Yes. Upon landing at Edinburgh Airport why not consider hiring a car at some point? The home of the Hogmanay, the Edinburgh Fringe and the Tattoo, Edinburgh is never short of a big warm welcome for all who visit.

A great city like Edinburgh with much to offer is like a good meal in that to be fully enjoyed it should be devoured rather than picked at. By hiring a car you have the freedom to go out and discover those hidden nooks, crannies and hidden treasures.

The city that keeps on giving has much to offer on its outskirts as well as within its interior. Take an easy drive along the A703 to get to the fifteenth century Rosslyn Chapel. Just a mere three kilometres from the Edinburgh city bypass, the village of Rosslyn is a popular attraction for its Prentice Pillar (arguably the best example of bas relief carving in Scotland) and for its inclusion in Dan Brown’s Da Vinci Code.

Why not take your hire car across the Firth of Forth to the Kingdom of Fife where you’ll find St Andrews, the home of the Open and the oldest golf course in the world? Fans of golf may be interested in visiting the golf course at Musselburgh just south of the city centre. Similar to St Andrews, golf has been a significant feature of the town for hundreds of years.

In addition, a short drive from Edinburgh will deliver you to the wonderful yachting haven of North Berwick. A nineteenth century resort, the harbour provides plenty to do for a family day out.

The beautiful outskirts of Edinburgh have much to offer but that said, isn’t it difficult to resist the allure of the inner realms of Edinburgh? There is so much on offer in Edinburgh’s city centre from the austerity of Edinburgh Castle to the art treasures of the National Gallery. Much of the attractions on offer here are within walking distance. The streets may be cobbled but the sights are worth all the discomfort in your best high heels.

But a word to the wise when in the busy city resist the urge to drive. Driving deep in the city centre is not highly recommended for congestion (as with all busy city centres) is a problem here. Having hired a car, you would be better placed to leave the car at the hotel and to travel into the centre of Edinburgh by public transport. Parking is at a premium too so you would be best advised to jump aboard a bus, the train or enjoy the luxury of being chauffeur driven in a taxi. There is no doubt about it, that visitors to the city centre are best served by its excellent public transport links, that said, hiring a car for a day of travels out of town will bring rewards by the barrel load.

Located on the east coast, Edinburgh offers seaside haunts, the swanky newly developed Leith docklands and the fabulous Firth of Forth all within about a thirty minute drive away. Whether you have hired a car or have decided to take the public transport there is so much on offer in Edinburgh. In the heart of the city sits the Old Town, the New Town and great shopping opportunities at every turn along the central Princes Street.

Don’t miss the famous cobbled Royal Mile with Edinburgh Castle at one end and the Holyrood Palace at the other and all the attractions in between. Consider embarking a spine tingling ghost tour and visit the underworld domain of the Old Town or enjoy a picnic in the picturesque Princes Street Gardens situated in the heart of the bustling city centre.

When visiting the great city of Edinburgh, why not add an extra dimension to your visit and discover the beauty that exists beyond the city borders? Thinking of hiring a car for the duration of your trip to Edinburgh? Why not?