Always delighted to try to help visitors to Edinburgh to find things worth seeing, I'm putting a few suggestions in this post especially for Ros who will be in the city soon, but also for anyone else planning a trip to these parts.
Ros tells me she's already got Fidra Books/The Children's Bookshop on her itinerary, and that is certainly vaut le detour. A bracing walk across the Meadows from there, heading to the Old Town, would take you past Peter's Yard in Middle Meadow Walk where refreshments can be had! A step further on is the National Museum of Scotland, and on South Bridge (at the far end of Chambers Street on which the museum sits) is a big branch of Blackwells. Just round the corner is Dovecot, the tapestry studio.
Not to everyone's taste - but I found it absolutely fascinating - and only a short distance south of Blackwells is Surgeons' Hall and its medical museum.
Retracing your steps back to George IV Bridge (i.e. adjacent to the National Museum), go down Candlemaker Row (beside the statue of Greyfriars Bobby) and you'll be in the Grassmarket, in the shadow of the Castle. Taking the curving West Bow and Victoria Street up to the higher level again you will pass K1 Yarns (and if you're lucky you might meet Ysolda there!).
A walk up and down the Royal Mile is a must with a stop at Gladstone's Land, St. Giles' Cathedral and the Queen's Gallery at the Palace of Holyroodhouse, and perhaps the Museum of Childhood, but then I'd go down the Mound to Princes Street (avoiding most of the shops there), pausing at the National Gallery of Scotland and/or The Royal Scottish Academy, before heading to Queen Street for the Scottish National Portrait Gallery and further east to Elm Row at the top of Leith Walk for the wonderful Valvona & Crolla.
Heading west from there you can explore the New Town, and for more refreshments stop at Glass & Thompson. The Georgian House in Charlotte Square is worth seeing, and heading even further west, there's the Dean Gallery and Gallery of Modern Art, followed by a walk through the Dean Village.
Any energy left?
That is wonderful! Thank you so much. I knew you would be the best person to ask. I shall let you know how I get on.
Posted by: ros | 13 January 2009 at 10:09 AM
Oh, and I shall definitely wear my Gretel just in case I meet Ysolda!
Posted by: ros | 13 January 2009 at 10:15 AM
Brilliant! My kids have never been to their capital city (tsk!) and I keep meaning to take them there - this could be the bones of a good day out!
Posted by: Roobeedoo | 13 January 2009 at 01:05 PM
Well said, Karen! I'm happy to have been able to tick many of those sites off the list on my own whirlwind tour of the city. Ever thought of moonlighting for the Scottish Board of Tourism?!?
Posted by: Cheryl | 13 January 2009 at 02:40 PM
What a shame the only time I've been to Edinburgh it was for too short of a time to do any sightseeing! This looks like a great resource of information though.
Posted by: Michelle | 13 January 2009 at 05:23 PM
Thanks for the info - I shall be in Edinburgh for the first time in May, for the marathon, and will endeavour to visit some of the sights on the Saturday. Definitely Fidra Books, but we might have to plan carefully to avoid a mammoth walk which might tire my legs!
Posted by: Julie | 13 January 2009 at 05:36 PM
I am so grateful for this information. My husband and I will be in Scotland in July ... two days in Edinburgh and several weeks on the west coast. You can be sure, we will take your tour. Thank you so much!
Posted by: Becca | 13 January 2009 at 11:29 PM
How I do love Edinburgh!!
And, I am besotted with your blog! All my favourite things are here!! I shall return, and bring Edward with me!! I'm adding you to my blog roll, if that's okay with you!!
Posted by: Pamela | 14 January 2009 at 06:25 AM