EDINBURGH

COUNTRY CODE: GB

Currency:
Pound Sterling, £1 = 100 pence

EDINBURGH

Edinburgh enchants everyone. The rock with the famous
castle is visible from any point in the city and reminds the
visitor of Scotland’s bloody history with Braveheart, Mary
Queen of Scots and Bonnie Prince Charlie.
Here authors have been inspired to create classic literary
figures such as Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, Sherlock Holmes
and most recently Harry Potter. No wonder that ghost walks
in the eerie lanes are one of the city’s greatest tourist
attractions!

THE CITY

Edinburgh is a small, pedestrian-friendly
city in a beautiful location on the southern
shore of the Firth of Forth. Edinburgh,
which has been the capital of Scotland
since 1492, regained a certain amount of
autonomy with the establishment of the
Scottish Parliament in 1999.
The city with its seven hills is of course
characterised by Edinburgh Castle which is
Great Britain’s most visited tourist
attraction after the Tower of London. The
world famous Edinburgh Military Tattoo
takes place at the entrance to the Castle
Esplanade for three weeks in August every
year.
The city’s most important promenade, The
Royal Mile, also starts from here. The
street goes right through the Old Town and
ends at The Palace of Holyroodhouse, once
the home of Mary Queen of Scots and now
the British Royal Family’s official Scottish
residence.
New Town was built in the 18th century
when the old town had become so dirty
that it was a health hazard. The buildings
in Princes Street, George Street and Queen
Street are now considered to be the
greatest and best-preserved examples of
Georgian architecture in the whole of
Europe.

DO & SEE

This is where you will find the Crown
Jewels and the Stone of Destiny – the
Scottish Kings Coronation Stone which was
finally returned to the castle in 1996.
Edinburgh Castle is visited by a million
people every year. Even if the castle’s
historical importance is the strongest
attraction, there is also a spectacular
bonus – the view of Edinburgh.

Camera Obscura
The principle of the Camera Obscura has
been known for more than 900 years, but
continues to fascinate old and young alike.
Step into the dark room and spy on people
in the street outside!

Food

Scotland’s most famous speciality is boiled
offal or Haggis, made of sheep’s windpipe,
lungs, heart and liver. The ingredients are
boiled and chopped and then sewn into the
sheep’s stomach. Served with mashed
potatoes, mashed swede and a splash of
whisky. But take it easy, Edinburgh is a
cosmopolitan city for eating. Here you can
find food from every corner of the world in
every price range.

BARS & NIGHTLIFE

In Edinburgh there are plenty of traditional
pubs with real ale, many different kinds of
beer and a gigantic range of whisky.
Anything other than Scottish single malt is
naturally taboo. But there are also places
with live music as well as bars and clubs
with umbrella drinks and throbbing discos.

Public Transport

There are a number of bus companies, of
which the largest are First Edinburgh and
Lothian Buses. The latter operates with the
traditional red double deckers. As
Edinburgh is a small and fairly compact
city, most destinations in the city are
within walking distance.
Taxi
Unoccupied taxis have an illuminated light
on the roof. Callback service means that
the company calls and by giving two rings
notifies you that the taxi is waiting.

Airport

Edinburgh Airport is only 11 kilometres to
the west of the city, but it still takes nearly
25-30 minutes to get to the city regardless
of whether you go by bus, taxi or hire car.
Express bus no. 100 costs £3 single and £5
return. Departs every 30 minutes in the
evening and at nighttime, but every 10
minutes during rush hour.
Taxi prices vary and many of the vehicles
are adapted for disabled people.
Cars can be hired 24 hours and are easy to
book in advance via the airport website.

Telephone
Country code: +44
Area code: 0131