VISIT this place, which was recently named ‘the best city in the world’Emma Ledger, Acting Lifestyle editor, recommends a dose of history and vibrant cultural culture.
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Learn history from a teacher
One of Europe’s most beautiful cities, Edinburgh’s medieval and classic architecture, narrow streets, passageways and winding stairs mean it’s best explored on foot.
You can see everything from this high vantage point Edinburgh CastleThis gives you a spectacular view of the city as well green hills and hints of the blue sea beyond.
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The castle complex is a live history lesson that doesn’t disappoint.
You could spend all day here – don’t miss St Margaret’s Chapel, the oldest part, built around 1130, and the daily 1pm gun salute.
Entry costs £18 for adults, £11 for children under 15 and under-fives go free (Edinburghcastle.scot).
Refuel with a cuppa and perfect buttery bacon bap, £5.75, from nearby sister cafes Edinburgh Larder and Little Larder – the latter operating on a walk-in basis only (Edinburghlarder.co.uk).
Have tea on a yacht
Give your feet a break by hopping on a sightseeing bus – tickets are valid for 24 hours and cost £16 (Edinburghtour.com/majestic-tour).
The route leads you to Leith’s coast, where The Royal Yacht Britannia can be moored.
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The yacht covered more than a million miles over her 44-year-long career. Queen Elizabeth hosted world leaders such as Nelson Mandela and Winston Churchill onboard.
Check out the royal bedroom and gleaming engine room, before swinging by the Royal Deck Tea Room for a giant slice of carrot cake, £2.50.
Tickets cost £18 for adults, £9 for kids under 17 and under-fives go free (Royalyachtbritannia.co.uk)
Hit snooze
In a city that’s famously not shy of a party, finding a central-yet-sound-proofed hotel is a must.
The Novotel Edinburgh Centre is a stone’s throw from pub-filled Royal Mile and Princes Street, but offers a sanctuary of calm, complete with an indoor pool and spa to unwind after a day of sightseeing.
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Breakfast is a piled-high fresh buffet, and don’t leave without visiting the restaurant for its legendary haggis croquette with mashed potato and Drambuie sauce, £7.
A double room costs from £90 per night, including breakfast (Novotel.accor.com).
You can eat like a Scot
The Dunstane Houses, a boutique hotel with grand views over two Victorian houses across the street from each other, is home to the finest of Scottish cuisine.
Feast on Orkney scallops to start, crispy pork belly for main and finish up with local cheeses served with traditional oatcakes and chutneys, £35 for three courses.
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You can wash it all down with a dram or two of whisky in relaxed and refined surroundings.
Make the most of any fine weather – Edinburgh often experiences all four seasons in one day –with a nightcap in the gardens.
A double room costs from £194 per night, including breakfast (Thedunstane.com).
Get up high
Royal Botanical Garden boasts a wide range of plants from all corners of the globe. The collection dates back as far as the 17th Century.
Set in over 70 acres, the Botanics – as it’s known to locals – has superb views of the city and makes a tranquil break from cobbled streets.
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You are welcome to enter (free).Rbge.org.uk). Do you feel more adventurous?
Arthur’s Seat, a grassy volcanic hill rising up from the urban sprawl of Edinburgh, offers the best view of the city – if you can face the two-hour climb!
FYI
A return train from London to Edinburgh takes just over 4½ hours and costs from £39.80 each way with Lumo (Lumo.co.uk).