"The ‘camera’ is a giant periscope inside a Victorian rooftop tower on the Royal Mile, giving a spectacular 360° perspective on Edinburgh, plus there’s interactive optical fun galore. The building also contains three galleries and lights up at night.Castlehill, 226 3709, camera-obscura.co.uk. Opening hours vary seasonally; core hours of 10am–6pm apply daily throughout the year, with extensions during school holidays and summer."
"Weave your way through a world of illusions, and remember, nothing is what it seems. Venture through five floors jam-packed with over 100 illusions. You’ll need at least two hours to discover them all."
"EdinburghMore fun than you can imagine - 5 floors of interactive hands-on fun!. Fantastic views of Edinburgh and 3 galleries full of amazing optical experiences."
"Located on the end of Princes Street, Calton Hill offers one of the best panoramic views of Edinburgh. Best-seen at sunset or sunrise when candy colours dance across the sky, highlights of Calton Hill include plenty of monuments and follies which commemorate various achievements of former residents from over the years. On a warm summer’s day, this green space is the ideal place not only to snap photos, but to enjoy a picnic among friends!"
"The hill overlooks the entire town, including Princess Street, which is the direction of the castle. Within that view is the Dugald Stewart monument, which makes for a wonderful shot. Calton Hill is particularly breathtaking at sunset."
"The dark and cold Edinburgh winter nights light up every year when the Christmas market comes to town. At the European Market below the Mound and in East Princes Street Garden you can sample bratwurst, waffles, crepes, sweets, roasted chestnuts, mulled wine and more. The Scottish Market in St Andrew Square showcases some of the best craft, food and drink Scotland has to offer."
"These beautiful gardens lie in a valley that was once occupied by the Nor’ Loch (North Loch), a boggy depression that was drained in the early 19th century. At the gate beside The Mound is the Floral Clock, a..."
"Located between Princes Street and the Old Town, these gardens are a beautiful place to enjoy, and easily accessible from the city centre."
"Edinburgh Waverley is the perfect blend of old and new, with areas dating back to the 1800s and other sections being constantly expanded, developed and changed. Travellers are welcomed to Scotland’s capital with stunning arches, and can walk out straight onto Princes Street beneath a glass ceiling which offers a perfect view of the Edinburgh sky. As well as being the primary link between Edinburgh and the rest of the UK, the station is also one of several links between the Old Town and the New Town — bringing people together in many different ways."
"Inside Waverley Railway Station every Friday around 40 stalls come together to form this exciting market offering fresh hot food and ethical gifts from Scottish craftmakers"
"This ruined medieval castle was built in the 14th century and gradually added to over the centuries until it fell into disrepair in the 1700s. Mary, Queen of Scots recuperated here after an illness following the birth of her son, James VI, who would later become James I of Great Britain after the Union of the Crowns. The structure is a fascinating example of a medieval castle and much of it still stands, including the tower house and the defensive walls."
"It was established during the seventeenth century and was the main parish church in Edinburgh from 1648 until 1952. It was named “Tron Church” because the temple was located beside a weighing beam (tron in Scots), which was normally used in the town's marketplaces, one of which was on the Royal Mile. In 1824 a great fire destroyed the bell tower, but it was reconstructed so well that visitors will hardly notice that it was built two hundred years later."
"If you arrive at Leith Links and feel like you’re on a golf course, you’re not wrong. Originally designed as a golf course, the Leith Links has evolved into a strong community hub, with much of the flora planted and maintained by local community groups. It’s a popular spot for dogs to run and play, so bring your own."
"Address: Greyfriars Place, Edinburgh, EH1 2QQ, Scotland, UK Tel: +44 (0)131 226 5429 Greyfriars Kirk, formerly the site of an ancient Franciscan friary, dates back to 1620. Severely damaged by fire in 1845, Greyfriars features a small visitor's centre with information relating to the church's lengthy 400-year history, including a display about the National Covenant. People come here to view the original portrait of Greyfriars Bobby, a dog owned by John Gray who, after his master's death, sat watch on his grave for around 14 years."
"Greyfriars Kirk is a beautiful sixteenth century church located in the heart of Edinburgh's Old Town. It is surrounded by a churchyard in which over 80,000 people have been interred since it was dedicated in 1561. One of its most famous residents is Greyfriar's Bobby, a loyal Skye terrier who refused to leave the grave of his owner and who was cared for by local people until his death."
"Address: 1 Greyfriars, Edinburgh, EH1 2QQVisitor guide:Greyfriars Kirk. Greyfriars Kirk is another superb historic attraction in Edinburgh that’s located within walking distance of The Royal Mile. To find it head south on George IV Bridge and look for the National Museum of Scotland which is more-or-less opposite Greyfriars Kirk."
"Perhaps one of the most-adored venues of the Fringe, The Pleasance Courtyard can be considered the heart and soul of Edinburgh’s comedy scene. From internationally and critically acclaimed acts during the Festival, to the year round comedic wizards who cast their spell on unassuming audiences, this chilled university drinking hole is a portal for some smashing comedy acts. The Pleasance, Edinburgh, Scotland"
"Typically, The Traverse is thought of for its meaty plays and explorative theatre. Within such performances sit an array of expertly produced acts containing some of the best comedic relief in town. From satire and farce to slapstick and dark, sick, and twisted humour, this theatre is a fail-safe spot for getting your well-deserved laughing fix."
"This place serves a variety of foods — from vegan options to gluten-free selections tailored to meet the needs of each customer. It also greatly embraces families with a family-sized serving and an outdoor setting where the kids feel comfortable. The separate bar is also friendly to ensure that there is no mix-up with the minors."
"The Highland Tolbooth Kirk is a gothic style church established between 1842 and 1844. It has the tallest spire in Edinburgh, measuring 71.7 m. Highland Tolbooth was closed as a church in 1979 and was unused until it became “The Hub” in 1999."
"A truly hidden hotspot for caffeine cravers in the know, Lowdown Coffee is one of the best-kept secrets in George Street, a pretty thoroughfare famed as one of New Town’s high-end shopping districts. Located in the basement of just one of many of the street’s stunningly crafted Georgian buildings, Lowdown becomes somewhat lost beneath all the hubbub, but given their minimalist décor and outlook – we imagine that’s just the way they like it. Using only seasonal and expressive beans, Lowdown is one of the few places in the city to get truly unique coffee as the barista’s pride themselves on matching beans to specialist brewing methods such as Clover Machines and Torch Mountain Drippers to unlock unfathomable flavours you never thought possible!"
"If you're looking for a laid-back location to take a break from the hustle and bustle of your day head toLowdown Coffee on George Street. Their minimalist contemporary surroundings are ideal for when you just need to switch off for a while with one of their excellent coffees made with beans from Swedish roasting house Koppi. Tea drinkers can enjoy a brew of Postcard Teas which comes from small producers who farm less than 15 acres."
"This no-frills spot is another New Town gem located inside one of the area’s signature style Georgian townhomes on the bottom level. It’s a bit hidden from the street, but once you’ve found it, Lowdown Coffee is a great spot to enjoy a Swedish style cup of jo courtesy of Koppi roasters. Don’t miss a slice of cake from Archipelago Bakery while you’re at it."
"Great Grog Bottle Shop, award-winning wine and beer merchant settled in Edinburgh, is run by John, Tom, and Jerry. The Great Grog Bottle Shop started in 2005. They specialize in craft beer and wine."