Ask an expert: Edinburgh travel tips from Laurence Norah

What should I do on my first trip to Edinburgh?

Two highlights of the city that every visitor should experience are Edinburgh Castle, one of Scotland's oldest continuously inhabited structures, and the view from Calton Hill. The impressive castle is well worth spending at least a couple of hours visiting, and tours are worth paying a little extra to understand its 1,000-year history. You'll see the Scottish Crown Jewels and hear the One O'Clock Gun being fired (except on Sundays). Calton Hill, at the other end of the city, is the perfect place to watch the sunset and get the best views of the city skyline.

5 tips you'd give a person traveling to Edinburgh.

1. Don't miss the closes on the Royal Mile, narrow medieval-era alleyways that branch off the main thoroughfare leading to interesting views or cute buildings.
2. Try traditional food and drink like salmon, venison, and haggis. Haggis is often served with a full Scottish breakfast but more common with neeps (turnip) and tatties (potato) for supper, and restaurants across the city often find more inventive ways to include it in their menus. Scotland's national drinks — Irn-Bru and whisky — are a must-try too.
3. Take a ghost tour. Edinburgh has some seriously spooky history, from witch trials to plagues and serial killers. An evening ghost tour can be a very fun way to learn about the Scottish capital's darker side.
4. Explore the city's connection with Harry Potter. J.K. Rowling wrote many of the Harry Potter books in Edinburgh, and there are loads of locations around the city where you can see where she likely drew inspiration for characters and locations.
5. Pack sunglasses AND a raincoat. Scotland's weather is famously unpredictable and it isn't unusual to experience four seasons in a single day, so dress accordingly.

How much time should I spend in Edinburgh?

Edinburgh is not a huge city, so if you were organized with your time you could see most of the highlights in a day. If you want to see the hidden gems, visit the museums, and explore the city more, three days is good.

What are some hidden gems to see in Edinburgh?

About 20 minutes' walk south from the city center, there's an awesome venue called Summerhall. They host a range of live events throughout the year and during Edinburgh's famous Fringe festival. It's also home to a gin distillery and a microbrewery; you can taste their products on-site.

What is the best way to get around Edinburgh?

Edinburgh is best explored on foot. The city is not too big, although the medieval streets in the Old Town can be steep and uneven. There's a good public bus network and a tram for attractions a little out of the city center.

What are the best months to visit Edinburgh?

If you want to visit Edinburgh when a lot is going on, August is the month to do that. The city hosts at least five major festivals in August, giving visitors endless entertainment options. But there is no bad time to visit Edinburgh. Brave the Scottish winter and visit over the holidays for amazing festive markets and decorations and the legendary New Year's Eve celebrations, known as Hogmanay in Scotland, when the city usually throws a massive street party with incredible fireworks and live music performances.

What are the must-see neighborhoods in Edinburgh?

The medieval city center, with its narrow cobbled streets and steep staircases, is known as the Old Town. Next to it, on the other side of Princes Street Gardens, sits the 18th-century New Town, characterized by Georgian buildings, wide boulevards, and great shopping and restaurants. Both the Old and New Towns, Edinburgh city center in its entirety, are UNESCO World Heritage Sites and must-sees when visiting.

Where should I eat in Edinburgh?

Edinburgh has an excellent selection of restaurants in the city center, with the more modern restaurants centered near St Andrew's Square in the New Town and some of the city's institutions on George Street and the Royal Mile. Plenty of pubs also serve hearty and traditional meals alongside great beers and wines (and whiskies).

What are the best neighborhoods for shopping?

The main shopping streets in the city are Princes Street and George Street, but the nearby and newly redeveloped St James Quarter is where it's at. For souvenirs and whisky, head to the Royal Mile, the city's old main street from Edinburgh Castle down to the Palace of Holyroodhouse — the King's official Scottish residence.

What neighborhood should I stay in when I visit Edinburgh?

Stay anywhere in Edinburgh's city center and you're well-positioned to see all the best sights. The most charming hotels are in the Old Town, while larger hotels tend to be between George Street and Princes Street. The grandest and most historic hotels can be found near Waverley train station, like the Balmoral, the Scotsman, and Gleneagles Townhouse.

What are your top 5 favourite GetYourGuide experiences in Edinburgh?

• Edinburgh: Harry Potter Magical Guided Walking Tour
• Edinburgh: The Scotch Whisky Experience Tour and Tasting
• Edinburgh: Evening Underground Ghost Tour
• Edinburgh: Skip-the-Line Walking Tour of Edinburgh Castle
• Edinburgh: Full-Day Highland Lochs, Glens and Whisky Tour