The eight best things to do in Edinburgh

The eight best things to do in Edinburgh

As the capital of Scotland, Edinburgh is a unique city with a wonderful blend of culture, history and a truly buzzing atmosphere. It’s crammed with a wide variety of attractions and events, with something to suit every imaginable taste, whether you want to experience a traditional and romanticized Scotland or be swept up by the vibrant art and music scene that reveals itself right across the city. By choosing to stay at Fraser Suites Edinburgh you will be in the heart of the old town, all of our eight best things are only a short walk away from this unique and well appointed Hotel. 

Out of all the exciting sights and experiences on offer, which are the very best? Here are eight of the most outstanding highlights that await you in Edinburgh, and make the most of your weekend away.

 1. Edinburgh Castle

Quite possibly the most famous building in the whole of Scotland, Edinburgh Castle is definitely not to be missed. Perched atop an impressive natural fortress of crags and cliffs in the heart of Edinburgh, the castle dominates the skyline and can be seen from across the city. The Courant Suite, one of Fraser Suites Edinburgh's bespoke suites boasts views toward the imposing Castle rock and castle which provides a impressive setting for this luxurious suite. You can also see the many Fireworks displays that take place throughout the year. Inside you’ll find an intriguing and fascinating history stretching as far back as the 12^th century, complemented by the National War Museum of Scotland and the Stone of Destiny. But the main attraction for the 1.3 million annual visitors to Edinburgh Castle is undoubtedly the stunningly beautiful Scottish Crown Jewels.

 2. The Edinburgh Military Tattoo

Established in 1950, the annual Tattoo has continued to grow in popularity and prestige and is now broadcast across the world to approximately 100 million viewers every year. However, a TV screen can never compare to seeing the event in person. The dedicated military personnel perform an extraordinary and remarkable collection of martial music from around the globe in a specially constructed stadium in front of the castle. Everything comes together to create an inspiring backdrop and an experience that won’t be forgotten for a very long time. In the summer months you can hear the music of the Tattoo drifting down the Royal Mile and into Princes Street Gardens, guests of Fraser Suites Edinburgh can often hear the synonymous sound from the comfort of their room.

 3. The Scott Monument

Built as a memorial to the famous, locally born author Sir Walter Scott, the Monument reaches over 200 feet above Princes Street Gardens in the center of the city. The Princes Suite in Fraser Suites Edinburgh frames this spectacular Monument from its bedroom window, giving those who are lucky enough to stay in this beautifully designed room a view to remember. Visitors can climb the 287 steps to the highest viewing platform, which gives unrivaled views over central Edinburgh and the surrounding suburbs and countryside. The tower is conveniently close to the main Edinburgh Waverley train station, so there really is no excuse not to take a look!

 4. Arthur’s Seat

Few cities can boast of an extinct volcano within the town itself, but the hugely impressive Arthur’s Seat rises dramatically out of the center of Edinburgh just a mile from the famous castle. The rocky crags are a draw for local climbers, but there are many paths where you can take a walk to the top.  Guests of Fraser Suites Edinburgh who are keen runners a dramatic and challenging route to Arthur's Seat  awaits for those brave enough to tackle this 7 mile round trip. When you get there you’ll be rewarded with an exceptional panoramic view of this ancient city, the open sea and the hills inland.

 5. The Edinburgh Festival

For three weeks every August, the Scottish capital hosts the largest arts festival to be found anywhere in the world: The Edinburgh Festival Fringe. Thousands of performers (and thousands more visitors) descend on the city in an explosion of art and culture, with everything from stand-up comedy to operatic performances on offer. The hustle and bustle of this wondrous event takes place in a variety of venues all over the city, however its the Royal Mile that provides the most well known venue for music, mime, art and dance .Fraser Suites Edinburgh offers the best location for accommodation in the centre of the festivities. Many of the biggest names on the various arts circuits are regulars here, but the wealth and diversity of lesser known acts is also incredible, and the Fringe is often where rising stars get their big break. This is truly one of the global cultural highlights of the year.

 6. Hogmanay

If Edinburgh has anything to rival the Fringe or the Tattoo, it has to be Hogmanay, the word used by Scots for the last day of the year. Celebrations often carry on for two or three days, and the sheer number of people, events and spectacles make this the biggest street party of the year. Hogmanay in Edinburgh is unsurpassed anywhere else in the world and can’t be recommended highly enough, but it’s wise to plan ahead – the most popular hotels are often booked up months in advance, Fraser Suites Edinburgh being one of them....reservations for Hogmanay can be taken up to a year in advance for this property which is located in the middle of the renowned street party.

 7. Get Cultural

Edinburgh is home to the Scottish National Gallery, The Scottish National Portrait Gallery, The National Gallery of Modern Art as well as the National Museum of Scotland, all of which are well worth a visit. The National Gallery houses a huge array of Old Masters, alongside pieces of art by more or less every well known artist since the Renaissance. The National Museum is stuffed full of fascinating antiquities and relics encompassing the whole of history, from unimaginably old geological treasures right through to the famous clone Dolly the Sheep, whose stuffed body has now found a permanent home here. Both attractions are open throughout the year, so even if you miss the Fringe, Edinburgh can still provide your cultural fix. Fraser Suites Edinburgh is also a note worthy example of Edinburgh's culture. The 18th century listed building was the original home of the Fleet Street of Edinburgh, where the Courant newspaper was printed.

 8. Discover Traditional Scottish Cuisine

It might not be for everyone, but the food is certainly unique and is part of the full Scottish experience. Haggis is the classic dish, and while it’s easy to find in Edinburgh and is actually delicious, the ingredient list doesn’t sound particularly appealing – if you don’t know what’s in it, don’t ask until afterwards! The Broadsheet Bistro, Fraser Suites Edinburgh's in house restaurant, offers a variety of local dishes to suit all taste buds serving breakfast, lunch afternoon tea and dinner. They also stock St Giles Ale, Thistly Cross Cider and Hendricks Gin....all brewed in the city!  The Scotch Whisky Experience will help to wash down your meal, and the tours are full of interesting facts, a replica distillery and, of course, some excellent whisky tasting. This is the home of the most extensive collection of Scotch whisky in the world, so these guys definitely know what they’re talking about. There can be few finer ways to spend your final afternoon in Edinburgh than sampling Scotch whisky perfected over countless generations.

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