No city in the world is as amenable to touring around as Edinburgh. Not only does the city compete with the very best on the level of attractions and stunning natural and architectural beauty but it does so in a relatively small space.
The Old Town, and heart of the city, laid out in mediaeval times, complements the Georgian architecture and opulent optimism of the New Town, set across princes Street Gardens, all within walking distance with the views detracting from the steepness of some of the inclines! Edinburgh is not a place to take the car and walking and cycling are actively encouraged. Cycle paths line the streets throughout the city and cycle tours with hired bicycles and guides are popular.
For those looking for a more leisurely way to see the city, the many open top bus tours provide an excellent viewpoint with informative commentary. They often operate a hop-on hop-off policy, where you can leave and join the tour as you please. Edinburgh has a long and colourful history and this is exploited to the full with many tours.
The Ghost Walks tell of Burke and Hare's body snatching and execution, incorporating graveyard visits, and the Literary tours explore the life and works of Sir Walter Scott, Robert Louis Stevenson, and Robert Burns, where you can follow Deacon Brodie and Dr Jeckyll to their favourite Edinburgh haunts. Many of the tours dramatize the events with actors in full costume.
Architecture tours and history tours are also popular, detailing Edinburgh's growth from its Celtic beginnings to the elegant Georgian structures and living of the New Town. Many visitors to Edinburgh feel some special affinity with certain aspects of the city. Sometimes it's the art and culture of the place or perhaps the architecture and history. Whatever you take away from your visit to Edinburgh be sure to take in a tour or two during your stay.
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