Edinburgh in a day
 

I will be arriving in Edinburgh for one day only - what can I see and do? (by foot only please) Shopping, cathedrals, parks, points of interest?

We did this, although it was our second visit to Edinburgh. There's a hop on hop off bus called Guide Friday that makes it very possible. We went first to the castle, then walked the Royal Mile, stopped for lunch at Deacon Brody's, then to Holyrood House then back on the bus and to the art museum. It was rather hectic, but a nice way to spend a day. The bus Friday is a great investment and not much money at all.

Like everything, it depends how long you've got in one day. Kam's suggestions make sense, though personally I'd skip Holyrood House and the Royal Mile after Parliament Square (it becomes a bit boring after then.)<BR><BR>I'd take a couple of hours to go on one of the tours of the underground city. They leave from just opposite the City Chambers on the Royal Mile and take you below street level to look at whole streets which were blocked/boarded up about a couple of hundred years ago because of the plague. It's claimed that some of the houses are haunted - you can judge this for yourself!<BR><BR>If it's a nice day you could head out to Arthur's Seat if you really fancy a climb! If you do, take a walk round to Duddingston. You'll find a pub there called the "Sheep's Heid" - good beer, does a bit of food at lunchtimes, and has an old skittle alley at the back (but I think you need to book this.)<BR><BR>For parks, your best bet is Princes Street Gardens. This stretches along one side of Princes Street, with the castle sitting above it. Again, on a good day this could be an alternative for lunch - get some sandwiches from Marks & Spencer and sit on the grass in the park.<BR><BR>For shopping, the main street in the town is Princes Street. This is where Jenners is situated (Edinburgh's answer to Harrods.) However, more designer shops are moving into George Street (the next street over from Princes Street) and there's a big redevelopment in St Andrews' Square which will eventually house a Harvey Nichols.<BR><BR>I think you should have enough there to easily fill a day!

Personally I'd leave Mary King's close for another day (underground Edinburgh). There is plenty to see above ground first. Have a walk along Princes Street and sure, visit Jenners but then go up the Mound or Cockburn St and onto the Royal Mile as Princes St more or less has the usual suspects shops wise. George St, parallel behind Princes St, is also worth a walk along. <BR><BR>The castle takes a while to go around so bear that in mind if you do wish to visit it. <BR><BR>Tour buses leave from the entrance/exit of Waverley train station and give a good overall outlook of the city itself.

THanks for all the help! The Mary kings close sounds really cool - is that accessible to the public or do you have to take a tour? Do you know how much it is? Do I need reservations?

Tours start on the Royal Mile. Not sure if they are run during the day - I suppose they are though, but I've always gone in the evening. Outside the City chambers, about halfway down the Royal Mile, there are elaborately drawn chalkboards telling you the different tours available. They may ask you to turn up at 5 to confirm or phone maybe, then appear at 7 etc for the tour. These are the only yours that do Mary King's Close.<BR><BR>If you want to see where you are going, walk up Cockburn Street from the bottom or down from the top (royal mile) until you are outside a pub called the malt shovel. Look across the street onto a one-story building with a gate on its roof. There is a door at one end with Mary King's Close in gold letters. That's where you're going.

I did it in the afternoon - Saturday, I think. As I recall we just turned up and paid the guide, but I think it is possible to book in advance. I'll try and find out and let you know.

Thanks tony, you're a great help. I'll just show up since my itinerary is anything but scheduled and pay for the tour.

Here's some stuff I looked out with a slightly different slant a year or so, ago<BR><BR>Walk through the new town with a proper guide to how it was all<BR>done<BR><BR>Visit Valvona & Crolla which is probably the best Italian deli in<BR>Britain (worth it for the experience even if you don't spend anything)<BR><BR>Visit the Royal Mile and go to St Giles's Cathedral and<BR>Parliament House and John Knox House and the Castle <BR>and appreciate the Stone of Destiny and the buried<BR>tenement (Mary King’s Close- )<BR>Visit the Scotch whisky place <BR><BR>Go to Deacon Brodie's pub and understand why it's called that <BR><BR>Eat in the Grassmarket and shop in Victoria Street<BR><BR>Go to the Royal Museum <BR><BR>Visit Arthur's seat <BR>Visit Hollyrod Park <BR>Go and see Greyfriars Bobby and read the story <BR><BR>Go to the Royal Scottish Academy and the National Gallery of Scotland next door- <BR>Drink at Sandy Bell's pub where they play live folk music.<BR><BR>Eat at Viva Mexico and Cafe Vittorio and the Kalpna<BR><BR>Climb the Scott monument<BR>