A mini city guide to Edinburgh

Edinburgh is one of my favourite cities, it has everything you could wish for when it comes to city breaks, stunning views, architecture and streets, plenty of history and culture, as well as shopping, whether it's big high street stores or smaller independent shops on cockburn street and the royal mile, Edinburgh is the perfect place to spend your holiday money. When it comes to eating and drinking, Edinburgh is buzzing with small cafes, and ice cream shops, to pubs, restaurants and chains, whatever you fancy you'll be able to find it in Edinburgh.

Getting about

Edinburgh is so easy to get around with its excellent public transport system, we have used the trams on both occasions we have visited and found them inexpensive and easy to use, the line runs right from the airport to Princess street, in the city centre.

Things to do

This list is endless, depending on your mood and interests. If your fit a walk up Arthur's seat is a must for incredible views of the city. History buffs are well served with the historical streets around the city, the castle, palace and museums.

Harry Potter fans will be happy as there are loads of nods to the books in Edinburgh, the city JK Rowling wrote the stories of the boy wizard. You can even visit the cafe where she wrote the very first book, Harry Potter and the Philosopher's stone. It's easy to wander the city and find places for yourself or join one of the many tours. 

When you need a break from the sights and a drink, visit one of the many cafes or pubs, some even have outside seating in the summer, so you can people watch while having a well deserved rest.

When to visit

We have visited Edinburgh twice now the first in early October, the weather was surprisingly mild, perfect for exploring. The city was busy but not heaving. The second time we visited was this August, this time to take in the fringe festival, where my son was performing. If you are not a fan of crowds I don't recommend visiting in August as the city is heaving with visitors, street performers and actors handing out fliers for their productions, making it hard to get around, or get a seat in a pub or cafe. Then again if you like to take in a play or two, love street performers and music you will love the buzz of Edinburgh in August. 

Where to stay

Edinburgh has a range of accommodation from luxury hotels and Airbnb's in the city centre, to more reasonably priced travelodges on the edge of town. We stayed in the Haymarket area a couple of years back and it was perfect, just 2 tram stops from the city centre, takes you out of the hussle and bussle, yet still offers pubs, cafes and restaurants. This time as we drove, and where visiting peak time, we stayed 40 minutes out of town in an Airbnb in Broxbourne, just a ten minute drive from a park and ride where we could pick the tram up into town, this is a great way to keep the cost down.

Let me know your favourite things to do in Edinburgh.

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