Edinburgh Travel Forum

Ok, so everyone has convinced me driving in the city is not a good thing to do for a beginner. I went to New Zealand with some Americans, and they seemed to have no problem adjusting to the wrong side of the street. But I guess it isn't the same in Edinburgh. So I will have to change my plans. Hows this:

If I was to spend 2 days in the city and get around by bus or whatever, where should I go?

If I was to spend the other 2 days driving out to the countryside, what would you recommend?

I wish I had more time there, but I'm lucky to be going at all.
Thanks, you've been very helpful
Greg

hi,

As well as looking at recommendations on the VT pages, to help you select what interests you the tourist guide link below covers both sights in the city and also for trips outside the city plus suggested itineries.

www.edinburgh.org/guide/

Somthing a bit different is the tour of the houses underneath the Royal Mile: www.realmarykingsclose.com/experience.htm

New Zealand is not Edinburgh.

There are two points:

1. that driving in a city is extremely difficult when you are first driving on the opposite side and

2. (and more importantly) that a car is a nuisance in UK cities such as Edinburgh, not an advantage. Parking is difficult and expensive.....have you considered where you will park the car you intend to hire?

Seems to me you need to get a bit more of an idea of what sort of place you are visiting. Have a look at the VT Edinburgh pages and at the official tourist information site here:

http://www.edinburgh.org/

On the latter site you will find information and links about travelling in and around Edinburgh, as well as on the city itself and the area surrounding it.

If you stay in central Edinburgh, you can walk to most places. As to where to go, I think I already gave a list in a previous posting. You can always google "things to do in Edinburgh" which I am sure will give you additional ideas.

Most attractions are walking distance if you stay near the city centre. Edinburgh is not really that big. Take a bus from the city centre to North Queensferry and walk back over the Forth Road Bridge to South Queensferry, it's quite a cool way to spend an afternoon. Peebles in the Scottish Borders is worth a bus trip for a day, or a bus trip to north Berwick would be nice. Have Fun!

We will be staying in Edinburgh for a number of days, then renting a vehicle and leaving for the countryside. I say go for it...rent a car. What's the big deal?

There is no 'big deal'.

On a previous thread, those of us from the UK pointed out to the OP that (apart froim the fact that 'learning' to drive whilst in a city is not an especially good idea) having a car in Edinburgh is both a hassle and entirely unnecessary (as is the case with the vast majority of UK cities). It is also difficult to park, and expensive.

UK cities have public transport systems which are used as the norm by local people (and UK visitors). They are not used only by those who cannot afford their own car. Most people prefer, unless their employer provides parking, to use public transport to get into and around cities. That is why so many cities (and towns) have provided 'park and ride' facilities, large car parks some distance away from the centre form served by regular dedicated bus services.

Edinburgh streets in the city centre are currently like a big building site and there are major traffic diversions and disruption. This is in connection with the reintroduction of a tram route, though the opportunity is being taken to renew utilities – electricity, gas and water supply infrastructure.

I would normally suggest not bringing a car into the city centre, but for the next year while all this is going on I would definitely advise against it.

places to visit in Edinburgh:
Mary kings close, or any other underground tour (at night)

The Royal mile has Museums, Camera obscura, whisky heritage centre, The Edinburgh Dungeon, The Castle is a must, Deacon Brodies pub is a must.

Arthurs Seat and holyrood park: Good for fresh air and exercise, wandering around an old volcano in the city centre is a treat.

Places to visit in the countryside:
East: North Berwick, Yellowcraigs, Gullane. all east Lothian (east coast of Edinburgh)
North: Perthshire, towns like Dunkeld, and Pitlochry.
West: Loch Lomond, wee places called Drymen and Luss.
South: Peebles, Melrose, Jedburgh

Hope this helps a bit!
South:

definately not recommended! half the roads are shut due to tram works and road works!, however travelling around and near the city city is easy done by buse. you can buy a day saver ticket for three pounds, that way you can hop on and off as many of the lothian buses as you want. theres also loads of information shops for the lothian company which have people to help and info leaflets to help guide you.
id also recommend travelling by foot as places like the Royal Mile have great wee shops that you might miss should you be on a bus!
Hope you have time! xxx

forgot to say also, alot of parking is now for permit holders only otherwise its pay and display which can be quite pricey, anf those pesky traffic wardens are sure to catch you out! so yeah in the centre a car is most definately not recommended!