Friends visiting Edinburgh - any "must sees"?

[Phil]

OK, seeing that the Tattoo option has gone, my one suggestion is :The National Portrait Gallery of Scotland(Queens St.).

It must be a while since you were in Edinburgh, Jock. The portrait gallery has been closed for refurbishment for ages now. I believe it re-opens in November.
As someone who lives in Edinburgh I am probably the last person to advise a visitor on "must sees" but can offer a few suggestions depending on the kind of thing your friends like. Some people want to "shop till they drop" whereas others are fascinated by historical places and buildings. Then there are those who can spend all day in museums but a good, all-round, option would be to do one of the hop-on/hop-off bus tours that take you around all the touristy hot spots and give a commentary about them. The buses can be picked up at their stances opposite Waverley Station in the centre of Edinburgh or at any of the bus stops on their route which are marked for them.

[Jock Scot]

It must be a while since you were in Edinburgh, Jock. The portrait gallery has been closed for refurbishment for ages now. I believe it re-opens in November.
As someone who lives in Edinburgh I am probably the last person to advise a visitor on "must sees" but can offer a few suggestions depending on the kind of thing your friends like. Some people want to "shop till they drop" whereas others are fascinated by historical places and buildings. Then there are those who can spend all day in museums but a good, all-round, option would be to do one of the hop-on/hop-off bus tours that take you around all the touristy hot spots and give a commentary about them. The buses can be picked up at their stances opposite Waverley Station in the centre of Edinburgh or at any of the bus stops on their route which are marked for them.

Well yes, it must be two years, or more, I suppose. Well done for pointing that out Phil.

[McClef]

The Falkirk Wheel would also need a bus or taxi from Grahamstoun or Falkirk High stations.

But well worth it if they have the time.

[bdkilted]

Take a little time to visit the "The Craigs" it is like a "central park" and hike up to the saddle. There is a tremendous view of the city on one side and the sea on the other.
While they on on the mile, they should also visit Parliament. It is a very unique building (the the craigs/park is right behind it.)

[creagdhubh]

OK, seeing that the Tattoo option has gone, my one suggestion is :The National Portrait Gallery of Scotland(Queens St.).

AYE!!! I completely agree Jock. Definitely a 'must see', whilst in Edinburgh.

[Baldybrown]

If they get out as far as the Falkirk Wheel they shouldn't miss the Wallace Monument and Stirling Castle. All three are well worth the effort. Once again, Scotland is a small country, but don't let the size fool you. Our first trip was eleven days and we only scratched the surface! I'm afraid that the only thing a cruise will accomplish is to make them hunger for more.

[cessna152towser]

Glasgow -
In the old town, visit Glasgow's oldest house, the Provand’s Lordship was built in 1471. It was originally part of a hospital and has been extensively restored, containing 17th-century furniture donated by Sir William Burrell. While there visit the adjacent St. Mungo Museum, the St. Nicholas Garden of medicinal herbs, the Tontine Faces (a series of stone masks with a fascinating past) and the magnificent Glasgow Cathedral.
In the West End visit the Kelvingrove Art Galleries, also the new Riverside Museum with its adjacent historic sailing ship Glenlee, and the trendy boutiques and bistros of the University quarter around Byres Road.
On the south side visit the splendid Pollok Country Park, a large estate which was gifted to the city and in which you will find the beautifully restored Pollok House and the splendid new building which houses the Burrell Collection. While in the vicinity visit the Charles Rennie MacIntosh House at Bellahouston Park, and while on MacIntosh the Willow Tearooms in Sauciehall Street are well worth a visit.
See as much of Glasgow on the city tour bus, which starts from George Square and you can hop on and hop off at various tourist attractions.

[ScotAtHeart]

I'd suggest climbing Arthur's Seat...if they're up for a little exercise. Might as well tour Holyrood while they are there, too. I think there is a special exhibition at the National Galleries of Scotland...a collection of images and art of HM the Queen if they are interested in that. Will they be there during the Fringe Festival? There might be some shows there that they'd like to see. The Museum of Childhood on the royal mile might also be worth a visit. Last but not least, they might want to make a reservation at The Witchery for dinner. Might be a little expensive for what it is, but the atmosphere is awesome (and don't forget to get the passionfruit trifle for dessert!)

[starbkjrus]

OK, seeing that the Tattoo option has gone, my one suggestion is :The National Portrait Gallery of Scotland(Queens St.).

It must be a while since you were in Edinburgh, Jock. The portrait gallery has been closed for refurbishment for ages now. I believe it re-opens in November.
...snip

Now that would be a disappointment. The Gallery was one of the highlights of the Edinburgh leg of our trip back in '07.

[saxandpipes]

Arthur's seat... Definitely... You can really see the city from the top. Linlithgow and Stirling are within an hours train journey and well worth it. I visited some brilliant galleries too... Don't remember which, it was also a few years ago. Get lost there, explore. It's just a lovely city- rates with Berlin, Paris, Barcelona and Wellington among my favourites!

Cheers!

Michael