Welcome to Edinburgh, the seat of Scottish kings and queens, beautiful with its cobblestone streets, grand Gothic architecture and rolling, dramatic geography. The best way to experience Edinburgh is with a stay in our luxury serviced apartments in Edinburgh Castle and close to many of the top things to do in Edinburgh, including the National Museum of Scotland, Arthur's Seat, the Scottish National Galleries, and the Festival Theatre. Stop by for a pint at one of Edinburgh's renowned pubs and enjoy the warm hospitality of Scotland.
Located just off the Royal Mile on St Giles Street, a beautifully preserved 130-year old building houses Fraser Suites Edinburgh, luxury serviced apartments in the heart of Edinburgh's Old Town. Our award-winning fully-furnished Edinburgh accommodation features 75 elegantly appointed and comfortable junior, one-bedroom and bespoke suites ideal for individuals, couples and families travelling for business or leisure to the Scottish capital.
Perhaps it's the looming bluff of Arthur's Seat that looms over the city, the dominating presence of Edinburgh Castle brooding on its own rock, or the mists that seem to hug the city's Gothic architecture, there's something magical about Edinburgh. Edinburghers are incredibly proud of their city and are as quick to welcome visitors to Scotland's capital as they are to expound upon the city's long and storied history. Beyond the old-world architecture, Edinburgh has plenty to offer. The city plays host to the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, the largest arts festival in the world, and is renowned for its literary history - so much so that it has been named a UNESCO City of Literature.
Step outside the door of your accommodation in Edinburgh, and you're in the city's historical heart. Adjacent you'll find the High Court of Justiciary, Scotland's highest criminal court. Turn right onto Lawnmarket and head up Castlehill to Edinburgh Castle. Along the way, enter the mind-bending world of Camera Obscura & World of Illusions. Across the road, enjoy a dram of Scotland's finest at the Whisky Museum.
Get the most out of your stay at our luxury serviced apartments with our pick of the top things to do in Edinburgh.
Edinburgh is relatively compact, so the ideal way to soak up the city's soul is to don comfortable walking shoes and head out to explore. Your Edinburgh accommodation is located just off the Royal Mile, arguably one of the most famous streets in the world. The Royal Mile offers plenty to see and do. Whisky lovers will love the Scotch Whisky Experience, a public display of over 4,000 whiskies with professional whisky tasting tours. For a hair-raising experience, dare to venture into the Real Mary King's Close, a warren of streets, homes and passageways hidden beneath the Royal Mile. The Close is shrouded in myth and mystery, filled with tales of ghosts and foul deeds.
Beyond the Royal Mile, it's worth just setting out and wandering the streets and laneways throughout the Old Town. Along the way, stop in at a pub for a quiet pint, stop in at a traditional sweet shop for a sweet treat, or wander The Mound past The Royal Scottish Gallery, Scottish National Gallery, and the New College of the University of Edinburgh.
Edinburgh undoubtedly is one of the world’s most Instagrammable cities. There’s something worthy of your timeline around every corner, so where do you even begin? Read all about the top Instagram spots in Edinburgh and find out.
Inside and out, Edinburgh's historical sites are sure to impress. There's a lot to see, and you could easily spend a few days wandering in and out of the city's galleries and museums. Start at Edinburgh Castle, only a stone's throw from your Edinburgh serviced apartments. The Seat of Scottish kings since the 12th century, the castle has been both a royal residence, military fortress and a prison of war over its long history. Down the Royal Mile and Canongate, you'll find the Palace of Holyrood, the official residence of the British monarch in Scotland and once home to Mary, Queen of Scots. Inside the grounds, you'll find the fay ruins of Holyrood Abbey, founded in 1128 by King David I. The abbey was the site of the crowning of James II and Margaret Tudor, to name just two monarchs who knelt at the abbey's altar.
Edinburgh has a long association with the arts, being recognised as the world's first UNESCO City of Literature in 2004 for its role in inspiring generations of writers including Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, Robert Louis Stevenson, and Robert Burns - Scotland's national bard. For visual arts, it's hard to look past the Scottish National Gallery, housing the Scottish national collection including works by Edgar Degas, Vincent Van Gough, and Peter Graham. For contemporary works, The Royal Scottish Academy of Art and Architecture next door houses a rolling collection of current exhibitions. Of course, Edinburgh's crowning artistic glory is the annual Edinburgh Fringe Festival, the largest arts festival in the world. Every year, the festival attracts almost three million visitors to see artists from over 150 countries strut their stuff on the stage...and the street, the bars and pretty much anywhere an appreciative audience will join them for the fun of it.
Edinburgh is a remarkably lovely city, and its many parks and gardens add to the effect. Lovers of nature and growing green things will be spoiled for choice, however a few stand out. Located close to your serviced apartments, Holyrood Park sits right in the middle of Edinburgh yet manages to feel obstinately rugged and untamed despite incorporating the ruins of Iron Age forts and Bronze Age terraces on its grounds. Arthur's Seat rises above the city and affords panoramic views to the sea. At the edge of Edinburgh's Old Town, The Meadows is a large public park acting as a commons for Edinburghers of all ages - the perfect place for an impromptu picnic. Dr Neil's Garden is one of Edinburgh's hidden gems, a garden of conifers, heathers, magnolias that nestles in the shadow of Arthur's Seat and is incredibly beautiful in the winter months.
Scotland's capital is awash with quality pubs, gastropubs, and high-quality dining establishments. There's something enduringly wholesome about standing in the confines of a warm pub on a cold winter's day nursing a pint of a local craft brew. Located close to your Edinburgh serviced apartments, the cosy Bow Bar on is a no-frills pub with an impressive array of Scotch single malts and blends. On the dining side, it's hard to go past one of Edinburgh's most well-known dining establishments, Café St Honoré. The venue has been around for what seems like forever, and chef Neil Forbes serves up contemporary Scottish dishes using fresh seasonal produce and slow food principles.
Edinburgh is served by the Edinburgh International Airport and the UK's extensive rail system. Getting to your Edinburgh accommodation from the airport is relatively easy, with several transport options available. Airlink buses run 24/7 and go directly to the city centre. If arriving between 6:15am and 10:45pm, you can also opt to take the tram which runs to the city straight from the airport.
What is the best way to get around in Edinburgh?
Edinburgh is a fantastically compact city and easy to get around on foot. Other easily accessible public transport options include buses and trams. Many locals also cycle around Edinburgh.
What is Edinburgh known for?
Edinburgh is known for its history, famous landmarks including Edinburgh Castle and the Royal Mile, and the world-renowned Edinburgh Fringe Festival.
What are the top 5 things to do in Edinburgh?
The top 5 things to do in Edinburgh include a visit to Edinburgh Castle, a day spent wandering Edinburgh Old Town, exploring the Royal Mile, visiting the Holyrood Palace, and discovering Edinburgh’s top museums and galleries.
When is the best time to go to Edinburgh?
The best time to visit Edinburgh is during the summer between June and the end of August. The annual Edinburgh Fringe Festival takes place during the summer, and the city fills with people from around the world.
Where is the best area to stay in Edinburgh?
The best area to stay in Edinburgh is on or near the Royal Mile, Edinburgh’s most famous street. Other areas include other parts of Old Town, New Town, Stockbridge and Leith.