A Local's guide to EdinburghJournal

If getting caught up in the history and grandeur of it all is your cup of tea, then a visit to Edinburgh Castle & Holyrood Palace is a must. At one end of the historic "Royal Mile" (the Crag) sits Edinburgh Castle and at the other end (the tail) is the Queen's residence, Holyrood Palace.

Edinburgh has two very different historic characters; the Old Town and the New Town. It's the unique contrast of these areas that gives Edinburgh so much character. To better appreciate the Architecture and historic culture of these two areas, simply take a wander!

We'd recommend visiting the National Trust's Georgian House on Charlotte Square and Gladstone's Land on the Royal Mile. These fascinating properties have been fully restored to their original historic period. Both offer guided tours and an insightful glimpse into the very different lives of Old and New Town inhabitants in centuries past.

The Museum of Scotland on Chambers Street is a building of two halves. The beautiful Victorian museum has a large modern extension imaginatively housing Scottish artefacts within beautiful spaces. There is usually a feature exhibition for which admission fees apply but the majority is open for no charge. The café in the old museum atrium is worth a visit.

Another Edinburgh museum, Surgeons Hall Museum, was founded in 1505 and is perhaps slightly lesser-known. Originally it was developed as a teaching museum for students of medicine. The fascinating collection includes medical specimens, artefacts, and works of art and has been open to the public since 1832 making it among Scotland's oldest museums and probably most unusual - albeit a little macabre at times!

Edinburgh benefits from wonderful green spaces such as The Meadows and the Bruntsfield Links right in the heart of the city. There are very few cities that have a hill quite like Arthur's seat right in the centre!

If the hustle and bustle gets too much then take a trip down to the Edinburgh Botanic Gardens. Alternatively, climbing Arthurs Seat, Calton Hill, or a stroll along the Water of Leith walkway could make the perfect afternoon escape.

For a healthy dose of culture, visit the upcoming exhibitions in the National Galleries. For Scotland's finest, but perhaps more traditional treasures, take in the National Gallery complex on the Mound. Contemporary art can be found at the Modern Art Galleries on Belford Road, both of which have excellent lunch-time eateries. The independent Fruit Market Gallery, just by Waverley Station is often worth a visit.

Other notable galleries include the City Arts Centre on Market St, and the contemporary Collective Gallery on Calton Hill. For photography, Stills on Cockburn St. is excellent.

Scotland is famed for its culture of storytelling throughout the ages. The Real Mary Kings Close tells the spooky story of historic Edinburgh in a 16th Century close (narrow street). Nearby, along the Royal Mile, multiple ghost tours tell a more gruesome version of the city's past. These are generally best experienced once dark - some are fairly tame (suitable for kids) but others are genuinely scary!

Visit the home of Scotland's stories at the Scottish storytelling centre on the Royal Mile. They showcase this traditional art form believing that, 'Storytelling happens when a story is told person to person live without print or technology.' Check their website for details on live storytelling, theatre, family events & workshops all year round.

The Johnny Walker Experience on Princes Street offers an introduction to our national drink - whisky. Storytelling with tasters - sounds good to us!

The shops on George Street hide behind beautiful Georgian shop façades, punctuated with bars and eateries all along the street's length and the lovely Lowdown Coffee house.

Victoria Street, Stockbridge, Bruntsfield and the Westend are great for contemporary, independent shops and special finds.

Foodies will take delight in Valvona & Crolla, the city's famous delicatessen at the top of Leith Walk, or in Mellis' extraordinary cheese shops.

A far lesser-known city attraction, The Scott Monument, forms part of the iconic skyline. If feeling energetic, it can also be scaled via its 287 steps. From the top, enjoy breathtaking views of Edinburgh, the Castle & gardens.