Adventure in Edinburgh

Edinburgh, Scotland is a lush, beautiful land with a majestic history and exciting culture. If you are seeking a European vacation or weekend getaway filled with a wide variety of sites, shops, activities and events, then the capital of Scotland is one of the best deals. Vacations in Edinburgh are among the most popular in the world, especially in the peak seasons during their summer Edinburgh International Festival and winter Edinburgh Hogmanay. There are many reasonably priced Bed and Breakfast lodgings as well as hotels and hostels located on various streets near the famed Edinburgh Castle, and transportation is not a problem; the train station is within walking distance of most tourist attractions with buses across the city running regularly. For more knowledge on getting around once you're there, you can visit the tourist information center to find out about car rentals, hotel rentals, and travel packages to various parts of the area as well as other modes of transportation.

Once you decide on where to stay and what airlines offer the hottest vacation packages or flight deals, there's only the matter of what to do once you arrive. There's no shortage of variety in Edinburgh! Some good bets for the new traveler and frequent-flyer alike:

• Edinburgh Castle: This gem of Scottish heritage is one of the most famous tourist attractions in the world. Learn about the history of Scotland's Crown Jewels, the Stone of Destiny, the Mons Meg cannon, and the eighteenth and nineteenth century Prisoners of War. You can book group tours (well in advance) or you can visit during the castle's regular tourist hours. Open all year long. A must see on your visit to Scotland.
• Sir Walter Scott Monument: Built in honor of the legendary author and national figure, the monument is located on Princes Street Gardens, surrounded by beautiful architecture.
• Camera Obscura and World of Illusions: A panoramic view of the city from the rooftop. Free telescopes are available. There's also a Magic Gallery where you can discover some of the illusions of perception. A fun romp for the whole family.
• Edinburgh Dungeon: Experience the dark side of Scotland through a tour and interaction with actors. Horrific and at times humorous, this journey is a great way to spend some time learning about the underbelly of the country's history. Not suitable for children or the faint-at-heart.
• City of the Dead Tour: Take a ghostly tour replete with historical information delivered by actors and storytellers. Not for the kiddies.
• Celtic Trails: Full and half-day tours to ancient sites in the city. The tour guides are knowledgeable and provide tourists with notes as well.
• Edinburgh Hogmanay: A wonderful four-day celebration going into the New Year. Features all types of activities, rides, and concerts. The highlight of the New Year's Eve/New Year night is the free street festival. Reserve a spot at the street festival early with free tickets! If you miss that chance, many accommodations in the area provide tickets for their guests.
• Edinburgh International Festival: A world-famous gathering of the arts. Held in August, this festival is so popular that you must book your travel plans well in advance.
• Skydiving, hang gliding, water skiing and other extreme sports: A place of unabashed adventure, Scotland also features some of the best extreme sports; there are many well-trained guides in Edinburgh that can help you in whatever activity you choose. Check with the tourism information offices for companies and prices. Warning: Not for the faint-at-heart or those with serious health problems.

So you've satisfied your hunger for adventure and sightseeing for a day, now it's time to satisfy the hunger in your belly! These restaurants cater to locals and tourists alike. Like many countries, Scotland is home to many different ethnic groups that infuse the locale with diversity. This can also be seen in the varied styles and traditional foods available at numerous restaurants. Some of the favorites to visit in Edinburgh:

• Bangalore Tandoori Restaurant: Indian cuisine that features foods for both vegetarians and non-vegetarians alike. The eatery opened its doors in 1984 and ever since has provided tourists and locals with a unique dining experience. Close to all the action, this is an easily accessible place. 52 Home Street, Edinburgh.
• Cosmo Restaurant: Traditional Italian food. Open for over 30 years, this restaurant offers gourmet and home-style entrees cooked with the finest, freshest Scottish and Italian produce. 58a North Castle Street, Edinburgh.
• Dragon Way Restaurant: Peking and Cantonese cuisine. They serve a wide range of dishes and even provide services for those that are looking to catch a quick meal before a theatre outing. 74-78 South Clerk Street, Edinburgh.
• Frankenstein's Pub: A show and dining experience in one. You can view a "live" Frankenstein's Monster while you eat and drink to your heart's content. Open til late, a variety of beverages and food. 26 George IV Bridge, Edinburgh.
• The Tower Restaurant and Terrace: This restaurant offers amazing views of Edinburgh's city skyline and the Edinburgh Castle. Located at the Museum of Scotland Building, it serves gourmet Scottish food and a large variety of wines. Museum of Scotland, Chambers Street, Edinburgh.

The lists of things to do and see in Edinburgh are enormous and no matter what your tastes there's no shortage of events and activities to experience!

Edinburgh Quick Tidbits:

• Capital of Scotland since about the fifteenth century.
• Population is about 500,000.
• Currency is in Pounds.