Be warned right from the outset. I am extremely biased when it comes to Edinburgh. But even I, in a state of total partiality, have to admit that it’s chocker with travel clichés. All those tartan shops, for a start. Nevertheless, it’s gorgeous.
Photo by RyanDianna
The Old Town (medieval) and New Town (Georgian) are a UNESCO World Heritage site. You need to explore them both and you can easily do this on foot, as the combined area is not very big. And, although we Aussies are an independent bunch, it's not a bad idea to take a guided walking tour. The city – especially the Old Town - is full of fascinating nooks and crannies that are very easy to miss. Here, in no particular order, are five truly clichéd sights. It would have been six, but I’m Scottishly superstitious about that number. More coming one day soon.
No. 1: Edinburgh Castle. Do you need to ask? This is an absolute cliché. It’s very, very touristy, but it’s worth visiting. Gazing at its silhouette from Prince’s Street is just not good enough. It’s at the top of the Royal Mile, and the views up there are superb.
No. 2: The Royal Mile: This is the backbone of the Old Town, running downhill for slightly more than a mile, from the castle to Holyrood (see below). Yes, it’s a cliché. It’s hugely popular with tourists, because it’s hugely picturesque. It’s also small, cobbled and very narrow in places, so it can get pretty crowded. In fact, the best time to visit is out of season. It has four sections: Castle Hill, The Lawnmarket, The High Street and The Canongate. You can walk them alone and see lots, but you’ll miss a whole lot more, no matter how many guidebooks you’re prepared to carry. Royal Mile tours may be clichéd, but they’re rewarding. Almost every stone has a story to tell. Go there. It’s brilliant. Oh, and you can keep an eye on it if you like through Camvista.
Photo by ptc24
No. 3: The Palace of Holyroodhouse
At the foot of the Royal Mile. Not to be missed; really, really NOT. If you’re tossing up between Holyrood and the castle, choose Holyrood without a second thought. It’s fantastic: laden with atmosphere, gorgeous to look at and full of history. It's also crammed with haunting reminders of Scotland’s royal and unroyal heroes and heroines, including (among others) the ill-fated Mary Queen of Scots and almost equally ill-fated Bonnie Prince Charlie. Too interesting by far to be clichéd. Essential viewing.
No. 4: Greyfriar’s Bobby
All dog lovers should make the pilgrimage. And if you don’t know the story, be prepared to shed a tear, because it’s desperately sad. Bobby guarded his master’s grave for 14 years. Think about it. Fourteen. Years. It’s only a small statue, and it isn’t as clichéd you might think. You’ll find it at the corner of Candlemaker Row and George IV Bridge. Not too far to walk from the Royal Mile.
Photo by lorentey
No. 5: Prince’s Street
Clichéd it might be, but there’s no avoiding it! You might as well abandon yourself to the oh-so-famous views and inimitable Edinburgh atmosphere. Enjoy the elegance of Jenner’s, visit the magnificent National Gallery of Scotland, take tea at the landmark Balmoral Hotel (formerly the North British), shop for tartans at the House of Fraser and be done with it. Then sneak off into the New Town and swoon over the Georgian architecture. Or climb up Carlton Hill (another cliché) for great views. Och, it’s a fine old city!
Finally, a couple of tips from an Edinburgh fanatic:
1. The city's Official Tourist Board site is excellent. Here you'll find the sightseeing Edinburgh pass, covering a good number of attractions.
2. The award-winning Mary King’s Ghost Fest takes place from 9th to 18th May this year. It’s lots of scary fun.