Edinburgh is a beautiful city located in the North East of Scotland with easy access to the sea. This city with beautiful architecture, a diverse range of activities and the location where Scottish parliament is held is a must see. Edinburgh has the benefit of being close to beautiful beaches, rolling countryside with diverse terrain from forests, craggy land and hillsides a short drive away. The city is centre of culture and bustle with street front cafes, museums and beautiful architecture to behold. A car would be the most appropriate thing to rent in somewhere like Scotland with so much to do and see in the city, but so much beautiful outlying countryside that you would be a fool to miss out on. Car hire is available directly from Edinburgh airport that has frequent domestic flights within the UK which then allows access outside of the UK. There are a number of car hire companies offering a range makes and models of cars for hire at a range of budgets and drop off points.
Edinburgh Airport information
Edinburgh Airport (EDI) is the busiest airport in Scotland and the main gateway into the country. Located approximately 9km outside of the city, it deals with about 9 million passengers per year. It’s composed of a main terminal building over two floors. A large number of shops are located in both departures and arrivals. World Duty Free can be found in the departures area. Food outlets range from fast food joints and cafes to sit down restaurants and can be found throughout the terminal. ATMs are located after the security check in.
A BMI, British Airways, Flybe and Servisair Lounge are based after security. Spectrum Interactive is an area in which passengers can access the Internet and the Airport Gallery is a fantastic place in which to relax and look at Scotland’s artistic talent. For lost property there’s an office available in arrivals. The Hilton Edinburgh Airport Hotel is located a 2 minute shuttle bus ride from the terminal building. cheap car hire in Edinburgh can be booked from the airport.
Places to visit around Edinburgh
Edinburgh Castle is the most popular tourist attraction in Scotland, let alone Edinburgh. Constructed on top of an extinct volcano, the castle was built in 1AD. As well as affording stunning views from the battlements, the castle is home to Mons Meg, the Crown Jewels of Scotland, and the Stone of Destiny. From here you can wander east down the Royal Mile to the Palace of Holyroodhouse. Dating back to the early 12th century, Holyroodhouse remains the official residence of Scotland’s royalty. car hire in Edinburgh is an easier way to explore the major landmarks
Edinburgh’s cultural centers provide a fantastic insight into the heritage of the whole country. The National Museum of Scotland contains exhibitions which take you through Scotland’s history, from its earliest settlers through today. The Royal Yacht Britannia is Edinburgh’s floating museum and visitors can explore the entire vessel, from the decks to the Queen’s boudoir. However, Edinburgh also gives you the chance of stepping even further back in time: Our Dynamic Earth uses high tech effects to show visitors how the world began.
Art lovers have a choice of two particularly fine venues: the National Gallery of Scotland and the Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art. The former contains pieces dating back to the Renaissance, while the latter features artists from the 20th century onwards. The Writers’ Museum is another must see. Scotland has been the birthplace of some of Britain’s best writers and this museum is dedicated to three of them: Robert Louis Stevenson, Robert Burns and Sir Walter Scott. Scotland’s culture does not stop at its architectural and artistic brilliance. The Scotch Whisky Experience provides a whole new sensory perspective of the city. The tour provides a fantastic insight into the production of this fine spirit. Then, after your tipple, you can clear your head in the magnificent Royal Botanic Garden. Spanning out over 78 acres, the garden is home to a number of unique flora.
Edinburgh is also celebrated for the number of world class festivals it has to offer throughout the year. The most well-known is the Edinburgh Festival, which includes the Edinburgh International Festival and Edinburgh Fringe. Both of these incorporate a wide variety of performances from street theater and contemporary dance to visual arts and opera. Hogmanay is another popular celebration and thousands of people come from across the globe to bring in the New Year.
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