Mentioned by Edinburgh 4 days itinerary
4 Day Edinburgh Itinerary For First-Time Visitors
"St Andrews is a town steeped in history and most notably its historic buildings. One of the oldest pieces of architecture in St Andrews is the Cathedral. You can find out more information about what to find here by visiting our History of the Castle and Cathedral Page."
"is perhaps St Andrews’ most dramatic and picturesque place to eat. Located on the edge of a high bank with the sea foaming just below, the restaurant affords spectacular views of the Scottish coastline, thanks to the floor-to-ceiling windows which make up its four walls. The interior is fresh and modern, with white tablecloths and contemporary furniture providing a calming contrast to the awe-inspiring views outside."
"To start with the cool modern building, with its huge panoramic windows, gives you a fabulous view of the sea and West Sands beyond. Then there is the food – only the best locally sourced ingredients are used including lobsters from Anstruther, scallops from Orkney and sea trout from Loch Etive. All with an Italian twist, the result is simply out of this world."
"This ruined medieval castle was built in the 14th century and gradually added to over the centuries until it fell into disrepair in the 1700s. Mary, Queen of Scots recuperated here after an illness following the birth of her son, James VI, who would later become James I of Great Britain after the Union of the Crowns. The structure is a fascinating example of a medieval castle and much of it still stands, including the tower house and the defensive walls."
"The rocky peak of Arthur’s Seat (251m), carved by ice sheets from the deeply eroded stump of a long-extinct volcano, is a distinctive feature of Edinburgh’s skyline. The view from the summit is well worth the walk, extending from the Forth bridges in the west to the distant conical hill of North Berwick Law in the east, with the Ochil Hills and the Highlands on the northwestern horizon. You can hike from Holyrood to the summit in around 45 minutes."
"With incredible views onto Edinburgh and beyond (as well as a great, yet fun, workout) I highly recommend a hike up Arthur’s Seat for any first time visitor to the city. Although legends of King Arthur are never far away when it comes to Gaelic and Celtic countries, in this case, the extinct volcano that is Arthur’s Seat won its name in a different way."
"The University of St Andrews is the oldest of the four ancient universities of Scotland and, following Oxford and Cambridge universities, the third oldest university in the English-speaking world. In the medieval period, Scottish students were forced to pursue their studies abroad. By 1410, most had been forced to Paris from Oxford and Cambridge due to the outbreak of War with England."
"Facing Anstruther Harbor, the Scottish Fisheries Museum is inside a colorful cluster of buildings, the earliest of which dates from the…"
"This expertly furnished hotel comes with delightful Scottish sea views and state-of-the-art touches like designer toiletries, bespoke hand-made sleigh beds, Nespresso machines and super-luxe fluffy bathrobes. The playful wallpaper of life’s little pleasures like books and old-school suitcases shows that no expenses have been spared – and the same goes for the food and wine. Whether you’re there for a golfing extravaganza, pampered weekend getaway or uni visit, let Hotel du Vin supply that extra dose of sparkle."
"Part of a boutique chain with an emphasis on epicureanism, the Hotel Du Vin provides a glamorous yet contemporary place to stay, right in the heart of the city. Just 36 rooms and suites give this Victorian-built hotel a more intimate flair. Each comes with its own custom-built bed with Egyptian cotton sheets, a Lavazza coffee machine, a rainfall shower or rolltop bath and Miller Harris toiletries."
"Aimed at children under five, this play cafe offers a fun, stimulating environment for little ones and friendly, relaxed atmosphere for parents. The cafe is the brainchild of a busy mum who knows all too well how stressful a simple cup of coffee can be when you have a lively youngster!. The large, bright play area space and fantastic selection of traditional toys will leave you safe in the knowledge your child is happy, so you can truly relax with free wifi and coffee on tap."
"The rocky peak of Arthur’s Seat (251m), carved by ice sheets from the deeply eroded stump of a long-extinct volcano, is a distinctive feature of Edinburgh’s skyline. The view from the summit is well worth the walk, extending from the Forth bridges in the west to the distant conical hill of North Berwick Law in the east, with the Ochil Hills and the Highlands on the northwestern horizon. You can hike from Holyrood to the summit in around 45 minutes."
"With incredible views onto Edinburgh and beyond (as well as a great, yet fun, workout) I highly recommend a hike up Arthur’s Seat for any first time visitor to the city. Although legends of King Arthur are never far away when it comes to Gaelic and Celtic countries, in this case, the extinct volcano that is Arthur’s Seat won its name in a different way."
"Built to commemorate four men who were executed in St Andrews during the 16th Century Scottish Reformation, Martyrs’ Monument has become one of the town’s most intriguing and iconic historic landmarks. The monument still stands tall and, as a beacon of religious freedom and tremendous courage, is a frequently visited landmark in Scotland. Along with St Salvators Chapel, which is said to have the face of Hamilton burnt into its walls, Martyrs’ Monument brings alive the rich history of St Andrews and its key involvement in the Scottish Reformation."
"Castle Sands is a small sandy beach that sits below the castle walls. The beach has some rock formations when the tide is out. The beach has an old tidal pool known as “Castle Pool” that is popular."
"If you arrive at Leith Links and feel like you’re on a golf course, you’re not wrong. Originally designed as a golf course, the Leith Links has evolved into a strong community hub, with much of the flora planted and maintained by local community groups. It’s a popular spot for dogs to run and play, so bring your own."