[MikeLXXXVIII]

Even if its still a little while until the trip happens, its good to be sure about many things beforehand.
At least I know one of us AG members are from Edinburgh so spit out the goods! and other Scotland knowledgable people!

What to see, what to do... anything!

David Hume for the celebration!

[Melanie68]

Oh, Lucien? Where art thou?

Hopefully he'll pop in.

[Lucien21]

I guess I suppose it depends what you are into and how long you are here.

Promotional Plug for my Employers --- You can do the obvious and visit Edinburgh Castle http://www.edinburghcastle.gov.uk/ or visit Holyrood Palace (Queens official residence) at the bottom of the Royal Mile (runs from the Castle Esplanade to the Palace and is full ot tourist shops etc

There is plenty of museums and art galleries (never been in them) - City Art Centre, Portrait Gallary, Scottish Gallery of modern art, The National Museum of Scotland (http://www.nms.ac.uk/)

You could go an a ghost walk, history tour or visit the underground vaults http://www.mercattours.com/home.asp

You could go to Dynamic Earth http://www.dynamicearth.co.uk/ which is next to the parliment building and the palace.

There's Edinburgh Dungeon http://www.edinburghdungeonguide.com/

The Royal Yacht http://www.royalyachtbritannia.co.uk/

Try some Whisky at the new Whisky tour http://www.whisky-heritage.co.uk/

I would recommend if your gonna do the touristy thing that you get an Edinburgh Pass as it will save you some cash. http://www.edinburgh.org/pass/

Of course there is a ton of other stuff like theatres (Better in the Festival - August time), Pubs, clubs, shops, Roadworks due to the new Tram system that is being built, Churches, restaurants, etc etc etc

What kinda things are you looking for?

[SSH]

Come to Queensferry and see the historic Forth bridge, and drink in the Hawes Inn, as mentioned in Robert Louis Stevenson's Kidnapped.

Walk along the Water of Leith, Union Canal or River Almond

Go to The Mound and see the historic headquarters of the company that helped bring the British economy to its knees, the Bank of Scotland. Its also the historic location of where I proposed to my wife under the New Year fireworks...

The Falkirk Wheel nearby is a marvel of engineering: the world's first and only rotating boat lift

Bo'ness steam railway and clay mine is fun if you like old trains and/or mines

The ancient sport of chav-baiting in Wester Hailes

Climbing Arthur's Seat gives great views over the city, the Forth river and the surrounding area

[MikeLXXXVIII]

Thanks! that was overwhelming!
Well I am very into cultural, traditional, historical stuff so museum recomendations are good but I might have a tiny problem as my friend isn't so eager on such. I suppose he would like to go to some pub since he drinks.

Nature is definetly a softspot for me if there are nice walks or tours around (most important). Instrument shops are always good to go! Would be nice with indie videogame shops where you find maybe nice discounts on old and niche?
I suppose record shops too since I am into several scottish bands...
Second Hand shops I am into too!

Will be staying at this place
http://www.budgetbackpackers.com/
What makes it extra convenient is the fact that you have access to your own kitchen so would like any supermarket recomendations that have a good variety of food/fresh goods

Oh yeah I will be staying for 3 whole days you can say since on the arrival day it will be evening so not that much to do. The trip will be between 15 - 18 of June.

[SSH]

So what you need is museums next to pubs? There's plenty of good drinking establishments all over Edinburgh: that shouldn't be a problem! For example, the museum of Scotland is right near George IV bridge which has loads of pubs and the Elephant House, one of Edinburgh's best coffee places.

Which reminds me: you might want to visit one of those coffee shops where JK Rowling wrote the early Harry Potter books.

[MikeLXXXVIII]

Haha museums next to pubs maybe that one can work it out .

Well I don't drink coffee so unfortunately I don't think id enjoy any coffees but thanks for the tip.

[Lucien21]

The National Museum of Scotland is right at the top of the hill from where you are staying (as is Greyfriers Bobby)

There is plenty of pubs around there - Three Sisters is just under the bridge and along the Cowgate. There is an Aussie theme pub next door to the hostel and Frankentsteins on George the IV Bridge at the top of the hill.

Also Try walking around in Google Street view to get a feel for the area.

http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&sour...UTF8&cd=1&z=15

Drag the little Orange Man to the A.

My Fav Sci-Fi bookshop Transreal Fiction just across from hotel

[MikeLXXXVIII]

Awesome! will have a look! was planning to use google maps for directions to the places I was planning to see as its very accurate. Interesting how the place is displayed at 3 places !