While Edinburgh is an all-year-round destination, August is the best time to visit weather-wise. Be aware that this is also the most expensive and busiest time for tourism in the city, so you may want to consider visiting from November to March, as it has the best low-season deals, except during the city's New Year's celebration. Spring and early fall are also the best time to visit Edinburgh because it's not too hot and not too cold.
The very centre of Edinburgh is divided into two parts by the Gardens of Princes Street. These were originally only marshlands, and can still be seen as such on some early paintings of the city.
To the south of these gardens is the old city, overseen by the world-famous and magnificent Edinburgh castle, which is situated on an extinct volcano. The castle overlooks the shopping district of the city, Princes Street, which is the beginning of the Royal Mile. To the north of the gardens is the New city where you will find an abundance of modern architecture such as the Scottish parliament buildings and The National Gallery of Scotland.
To the west of the castle is, of course, the financial district, where the banks and insurance companies feed Edinburgh's economy and finally the West of the city which is home to Edinburgh Zoo. And there are great parking facilities here too for your hire car.
Edinburgh is known for its cultural heritage, festivals and leisure destinations, so having a hire car will help you get around. The Beltane Fire Festival, Burns Night, Edinburgh Military Tattoo, Edinburgh Festival, Edinburgh International Book Festival and UNESCO World Heritage Site forms part the city's wide range of attractions.
The National War Museum Scotland has an amazing collection exploring more than 400 years of Scottish military history. The building was originally an ordnance storehouse, built in 1755.
Arthur's Seat lies within Holyrood Park, Edinburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom. It is the highest peak of the group of hills that towers in Edinburgh formed by an extinct volcano dating back the Carboniferous age. Arthur's Seat offers picturesque views of the city. Ample parking for your hire car too!
Beltane Fire Festival is located at Beltane Fire Society, 19 Leven Street, Edinburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom. It is a popular pagan fire festival celebrated on the night before the May Day at Calton Hill. It is unique to Edinburgh and its highlights include happy people, colorful costumes, drummers, theatre, impressive fire tricks and puppets. Beltane Fire Festival is one of the happiest events to let go and have fun.
Camera Obscura is situated at Castlehill, The Royal Mile, Edinburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom. It is a magnificent destination that features Europe's largest hologram display, 3D views and magnificent illusions and or play visual tricks.
Corstorphine Heritage Centre can be found within The Dower House, Saint Margaret's Park, Edinburgh, Lothian, Scotland, United Kingdom. The centre honors and preserves its community's history and culture. Its collections include artifacts, documents, maps, house plans, photographs and newspaper archive. Parking your hire car is not a problem here.
Craigmillar Castle sits within Craigmillar Castle Road, Edinburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom. It is a ruined medieval castle on the southeastern part of the city's centre. The castle and its surrounding grounds is famous for its impressive architectural style and for its connection with Mary, Queen of Scots as it was in the said castle that she nursed herself back to health after giving birth to the future James I of England. The estate's cellars, courtyard, gardens and tower house are open to visitors.
Cramond Island lies within Edinburgh, Midlothian, Scotland, United Kingdom. It is a popular getaway for both locals and tourist as it homes a number of attractions and ideal leisure spots. The island's highlights include the ruins of the 142AD Roman fort, a 15th century church tower, scenic views, pub and beer garden.
Edinburgh Castle towers on top of a volcanic Castle Rock within Castle Hill, Edinburgh, Lothian, Scotland, United Kingdom. Over a million people visit the site each year. The castle is famous for its long and colorful history, magnificent architectural style and scenic views of the city of Edinburgh. The Edinburgh Castle is the destination no visitor must miss.
Glenkinchie Distillery contains an exhibition which provides historical information as well as a model of the distillery. There are also tours that can be taken through the production area of the distillery to learn about the making of the whisky. No visit would be complete without a trip to the shop for a range of gifts and malts to take home. Glenkinchie Distillery is located at Pencaitland, Tranant, East Lothian EH34 5ET. Obviously, if you are driving your hire car, do not drink alcohol!
Mary Queen of Scots: If you belong to the huge group so-called "Mary Queen of Scots enthusiasts" then getting in and exploring Edinburgh offers a lot of chances to learn more about the late intriguing queen. Get to visit some of the finest castles that served as her home and experience how it feels living like a true Scottish Queen.
Princes Street was named after the two sons of King George III. It is a main road and popular shopping street in the City of Edinburgh. It is currently closed to private cars. There are however, bountiful parking spaces located near the area. Princes Street is ideal for people who loves shopping and relaxing with friends and family. Make sure you have your hire car's boot at the ready for all that extra baggage!
The Edinburgh Dungeon is located at 31 Mark Street, Edinburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom. It is a thrilling site popular for featuring or rather taking back its visitors to the city of Edinburgh's darkest history. Amongst its highlights are the Burke & Hare: The Business of Murder, Extremis: Drop Ride to Doom, Judgment of Sinners, Labyrinth of Lost Souls, Mary King's Ghost and Torture Chamber.
The Nelson Monument was built in memory of Admiral Lord Nelson, who died at the Battle of Trafalgar in 1805. If the weather permits it, the Trafalgar flag signal 'England expects that every man will do his duty' is still flown on Trafalgar Day (21 October).
Our Dynamic Earth will take you on an amazing journey through our planet's past, present and future, via interactive exhibits and impressive technology, including a 4D and 3D experience.
The Scottish National Gallery brings you a collection of Scottish and international art which is considered among the best in the world, and is housed in 3 sites across Edinburgh. With 27 exhibitions to visit, 110 events to attend, and 3239 artworks on-line to explore you will be spoilt thoroughly.
