Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
FROMMER'S FAVORITE EDINBURGH
experiences
Contemplating the City and Environs
from up High.
At 250m (823 ft.),
Arthur's Seat is presumably the best—
unless you want your panorama to
include Arthur's Seat, in which case
you might prefer Castle Hill. But then
you will miss the castle. Calton Hill
affords views of all. And if you are not
up for climbing, take the elevator in
the Museum of Scotland, which has an
observation deck atop its magnificent
modern building.
Downing a Pint in an Edinburgh Pub.
Whether sampling a pint—look out for
stout-like Dark Island from Orkney,
organic pale ale from Black Isle brew-
ery, and Edinburgh's own Deuchars
IPA—or a dram of whisky (peaty island
Laphroaig or smooth Highland Dal-
whinnie), Edinburgh has numerous
traditional pubs. My favorites include
the Bow Bar, Café Royal Circle Bar,
and, for something a bit more hip,
Black Bo's.
Strolling in Old Town or New Town.
Take your pick of these two central
and historically preserved districts, and
don't be afraid to get off the beaten
track of their main roads and boule-
vards. Explore a few of the many cob-
bled side streets and alleyways for a
feel of the real Edinburgh. Get a little
lost.
Visiting the Royal Botanic Garden &
National Galleries.
This botanic garden
is not just for plant lovers. There are
paths and paths to stroll amid a vari-
ety of foliage and settings: From red-
woods in a miniforest to rock gardens
with a waterfall. The art collections of
the National Gallery are split between
different museums, and while the size
of them is not exceptional, some of
the works hanging in them are.
8
sword of state of Scotland and the infamous Stone of Scone. Note that last entry is
45 minutes before closing and buying tickets online in advance will save time during
busy periods.
Castlehill.
&
0131/225-9846.
www.edinburghcastle.gov.uk. Admission £13 adults, £10.40 seniors, £7
children 5-15. MC, V. Apr-Sept daily 9:30am-6pm; Oct-Mar daily 9:30am-5pm. Bus: 23, 27, 41, or 45.
Outlook Tower & Camera Obscura
The 150-year-old periscope-like lens at
the top of the Outlook Tower throws an image of nearby streets and buildings onto
a circular table, and the moving “picture” can be magically magnified with just a bit
of cardboard. Guides reveal this trick, help to identify landmarks, and discuss high-
lights of Edinburgh's history. In addition, the observation deck offers free telescopes,
and there are several exhibits in the “World of Illusions” with an optical theme that
will keep some children occupied. What is disappointing, however, is the dearth of
information on the man responsible for the Camera Obscura, Sir Patrick Geddes, a
polymath who worked tirelessly to improve the fortunes of Old Town in the 19th and
20th centuries and kept it from being torn down. The last camera presentation
begins 1 hour before closing.
Castlehill.
&
0131/226-3709.
www.camera-obscura.co.uk. Admission £9 adults, £7.25 seniors and
students, £6.50 children 5-15. MC, V. Apr-June and Sept-Oct daily 9:30am-6pm; July-Aug daily
9:30am-7:30pm; Nov-Mar daily 10am-5pm. Bus: 23, 27, 41, or 45.
