Advice on best places to see in Edinburgh

In 2000, I spent a week in Edinburgh and did not have a car. It is easy to get to Glasgow via train, but I did not do that and wish I hadthough the city probably wasn't as nice as it is now. Edinburgh Castle, Holyrood, and the Museums of Scotland were amongst my top sites. You can also take half day tours; we went to Loch Lomand and Stirling Castle. We also did a long day trip to York because I hadn't been there from my London bases. Have fun.

My favorites places in Edinburgh are: The Castle: this is more than the building there are views, museums and history. The Museum of Scotland: this is a great museum and not to missed. Note that the architecture of the new part was designed to be a castle. Gladstone's land: I like this site as showed me what it was like to live in Edinburgh in the first "skyscrapers." Georgian House: this is wonderful house museum in New Town. Holyrood Palace: I really enjoy visiting the palace and the gardens surrounding it. Holyrood: this is the new parliament. I am fascinated by the new Scotland and I've learned a lot on this tour. There are several art museums which I enjoy visiting when I am in Scotland. I like the Royal Botanic Gardens and other places near and in Leith. The Royal Yacht Britannia is a great tour. You can do this with out a car unless you want to hit the countryside. You can take a trail to Glasgow, Stirling, St. Andrews and to Perth. I like Dunkeld as there are wonderful walks in the area and it's a lovely town. Pam

Edinburgh is such a great city. My wife and I had only three days and saw only half of what we wanted to see. Among my favorites: the Castle (we spent 5 hours!), Holyrood Palace and the neighboring gallery, the Peoples' Story museum, and the literary walking tour. I am neutral on the Museum of Childhood and the Scottish parliament. Both are worthwhile if you have the time, but I wouldn't call them "musts." My only disappointments were the Writers Museum and the (dreadful, IMO) John Knox House. There is so much more to see, but most I can't comment on, as we ran out of time. Definitely pick up a guide to Edinburgh and jot down what interests you. You won't need or want a car within Edinburgh and you can schedule tours outside of the city with other companies. So renting really depends on what you want to do and what your budget allows.
Enjoy.

fariba, There's LOTS to see in Edinburgh, so you shouldn't have any trouble keeping busy for six days and you DON'T need a Car! I'd suggest having a look at the Guidebook (check your local Library or larger book stores). A few sites to consider: > The Royal Mile - lots of small shops in a very lively area. > Edinburgh Castle - lots of history and an incredible view (if you were there in August, you could attend the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo). > Military Museum (at Edinburgh Castle) - small but very interesting look at Scottish military history. > Royal Yacht Brittania - located at the Port of Leith (on the Firth of Forth), which is a short Bus ride from Waverley Station. I was there last year and found I really enjoyed a glimpse at how the Royal family lived while on the yacht. > Holyrood Palace - the Queen's official residence in Scotland, with an interesting history. It's at the bottom end of the Royal Mile, close to the Scottish Parliament. > Day Tours - there are a number of good day tours offered to the Highlands, Loch Ness, etc. I'd have to check my notes for further information (they're listed in the Guidebook). You might consider stopping for a pint in either Sandy Bell's (good folk music in the evenings) or Greyfriar's Bobby Pub (be sure to look for the statue of the wee Dog outside - ask the Servers for the story). Happy travels!

Thanks every one for the great suggestions. I can't wait.
Fariba

Mary King's Close is very interesting. It shows you what life was like for poor people a few centuries ago.

We really enjoyed Mary King's Close, it is right near the Castle. Also the Royal Yacht is easy bus ride from town, think only about 20 minutes or so, we were there off season so not sure how crowded it would be but is worth it.

I'll be in Edinburgh next month, and I have a question of my own: Since I'll be in Bath and looking at all the Georgian architecture there, is going to New Town in Edinburgh redundant?

All good ideas. I would add Mercat Underground Tour. the Britannia was much better than I expected. We enjoyed the Scottish National Gallery and the National Museum. Just wander the "Closes" along the Royal Mile for surprises.

There's more to New Town than the architecture. And you have to realize how small Edinburgh is. ; ) Going from the Georgian House to St. Giles on the Royal Mile is shorter than going from Water Tower Place to Macey's on State Street. And you have great views of the Castle on your walk. ; ) It's been too many years since I've been to Bath, but the thing I like about the Georgian House is not just the architecture, but the furnishings and the story about the people that lived there when the house was built. There are also lots of great restaurants in New Town. One of my favorites is the Mussel Inn. Also, Prince's Street and the Prince's Gardens are technically part of New Town. Also, the shopping is a bit less tourist in that area. Jenners is a department store that has a great jewelry department in the basement, I think, with lots of Scottish designers. Basically, I think that you are missing the flavor of Edinburgh if you only stay on the Royal Mile. Heck, the view back up to the Royal Mile from Prince's Street is worth the walk over. Pam

There is also a really nice gallery off the Royal Mile, the National Gallery of Scotland - it's free. Plus another vote for Edinburgh Castle. I really enjoyed it. There are probably a half-dozen or so evening walking tours from the Merkt square, on the Royal Mile - most with some kind of ghost theme. Get there a little early to sort out which tour you want to join. I arrived late, and jumped into a group only to find it catered to families with small children.

My kids (12 and 15 at the time of the trip) were there last fall, and purely by happenstance we walked by the Scottish Parliament. On a whim we entered and visited, it was not in session, it was a short but interesting visit, given the price of admission (free) it's worth it. We then walked to the "hill" near by and climbed it. A bit strenuous at times, but in the end it was well worth the effort, it was a nice clear afternoon and the view was great.