About Edinburgh
Enjoy a stay at a Best Western hotel in Edinburgh and experience all Scotland’s capital city has to offer - its historic buildings, attractions, great night-life and immense shopping variety.
For hundreds of years, Edinburgh has been at the epicentre of Scottish culture and commerce. Aside from the word-famous festival - with its cutting edge comedy Fringe events - it remains a crucible of the creative arts. Whether your stay is for business or for pleasure, you’ll be entranced by Edinburgh.
For a wonderful time in Edinburgh, stay in a Best Western hotel and explore the wonders of the Scottish capital. With our superbly located hotels, all the delights the city has to offer will be within easy reach. Whether you want to gaze upon the spires and towers of the city from a hillside or be right at the heart of it all, we have an option to suit you.
Edinburgh - Athens of the north?
It’s little wonder Scottish capital and historical powerhouse, Edinburgh, is one of Great Britain’s most cherished destinations.
With a unique variety of sights, sounds and smells so diverse, no two visits to this charming Lothian city are the same.
History buff? Edinburgh has it in abundance, from the world-famous Castle that towers over the city below, to its two UNESCO World Heritage sites. Classic architecture – tick. Almost every street has a building that will make you stop and take note. Taking the family? Edinburgh Zoo is just one of the many places to wow them. And if you’re just in it for a good time, here’s a place where the welcomes are warm and the nights come alive.
Add to this the Edinburgh Fringe - the festival to end all festivals, stunning cultural walks and doorstep access to the vast, picturesque Scottish countryside, and you’ve found a city that simply begs to be revisited.
We’ve narrowed down our top picks for things to do in Edinburgh while staying locally at one of our brilliantly different Best Western hotels.
Culture and nightlife in Edinburgh
Culture and nightlife in Edinburgh
The best way to truly appreciate the architecture and sights is to travel on foot. Edinburgh has the capacity to surprise and delight at every turn.
- National Museum of Scotland - Recently refurbished, it now holds over 20,000 exhibits spread over 36 galleries - from Egyptian mummies to the colossal skeleton of a Tyrannosaurus Rex.
- The Stand in York Place - A basement club where up-and-coming comedy stars wisecrack and improvise.
- The Edinburgh Playhouse and Festival Theatre show a diverse selection of hit musicals and riveting stage dramas
- The Jam House – A legendary jazz venue - whether it’s laid-back, retro or modern.
Eating and drinking in Edinburgh
Eating and drinking in Edinburgh
- The Grassmarket – located just below the Royal Mile, this is the place to go for alfresco summer dining or a cosy winter pint.
- Rose Street – Just behind Princes Street, you’ll find plenty of traditional pubs. Why not sample the vast whisky selection at Robertson’s 37?
- The Kitchin – located on the Leith waterfront, this Michelin-starred restaurant exemplifies Edinburgh’s revitalised dining scene.
- The Elephant House – Harry Potter fans shouldn’t miss the café where JK Rowling penned many of her stories as a penniless Muggle.
Shopping in Edinburgh
Shopping in Edinburgh
As you’d expect from any capital city, Edinburgh offers everything from the chic and pricey to the oddball and eccentric.
- Bruntsfield and St. Andrews Square - Aspiring fashionistas should head here for specialist boutiques and stores packed with top-end brands - from Gucci to Stella McCartney.
- The Square - Dominated by a 5-storey Harvey Nichols - the first to be built in Scotland.
- Stockbridge – If your tastes are more ‘indie’ and vintage, visit here for a quirky mix of original stores and second-hand market stalls.
Things to do in Edinburgh
Things to do in Edinburgh
There’s so much to do when staying at a hotel in Edinburgh - a city that lends itself to exploration. It’s divided up into old and new towns, with the beautiful Princes Street Gardens separating the two. From epic vistas to quirky little nooks, there’s something to delight at every turn.
- Edinburgh Castle – Formerly a military stronghold and a royal residence, the brooding castle has played a crucial part in Scottish history from its position perched high upon a volcanic crag.
- Royal Yacht Britannia – After being decommissioned in 1997, the Queen’s floating residence is now permanently moored a short journey from the city centre. Open to visitors, it offers an intriguing insight into the life of the royal family.
- Holyrood Park and Calton Hill – The spectacular cityscape is beat viewed from above. Holyrood Park is an expanse of authentic craggy moorland in the city. Calton Hill is recognisable by its popular Parthenon-inspired landmark and other classical monuments