edinburgh city tours

A tour of Edinburgh is a fabulous way to experience this exciting city. The city today has kept the old and added the new. See it in the contrasting Old and New Towns, divided by one of the largest city centre parks in Europe - Princes Street Gardens. It preserved all the darkness and mystery of the past, but made it charming - like the Ghost and Ghouls Historic tour. And also developed tradition, transforming aristocracy into university spirit and all barbarian games and dances into a never-ending succession of festivals, celebrations and artistic inspiration.

Don’t miss to focus your exploration tour on the cosy narrow streets of the old town. When you land on the territory of the Scottish capital – witness the majestic hill that dominates the city and the 10 centuries old Edinburgh Castle - the home of the royal family until the siege in 1570. The castle has sheltered landmarks of the history of the city and the nation. Witness impressive artworks, furnishings, and memories from distant époques. And most of all, do not forget to look around when going out of the castle - the views on the city are overwhelming.

Going down the winding streets of the old town seems quite sufficient to fill your heart with the spirit of Scotland. But still there is a myriad of places you should not miss. The Royal Mile, representing the oldest part of the city, starts from the Castle and ends at the Palace of Holyrood house. One of the best ways to experience it is to take the Ghosts and Ghouls tour, which follows the same route.
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There are lots of museums that need to be seen, depending on the time of your visit. Mandatory is the People's Story, also located in the Old Town. After the historic walk in the Old Town, go just a few yards to the north, crossing the marvellous Princes Street Gardens, and you will be in the New Town. A stroll along Rose Street will give you quite a good idea of how new town feels. The lively pedestrian area bordered with shops and fancy bars, the trendy homes and neo-classical houses, Rose Street is also the performance arena for many street artists who all through the summer entertain visitors.

The New Town has many highlights not to be missed - the National Portrait Gallery of Scotland, the Scott Monument on Princes Street, the National Gallery and the Royal Scottish Academy. A good end for your new town adventure is Castle Street - it ensures marvellous views to the Castle and the volcanic cliffs.

One of the best times to visit Edinburgh is summer. The city, famous for its all-year-round festivals and celebrations, culminates in the Edinburgh International Festival held in the end of August. In winter you will be quickly drawn into the Christmas and New Year open-air celebrations that take place every year and end with the Edinburgh Hogmanay, or Scottish New Year. Edinburgh spreads from the south to the north, from the hills to the sea. The city port Leith and the waterfront, with the Royal Yacht Britannia berthed alongside, will take you to a relaxing experience of marine views, casual bars and some quite charming pubs with excellent food.