Pick up your hire car at Edinburgh airport and get ready for the buzz of Scotland's capital city.
"Brace yourself for the most fantastic city on earth. We've got breathtaking architecture draped over dramatic hills and the city is steeped in culture. You might never leave."
Ok, so moving here permanently might be pushing things, but Edinburgh is so packed full of good stuff you'll find you keep returning to the place.
Imagine a happening place with great places to eat, drink and shop. Somewhere that'll have your cultural and entertainment senses overflowing. That place is Edinburgh.
Given they have to share their fabulous city with loads of tourists, they're remarkably friendly. Locals generally take pleasure in having so many visitors wandering around.
You'll need to wrap up warm. Edinburgh can be quite windy, even in high summer, because of its position between the sea and mountains.
You'll need to wrap up warm. Edinburgh can be quite windy, even in high summer, because of its position between the sea and mountains.
Given how Edinburghians like a good old natter, it's hardly surprising that Alexander Graham Bell - the inventor of the telephone - was born in the city.
The Edinburgh Festival, which takes place each August, is the world's largest festival.
"From April to September, temperatures are mild and compare favourably with other European cities; annual rainfall is the same as Frankfurt, New York and Rome." - Edinburgh office of www.visitscotland.org
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1. Edinburgh Castle
The centrepiece of the Edinburgh skyline, the castle is the city's main attraction and well worth a visit. How often do you get to stand in a castle that's more than 1,000 years old?
You can park on the surrounding main roads and streets but it is metered and monitored by parking wardens.
2. Royal Botanic Garden
One glance at the city and you're realise that Edinburgh knows a thing or two about rocks. But the rock garden at the huge Royal Botanic Garden is so good you'll be planning how to spruce up your patio at home.
There's loads of parking around the perimeter of the garden and on adjacent side streets. It's free at weekends and after 5:30pm but is metered Monday to Friday between 8:30am and 5:30pm.
3: Edinburgh Dungeon
This place of torture will test just how fearless you really are. But beware, one look in the 'horror labyrinth' and you could find yourself running for the nearest exit.
Street parking is available in New Street or you can park your hire car in Waverley Station car park.
4: The Royal Mile
This is the picturesque road that runs between the castle and the Palace of Holyroodhouse. It's packed with attractions from the Whisky Heritage Centre, Parliament Square and various museums to the shops, cafes and bars of the Grassmarket.
Park at the Castle Terrace car park below the castle and climb up the hill to the castle grounds. It'll cost you £.
5: St Giles' Cathedral
An unmistakable landmark on the Royal Mile, this imposing building was also the spot where a riot began in 1637 following the King's efforts to introduce English religion in Scotland. He didn't get his way.
Parking around the cathedral is prohibited. You can park at the Castle Terrace car park (£4 for two hours) and either take the bus up to the Cathedral or walk.
1: Gullane Bents
A short drive from the exceptionally pretty village of Gullane, Gullane Bents is one of East Lothian's best-kept secrets. This beautiful, dune-backed beach offers great surfing, views of Edinburgh and has terrific sunsets.
It takes about 40 minutes to drive from Edinburgh. Go north-east on the A1140 before heading east on the A1. Take the A198 exit towards North Berwick.
2: Roslin Glen Country Park
Go for a walk in Roslin Glen and you'll take in Rosslyn Castle (built in 1304), a river valley, Rosslyn Chapel (featured in the The Da Vinci Code film), plus over 100 'green man' carvings.
Roslin Glen Country Park is about 20 minutes south of Edinburgh. Take the A701 then the B7006.
3: St Andrews
It would be criminal for any golf enthusiasts to visit so close to where the game originated without having a round. And if the famous St Andrews Old Course is full, there are plenty others to try.
Head north on the Forth Road Bridge, before taking the A92 then the A915 towards St Andrews. It will take about an hour and 25 minutes.
4: Glasgow
After considerable renovation, Glasgow is buzzing with activity. The old Victorian buildings have been revitalised, bars and restaurants are popping up all over and there's a thriving live music scene.
Take the M8 west, then follow the signs for the A8 into Glasgow. It should take just over an hour.
" Edinburgh's a relatively easy city to drive in. If you're driving through the city centre you can find yourself diverted onto the one-way system without really expecting it, but it's all very well signposted so you shouldn't get lost. The city bypass, the A720, gets congested in rush hour, so try to avoid it if you can. And watch out for the cobbles in the Old Town - it's easy to skid on them in the wet. "
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