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Frommer's Favorite Experiences
Visiting a Pub: In Edinburgh, there are a good number of traditional British pubs, many of which serve hand-pulled, cask-conditioned ales made in Scotland and England. Glasgow's scene is overall more modern, with several so-called "style" bars. As the evening wanes and you've established common ground with the locals (easier done in Glasgow than Edinburgh), you'll realize you're having one of your most authentic Scottish experiences.
Experiencing Edinburgh's Famous Festival: The Edinburgh Festival is one of Europe's (if not the world's) most prestigious annual cultural events. In fact, it encompasses several "festivals" at once. The International Festival is primarily devoted to classical music and dance, while the so-called Fringe hosts the most acts and draws the largest audiences to hundreds of stages with music, drama, comedians, and other entertainers. Furthermore a huge international book festival occurs simultaneously, while smaller jazz and TV festivals compete at the edges. If you're planning to visit Edinburgh in August, make your hotel reservations early.
Savoring the Cuisine: No, I'm not joking. Fresh fish and seafood harvested from Scotland's icy lochs and seas are world-class. Then there are lamb and Aberdeen Angus beef. If you believe the food in Scotland is rotten, you've not been there in some time. It has made leaps and bounds in improving the reputation of its cuisine.
Enjoying Art Galleries & Museums: Edinburgh is the home to the National Galleries of Scotland, and the country's collection (held in five different buildings) ranges from Renaissance painting to pop art. Meanwhile, Glasgow has one of the best municipal holdings of art in Europe. The crowning glory for many critics is the Burrell Collection, a host of art and artifacts bequeathed to the city by an industrialist, but the Victorian Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum has the soul of the city's collection.
Playing Golf: Sure, most people think only of St. Andrews, which frequently hosts the Open in Britain. But both Edinburgh and Glasgow (and the regions nearby) have fine courses. The birthplace of the sport's rules is Edinburgh, and its historic short course, Bruntsfield Links, can be played during summer for free -- and all you need is a ball, pitching wedge, and putter.
Strolling in Parks or Gardens: In the capital, you have the option of the splendid Royal Botanic Gardens, Holyrood Park, and Arthur's Seat, the Meadows, or Calton Hill. Glasgow (which many believe means "Dear Green Place") has a host of options from Glasgow Green along the River Clyde to Kelvingrove Park in the salubrious West End.
Shopping: Glasgow has become the second biggest shopping playground in Britain after London. And, as no self-respecting city likes to be upstaged when it comes to retail therapy, Edinburgh is giving chase. There is a combination of posh department stores, such as Harvey Nichols; old favorites, such as the House of Fraser or Jenners; and plenty of trendy designer shops.
Exploring Ancient Edinburgh: Take a wander down one of the many narrow lanes off the Royal Mile in the city's Old Town to begin to get a sense of what Medieval Edinburgh was like. In addition to exploring on your own, my walking tours should help to heighten the experience.
Contemplating the City and Environs from up High. At 250m (823 ft.), Arthur's Seat is presumably the best -- unless you want your panorama to include Arthur's Seat, in which case you might prefer Castle Hill. But then you will miss the castle. Calton Hill affords views of all. And if you are not up for climbing, take the elevator in the Museum of Scotland, which has an observation deck atop its magnificent modern building.
Downing a Pint in an Edinburgh Pub. Whether sampling a pint of real ale -- look for Dark Island from Orkney and the local Deuchars IPA -- or a dram of whiskey (peaty island Laphroaig or smooth Highland Dalwhinnie), Edinburgh has numerous traditional pubs. My favorites include the Bow Bar, Café Royal Circle Bar, and, for something a bit more hip, Black Bo's.
Visiting the Royal Botanic Garden and National Galleries. The garden is not just for plant lovers (although that helps). There are paths and paths to stroll amid a variety of foliage and settings: from redwoods in a miniforest to rock gardens with a waterfall. The art collections of the National Gallery are split between different museums, and while the size of them is not exceptional, some of the works hanging in them are.
Strolling in Old Town or New Town. Take your pick of these two central and historically preserved districts, and don't be afraid to get off the beaten track of their main roads and boulevards. Explore a few of the many cobbled side streets and alleyways for a feel of the real Edinburgh. Get a little lost. The city center is not so large that you'll go very far astray.
Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without
notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before
planning your trip.
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