<BR>My husband and I will be visiting Scotland on our honeymoon in 8 days, and we have been debating whether to see Edinburgh (traditionally the first place people recommend) or Stirling (the guidebook calls it a "little Edinburgh"). Stirling seems to have plenty to interest us, but I'm nervous about skipping a main attraction for our first time. Does anybody have any comments on which they would choose and why? Thank you.

Without being flippant, why can't you 'do' both? They are only an hour away from each other. Assume if it's your honeymoon, you've booked somewhere to stay - where would that be?

I'm with Tony on this one - see them both.<BR><BR>I think it would be a real shame to visit Scotland without seeing Edinburgh, which I consider to be one of the greatest cities in Europe, especially considering its size.<BR><BR>Stirling is a great place also, but you can see all the major sights in a day or two. It would however make a good base for exploring mid-Scotland, either by car or by public transport.<BR><BR>

Definitely see both. They are very conveniently located to each other. A short drive on the motorway. So in 8 days you could either:<BR><BR>1) Stay several days in Edinburgh and do a day trip to Stirling by train, OR . . .<BR><BR>2) After a few days in Edinburgh spend a day/night near Stirling on your way elsewhere. In a day and a half you could see the Castle, plus Doune, Inchmahome Priory and the Trossachs.

<BR>Thank you for your replies. I'm afraid we can't do both, since we are already sliding in our time on our way to elsewhere. Also, as it is our honeymoon, we are trying not to rush off to too many places in a limited amount of time. Still, we have a few relaxed days to play with. I would love to see both; however, as it is not to be, does anybody have any further guidance?<BR><BR>Also, Tony, as to accomodations, we're both of the mind that a room is a room, and haven't found anything special for places to stay. We're still not quite sure where we're going!

Personally (and there are many that will agree or disagree with me, this is just my opinion) I liked Stirling better than Edinburgh. If I HAD to choose one to see, I would do Stirling. Here is why. While I really liked Edinburgh, and hope to go back someday to do some of the things I didn't get a chance to do, it was a city, and a large city at that. I prefer the smaller places, and Striling, while it is large enough to have good shopping, and resturants etc, it was small enough to retain a little bit of "small town flavor" if that makes sense at all. It was a very pretty city, with interesting sights (the castle with its ghost, and the Wallace monument - if you go to the top, great views) and the surrounding countryside is beautiful. But then some will argue that Edinburgh is the "must see" of Scotland (and it is a wonderful place) with MANY attractions (which is true) but when you get right down to it, it is a large city with many "tourist traps". Personally, on a honeymoon, if I had to choose ONE place only, Stirling gets my vote as a little bit more romantic less hectic, and is a great jumping off point to see the countryside etc.

Hi Jill, I LOVED Edinburgh and stayed there for 5 days. We also did a day trip to Sterling. I liked it very much, but Edinburgh will continue to right up there with my favorite places. IMHO, Sterling was a not a "little Edinburgh".<BR>Judy

Jill, we spent 2 weeks in Scotland a few years ago, and 5 or 6 of those days were in Edinburgh (husband was on business there). While it is a large city, we spent most of our time around the Royal Mile and the Georgian area, all within walking distances. We also loved Stirling, but as others have said, you can do it in a day or two. Edinburgh has so much more to see..... the castle, you can do a witcheries tour at night which is lots of fun, go to a brass rubbing center, have scones and tea in the afternoon, and so much more. Within the Royal Mile, you have the castle at one end, churches, shops, and tea rooms, and at the end, Holyrood Palace. Walk a few blocks over from the Royal Mile, there are fabulous gardens, lots of shopping still, historic homes, etc. While it is a large city, the people there were so genuinely friendly that we never felt lost or overwhelmed. Even my son, who was 9 at the time, felt very comfortable.<BR> Stirling was great, too, and we vowed to return there one day. the castle was beautiful, and the William Wallace Monuent was very interesting, and we had fun just walking around. It is very small, though, and just a little snippet of what you could enjoy in Edinburgh. Have a great time, and all the best in your life together!

Edinburgh is a magical city! Enchantment at it's best.

Unfortunately, living there isnt as much fun. Like Florence, the place has so many tourists and local businessess seem to love ripping them off whoch means they also rip residents off. <BR><BR>But yeah for a visit, which I assume doesnt centre on Wester Hailes or Pilton or even Craigmillar, Edinburgh's great.<BR><BR>Stirling's ok but if it was one place Jill, I visit Edinburgh.

How are you travelling? If it is by car, then I would select Stirling as it is any easy town to navigate.<BR><BR>If you have just a day, then I would aslo choose stirling as you can do it all in a day

Stirling Bridge is where the greatest Scot of all times, William Wallace, led Scottish forces which whipped an English army sent to overrun Scotland. However, the Mel Gibson movie does not do justice to Wallace's skill in his victory. Stirling is certainly worth visiting.

<BR>Everyone:<BR><BR>Thank you so much for your help, it did get us thinking more. Also, thank you for the good wishes, that is so nice. I think with the time we have we will visit Stirling, although Edinburgh is still tempting. This site helps people like me so much!

Help me please.<BR><BR>I've been to Stirling and other than the castle, the Wallace monument and a neat little church on the way up to the castle...what else is there in Stirling?<BR><BR>Did I miss something?<BR><BR>Now Edinburgh OTOH would be worth visiting if you only got to see Edinburgh Castle which may be the very best in all of Europe!

Jill: I LOVE Stirling and visit the area every 12 to 18 months. But I sincerely believe you are making a BIG mistake if you choose Stirling over Edinburgh. Stirling Castle is magnificent and parts of the old town are interesting. But there isn't much to see at the battlefields and the Wallace Monument is out of town and really only a tall tower you can climb to give you fairly good views.<BR><BR>But Edinburgh is one of the most beautiful, fascinating cities in Europe. You could spend 10 days in Edinburgh and not see everything - whereas Stirling fills at most one day.