Hotel du Vin Edinburgh

Activities

• For an insight into the city’s changing architecture, stroll down the Royal Mile from Edinburgh Castle to Holyrood Palace and the Scottish parliament building via spooky Mary King’s Close, an underground network of streets around half way down. Finish off with a wander around the elegant Georgian New Town if your legs are still game
  
  
• Culture vultures shouldn’t miss the big three: the National Museum of Scotland, the National Gallery and the National Portrait Gallery
  
  
• Bar-hop your way around George Street’s stylish bars
  
  
• Stroll round the corner to the church, Greyfriars Kirk. The first to be built in Edinburgh after the Reformation, its minister controversially organised the National Covenant in 1638, though it’s also known for its connection with Greyfriars Bobby, a Skye terrier who, in 1858, famously followed the remains of his master to the church graveyard.
  
  
• Strike out along the Water of Leith Walkway, a wildlife-rich riverside path that weaves semi-secretly through the centre of the city. One of the most interesting short sections runs from Stockbridge to the Gallery of Modern Art through quirky Dean Village
  
  
• Splash some cash in the city’s shops. Forget Princes Street, though. The prime shopping streets in Edinburgh these days are George Street and Multrees Walk, home to everything from Harvey Nichols to Space NK. For independent boutiques try Broughton Street, Victoria Street, William Street and Jeffrey Street. Foodies shouldn’t miss Valvona & Crolla deli on Elm Row, or the Saturday morning Farmers’ Market on Castle Terrace
  
  
• Wrap up warm and head out on a windblown hike up Arthur’s Seat, an extinct volcano in the city centre. It takes around 40 minutes to get to the top and you’re rewarded with jaw-dropping views across the city. For an even more central perch, clamber up Calton Hill, at the east end of Princes Street, instead
  
  
• Embrace the Edinburgh Festival if you’re in the city in August. The world’s largest arts festival, it’s actually a collection of different, overlapping festivals encompassing everything from theatre and comedy to music and dance (the Edinburgh International Film Festival has now moved to June). As locations go, you couldn’t be better placed to enjoy the show, with many of the best venues right on your doorstep