Edinburgh guides and maps

Edinburgh webcam Online views of Edinburgh city centre, historic Edinburgh and The Scottish Parliament.
First City Good source of Edinburgh maps.
The Scotsman newspaper guide to Edinburgh Edinburgh based newspaper's guide to the city.
Edinburgh Tourist Board Information on Events, places to visit, festivals and accommodation.
Edinburgh's Old Town Maps of the surrounding area of UAI 2005

Restaurants

The List Restaurant guide
Edinburgh Restaurateur's Association
Good Places for lunch near Appleton Tower (printable .pdf document)
Dining out in Edinburgh Searchable database of Edinburgh restaurants (if looking for a restaurant near the conference venue search for Edinburgh 'Old Town' or 'City Centre').

Pubs and Wine bars

Edinburgh Pubs

Pubs near the conference

Sightseeing and places to visit

Museums, galleries and exhibitions

National Museums of Scotland

The Royal Museum is a magnificent Victorian building which houses international collections of Decorative Arts, Science and Industry, Archaeology and the Natural World. Some exhibits are millions of years old, others less than a decade. It is situated minutes away from the conference venue, enterance is free.
This site also gives information on the other 6 National of Museums of Scotland.

These magnificent collections of art encompass the 14th century up to the present day, the galleries have preserved and displayed Scotland's national collection of art since 1859. The National Galleries of Scotland comprise of five Edinburgh-based galleries, The Weston Link and two partner galleries, one in the north and one in the south of Scotland.

Scotland's largest library and the world centre for the study of Scotland and the Scots. Also a vast reference library, covering all subjects, from art to mountaineering, and from early times to the digital age.

"Take a thrilling journey back in time and learn about our planet Earth." Good attraction for children and adults.

The Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh was founded in the 17th century as a Physic Garden, growing medicinal plants. This first Garden was in St Anne's Yard, part of the Holyrood Palace grounds, and occupied an area the size of a tennis court. It now extends to four sites; Edinburgh, Benmore (near Dunoon in Argyll), Logan (near Stranraer in Galloway), and Dawyck (near Peebles in the Borders), and is the second richest collection of plant species in the world.

Quincentenary Exhibition at The Royal College of Surgeons

An exciting programme of conferences, exhibitions and events for Fellows, Members and the general public, beginning with an International Scientific Conference.

Displays at the Talbot Rice Gallery.

Historic buildings, walks and places to visit

Historic Buildings

According to legend, David I founded the Palace as an Augustinian monastery in 1128. It is said that the king had a vision in which a cross, or 'rood', belonging to his mother St Margaret appeared between the antlers of an attacking stag. Hence the Abbey's symbol - a stag's head, with its horns framing a cross. It is most famous as the one-time home of Mary Queen of Scots.

Edinburgh Castle is the best known and most visited if our historic buildings. Perched on an extinct volcano and offering stunning views, this instantly recognisable fortress is a powerful national symbol, and part of Edinburgh's World Heritage Site.

The acropolis is in fact an unfinished monument - originally called the "National Monument". Initiated in 1816, a year after Napoleon's defeat at Waterloo, it was meant to be a replica of the Parthenon in Athens, as a memorial to those who had died in the Napoleonic Wars.

Good place for walks and picnics.

A well preserved medieval castle, Craigmillar has a tower house, courtyard and gardens. Craigmillar's story is linked with that of Mary Queen of Scots. Superb views from tower house.

Ideas for outings

Theatre, Music and Cinema

Edinburgh Guide All theatre and cinema listings for Edinburgh and Glasgow can be found here
S1 Entertainment listing More information including comedy, stage, things to do and weather forecasts
EAE Searchable database of events in Edinburgh.

Tours

The University also has a number of buildings of historic and architectural interest, a Self-guided walking tour of Edinburgh University Campus could make for a good break at lunchtime

Walking tours of Edinburgh and bike, bus and mini bus day-tours of Scotland can be arranged through Travel Scotland