World City Guide

Sightseeing

Sightseeing Overveiw
The main districts of Edinburgh are the Georgian New Town, the medieval Old Town and the port of Leith. The castle dominates the urban landscape, marking the centre of the city and overlooking Princes Street, Edinburgh’s main thoroughfare, which has been described as one of the most beautiful streets in the world. The Royal Mile links Edinburgh Castle and the Palace of Holyroodhouse and was the main artery of the medieval city. Careful preservation in the 20th century has maintained its distinctive character. To the north, along the Firth of Forth, the Leith docks have recently been regenerated with stylish waterfront hotels, restaurants, pubs and wine bars.

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Tourist Information
The Edinburgh and Scotland Information Centre
3 Princes Street
Tel: (0131) 473 3800 . Fax: (01506) 832222.
E-mail: esic@eltd.org
Website: www.edinburgh.org
Opening hours: Mon-Sat 0900-1700; Sun 1000-1700 open later in summer.

There are also city centre representatives (roaming tourist officers) who offer advice and assistance. They are found around the Royal Mile, Princes Street and Waverley station.

Passes
Historic Scotland (website: www.historic-scotland.gov.uk ) offers three-day, seven-day and 10-day Explorer passes, giving access to all the Historic Scotland properties (such as Edinburgh Castle) both in Edinburgh and the rest of Scotland. A three-day adult pass costs 15, a seven-day one 20 and a 10-day one 23. Cards are available for purchase at the attractions, most tourist information offices and online. The National Trust for Scotland (website: www.nts.org.uk ) offers three, seven and 14-day Discovery passes, giving entry to all of their properties in Scotland, including The Georgian House in Edinburgh. Discovery passes cost 12, 17 and 22 respectively and are available from the National Trust’s headquarters, 28 Charlotte Square, Edinburgh.