Questoins about Edignburgh

So I am going on a study abroad internship with the Scottish Nationalist Party at the Parliament building in Edinburgh. I was wondering what I should see and do that is outside the usual sphere of tourism.

go on a ghost walk. It was held in the evening the time I did it and was great fun.

If you are there at the right time of year (late August-early September) go to the Edinburgh Festival and the Fringe Festival.

The Royal Tattoo at the Castle was fascinating...even though the temperatures were low.

Have fun. How long will you be there?

I love Edinburgh and I am not even Scottish.

i didn't get to do it in edinburgh, but i did in inverness...it was so much fun

should still be right over the main train staion. Lots of good info there. Their site: http://www.visitscotland.com/

See about discount train tickets and if there are still any, but do ABSOLUTELY go for a few train rides. Stirling, Oban, Kyle of Localsh... The countryside is incredible, and some of the rides are really spectacular. the Fort William-Maillagh run is probably the best. One great thing about the trains is that they have mini walking tours through the bogs and glens at the many of the rural stations-- you get off the train and hike through the moors to the next station.

You won't see much interesting at Loch Ness unless you're turned on by huge crowds of tourists. If you must, head up there, but don't spend any money.

If you buy any clothes or stuff, and you might still be able to get good deals, don't forget to ask about the VAT refund for tourists.

Whisky was more expensive there than here, but beer is cheap. And good.

Do not be conned into anything involving the notorious three-legged haggis.

Do not ask about things under, or not under, the kilt.

You should go to Iona. For the beauty and history, even if the Community isn't of interest to you.

http://www.isle-of-iona.com/

Arthur's Seat, Blackford Hill or Calton Hill.

If you like countryside, there's a lot of pleasant rolling hills to the south of Edinburgh, going to the border with England - not as large as the Highlands, but a lot more convenient from where you are. The Trossachs and Loch Lomond are probably the nearest bit of 'The Highlands' (technically, they're not, I think, but the scenery is getting that way).

If you like art and museums don't forget Glasgow - not so often visited as Edinburgh, especially by people from outside the UK, but still with some good stuff - see http://www.glasgowmuseums.com/ . It's very easy to get to by train from Edinburgh (or car, if you'll have one).

Lindisfarne (aka Holy Island - ancient monastery) is quite close to you, as is Bamburgh Castle (plan for Lindisfarne - it's connected by a tidal causeway, so you have to arrive and leave at the right time of the day). It's a beautiful coastline along there, and from April to June won't be at all busy, I'd think.

It'll also depend on the time you have free and how mobile you are. Everyone I've talked about is well within 100 miles, and quite doable by bus or train, I'd think. If you can go closer to 200 miles, you can get into the heart of the Highlands, such as the Cairngorms, or the west coast islands.

There's the Castle, Carlton Hill, Arthurs Seat, the list goes on! :-)

The Scottish parliament building is a real eyesore BTW. Just thought I'd give you prior warnoing that you will be working in a horrible building.

And you won't get bored seeing anything. :D :toast: :bounce: Hollyrood House, Edinburgh Castle, the Old City....and a drive to the Trossachs is in order! :loveya: I highly recommend a ghost tour of the Old City...it's scary and fascinating! :)

that you ignore the "intelligent design" of the "new city"!
Be sure to tour the GORGEOUS Georgian buildings in the
"newer" part!

It's a beautiful city. But beware, all the streets are really steep and you better be in good shape.