Edinburgh: Beyond the fringe

Edinburgh. Photo / Getty Images

Festival and Hogmany are its busiest times, but Edinburgh is worth a visit year-round, writes Linda Macdonald.

Walk here
Start on Chambers St at the National Museum, having checked out the delightfully bonkers Lewis Chessmen. Cross to Greyfriars on your way to the Grassmarket for fossils, cashmere and gelato. Start up photogenic Victoria St but take the stairs halfway on your left leading you to the Lawnmarket on the Royal Mile. Stop at Gladstone's Land for a glimpse of 17th-century tenement life, then it's all downhill exploring secretive closes, vennels and wynds as you go. Don't miss Cadenhead's — the oldest independent whisky bottler in Scotland, before repenting at Canongate Kirk. Just beyond is the hidden entrance to the delightfully secret Dunbar's Garden. Finish at the Palace of Holyroodhouse and Scottish Parliament.

See this
Conventional wisdom demands a visit to Edinburgh Castle — buy tickets online and miss the queues. Unconventional wisdom says avoid the crowds altogether at the romantic ruins of Craigmillar Castle, southeast of the city centre.

Try this
Take to the roof of St Giles' Cathedral for knee-wobbling views and a mind-blowing close-up of the crown spire (must be booked in advance.
stgilestower@gmail.com; £6, (NZ$12).

Shop here
Get a new take on tartan and tweed at Scottish interior and fashion designers ANTA (14) on George St. For chic, label-led boutiques, explore Thistle St (the next lane along).

Drink here
A brash, flash Edinburgh favourite, it's all glamour and glitz at Tigerlily. Wear your highest heels. Cocktails (around £9) are practically compulsory.

Eat here
Go to The Dogs on Hanover St for honest Scottish cooking. Expect to pay around £30, including wine.

Stay here
Alain Roux's new Brasserie Prince adds lustre to luxury at the Balmoral Hotel to go with the spa, stylish rooms and Princes St location. Doubles with breakfast from £415. Alternatively, embrace the joyous eccentricity of 2 Cambridge St. You'll find big brass beds and the city's best breakfast, from £125 for two.

Off the map
Soothe jangled senses at Jupiter Artland (jupiterartland.org; £8.50), a contemporary sculpture garden. It's a 35-minute bus ride from the city centre, but a million miles away (First Bus 27 or X27; £6).

FACT BOX

GETTING THERE
Emirates starts flying daily from Auckland to Edinburgh from October 1, via Dubai. Economy return fares are available from $1599.