Weekend break in Edinburgh for my birthday 2016

My weekend break in Edinburgh for my birthday. I flew with Ryanair from London Stansted. The flying time was 1 hour. My flight was busy both on journeys. I didn’t realise this route is so popular for Ryanair. Remember to take photo Id for your flights. I stayed at Waldorf Astoria the Caledonia hotel for 2 nights. It is a great location just off Princess street. Easy to get and from the airport by using the tram which cost £5.00 per person each way or the X100 bus which cost £4.50 per person each way to the hotel. Bus and tram stop is 3-5 minutes walk away. The hotel has great views of the castle in certain room types and I would recommend staying in this room type. Great buffet breakfast with lots of choices including Scottish porridge. Princess street is busy and buzzing like Oxford street in London with lots of shops including marks and spencer and other brand names. Royal mile is great place to see with lots of tartan shops in this area. A must see is Edinburgh Castle. I didn’t go into the castle but I walk around the grounds and the scenery around Edinburgh is amazing. Another place to visit is The Scotch Whisky experience tour where you can sample the whisky. I found Rose street has lots of restaurants and bars. To see more of Edinburgh I would recommend the hop on and off bus tour this way you can see Edinburgh at its best My highlight for me, was my wife being able to find some information and coats of arms on her family which includes a tartan. I would certainly like to go back to Edinburgh and also spend some time in the highlands exploring Scotland in spring time, as it has some amazing places which I didn’t know before