Edinburgh... what to see and do?

DH is planning on taking me there in a few weeks, my first trip to Scotland!!!  I'm really excited.... was wondering if any of you have any ideas about what to do while there.  Any amazing places we should check out?
Thanks!!!

My home town!  It's really a beautiful place.

Depending upon when you're there, you should still be able to take the usual open top bus tour which I would recommend.  That will take you to all the main things to see - Edinburgh Castle, Holyrood Palace, Scottish Parliament, New Town, Royal Mile, Grassmarket etc.

There's also Mary Kings Close which is the underground city.  If you're into ghost walks, then there is plenty of them all leaving from the Royal Mile.

The Botanic Gardens are worth a visit as is the Shore down in Leith - the Royal Yacht Britannia is in this area as well as some really lovely restaurants.

If you have children with you, then perhaps a trip to Our Dynamic Earth?  This is really close to the scottish parliament.

A picnic in Princes St gardens is a great thing to do if you like to people watch in a lovely calm and peaceful setting.

There's no limit to pubs and restaurants for drinks and meals.

There's also quite a lot of art gallerys - on Queen St, Belford Road, Princes St

A friend of mine from Canada was completely obsessed by the Forth Rail and Road bridges  - not my thing, but you never know!

That's a good start 

Do a ghost walk under the vaults!

If you like mussels, my hubby was crazy about a restaurant there called The Mussel Inn.

Also we really wanted to go see Rosslyn Chapel (weird, unusual architecture we're told) when we were there at the end of 2005, but it was Hogmanay & no buses were running out there at the time.

Car boot sale in the car park at the Omni Centre on a Sunday morning!   Or at the Chesser Asda car park!

Even if you're not religious, you could go along to St Mary's Episcopal Cathedral in Palmerston Place for the Sunday 10.30am service... the church itself is beautiful, and they have a lovely and award-winning choir.  There are always visitors/tourists there -- you can spot them by the amazed looks on their faces!  Look for me -- i'm there almost every Sunday! 

Afterward, go to lunch at Valvona & Crolla's caffe bar... great food and proper Italian coffees! 

Just another couple of thoughts -- the Farmers Market is on Saturday mornings at Castle Terrace.  You probably wont want to buy stuff, cos you wont have a way of refrigerating it, but they have a stall that does brilliant sausage sandwiches, or there's the porridge bar-- porridge with a zillion different toppings.

Save some room in your suitcases, and go to Lupe Pintos... Lupes is the reason you will almost never hear Americans in central Scotland complaining that they can't get Mexican ingredients!  You should go and check it out, and stock up!  In addition to Mex stuff, they also have some American stuff, like Log Cabin syrup, Karo, Bisquick, Betty Crocker cake mixes, American chocolate bars, cans of root beer, etc.

Great ideas, I will be there in October for my third visit.

Hmmn.. I am watching this thread with a keen interest.  This is a place I would like to visit soon.  I thought about going around the time of the Tattoo.....

Hmmn.. I am watching this thread with a keen interest.  This is a place I would like to visit soon.  I thought about going around the time of the Tattoo.....

If you wanted to go to the tattoo itself, then i'd look into buying tickets now.  Not sure when they go on sale but they're regularly sold out as soon as Feb/Mar.

Def. Mary King's Close!  My English beau enjoyed the Starbucks on the Royal Mile...I think that was purely because of people watching. We had a fantastic time in Whistlebinkies-booze and live music!

If you wanted to go to the tattoo itself, then i'd look into buying tickets now.  Not sure when they go on sale but they're regularly sold out as soon as Feb/Mar.

Internet and phone sales start in December. I looked in January and they sold out! The year before I got mine in Feb or March with lots of choice.

Other options are to join a package tour.

This thread has convinced me. I really need to get to Edinburgh soon!

This thread has convinced me. I really need to get to Edinburgh soon!

It's only the most fabulous city on the planet!! 

julia-mel, you have had some great suggestions already!

I want to also suggest you walk to the bottom of the Royal Mile, and take a walk in Holyrood Park. There's a lovely old ruin overlooking St. Margaret's Loch, which is quite an easy hike... or if you're feeling ambitious, hike to the top of Arthur's Seat for the most breathtaking views of our beautiful city and beyond. You'll love it!

I live right off Holyrood Park, and it has to be one of my favourite places in the world. It's a little taste of the Highlands right inside the city. Gosh, with the sun shining this morning, I might have to drag DH out for a walk in the park - I've convinced myself!

We had a fantastic time in Whistlebinkies-booze and live music!

oh yeah, i've seen a few really good bands in Whistlebinkies!

Good to know about the Tattoo....I will keep my ears open and my credit card at the ready in December! 

I really want to go to Edinburgh, but DH has no desire to go. 

It sounds lovely!