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Introduction to Edinburgh
frank1226(2009/11/14 4:58:01) 点击:130302 回复:6 IP:212.* * *
frank1226(2009/11/14 4:58:01) 点击:130302 回复:6 IP:212.* * *
Few cities make such a strong impression on the visitor as Edinburgh. Scotland's capital is without doubt one of the most beautiful and elegant cities in Europe. Its urban bits are separated by parks and gardens and, most stunning of all, cliffs and rocks and grassy hills - even a few dormant volcanoes! This is real nature rather than the manicured stuff, which is all you get in most other cities.
The views around Edinburgh have to be seen to be believed: down from the Edinburgh castle across the Georgian New Town; from the New Town out across the Firth of Forth; from Arthur's Seat across the surrounding moors; and the most dramatic cityscape in Europe, from Calton Hill down the length of Princes Street to the castle. Edinburgh is so spectacular that it has an almost unreal quality. The great novelist, Robert Louis Stevenson, who was born and bred here, described the city as a “profusion of eccentricities, this dream in masonry and living rock”, and went on to express his astonishment that it was “not a dropscene in a theatre, but a city in the world of everyday reality”.
Fittingly, such a spectacular setting provides the stage for the Edinburgh International Festival, the largest cultural event on the planet, held over three weeks in August and September. Also in keeping with its status as one of the great European cities, Edinburgh has many excellent museums and art galleries: the National Gallery of Scotland, the Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art and the Museum of Scotland all boast the finest collections outside London.
There are loads of local Edinburgh car hire and rental companies. Edinburgh has fast become one of the top destinations for stag and hen parties, due to the great day time and night time activities offered in and around the capital.
The views around Edinburgh have to be seen to be believed: down from the Edinburgh castle across the Georgian New Town; from the New Town out across the Firth of Forth; from Arthur's Seat across the surrounding moors; and the most dramatic cityscape in Europe, from Calton Hill down the length of Princes Street to the castle. Edinburgh is so spectacular that it has an almost unreal quality. The great novelist, Robert Louis Stevenson, who was born and bred here, described the city as a “profusion of eccentricities, this dream in masonry and living rock”, and went on to express his astonishment that it was “not a dropscene in a theatre, but a city in the world of everyday reality”.
Fittingly, such a spectacular setting provides the stage for the Edinburgh International Festival, the largest cultural event on the planet, held over three weeks in August and September. Also in keeping with its status as one of the great European cities, Edinburgh has many excellent museums and art galleries: the National Gallery of Scotland, the Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art and the Museum of Scotland all boast the finest collections outside London.
There are loads of local Edinburgh car hire and rental companies. Edinburgh has fast become one of the top destinations for stag and hen parties, due to the great day time and night time activities offered in and around the capital.
Getting To Edinburgh
Edinburgh international airport,
Tel: +44 131 3331000 general enquiries,
Tel: +44 131 3443136 airport information,
is 8 miles west of the city centre on the A8 Edinburgh-Glasgow road. The airport has all the usual facilities, including a tourist information desk near International Arrivals, bureau de change, ATMs, bars and restaurants (on the first floor) and shops (ground floor and first floor).
The tourist information desk, in the international arrivals area, will book accommodation and car hire.
For car hire, Avis, Budget, Europcar, Hertz and National car hire desks are located in the terminal in the main UK arrivals area.
Two bus services, Airline 100 (Tel: 5556363) and Guide Friday (Tel: 5562244) run between the airport and the main train station at Waverley Bridge.
From Waverley Bridge, buses start at 0600 and then run every 15 mins between 0715 and 1955, and then every 30 mins till 2155. From the airport the first bus is at 0630, then every 15 mins till 2100, and then every 30 mins till 2230.
The main pick up/drop off points in town are at the West End of Princes Street and Haymarket train station. Both services cost £3.30 single for adults; £3 for children. An open return fare is £5, £3 for children. Tickets can be bought from the driver, at the Tourist Information Centre or at the Guide Friday Tourism Centre. The journey time is 25 mins, though this will be longer during the rush hours. By taxi from the airport to the city centre will cost £15 in one of the white airport taxis, while a black taxi cab will cost around £12. Journey time is roughly 20 mins. The airport is easily reached by car. Parking costs £1.70 per hr short term, or £4.70 per day long term.
Train
All trains to Edinburgh go to Waverley Station, Tel: 5562477, off Waverley Bridge at the east end of Princes St. This is where the main ticket booking office is located. Note that during peak periods a wait of 30-40 mins is not unusual. Leave at least 10 mins to buy tickets for immediate travel at other times. Taxis collect passengers from the station concourse, but if the queue is depressingly long, there's another taxi rank on Waverley Bridge. All trains to the north and to the west coast, including Glasgow, also stop at Haymarket station. For timetable and ticket enquiries: Tel. 08457-484950.
Bus
The city's new bus station is in St Andrews Square, only a few minutes' walk from Waverley station. This is the terminal for all coaches from England, from other towns and cities around Scotland and also for local services to outlying towns and villages. There are left luggage lockers at the Terminus.
Edinburgh international airport,
Tel: +44 131 3331000 general enquiries,
Tel: +44 131 3443136 airport information,
is 8 miles west of the city centre on the A8 Edinburgh-Glasgow road. The airport has all the usual facilities, including a tourist information desk near International Arrivals, bureau de change, ATMs, bars and restaurants (on the first floor) and shops (ground floor and first floor).
The tourist information desk, in the international arrivals area, will book accommodation and car hire.
For car hire, Avis, Budget, Europcar, Hertz and National car hire desks are located in the terminal in the main UK arrivals area.
Two bus services, Airline 100 (Tel: 5556363) and Guide Friday (Tel: 5562244) run between the airport and the main train station at Waverley Bridge.
From Waverley Bridge, buses start at 0600 and then run every 15 mins between 0715 and 1955, and then every 30 mins till 2155. From the airport the first bus is at 0630, then every 15 mins till 2100, and then every 30 mins till 2230.
The main pick up/drop off points in town are at the West End of Princes Street and Haymarket train station. Both services cost £3.30 single for adults; £3 for children. An open return fare is £5, £3 for children. Tickets can be bought from the driver, at the Tourist Information Centre or at the Guide Friday Tourism Centre. The journey time is 25 mins, though this will be longer during the rush hours. By taxi from the airport to the city centre will cost £15 in one of the white airport taxis, while a black taxi cab will cost around £12. Journey time is roughly 20 mins. The airport is easily reached by car. Parking costs £1.70 per hr short term, or £4.70 per day long term.
Train
All trains to Edinburgh go to Waverley Station, Tel: 5562477, off Waverley Bridge at the east end of Princes St. This is where the main ticket booking office is located. Note that during peak periods a wait of 30-40 mins is not unusual. Leave at least 10 mins to buy tickets for immediate travel at other times. Taxis collect passengers from the station concourse, but if the queue is depressingly long, there's another taxi rank on Waverley Bridge. All trains to the north and to the west coast, including Glasgow, also stop at Haymarket station. For timetable and ticket enquiries: Tel. 08457-484950.
Bus
The city's new bus station is in St Andrews Square, only a few minutes' walk from Waverley station. This is the terminal for all coaches from England, from other towns and cities around Scotland and also for local services to outlying towns and villages. There are left luggage lockers at the Terminus.
Getting Around Edinburgh
Bicycle
Edinburgh is a pretty decent and ideal place for cyclists, the city council has provided the off-road cycle paths and road edge cycle lanes. This was just done to make sure in heavy rush and traffic cyclists can easily have a go. Bicycling is just about the best way to get around the city, despite the hilly terrain. There are plenty of cycle routes around the town and out into the surrounding countryside. The local cycling association, Spokes, 232 Dalry Rd, Tel: 3132114, http://www.spokes.org.uk publishes a very good cycle map (£4.95, available at the TIC). If you've brought your own bike and need spares, you'll find everything you'll need at Edinburgh Bicycle Co-op, 8 Alvanley Terr, Tel: 2281368; open Mon-Fri 1000-1900, Sat/Sun 1000-1800. But be cautious while tethering your bike on streets: Grassmarket and Rose Streets are sensitive for vandalism and theft activities. Otherwise the only place to worry are steep and cobbled streets around the Old Town
Bus
Public transport is generally good and efficient. There are two main bus companies operate most services in and around the city. Lothian Regional Transport (LRT) use maroon and white double deckers buses (555 6363, www.lothianbuses.co.uk)it runs majority of the bus services around Edinburgh city and Mid and East Lothian. Meanwhile First Edinburgh operate the same routes using green and yellow buses. They also run the so-called 'Barbie' buses, which are pink and more user-friendly for parents with kids and disabled passengers. Edinburgh;tourist informationCar Edinburgh is one of the least car-friendly cities in Britain. The main routes into town have been turned into 'greenways', which give buses priority, and on-street parking is limited to 10 mins. The centre of town is a complicated system of one-way streets designed to ease congestion. The privatized traffic wardens are ruthless in their dedication to duty. Free parking in most of central Edinburgh is limited to resident- parking permit holders only, Mon-Fri 0830-1800, and the police have powers to tow away illegally parked cars. An excellent way to see the sights and avoid wearing out shoe leather is to take one of the city bus tours (Guide Friday or LRT); see page
On foot
Although Greater Edinburgh occupies a large area relative to its population of less than half a million, most of what you'll want to see lies within the compact city centre and to see the real charm and beauty of the buzzing city centre best ideas is to explore on foot. Well be cautious during night, especially around areas with abundant rowdy nightlife (Lothian Road and the Cowgate) else walking around the city othersise is safe and pleasant. . The centre is clearly divided in two, with the main thoroughfare, Princes Street, and its gardens, running between them. The Old Town is a medieval maze of cobbled streets, wynds and closes on or around the Royal Mile, which runs from the castle down to the palace. The New Town is the symmetrical layout of wide streets lined with elegant Georgian buildings which runs north from Princes Street. Though most of the main sights are within walking distance of each other, Edinburgh is a hilly city and a full day's sightseeing can leave you exhausted.
Driving
Driving around Edinburgh is not recommended as the town is reasonably small and the best way is to move in the public transport or foot. Another reason for this the fact that the city centre is soaked with one way streets and pedestrain area, which makes driving a nightmare. Do try to avoid Princess Streets as it has only limited access for private vehicles. The traffic is high during rush hours (7:30-9:30am, 4:30pm-7pm Mon-Fri).Other than that the parking restrictions are also there around the city. During the festival month of August huge number of visitors use to visit which makes the situation more worse, as High Street is pediestrinised and finding the parking space is also difficult.
Tour Guides
Car Hires
If we you are looking for car hire to get around Edinburgh then to make sure you are over 21-years-of-age or altelast 21. Also required is atleast onee year's driving licence, that to without any serious endorsements. There are many car hire facilities available for visitors operating from city centre and also have their braches at Edinburgh Airport. Some of these car hire firms are Alamo UK:0870 400 4562/www.alamo.co.uk, US:1-800 522 9696/www.alamo.com. Arnold Clark UK & US:0845 607-4500/www.arnoldclarkrental.co.uk. Avis UK:0844 581 0147/www.avis.co.uk, US:1-800 331 1212/www.avis.com. Budget UK:0844 581 2231/www.budget.co.uk, US:1-800 472 3325/www.budget.com. Enterprise UK: 0870 350 3000/www.enterprise.co.uk, US:1-800 261 7331/www.enterprise.com. Europcar UK: 0845 758 5375/www.europcar.co.uk, US:1-877 940 6900/www.europcar.com
Black Cabs
The taxi's which operates in Edinburgh to provide easy access are black cabs. These cab services use to boards five passengers and also provides ample facilities for disable travellers. When the taxi's yellow 'For Hire' light is on you can hail it in the streets. The fares for these taxi services starts with ₤1.45 for the first 450 metres and ₤2.20 after 6pm, then each further 225 metres cost 23p and 24p in night. For every additional passenger over two 20p will be charged. Do call the cab if you require during night hours as it would be helpful rather seraching for cabs. Few of the cab services are Central Taxis 229 2468/www.taxis-edinburgh.co.uk, City Cabs 228 1211/www.citycabs.co.uk.
Complaints or Complements
If you come across any complaints about the taxicabs or any private hire, just report it to the Licensing Board, 343 High Street, Edinburgh EH1 1PW (529 4260). Also you can register any compliment also if you have regarding the cab or private hire to the same board. Do make sure you put in the date and time of the journey and also the license number of the vehicle.
Car Parkings
These car parks are open round the clock so that you can get the right place to park even in odd hours. For more details about the city car parks with proper map visit at www.edinburgh.gov.uk. Few of the car park are Castle Terrace Old Town:229 2870/www.ncp.co.uk, Chalmers Street South Edinburgh:229 2870/www.ncp.co.uk, St James Centre Leith Street, Broughton 556 5066/www.ncp.co.uk.
Bicycle
Edinburgh is a pretty decent and ideal place for cyclists, the city council has provided the off-road cycle paths and road edge cycle lanes. This was just done to make sure in heavy rush and traffic cyclists can easily have a go. Bicycling is just about the best way to get around the city, despite the hilly terrain. There are plenty of cycle routes around the town and out into the surrounding countryside. The local cycling association, Spokes, 232 Dalry Rd, Tel: 3132114, http://www.spokes.org.uk publishes a very good cycle map (£4.95, available at the TIC). If you've brought your own bike and need spares, you'll find everything you'll need at Edinburgh Bicycle Co-op, 8 Alvanley Terr, Tel: 2281368; open Mon-Fri 1000-1900, Sat/Sun 1000-1800. But be cautious while tethering your bike on streets: Grassmarket and Rose Streets are sensitive for vandalism and theft activities. Otherwise the only place to worry are steep and cobbled streets around the Old Town
Bus
Public transport is generally good and efficient. There are two main bus companies operate most services in and around the city. Lothian Regional Transport (LRT) use maroon and white double deckers buses (555 6363, www.lothianbuses.co.uk)it runs majority of the bus services around Edinburgh city and Mid and East Lothian. Meanwhile First Edinburgh operate the same routes using green and yellow buses. They also run the so-called 'Barbie' buses, which are pink and more user-friendly for parents with kids and disabled passengers. Edinburgh;tourist informationCar Edinburgh is one of the least car-friendly cities in Britain. The main routes into town have been turned into 'greenways', which give buses priority, and on-street parking is limited to 10 mins. The centre of town is a complicated system of one-way streets designed to ease congestion. The privatized traffic wardens are ruthless in their dedication to duty. Free parking in most of central Edinburgh is limited to resident- parking permit holders only, Mon-Fri 0830-1800, and the police have powers to tow away illegally parked cars. An excellent way to see the sights and avoid wearing out shoe leather is to take one of the city bus tours (Guide Friday or LRT); see page
On foot
Although Greater Edinburgh occupies a large area relative to its population of less than half a million, most of what you'll want to see lies within the compact city centre and to see the real charm and beauty of the buzzing city centre best ideas is to explore on foot. Well be cautious during night, especially around areas with abundant rowdy nightlife (Lothian Road and the Cowgate) else walking around the city othersise is safe and pleasant. . The centre is clearly divided in two, with the main thoroughfare, Princes Street, and its gardens, running between them. The Old Town is a medieval maze of cobbled streets, wynds and closes on or around the Royal Mile, which runs from the castle down to the palace. The New Town is the symmetrical layout of wide streets lined with elegant Georgian buildings which runs north from Princes Street. Though most of the main sights are within walking distance of each other, Edinburgh is a hilly city and a full day's sightseeing can leave you exhausted.
Driving
Driving around Edinburgh is not recommended as the town is reasonably small and the best way is to move in the public transport or foot. Another reason for this the fact that the city centre is soaked with one way streets and pedestrain area, which makes driving a nightmare. Do try to avoid Princess Streets as it has only limited access for private vehicles. The traffic is high during rush hours (7:30-9:30am, 4:30pm-7pm Mon-Fri).Other than that the parking restrictions are also there around the city. During the festival month of August huge number of visitors use to visit which makes the situation more worse, as High Street is pediestrinised and finding the parking space is also difficult.
Tour Guides
Car Hires
If we you are looking for car hire to get around Edinburgh then to make sure you are over 21-years-of-age or altelast 21. Also required is atleast onee year's driving licence, that to without any serious endorsements. There are many car hire facilities available for visitors operating from city centre and also have their braches at Edinburgh Airport. Some of these car hire firms are Alamo UK:0870 400 4562/www.alamo.co.uk, US:1-800 522 9696/www.alamo.com. Arnold Clark UK & US:0845 607-4500/www.arnoldclarkrental.co.uk. Avis UK:0844 581 0147/www.avis.co.uk, US:1-800 331 1212/www.avis.com. Budget UK:0844 581 2231/www.budget.co.uk, US:1-800 472 3325/www.budget.com. Enterprise UK: 0870 350 3000/www.enterprise.co.uk, US:1-800 261 7331/www.enterprise.com. Europcar UK: 0845 758 5375/www.europcar.co.uk, US:1-877 940 6900/www.europcar.com
Black Cabs
The taxi's which operates in Edinburgh to provide easy access are black cabs. These cab services use to boards five passengers and also provides ample facilities for disable travellers. When the taxi's yellow 'For Hire' light is on you can hail it in the streets. The fares for these taxi services starts with ₤1.45 for the first 450 metres and ₤2.20 after 6pm, then each further 225 metres cost 23p and 24p in night. For every additional passenger over two 20p will be charged. Do call the cab if you require during night hours as it would be helpful rather seraching for cabs. Few of the cab services are Central Taxis 229 2468/www.taxis-edinburgh.co.uk, City Cabs 228 1211/www.citycabs.co.uk.
Complaints or Complements
If you come across any complaints about the taxicabs or any private hire, just report it to the Licensing Board, 343 High Street, Edinburgh EH1 1PW (529 4260). Also you can register any compliment also if you have regarding the cab or private hire to the same board. Do make sure you put in the date and time of the journey and also the license number of the vehicle.
Car Parkings
These car parks are open round the clock so that you can get the right place to park even in odd hours. For more details about the city car parks with proper map visit at www.edinburgh.gov.uk. Few of the car park are Castle Terrace Old Town:229 2870/www.ncp.co.uk, Chalmers Street South Edinburgh:229 2870/www.ncp.co.uk, St James Centre Leith Street, Broughton 556 5066/www.ncp.co.uk.
Entertainment in Edinburgh
As host of the World's premiere arts festival, Edinburgh is well endowed with various cultural venues. But don't be mistaken in thinking that when the Festival packs its bags and leaves in early Sep the city hibernates till Aug comes round again. The city's cultural scene is thriving throughout the year, catering equally well for the avid culture vulture or hedonistic night owl. The many fine theatres and concert halls have full and varied programmes. Club culture in the capital has improved greatly in the last few years and Edinburgh now boasts some of the UK's best club nights, many of which go on until 0400 or 0500. These change frequently but tend to use the same venues, which are listed below. Those who prefer their music live, can take advantage of the liberal licensing laws and check out jazz, folk and rock bands any night of the week in many of city's 700-plus bars. The main live music venues are listed below, but also see under 'Bars'.
The city's vibrant gay scene has been centred around the Playhouse Theatre at the top of Leith Walk, the 'pink triangle', for many years. It has continued to develop around Broughton St, with new places constantly opening up, be they exclusively gay or gay-friendly. A large percentage of the city's trendiest bars, cafés and clubs can now be found on or around Broughton St, making Edinburgh an easy city for the gay tourist to visit.
To find out what's on in the city, pick up a copy of The List, the fortnightly listings magazine that tells you what's happening and where in both Edinburgh and Glasgow. Alternatively, the local evening paper, the Edinburgh Evening News, appears daily except Sun and gives details of what's going on the city on that day. Tickets and information on all events are available at the Tourist Information Centre. You can also find flyers (promotional leaflets) for various events at the main concert halls and theatres and in many of the bars and cafés in the centre of town.
As host of the World's premiere arts festival, Edinburgh is well endowed with various cultural venues. But don't be mistaken in thinking that when the Festival packs its bags and leaves in early Sep the city hibernates till Aug comes round again. The city's cultural scene is thriving throughout the year, catering equally well for the avid culture vulture or hedonistic night owl. The many fine theatres and concert halls have full and varied programmes. Club culture in the capital has improved greatly in the last few years and Edinburgh now boasts some of the UK's best club nights, many of which go on until 0400 or 0500. These change frequently but tend to use the same venues, which are listed below. Those who prefer their music live, can take advantage of the liberal licensing laws and check out jazz, folk and rock bands any night of the week in many of city's 700-plus bars. The main live music venues are listed below, but also see under 'Bars'.
The city's vibrant gay scene has been centred around the Playhouse Theatre at the top of Leith Walk, the 'pink triangle', for many years. It has continued to develop around Broughton St, with new places constantly opening up, be they exclusively gay or gay-friendly. A large percentage of the city's trendiest bars, cafés and clubs can now be found on or around Broughton St, making Edinburgh an easy city for the gay tourist to visit.
To find out what's on in the city, pick up a copy of The List, the fortnightly listings magazine that tells you what's happening and where in both Edinburgh and Glasgow. Alternatively, the local evening paper, the Edinburgh Evening News, appears daily except Sun and gives details of what's going on the city on that day. Tickets and information on all events are available at the Tourist Information Centre. You can also find flyers (promotional leaflets) for various events at the main concert halls and theatres and in many of the bars and cafés in the centre of town.
Festivals in Edinburgh
Edinburgh not only hosts the world's greatest arts festival in Aug, but also stages several other notable events throughout the rest of the year. The most renowned of these is Edinburgh's Hogmanay, which has grown to become one of the world's major winter events and which was the largest Millenium celebration in the northern hemisphere. It starts on the 29 Dec with a torchlit procession through the city centre followed by four days of various events, including pop and rock concerts. The highlight is the giant street party on the 31st (which is for ticket holders only). Accommodation is always fully booked at this time. For information contact The Hub , or http://www.edinburghshogmanay.org. During these festival days Driving becomes a uphill task as the streets remain crowded and busy with visitors, so its better to go for public transport or by foot to catch the festivity live.
The Folk Festival, at the beginning of Apr, is a massive event and draws performers from near and far, Tel: 5543092. The Scottish International Children's Festival is the UK's largest performing arts festival for children and is held at the end of May (Box office: 45a George St, Tel: 2258050, http://www.imaginate.org.uk ). At the end of Jun is the Royal Highland Show, at the Royal Highland Centre, Ingliston, Tel: 3356200. It's a sort of display of the best of rural Scotland, with pedigree livestock competitions, flower shows, craft fairs and showjumping, amongst other things. Also in Jun, usually in the 1st week, is the Caledonian Beer Festival, held at Edinburgh's own Caledonian Brewery on Slateford Road. The event features dozens of real ales, food and live music (mostly jazz) in the brewery's Festival Hall. See local press for details, or Tel: 3371286. The Filmhouse also hosts a number of foreign film seasons, most notably French (in Nov) and Italian, in Apr. There's also a gay film season, in Jun. For details, Tel: 2282688.
Few Other Festivals celebrated in Edinburgh
Ceilidh Culture Festivals
This festival is celebrated in many venues around Edinburgh between 24 Mar to 17 April. It includes a variety of attractions from gaelic singing, traditional dancing, bagpipe blowing, and other variation of the Celtic culture (228 1155)
Edinburgh International Science Festival
The festival gives a wide view towards the various scentific aspects and subjects with over 200 events. It is the largest science festival of the UK (558 7776)which gets going between 2 to 15 April.
Beltane Fire Festival
It is the druidic tradition which marks the transition from winter to spring, was rivived in 1998 after two millennia in hiatus. This has now grown into a mass of fire, drumming and exhibitionsts watched by over 10,000 people on 30th April. The tickets for this cost about ₤3 to ₤5.
Royal Highland Show
This festival marks the highland festivity with lot of attractions to look for, from Scottish rural life to the vast highland culture. One can enjoy a lot here from organic food to fancy tractors, you have a lot to enjoy in the Royal Highland Show. Ticket cost for a day is ₤20, while u-16 are free, it starts from 19th June and ends at 22 June.
Doors Open day
This festival gives general public the oppurtunity to enter the private buildings, plants and other factories for that day. As the Cockburn Association convinces the owners of all those Edinburgh factories and building to open up their doors for one day in a year to the people. During this day the admission to these places are free.
Edinburgh Independent Radical Book Fair
It includes discussions, readings, launches which focuses on small and independet publishing houses.
Hallowe'en: Samhuinn
It marks the end of the Celtic summer, six months after Beltane. During this festival the Belatne Fire Society takes on to the streets once again, from Castle Esplanade, down the Royal Mile to parliament square, where the summer court led by the Green Man, is banished to the magical realm for winter on 31 october.
St Andrew's Day If you are looking for a reason to drink in Edinburgh, then St Andrew's Day is a auspicious day to have a toast. It's the day of feast of St Andrew's celebrated every year on the 30th November in Edinburgh.
Burns Night The day marks the birth of Robert 'Rabbie' Burns Scotland's unofficial poet laureate. He was born on 25th January 1759. This day every year is commemorated by Scots and they celebrate it with reciting the virtual sacred text, supping whisky. Even many book shops and theatres displays the eminent works of Rabbie Burns to remeber him.
Edinburgh not only hosts the world's greatest arts festival in Aug, but also stages several other notable events throughout the rest of the year. The most renowned of these is Edinburgh's Hogmanay, which has grown to become one of the world's major winter events and which was the largest Millenium celebration in the northern hemisphere. It starts on the 29 Dec with a torchlit procession through the city centre followed by four days of various events, including pop and rock concerts. The highlight is the giant street party on the 31st (which is for ticket holders only). Accommodation is always fully booked at this time. For information contact The Hub , or http://www.edinburghshogmanay.org. During these festival days Driving becomes a uphill task as the streets remain crowded and busy with visitors, so its better to go for public transport or by foot to catch the festivity live.
The Folk Festival, at the beginning of Apr, is a massive event and draws performers from near and far, Tel: 5543092. The Scottish International Children's Festival is the UK's largest performing arts festival for children and is held at the end of May (Box office: 45a George St, Tel: 2258050, http://www.imaginate.org.uk ). At the end of Jun is the Royal Highland Show, at the Royal Highland Centre, Ingliston, Tel: 3356200. It's a sort of display of the best of rural Scotland, with pedigree livestock competitions, flower shows, craft fairs and showjumping, amongst other things. Also in Jun, usually in the 1st week, is the Caledonian Beer Festival, held at Edinburgh's own Caledonian Brewery on Slateford Road. The event features dozens of real ales, food and live music (mostly jazz) in the brewery's Festival Hall. See local press for details, or Tel: 3371286. The Filmhouse also hosts a number of foreign film seasons, most notably French (in Nov) and Italian, in Apr. There's also a gay film season, in Jun. For details, Tel: 2282688.
Few Other Festivals celebrated in Edinburgh
Ceilidh Culture Festivals
This festival is celebrated in many venues around Edinburgh between 24 Mar to 17 April. It includes a variety of attractions from gaelic singing, traditional dancing, bagpipe blowing, and other variation of the Celtic culture (228 1155)
Edinburgh International Science Festival
The festival gives a wide view towards the various scentific aspects and subjects with over 200 events. It is the largest science festival of the UK (558 7776)which gets going between 2 to 15 April.
Beltane Fire Festival
It is the druidic tradition which marks the transition from winter to spring, was rivived in 1998 after two millennia in hiatus. This has now grown into a mass of fire, drumming and exhibitionsts watched by over 10,000 people on 30th April. The tickets for this cost about ₤3 to ₤5.
Royal Highland Show
This festival marks the highland festivity with lot of attractions to look for, from Scottish rural life to the vast highland culture. One can enjoy a lot here from organic food to fancy tractors, you have a lot to enjoy in the Royal Highland Show. Ticket cost for a day is ₤20, while u-16 are free, it starts from 19th June and ends at 22 June.
Doors Open day
This festival gives general public the oppurtunity to enter the private buildings, plants and other factories for that day. As the Cockburn Association convinces the owners of all those Edinburgh factories and building to open up their doors for one day in a year to the people. During this day the admission to these places are free.
Edinburgh Independent Radical Book Fair
It includes discussions, readings, launches which focuses on small and independet publishing houses.
Hallowe'en: Samhuinn
It marks the end of the Celtic summer, six months after Beltane. During this festival the Belatne Fire Society takes on to the streets once again, from Castle Esplanade, down the Royal Mile to parliament square, where the summer court led by the Green Man, is banished to the magical realm for winter on 31 october.
St Andrew's Day If you are looking for a reason to drink in Edinburgh, then St Andrew's Day is a auspicious day to have a toast. It's the day of feast of St Andrew's celebrated every year on the 30th November in Edinburgh.
Burns Night The day marks the birth of Robert 'Rabbie' Burns Scotland's unofficial poet laureate. He was born on 25th January 1759. This day every year is commemorated by Scots and they celebrate it with reciting the virtual sacred text, supping whisky. Even many book shops and theatres displays the eminent works of Rabbie Burns to remeber him.
Shopping in Edinburgh
Edinburgh is not only all about traditions and cultural mix, the place is a shoppers paradise with variety of shops and malls giving the city a shoppers friendly destination. Edinburgh's shops are not only best known for traditional Scottish souvenirs and upmarket goods, food products in particular. But an increasing number of fashion boutiques, music shops, and other design stores opens a wide choice for visitors to get an array of appealing things.
Princes Street
The main shopping street is Princes Street, where on the nort side you'll find all the main department stores such as Debenhams, Frasers, BHS, Marks & Spencers. And on the south side rests the scintilating gardens in the shadow of the castle giving the place an elegant feel. The independent department stores Jenners, is also on Princes Street.
George Street
George Street is the place extending the upmarket culture from Princes Street. This place is flooded with boutiques, bars, restaurants and inns ideal for all those who are looking out for fashionistas, as it's lined with chic clothes chops.
St Andrew's Square
The main shoppers stop at St Andrew's Square is Harvey Nichols which gave the place a new charm. On the eastern end of the street lies the Multrees Walk which has soon become the city's version of London's Bond Street which houses big brands and stores like Armani, Louis Vuitton and Mulberry stores.
Williams Street
William street is the home to a wide range of boutiques and shops likes Helen Bateman's exclusive shoes to the stunning jwellery of Arkangle.
Grassmarket
Good places to look for second-hand and antique art, jewellery and books are around the New Town (St Stephen St, Northwest Circus Pl, Thistle St), Broughton St, Victoria St and the Grassmarket. Shopping hours are now more relaxed and many of the main city centre outlets are open till 1930-2000 on Thu and on Sun.
Cockburn Street
This street hold few music shops, there are three independent music shops here-Avalanche, Underground Solu'shn and the increasingly ubiquitous Fopp offer an alternative to the high street megastores.
Royal Mile
Don't dare to miss the fine Scottish malt at the Royal Mile Whiskies, here one can taste some really tempting whiskies. Other than that variety of knitwears are on sale at the Geoffrey. So lot of things to look for here.
Edinburgh is not only all about traditions and cultural mix, the place is a shoppers paradise with variety of shops and malls giving the city a shoppers friendly destination. Edinburgh's shops are not only best known for traditional Scottish souvenirs and upmarket goods, food products in particular. But an increasing number of fashion boutiques, music shops, and other design stores opens a wide choice for visitors to get an array of appealing things.
Princes Street
The main shopping street is Princes Street, where on the nort side you'll find all the main department stores such as Debenhams, Frasers, BHS, Marks & Spencers. And on the south side rests the scintilating gardens in the shadow of the castle giving the place an elegant feel. The independent department stores Jenners, is also on Princes Street.
George Street
George Street is the place extending the upmarket culture from Princes Street. This place is flooded with boutiques, bars, restaurants and inns ideal for all those who are looking out for fashionistas, as it's lined with chic clothes chops.
St Andrew's Square
The main shoppers stop at St Andrew's Square is Harvey Nichols which gave the place a new charm. On the eastern end of the street lies the Multrees Walk which has soon become the city's version of London's Bond Street which houses big brands and stores like Armani, Louis Vuitton and Mulberry stores.
Williams Street
William street is the home to a wide range of boutiques and shops likes Helen Bateman's exclusive shoes to the stunning jwellery of Arkangle.
Grassmarket
Good places to look for second-hand and antique art, jewellery and books are around the New Town (St Stephen St, Northwest Circus Pl, Thistle St), Broughton St, Victoria St and the Grassmarket. Shopping hours are now more relaxed and many of the main city centre outlets are open till 1930-2000 on Thu and on Sun.
Cockburn Street
This street hold few music shops, there are three independent music shops here-Avalanche, Underground Solu'shn and the increasingly ubiquitous Fopp offer an alternative to the high street megastores.
Royal Mile
Don't dare to miss the fine Scottish malt at the Royal Mile Whiskies, here one can taste some really tempting whiskies. Other than that variety of knitwears are on sale at the Geoffrey. So lot of things to look for here.
Useful Visitor Information in Edinburgh
Banks
The major Scottish banks have branches throughout the city, those with cash dispensers (ATMs) in the centre of town are: Bank of Scotland, Canongate, Chambers St, George St, 141 Princes St, 38 St Andrews Sq, Shandwick Pl, The Mound (head office); Royal Bank of Scotland, George St, North Bridge, Princes St, St Andrews Sq; Clydesdale Bank, 29 George St, Hanover St, North Bridge. The major English clearing banks all have branches in the city, and are open Mon-Fri only (phone for opening times): Barclays, 1 St Andrew Sq, T0845-6000; Lloyds/ TSB, 113 George St, Tel: 2264021; HSBC, 76 Hanover St, Tel: 4653200; NatWest, 80 George St, Tel: 2266181. For currency exchange: Thomas Cook, 79a Princes St, Tel: 2204039. Open Mon-Fri 0900-1730, Sat 0900-1700. Also have other exchange bureaus in the main tourist office at Waverley Market (open Mon-Sat 0900-2000) and in the accommodation kiosk at Waverley station. To change money outside office hours, try the upmarket hotels, though expect to pay a hefty commission. Also American Express, 139 Princes St, Tel: 2259179. Open Mon-Fri 0900-1730, Sat 0900-1600, Sun (Jul-Sep only) 1000-1600.
Car Hire
The main national car-hire companies can all be found at the airport. The following are local companies which may offer better deals: Arnold Clark, Lochrin Pl, Tel: 2284747; Condor, 45 Lochrin Pl, Tollcross, Tel: 2296333; Lo-Cost, 1a Wardlaw Terr (off Slateford Rd), Tel: 3132220; Melville's, 9 Clifton Terr, Haymarket, www.melvilles.co.uk. Communications Internet: there are cybercafés throughout the city, but two of the best are Cyberia, 88 Hanover St, Tel: 2204403, open Mon-Sat 1000-2200, Sun 1100-2000, prices from £2.50 per half hour (£2 concession) and Web 13, 13 Bread St, Tel: 2298883, open Mon-Fri 0900-2200, Sat 0900-2000, Sun 1100-2000, prices from £2.50 per half hour at peak times (1200-1700 Mon-Sat) and £3.50 at all other times. Both are also listed under 'Cafés'. Easy Everything, Hanover Buildings, 58 Rose St, Tel: 2203580. Open 24 hrs and cheapest in town at £1 per hr. Post office: central offices at 8-10 St James Centre and 7 Hope St. There is a late collection from the post box at the Royal Mail head office, 10 Brunswick Rd (one third of the way down Leith Walk). A Poste Restante service is available at any post office, providing you have no permanent address in Edinburgh. Envelopes should be marked 'Poste Restante' in the top left corner with your name above the address of the office. Consulates Cycle hire Central Cycle Hire, 13 Lochrin Pl, Tel: 2286333, Fax: 2283686. £15/day. Open Mon-Fri 0930-1800, Sat 0930-1730, Sun 1200-1700. Edinburgh Cycle Hire, 29 Blackfriars St, Tel: 5565560. £10-12/day. Open daily 0900-2100.
Disabled Access & Facilities
Edinburgh is not the most accessible of cities, particularly around the Old Town. All cinemas and permanent theatres have full access. Guide dogs are welcome on public transport and at most Festival venues. The Lothian Coalition for Disabled People , Tel: 4752360, Fax: 4752392, publishes Access in Lothian, which they will send out on request. Artlink , Tel: 2293555, provide an arts access service to Edinburgh residents, so should be able to provide information and access hints. New black cabs can take wheelchairs and the taxi firms listed on page all have facilities for disabled passengers. Full details of disabled access on public transport from Traveline, T0800-232323. The Fringe Office at 180 High St, Tel: 2265257, has a Disability Fact Sheet for further information and holds a list of contacts for each venue. Drugs information Crew 2000 has a walk-in information shop at 32 Cockburn St, Tel: 2203404, where volunteers offer impartial information and advice on all aspects of using illicit and non-medical drugs. Open Mon-Wed, Fri and Sat 1300-1700, Thu 1600-2000.
Gay & Lesbian
Gay Men's Health, Tel: 5589444; Gay Switchboard, Tel: 5564049; Lesbian Line, Tel: 5570751). Genealogical research Scottish Genealogy Society Library & Family History Centre, 15 Victoria Terr, Tel: 2203677. Open Tue and Thu 1030-1730, Wed 1030-2030, Sat 1000-1700. £5 per session for non-members. Scottish Roots Ancestral Research Service, 16 Forth St, Tel: 4778214. Open Mon-Fri 0900-1700 by appointment.
Medical Services
Edinburgh's 24-hr accident and emergency department is at The Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, Petty France, Tel: 5361000. This used to be in the centre of the city, but the exigiencies of private funding iniatives, the greed of property developers and the stupididity of politicians means that it has moved to the suburbs.
If it's not an emergency but you still need to see a doctor look in the Yellow Pages, or call the NHS24 Health line which is a 24 hours telephone service, Tel: 08454 242424.
Alternative medicine: Napiers Dispensary and Clinic, 1 Teviot Pl, Tel: 2255542, and 35 Hamilton Pl, Stockbridge, Tel: 3752130. Open Mon 1000-1730, Tue-Sat 0900-1730. Health practitioners providing non-conventional remedies.
Chemist (Pharmacy): Boots the Chemist, 48 Shandwick Place, Tel: 2256757. Open Mon-Sat 0800-2100, Sun 1000-1700. In an emergency outisde these times, go to The Royal Infirmary.
Dental: Edinburgh Dental Institute, Level 7, Lauriston Building, Lauriston Place, Tel: 5364931. Open Mon-Fri 0900-1500. They provide free walk-in emergency treatment though you still need to book an appointment. If it's not an emergency but you need to see a dentist, look in the Yellow Pages or call the Primary Care department, as above.
STDs/HIV/AIDS: The Genito-Urinary Medicine (GUM) clinic is at Lauriston Building, Lauriston Pl (men Tel: 5362103; women Tel: 5362104). Open Mon-Fri 0830-1700, till 1830 on Thu. Free confidential advice and treatment on sexually transmitted and other diseases.
Laundry
Sundial Laundrettes offer coin-operated or service washes, full laundry service, ironing, dry-cleaning and alterations. They have several branches at: 7 East London St, Tel: 5562743, next to the Lost Sock Diner; 84 Dalry Rd, Tel: 5387002; 17 Roseneath St, Tel: 2292137; Tarvit Laundrette, 7 Tarvit St, Tel: 2296382.
Left Luggage
Left-luggage lockers at Waverley train station, Tel: 5502031, by platform 11, open 0700-2300. Also at St Andrew Square bus station on platform A1 (24 hours) and at Edinburgh Airport, Tel: 3331000, in a portakabin next to the new extension, open 0600-2200.
Libraries
Central Library, George IV Bridge, Tel: 2255884. Open Mon-Fri 0900-2100, Sat 0900-1300. Excellent Scottish and local reference sections. National Library of Scotland, George IV Bridge, Tel: 2264531. Open Mon-Fri 0930-2030, Sat 0930-1300. Superb copyright library, for research purposes only. Reference facilities at the Map Room, 33 Salisbury Pl; open Mon-Fri 0930-1700, Sat 0930-1300.
Lost Property
Property found and handed in to the police (including property found in taxis) is sent to the Police HQ at Fettes Av, Tel: 3113131. It can be collected Mon-Fri 0900-1700. There are lost-property departments at Edinburgh Airport, Tel: 3331000, and Waverley train station, Tel: 5502711. Lothian Regional Transport have a lost-property department at Shrub Place, about a third of the way down Leith Walk, on the left-hand side, Tel: 5544494. Open Mon-Fri 1000-1330.
Safety
Edinburgh is, in general, a reasonably safe and civilized place, but some precautions should be taken. Some areas are best avoided for women walking alone at night. Lothian Road and the Grassmarket are not particularly dangerous but full of beer-soaked revellers who may prove irritating. The Meadows' walkways are lonely at night and potentially risky. The narrow, secluded wynds and closes of the High Street have also been the scenes of assaults in the past. The back streets of Leith are also best avoided at night as they are one of the city's most notorious red-light districts. If you are robbed or assaulted and need to report the crime, call 999. The police information centre is at 188 High St, Tel: 2266966, open daily 1000-2200. Rape crisis centre: Tel: 5569437.
Banks
The major Scottish banks have branches throughout the city, those with cash dispensers (ATMs) in the centre of town are: Bank of Scotland, Canongate, Chambers St, George St, 141 Princes St, 38 St Andrews Sq, Shandwick Pl, The Mound (head office); Royal Bank of Scotland, George St, North Bridge, Princes St, St Andrews Sq; Clydesdale Bank, 29 George St, Hanover St, North Bridge. The major English clearing banks all have branches in the city, and are open Mon-Fri only (phone for opening times): Barclays, 1 St Andrew Sq, T0845-6000; Lloyds/ TSB, 113 George St, Tel: 2264021; HSBC, 76 Hanover St, Tel: 4653200; NatWest, 80 George St, Tel: 2266181. For currency exchange: Thomas Cook, 79a Princes St, Tel: 2204039. Open Mon-Fri 0900-1730, Sat 0900-1700. Also have other exchange bureaus in the main tourist office at Waverley Market (open Mon-Sat 0900-2000) and in the accommodation kiosk at Waverley station. To change money outside office hours, try the upmarket hotels, though expect to pay a hefty commission. Also American Express, 139 Princes St, Tel: 2259179. Open Mon-Fri 0900-1730, Sat 0900-1600, Sun (Jul-Sep only) 1000-1600.
Car Hire
The main national car-hire companies can all be found at the airport. The following are local companies which may offer better deals: Arnold Clark, Lochrin Pl, Tel: 2284747; Condor, 45 Lochrin Pl, Tollcross, Tel: 2296333; Lo-Cost, 1a Wardlaw Terr (off Slateford Rd), Tel: 3132220; Melville's, 9 Clifton Terr, Haymarket, www.melvilles.co.uk. Communications Internet: there are cybercafés throughout the city, but two of the best are Cyberia, 88 Hanover St, Tel: 2204403, open Mon-Sat 1000-2200, Sun 1100-2000, prices from £2.50 per half hour (£2 concession) and Web 13, 13 Bread St, Tel: 2298883, open Mon-Fri 0900-2200, Sat 0900-2000, Sun 1100-2000, prices from £2.50 per half hour at peak times (1200-1700 Mon-Sat) and £3.50 at all other times. Both are also listed under 'Cafés'. Easy Everything, Hanover Buildings, 58 Rose St, Tel: 2203580. Open 24 hrs and cheapest in town at £1 per hr. Post office: central offices at 8-10 St James Centre and 7 Hope St. There is a late collection from the post box at the Royal Mail head office, 10 Brunswick Rd (one third of the way down Leith Walk). A Poste Restante service is available at any post office, providing you have no permanent address in Edinburgh. Envelopes should be marked 'Poste Restante' in the top left corner with your name above the address of the office. Consulates Cycle hire Central Cycle Hire, 13 Lochrin Pl, Tel: 2286333, Fax: 2283686. £15/day. Open Mon-Fri 0930-1800, Sat 0930-1730, Sun 1200-1700. Edinburgh Cycle Hire, 29 Blackfriars St, Tel: 5565560. £10-12/day. Open daily 0900-2100.
Disabled Access & Facilities
Edinburgh is not the most accessible of cities, particularly around the Old Town. All cinemas and permanent theatres have full access. Guide dogs are welcome on public transport and at most Festival venues. The Lothian Coalition for Disabled People , Tel: 4752360, Fax: 4752392, publishes Access in Lothian, which they will send out on request. Artlink , Tel: 2293555, provide an arts access service to Edinburgh residents, so should be able to provide information and access hints. New black cabs can take wheelchairs and the taxi firms listed on page all have facilities for disabled passengers. Full details of disabled access on public transport from Traveline, T0800-232323. The Fringe Office at 180 High St, Tel: 2265257, has a Disability Fact Sheet for further information and holds a list of contacts for each venue. Drugs information Crew 2000 has a walk-in information shop at 32 Cockburn St, Tel: 2203404, where volunteers offer impartial information and advice on all aspects of using illicit and non-medical drugs. Open Mon-Wed, Fri and Sat 1300-1700, Thu 1600-2000.
Gay & Lesbian
Gay Men's Health, Tel: 5589444; Gay Switchboard, Tel: 5564049; Lesbian Line, Tel: 5570751). Genealogical research Scottish Genealogy Society Library & Family History Centre, 15 Victoria Terr, Tel: 2203677. Open Tue and Thu 1030-1730, Wed 1030-2030, Sat 1000-1700. £5 per session for non-members. Scottish Roots Ancestral Research Service, 16 Forth St, Tel: 4778214. Open Mon-Fri 0900-1700 by appointment.
Medical Services
Edinburgh's 24-hr accident and emergency department is at The Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, Petty France, Tel: 5361000. This used to be in the centre of the city, but the exigiencies of private funding iniatives, the greed of property developers and the stupididity of politicians means that it has moved to the suburbs.
If it's not an emergency but you still need to see a doctor look in the Yellow Pages, or call the NHS24 Health line which is a 24 hours telephone service, Tel: 08454 242424.
Alternative medicine: Napiers Dispensary and Clinic, 1 Teviot Pl, Tel: 2255542, and 35 Hamilton Pl, Stockbridge, Tel: 3752130. Open Mon 1000-1730, Tue-Sat 0900-1730. Health practitioners providing non-conventional remedies.
Chemist (Pharmacy): Boots the Chemist, 48 Shandwick Place, Tel: 2256757. Open Mon-Sat 0800-2100, Sun 1000-1700. In an emergency outisde these times, go to The Royal Infirmary.
Dental: Edinburgh Dental Institute, Level 7, Lauriston Building, Lauriston Place, Tel: 5364931. Open Mon-Fri 0900-1500. They provide free walk-in emergency treatment though you still need to book an appointment. If it's not an emergency but you need to see a dentist, look in the Yellow Pages or call the Primary Care department, as above.
STDs/HIV/AIDS: The Genito-Urinary Medicine (GUM) clinic is at Lauriston Building, Lauriston Pl (men Tel: 5362103; women Tel: 5362104). Open Mon-Fri 0830-1700, till 1830 on Thu. Free confidential advice and treatment on sexually transmitted and other diseases.
Laundry
Sundial Laundrettes offer coin-operated or service washes, full laundry service, ironing, dry-cleaning and alterations. They have several branches at: 7 East London St, Tel: 5562743, next to the Lost Sock Diner; 84 Dalry Rd, Tel: 5387002; 17 Roseneath St, Tel: 2292137; Tarvit Laundrette, 7 Tarvit St, Tel: 2296382.
Left Luggage
Left-luggage lockers at Waverley train station, Tel: 5502031, by platform 11, open 0700-2300. Also at St Andrew Square bus station on platform A1 (24 hours) and at Edinburgh Airport, Tel: 3331000, in a portakabin next to the new extension, open 0600-2200.
Libraries
Central Library, George IV Bridge, Tel: 2255884. Open Mon-Fri 0900-2100, Sat 0900-1300. Excellent Scottish and local reference sections. National Library of Scotland, George IV Bridge, Tel: 2264531. Open Mon-Fri 0930-2030, Sat 0930-1300. Superb copyright library, for research purposes only. Reference facilities at the Map Room, 33 Salisbury Pl; open Mon-Fri 0930-1700, Sat 0930-1300.
Lost Property
Property found and handed in to the police (including property found in taxis) is sent to the Police HQ at Fettes Av, Tel: 3113131. It can be collected Mon-Fri 0900-1700. There are lost-property departments at Edinburgh Airport, Tel: 3331000, and Waverley train station, Tel: 5502711. Lothian Regional Transport have a lost-property department at Shrub Place, about a third of the way down Leith Walk, on the left-hand side, Tel: 5544494. Open Mon-Fri 1000-1330.
Safety
Edinburgh is, in general, a reasonably safe and civilized place, but some precautions should be taken. Some areas are best avoided for women walking alone at night. Lothian Road and the Grassmarket are not particularly dangerous but full of beer-soaked revellers who may prove irritating. The Meadows' walkways are lonely at night and potentially risky. The narrow, secluded wynds and closes of the High Street have also been the scenes of assaults in the past. The back streets of Leith are also best avoided at night as they are one of the city's most notorious red-light districts. If you are robbed or assaulted and need to report the crime, call 999. The police information centre is at 188 High St, Tel: 2266966, open daily 1000-2200. Rape crisis centre: Tel: 5569437.
