Edinburgh, Scotland: Why Go Now

Home to world-class, luxury accommodation, designer shopping, five star cuisine and exclusive entertainment, Edinburgh promises the quintessential experience.

ACCOMMODATION

Edinburgh boasts an assortment of first class places to stay for the astute traveller. Missoni, one of the world's greatest fashion houses opened its doors to the world's first Missoni hotel in 2009. Urban and classical the hotel uses the pallet of black and white with vivid injections of colour. Keep an eye out for the doormen who wear specially made kilts with the Missoni stripe incorporated.

For those Harry Potter fans amongst us a stay at the luxury 5 Star Balmoral Hotel on Princes Street is a necessity. Author J.K Rowling wrote the final book Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows in this very hotel leaving a signed statement saying “JK Rowling finished writing Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows in this room (652) on 11th Jan 2007” on a marble bust of Hermes! As you wonder around the City it becomes apparent where the inspiration for the Gothic Architecture of Hogwarts School came from. Make sure you pay a visit to The Elephant House café where J.K Rowling sat writing much of her early novels in the back room overlooking Edinburgh Castle.

CULINARY DELIGHTS

Edinburgh's restaurants are teaming with a vast and diverse array of locally sourced produce from Scotland's natural larder. With more eateries per head of population than any other UK city and something to suit every taste bud, visitors are certainly spoilt for choice. Edinburgh also holds the most Michelin Star restaurants in the UK outside of London, with innovative and award-winning celebrity chefs such as Martin Wishart & Tom Kitchin.

In June of this summer, Martin Wishart, voted ‘UK Chef of the Year' by the AA awards, will open the doors to his new bistro ‘Brasserie' offering European and Scottish classics such as potted crab, oysters and Scotch Beef. Wishart said “We are not seeking awards; we are looking for great food – a European style of brasserie”.

Oloroso - best restaurant & bar in Edinburgh

SHOPPING MECCA

With everything from exclusive boutiques such as Pam Jenkins – last year voted by Vogue as one of Britain's Best Boutiques - to high-end designer stores such as Harvey Nichols, Edinburgh offers an unparalleled adventure into the world of couture.

The famous Thistle Street, discreetly located in the New Town, behind George Street, is home to some of the finest boutique shops in the world. A shopper's paradise, where the discerning shopper will discover contemporary apparel, fine art, jewellery and unique accessories. Those wishing to rediscover their Scottish roots should make a trip to 21st Century kilts, a contemporary kilt shop for the fashion forward. Bringing the Scottish traditional costume into the modern day, 21st Century Kilts offers a personal, made to measure service and will ship your finished garment anywhere in the world.

SPA CENTRAL

A luxury trip to Edinburgh would not be complete without a visit to the exclusive Sheraton One Spa. The rooftop Hydropool affords incomparable views of the City. A perfect opportunity to rebalance and revive the body after a busy day of sightseeing, the stainless steel pool incorporates a variety of body jets providing mineral rich waters at the optimal temperature for the ultimate in relaxation.
Recently voted Scotland's top Day Spa the Balmoral Hotel also boasts an exclusive sanctuary in the heart of the City. The Balmoral's highly trained therapists will to take you on a journey of relaxation and rejuvenation. Make sure to try the Turkish steam room for the ultimate escapism.

CULTURAL HAVEN

Rich in arts, theatre, film, music and literature Edinburgh attracts a host of celebrities from around the world to its many world famous summer festivals. Awarded the UNESCO city of literature a visit to the City should definitely incorporate the literary pub tour. A multi award-winning tour that takes you on a hilarious journey through 300 years of Edinburgh's literature. Lead by a comedy duo, you not only get to visit many of the historic drinking establishments but you learn a little on along the way.

Of course, no summer jaunt to the city would be complete without taking in some of the many performances at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. Every year thousands of performers from across the Globe take to a multitude of stages across the city. With everything from intimate operas to large scale dance shows it is a true celebration of everything arts and entertainments.

Edinburgh Castle

HISTORY

Shaped by 2 million years of glacial and volcanic activity the city emerged 350 million years ago. The iconic Edinburgh Castle sits atop the volcanic crag and tail geological feature ‘Castle Rock'. Humans have settled from at least the Bronze Age and Edinburgh has been home to Hallstaltt, Celts, Picts and Romans. Today Edinburgh is the seat of the Scottish Parliament and listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Voted the second best UK destination, just pipped to the post by London, a trip to the UK would not be complete without a visit to the Scottish Capital City of Edinburgh.

For more information on the city go to www.thisismyedinburgh.com.