Sarah's Guidebook

Bruntsfield is very busy for parking which is limited to four hour stays Monday to Friday and is expensive. The nearest all day parking is in Clinton Road about a ten minute walk away and is £5 for 8 hours. This is pretty much the best value you'll get in Edinburgh. Bruntsfield is on a direct bus route and there are several buses every hour that will take you to the city centre. Otherwise, it's a very pleasant 20 minute walk to the West End of Prices Street and Princes Steet Gardens. Best to buy an all day ticket if you are taking more than one journey.

The National Museum of Scotland is free and a brilliant day out for kids of all ages. Lots of hands on stuff and excellent animal exhibits. The Botanic Gardens are a great day out and also free, although the temperate houses have a small charge. The Museum of Childhood is free too and has lots of exhibits of toys from through the ages, great memories for adults too! Climb up Arthur's Seat for amazing views of the city and great for tiring out energetic kids.

Lots of Edinburgh streets are made of cobbles so heels don't really work, particularly in the Old Town. it's also a very hilly city so sensible shoes are a must!

You can book shows on the day at the Fringe and can usually get some great deals on 2 for 1 tickets. All shows are priced very reasonably. However, big name comedians do tend to sell out quickly so if there is someone you really want to see, I'd recommend booking in advance. Similarly, most Edinburgh restaurants will need to be booked in advance during the Fringe, it is incredibly busy during August.

Steep walk up the hill to the city observatory but well worth it for the views across the city and over the Firth of Forth to Fife. Stunning photo ops here.

There are hundreds of restaurants in Edinburgh but outside of the local ones in Bruntsfield, like Three Birds, Chop House and Southside Scran, which are all fantastic, I'd recommend Six by Nico, Dishoom, Tattu, Angels with Bagpipes and The Outsider, which will all have to be booked in advance. Lady Libertine, Bramble and Panda & Son for cocktails. If you like old fashioned bars with great beers, try The Cambridge Bar, Montpeliers, Brewdog and Innis Gun.