Friends visiting Edinburgh - any "must sees"?

**Rob, ClanMacMillan, NM** · 19th July 11, 11:25 AM

Greetings.
Some friends of mine are traveling on a cruise around the British Isles - which I believe will include a couple days in Edinburgh. This will be their first visit to Scotland. Are there any "must sees" they should try to do? I know they're going to the Tattoo and will be wandering up/down the Royal Mile - so anything not too far from there (time or distance, depending) would be nice for them.
Thanks much!
Rob

**Jock Scot** · 19th July 11, 11:33 AM

OK, seeing that the Tattoo option has gone, my one suggestion is :The National Portrait Gallery of Scotland(Queens St.).

**Phil** · 20th July 11, 12:38 AM

Originally Posted by Jock Scot

OK, seeing that the Tattoo option has gone, my one suggestion is :The National Portrait Gallery of Scotland(Queens St.).

It must be a while since you were in Edinburgh, Jock. The portrait gallery has been closed for refurbishment for ages now. I believe it re-opens in November.
As someone who lives in Edinburgh I am probably the last person to advise a visitor on "must sees" but can offer a few suggestions depending on the kind of thing your friends like. Some people want to "shop till they drop" whereas others are fascinated by historical places and buildings. Then there are those who can spend all day in museums but a good, all-round, option would be to do one of the hop-on/hop-off bus tours that take you around all the touristy hot spots and give a commentary about them. The buses can be picked up at their stances opposite Waverley Station in the centre of Edinburgh or at any of the bus stops on their route which are marked for them.

**Jock Scot** · 20th July 11, 01:01 AM

Originally Posted by Phil

It must be a while since you were in Edinburgh, Jock. The portrait gallery has been closed for refurbishment for ages now. I believe it re-opens in November.
As someone who lives in Edinburgh I am probably the last person to advise a visitor on "must sees" but can offer a few suggestions depending on the kind of thing your friends like. Some people want to "shop till they drop" whereas others are fascinated by historical places and buildings. Then there are those who can spend all day in museums but a good, all-round, option would be to do one of the hop-on/hop-off bus tours that take you around all the touristy hot spots and give a commentary about them. The buses can be picked up at their stances opposite Waverley Station in the centre of Edinburgh or at any of the bus stops on their route which are marked for them.

Well yes, it must be two years, or more, I suppose. Well done for pointing that out Phil.

**creagdhubh** · 20th July 11, 08:59 AM

Originally Posted by Jock Scot

OK, seeing that the Tattoo option has gone, my one suggestion is :The National Portrait Gallery of Scotland(Queens St.).

AYE!!! I completely agree Jock. Definitely a 'must see', whilst in Edinburgh.

**Baldybrown** · 19th July 11, 11:38 AM

Don't miss the Royal Mile! Tour the castle, visit the woolen mill, soak in the awe of the Cathedral, Have lunch at the Whiskey Museum Restaurant, and while you're at it visit the Writers Museum and the Scottish National Museum. After that walk down the hill to Grassmarket Street and check out the second-hand stores. (You might find an antique kilt) The Brittania is moored close to your ship, also worth a look. Edinburgh is a city that can't be seen in just a couple of days, but you'll see enough to experience the flavor and I guarantee you'll want to go back!

**MacRobert's Reply** · 19th July 11, 12:34 PM

Jock and Baldy have provided an excellent itinerary for Edinburgh. If your friends' ship is to anchor off the Hawes Pier at South Queensferry (as most cruise ships do) and if you PM me with dates I may be able to meet them with some information on events.

For used highland dress, try the wee shop just opposite the Hawes Pier. It generally has better stock and at better prices that Edinburgh.

**Rob, ClanMacMillan, NM** · 19th July 11, 02:41 PM

Thank you very much!

I will forward your input to them - or probably point them to here - or both. Maybe they'll join

. I don't think he has a kilt (yet) but they did have a Scottish-themed wedding. I kilted up for it, of course.

Thanks again!

Rob

**cessna152towser** · 19th July 11, 02:57 PM

My first thoughts on the matter, why Edinburgh, there are lots of nicer places to visit in Scotland, in my opinion Edinburgh is too touristy, its a shame they don't have more time ashore to visit the Highlands, Glasgow, the Clyde Coast, the Southern Uplands etc.
However, given that their visit is going to be restricted to the Edinburgh area, I'd go along with suggestions already made, The Royal Mile, the Royal Yacht Britannia at Leith and of course Scotia Kilts shop opposite Hawes Pier! If time permits, it is only a half hour train ride along the coast to North Berwick where they can view the wild birds on the offshore islands through CCTV, or climb North Berwick Law, or visit Tantallon Castle.