| Planning a short break to Edinburgh? Check out Travel Library's recommended Top 10 Things To Do in Edinburgh. It's a perfect companion for weekend city breaks to Edinburgh. Once you've been you can add your own tips and suggestions to help other visitors. |
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Top 10 Things in Edinburgh on a Short Break |
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 The Monuments on Carlton Hill - Tourist Attraction |
It is said that this hill with its various monuments gives the city a look not unlike Athens. Rising 350 ft off Regent Road in the eastern section it is visited by many people not only for its structures but for the panoramic view of the city and the Firth of Forth.
Rising a further 100 ft above the hill is Nelson Monument containing relics of the Trafalgar hero, built in 1815. It is open from April to September and from October to March. Standing close by is the curious Lincoln Monument, built in 1893 to honour the American soldiers of Scottish decent who lost their lives in the American Civil War.
Further down the hill is the Carlton Old Cemetery, dating from the 1700s where many famous Scots are buried, some with very elaborate tombs.
Catch bus nos: 26,85 or 86 from downtown Edinburgh to get to the hill.
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 Dean Village - Cutural Attraction |
| Dating back to the 12th Century, 100 ft below the level of the rest of Edinburgh, this beautiful, former grain-milling centre is probably one of the most photographed sites in the city. Located on the Water of Leith you can enjoy a wonderful view looking downstream under the high arches of Dean Bridge. Many of the old buildings have been restores and converted into apartments and houses. A tranquil stroll along the Leith will restore your peace and calm. |
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 Royal Botanic Garden, Inverleith Row - Tourist Attraction |
| Dating back to the 17th Century this sprawling garden of 70 acres is said to be in the finest in Great Britain. It see the place in its full glory, the best time to visit is during the Spring. Open daily, throughout the year, from 10am, admission is by voluntary donation. |
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 Martin Wishart - Restaurant or Cafe |
| 54 The Shore – Voted by a number of gourmet associations to be the “Scottish Restaurant Of The Year” this restaurant, in the Leith docklands attracts people from far and wide. The décor is minimalistic with white walls and modern art and the menu fairly short. Try their partridge breast with black truffle and foie gras, pot roast pig’s cheek and glazed lemon tart with praline ice cream. Reservations are required so give them a call on 0131/553 3557 then jump on bus nos. 7 or 10 in downtown Edinburgh. |
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 Tartan Weaving Mill and Exhibition - Tourist Attraction |
| 5 Castlehill - Watch the looms blend together different wools to make the intriguing tartans of Scotland. At this outlet you can also look up your clan tartan and buy the appropriate kilt, on the spot. |
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 Doll Hospital (Geraldine’s of Edinburgh) - Children’s Activity |
| 133-135 Canongate, Edinburgh EH8 8BP – This basement showroom with its glass- fronted cases has more than 100 dolls on display. All the heirloom quality dolls take more than 10 days of hard labour to create and dress, with hand painted porcelain heads and elaborate hairstyles. They also have mohair, fully jointed teddy bears for sale. |
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 McEwan’s Literary Pub Tour - Bar or Club |
| Departing at 7.30pm, from May to November, leaving from the Beehive Pub on Grassmarket in the Old Town and travelling along the Royal Mile follow in the footsteps of the literary greats for a ‘vivid, erudite and entertaining’ evening. The tour goes to both the famous and infamous taverns along the way and a really good time is had by all.
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 Edinburgh Zoo - Tourist Attraction |
Just 10 minutes away from the city centre, this zoo set in 80 acres of hillside parkland, is home to Scotland’s largest animal collection. With more than 1500 animals, including many endangered species, it also has the largest penguin enclosure in Europe. From April to September, a penguin parade is held daily at 2pm. Located at 134 Corstorphine Road, it offers unrivalled views of the Pentlands round to the Firth of Forth.
For more info visit www.edinburghzoo.org.uk |
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 Britannia, The People’s Yacht - Tourist Attraction |
Anchored in the port of Leith, just two miles from the city centre, this 412 foot yacht, was decommissioned by the Royal Navy in 1997 and opened to the public. Today you can walk to decks in much the same style as most of the Royals did in the past, explore the engine room, the galleys and the captain’s cabin. The yacht is open daily, except Christmas Day, with the first tour beginning at 10am. Lasting approximately 120 minutes, the tour is self guided with the help of headsets. Catch the bus from Waverley Bridge to Leith. Tickets must be booked in advance by calling 0131 555 5566.
For more information go to www.royalyachtbritannia.co.uk |
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 Dynamic Earth, Holyrood Road - Children’s Activity |
Just 10 minutes walk from the Waverley Train Station this old brewery has been converted in to a stone amphitheatre capped with a translucent tent.
With audio and visual clips, simulated earthquakes, meteor showers, views from outer space, strange creepy crawlies, as well as live sharks and dolphins, torrents of rain falling every 15 minutes and so much more, you and the children will be transported to other worlds for a few hours at this never to be forgotten attraction.
Before visiting check the website at www.dynamicearth.co.uk |
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