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Frommer's Favorite Experiences
Visiting a Pub: In Edinburgh, there are a good number of more traditional pubs, many of which serve hand-pulled, cask-conditioned ales made in Scotland and England. Glasgow's scene is more modern, with several so-called "style" bars as well as the more traditional pubs. As the evening wanes and you've established common ground with the locals, you'll realize you're having one of your most authentic Scottish experiences.
Experiencing Edinburgh's Famous Festival: The Edinburgh Festival has become one of world's most prestigious annual cultural events. In fact, it encompasses several "festivals" at once. While the International Festival is primarily devoted to classical music and dance, it's the Fringe that really draws people. There are hundreds of stages with music, drama, comedians, and other entertainers. Plus book, film, and jazz festivals take place between the end of July and the first of September. If you're planning to sample the many offerings, make your hotel and flight reservations early.
Savoring the Cuisine: No, we're not joking. Fresh fish and seafood harvested from Scotland's icy lochs and seas is world-class. Then there is lamb and Aberdeen Angus beef. If you think the food in Scotland is rotten, you've not been there in some time. Scotland, like Britain as a whole, has made leaps and bounds in improving the reputation of its cuisine.
Enjoying Art in Galleries & Museums: Edinburgh is the home to the Scottish National Gallery, and the country's collection ranges from Renaissance painting to pop art sculptures. Glasgow has one of the best municipally owned collections of art in the U.K. and possibly Europe. The crowning glory for many critics is the Burrell Collection, which was bequeathed to the city by an industrialist, but the now restored Kelvingrove is the soul of the city's collection.
Playing Golf: Yes, most people think of St. Andrews, Gleneagles, Troon, or Turnberry. But both Edinburgh and Glasgow have fine courses. The birthplace of the sport's rules is Edinburgh. While the historic Leith Links are no longer playable, the short course Bruntsfield Links, closer to the city center, can be played -- 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 Meadows, the splendid Royal Botanic Gardens, Holyrood Park, Arthur's Seat, 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 retail playground in Britain after London. And, as no self-respecting city likes to be upstaged, 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.
Admiring Victorian Glasgow: Glasgow's city fathers contemplated tearing down its Victorian-built heritage after World War II. It was perceived as old fashioned and not projecting the progressive image that they wanted. Thank goodness, someone talked some sense into them. Though a lot of buildings have been (and continue to be knocked down), much remains to indicate that the Victorian builders were to the U.K. what ancient Romans were to Italy: masters at the craft.
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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