Edinburgh Skyline ( veiwed fom behind our Edinburgh Hostel ) from the top of Calton Hill
	Updated: 31. January 2008 Edinburgh is the most visited city in Great Britain for travellers, after London. Unlike London, Edinburgh is compact and less intimidating for the visitor. Edinburgh has recently been voted the "most friendly place in the United Kingdom" and once you arrive in Edinburgh you will see why! For starters Edinburgh has one of the most vibrant night club scenes in Europe. Forget Ibiza - Edinburgh clubs are buzzing year round. All types of musical tastes are catered for, and live music is also abundant. The main area in Edinburgh with a concentration of pubs and clubs for the student or backpacker is the Cowgate and the Grassmarket. This area is just south east of Edinburgh Castle and is in the middle of the city. This area is also close to the main concentration of Edinburgh University buildings. Edinburgh is great for the young traveller on a limited budget as there are so many things to see and do for free. About twenty minutes walk from the hostel are the Royal Botanic Gardens, known as the 'Botanics' to the locals. This is one of the finest in the country and has large, attractive glass-houses which are perfect if the weather is unpleasant. It is also a relaxing place to go and "chill-out" after overindulgence on the Edinburgh "scene". At the junction of Princes Street and the Mound is the Scottish National Gallery with a large selection of old Masters through to the Impressionists. At the west end of Edinburgh is the Gallery of Modern Art and the newly opened Dean Gallery, which also features Modern Art. In the Canongate is Huntly House Museum and further up on the High Street is the famous Museum of Childhood. Nearby you will find Chambers Street and the Royal Museum of Scotland, and adjoining is the new Museum of Scotland which has become one of the major tourist attractions in Edinburgh. These are just a few of the "freebies" to enjoy whilst in Edinburgh. The number one paid entry tourist attraction is Edinburgh Castle, which has a 1000 year old chapel at it's highest point, and buildings which date through to Victorian times. Edinburgh Castle, with it's fortifications, canons and the like is the classic example of what a Castle should look like. The visitor is afforded spectacular views in all directions from its many scenic vantage points. The Crown Jewels and Regalia of Scotland are on display here, and the Scottish National War Memorial in the main Castle building is worth a visit - a must for anyone staying in our hostel. At the foot of the Royal Mile, is the Palace of Holyrood House. This is Queen Elizabeth II official residence in Scotland, and Sean Connery (James Bond!!) was given his knighthood here recently. The Holyrood Palace enjoys a magnificent location as it sits in what is known locally as the Queen's Park, in the shadow of Arthurs' Seat - Edinburgh's mountain in the city centre!. This is an extinct volcano, and the views from its' summit are spectacular. The park land around Arthurs' Seat (very popular with hostel visitors) also has three lochs - St Margarets', Dunsapie and Duddingston. Edinburgh is unique in having so many hills and areas of park land right in the middle of the city. Palace of Holyroodhouse Edinburgh   Nelson's Column Edinburgh At the east end of Princes Street, entered from Waterloo Place, is Calton Hill (behind the hostel). This is the most central and accessible vantage point in the city. On top of the hill is Nelsons' Monument ( built before the famous one in Trafalgar Square, London) and in the summer you can climb the steps to the top. Alongside is a Portugese, bronze canon captured from the French during the Napoleonic wars, and this points towards Princes Street. The most famous structure on the hill, is the Scottish National Monument. This is an unfinished facade of Grecian styled columns, which was to be a copy of the Parthenon in Athens. Dedicated to the soldiers who fell during the Napoleonic wars, this was unfinished due to lack of funds. In addition, there is the Edinburgh City Observatory and a number of other famous Edinburgh monuments to visit.   Edinburgh International Festival Every August and September, Edinburgh hosts the famous Edinburgh International Festival. This has been running for over fifty years and has become the largest Arts and Drama festival in the world. Running simultaneously to this are the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, Edinburgh Book Festival and Edinburgh Film Festival. During the Edinburgh International Festival the Castle is the setting for the Edinburgh Military Tattoo, featuring performers from around the world. This spectacular event is one of the most popular of the Edinburgh Festival period, and the Edinburgh Military Tattoo ends up being sold-out every year. New Years Eve Edinburgh Castle Massed Pipe bands   At the end of December, Edinburgh stages the "biggest street party in the world" and it's famous Edinburgh Hogmanay party celebrations. This is so popular that most of the Edinburgh accommodation providers offer four and five day special accommodation packages. It is advisable to book accommodation well in advance to secure a bed for this very busy period, as Edinburgh youth hostels accommodation get's sold out. Edinburgh's Princes Street is sealed off for the party and you have to have a ticket to gain access to the central area of the festivities. Tickets are free, advertised in the Scottish press, and are available by a ballot system. Packages with Edinburgh Hogmanay street passes included are available to purchase from the Edinburgh Hogmany event organisation. As you can see after reading this far, Edinburgh has plenty to offer on a year round basis - so what are you waiting for!!
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For all you need to know about Edinburgh
Edinburgh News - All the Edinburgh news you need to know from Edinburgh
Edinburgh Media - We build and maintain great websites in Scotland.
Edinburgh Events - Media Events in Edinburgh
Edinburgh Bed and Breakfasts - large selection of Bed and Breakfasts in Edinburgh
Jack Vettriano - Jack Vettriano prints, posters, paintings etc. for sale
London Now - the new website for London
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Visit London - Visit now!
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Updated: 31.January 2008