Edinburgh has a marvelous bus system. Lothian buses will sell you a day pass for 2.30 pounds (One way is 80 p. or one pound depending on the number of stops.). The buses seem to go everywhere--it’s just a matter of figuring out which number goes where you want to go. Buses going to Princes Street all end up at Waverley Station or across the street from it. From that point you can take the train or embark on one of the four tourist bus companies. These buses queue up on Waverley Bridge Street and the tickets are sold at the bus.
The four bus lines are Majestic Tours, Mac Tours, City Sightseeing and the Edinburgh Tour. Each has its own route and each charges 8.50 pounds for the day of sightseeing. Edinburgh is a large city… large enough to make bus use worthwhile. There is a small kiosk at the corner of Waverley Bridge and Princes Street (on the park side). The Lothian offices are at the corner of Waverley Bridge and Market Street. You can buy a Royal Edinburgh ticket which will give you access to all four bus companies for 2 days and admissions to Edinburgh Castle, Holyrood Palace and the Britannia. It’s not a bad deal and will save a lot of shoe leather. There is also a 4 company ticket that gets you 24 hours of transportation for 12 pounds.
This trip included visits to (and these are very brief observations):
Edinburgh Castle (9.80) – You have to go just for the views. While the crown jewels of Scotland and their history is interesting, I found the National War Memorial building very powerful. The war museum is just that, but really, the castle doesn’t have a lot of impact.
Camera Obscura (6.50) – On the Royal Mile near the castle, the wonderful world of illusion. The camera itself is a curiousity. Fun and interesting.
Gladstones Land – On the Royal Mile near the castle. A National Trust property, a 17th century tenement building. Interesting, but unimpressive.
Holyrood Palace and the Queen’s Gallery (11.00 combined ticket, can be done separately) At the other end of the High Street from the Castle. The Queen’s Gallery is with an audio tour. These are works owned by the late Queen Mother. I found the collection sentimental rather than interesting. The palace, however, contains wonderful state rooms.
Scottish Parliament (No charge, you have to ask for a ticket into the chamber.) Opposite Holyrood Palace. Quite accessible and the architecture is interesting to say the least.
The Royal Mile. Edinburgh’s High Street with lots of restaurants, bars and shops. A nice place to spend some time.
St. Giles Cathedral. (No charge) On the Royal Mile. Interesting but not great. The Thistle Chapel is worth the requested pound.
The Tartan Weaving factory. (No charge) On the Royal Mile near the castle. Worth a visit to shop or see the exhibits and watch the looms at work making tartan cloth.