If you like hiking you are not that far from Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park. 3-1/2 days isn't a long time. It could be easily spent in the Edinburgh area. Look up Historic Scotland web site for most of the Castles in the area. Look at Visit Scotland web site for tour ideas and admissions passes.
Posted by
Michigan, United States
703 posts
You can also see HRH Royal Yacht Brittania, which is quite fascinating to tour. St Giles Cathedral is beautiful. We attended Sunday worship there, a definite highlight of our trip. Also the live music in the pubs was wonderful. We stayed off Georges Street and there were several within an easy walk from the apartment I rented. Music every night so we went frequently. We loved Edinburgh & I'm sure you will too.