Edinburgh Beyond the Bus Station: A Practical Guide to Exploring Scotland’s Capital
Combining medieval streets, dramatic architecture, and green spaces, Edinburgh is one of the most memorable destinations in the United Kingdom. So whether you’re coming in for a weekend or taking the first steps to travelling Scotland, getting the first few hours right in Glasgow can mean the world. Many tourists arrive in the city by bus, so the bus station is a good base from which to explore. If you need to arrive at your hotel before check-in time or perhaps take the time to roam around after you’ve checked out, you may find that getting a service for Luggage Storage near Edinburgh Bus Station can make it simple to walk comfortably through the city’s historic streets.
Explore the City Centre and begin your adventure.
Edinburgh Bus Station is situated near some of the city’s landmarks. In just a few minutes visitors can reach the famous shopping centre, Princes Street, where they can enjoy several restaurants as well as a panoramic view of Edinburgh Castle. For relaxation there is a peaceful, adjacent, Princes Street Gardens with views of the skyline.
From here it’s a simple stroll to the Royal Mile, the city’s most famous street. The Royal Mile provides accessibility to Edinburgh Castle, the Palace of Holyroodhouse, and a plethora of historic structures, museums, street activities, cafés and independent shops that mirror Scottish culture.
Visit Edinburgh Castle
You can’t visit Edinburgh without visiting Edinburgh castle. This historic fortress is located on Castle Rock and has iconic views of the Scottish capital city as well as its rich history throughout the ages. This is where visitors will see the Crown Jewels of Scotland, St. Margaret’s Chapel, military museums and of course the infamous One O’Clock Gun.
Reservations are suggested, particularly in summer and festival times as this is when the highest numbers of visitors are experienced.
Hike through Hidden Closes and Historic Streets
In addition to the well-known attractions, Edinburgh is a great place to wander. The “closes”—the narrow alleyways—show small, hidden courtyards, historic buildings and interesting stories, going back to hundreds of years.
A wide range of guided walks uncover the architectural, literary and vaults under Edinburgh to give a deeper understanding of the uniqueness that the city offers.
Eat local food & drink at the cafés of Scotland.
When it comes to eating out there’s something for every taste and budget on offer in Edinburgh. Scottish local favorites like haggis, Cullen skink and fresh seafood are offered as well as international cuisines.
It is an independent café that serves delicious homemade cakes and coffee and offers a great interval place for lunch during the sightseeing of the Old Town.
Day Trips to Consider
With superb transport facilities, Edinburgh also makes an ideal hub for further travel around Scotland. Popular excursions include:
South Queensferry and views of the Forth Bridges
Rosslyn Chapel
Stirling Castle
Loch Lomond National Park
The Scottish Highlands
Day trips are also easy to make for those who don’t have a lot of time to spend, with many organised tours also starting from the centre of Edinburgh.
Traveling Comfortably
Walking is and will always be the best way to get around much of Edinburgh’s historic centre, however it can be tiring especially on the hill to get around with heavy bags and the cobbled streets. Radical Storage is a good option for many travelers who are looking for a convenient place to store their bags while visiting a museum, historic site or shopping area.
It can be more enjoyable to plan a route ahead of time, wear comfortable boots, and take extra time to walk uphill.
Best Time to Visit
Edinburgh is a year-round destination, offering up something different for each season.
Summer: Hot weather and ripe gardens.
Summer: Extended daylight and world famous festivals.
Fall: Lovely colors, and less traffic.
Winter: Christmas markets & festive celebrations.
The month of August is especially vibrant for the Edinburgh Festival Fringe; however, you should make your hotel reservations very early this month, as the rooms quickly get filled.
Final Thoughts
Edinburgh is a rewarding city destination, where the old meets the new with a historical flair. Whether it’s one of the world’s most iconic attractions, dates back to the New World or provides a great viewpoint, or café, there’s something to remember for every visitor. If you plan a little and seek out useful amenities like Radical Storage for temporary storage of your bags during your stay, then you can spend more time enjoying all the attractions the city has to offer – and less time worrying about your bags.
