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Edinburgh

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What's on in Edinburgh

July/August/September

With seven consecutive festivals, there's always something exciting on in Edinburgh this summer. The main Edinburgh Festival runs from 8-31 August, covering dance, theatre, opera and music. The comedy, book and television festivals follow, which the famous Edinburgh Tattoo lights up the Castle from 1-23 August. To find out what's going on, visit edinburgh-festivals.com, which lists all the main events, or pick up a local newspaper. If it's a hot show you're after, then head to the main ticket office, just outside Waverley Station and Princes Street's mall.

Edinburgh Festival, citywide

8-31 August 08
Alongside the Fringe, enjoy: Foodies at the Festival, a gourmet market on Festival Square (23 & 24 August); The Edge music festival, featuring Scouting for Girls, Maximo Park and many others at various venues (1-27 August); and the Military Tattoo in the Castle grounds (1-23 August).

Scotland: A Changing Nation, National Museum of Scotland

11 July onwards
The National Museum of Scotland is celebrating the opening of a new permanent gallery that celebrates the lives of ordinary and extraordinary Scots. Scotland: A Changing Nation explores five different themes affecting life in SCotland, offering a thought-provoking glimpse into the country's social history.

Vanity Fair Portraits: Photographs 1913-2008, Scottish National Portrait Gallery

14 June - 21 September 08
Major summer exhibition of the greatest portrait photographs of the 20th century from the iconic magazine.

5 things to see and do in Edinburgh from...

Edinburgh Castle

The views alone from the ramparts are worth it. Inside, discover Edinburgh's oldest building, St. Margaret's Chapel and see the Honours (Crown Jewels) of Scotland, the Stone of Destiny and more.
Edinburgh Festival

The world's largest arts festival with endless events to choose from. There's also the Fringe for some of the best comedy on the planet. The Military Tattoo, Film Festival and Book Festival are all part of it.
Multrees Walk

Next to Harvey Nichols, Edinburgh’s designer boulevard is also great for wining and dining, at Valvona & Crolla’s Vincaffe, or the Fourth Floor in Harvey Nichols offers cocktails and stunning views across the city.
National Galleries of Scotland

A spectacular gallery enjoying pride of place in Edinburgh since 1859. Presents Scotland's finest display of European art, ranging from the Renaissance period to the Post-Impressionists.
Our Dynamic Earth

A state-of-the-art natural history museum housed in a spectacular tent-like structure designed by the high-tech architect Sir Michael Hopkins.
A wonderfully fun and thought provoking hands-on experience for all.

More information on things to do in Edinburgh

Near the station

Jenners – 48 Princes Street, EH2 2YJ

Housed in one of the few Victorian buildings remaining on Princes Street, Jenners department store offers fine shopping for all. Good for a variety of souvenirs you won’t find anywhere else.

Xile Directional – 3-22 Princes Mall, EH1 1BQ

Presents a constantly evolving brand mix that’s perfect for customers preferring classic designs with a twist.

The Nutcracker Christmas Shop – 52 High Street, The Royal Mile, EH1 1TB

Open all year and ideal for the ultimate Christmas experience, this specialist shop is crammed with festive decorations and is Scotland’s only stockist of Steinbach Nutcrackers.

The Stockbridge Restaurant – 54 St Stephen Street, EH3 5AL

Serving Modern European food and with a sophisticated, intimate atmosphere, this restaurant is highly rated by the critics.

Always Sunday – 170 High Street, EH1 1QS

The name is an invitation to chill. Described as a ‘sunny refreshing experience in the heart of Edinburgh’s old town’, this is the place to enjoy laid back food and drink in a friendly atmosphere.

Le Sept – 5 Hunter Square, EH1 1QW

Seventh heaven, the seventh wonder of the world or one of the seven deadly sins? You make your own mind up when you visit this charming French bistro that beautifully recreates the café culture atmosphere.

The Scotsman’s Lounge – 73 Cockburn Street, EH1 1BU

A modest exterior disguises a large pub that’s all about atmosphere – and bagpipes! Be warned – you may become so absorbed, you could end up leaving later than you’d planned.

Ecco Vino – 19 Cockburn Street, EH1 1BP

A wine bar with lovely neo-Italian décor, providing a relaxed atmosphere for enjoying a glass of wine from an extensive list. Dip into a selection of traditional antipasti if the fancy takes you.

The Bollinger Bar at Palm Court – The Balmoral, 1 Princes Street, EH2 2EQ

Fancy a taste of the finer things in life? Meet with friends at the Bollinger Bar for afternoon tea or to sample the extensive range of single malt whiskies, vintage champagne and innovative cocktails.

City Sightseeing – Waverley Bridge

Get a ticket to ride for a one hour tour on an open top bus. Then, if you’ve got longer than an hour, once you’ve seen the sights the ticket will get you discounts at museums and other places of interest.

Princes Street

No trip to Edinburgh is complete without a stroll along Edinburgh’s most scenic, busiest and popular street. A panorama of monuments, buildings, gardens and of course the castle lies before you as you make your way along its half mile length.

The Real Mary King’s Close – 2 Warriston’s Close, EH1 1PG

Edinburgh’s deepest secret lies hidden beneath the Royal Mile. The Real Mary King’s Close is a warren of hidden closes where people lived, worked and died in the 16th and 17th centuries. You can now relive the sights, sounds and even the smells of a street time forgot.

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