Contemplating the City and Environs from on 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 Deuchar's IPA -- or a dram of whisky (peaty island Laphroaig or smooth Highland Dalwhinnie), Edinburgh has numerous traditional pubs. Our 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 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 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.
