First Time In Edinburgh

The main festival season in Edinburgh is August, you definitely do not need a car in Edinburgh as 90% of what you would likely to want to see is within a few minutes walk from the Royal Mile.

The main exceptions are the Botanical Gardens (23 or 27 bus), Zoo (anything heading to Cosrstophine) or the Royal Yacht Britannia (22 bus).

Is transport good ?
http://lothianbuses.com/assets/files/030301_Passenger_Satifaction_Survey.pdf

I would say the zoo is better in winter because it's not as busy, but it does get very cold because it's located on a hill. Wear appropriate shoes because some of the paths are very steep and there is quite a lot of walking. If you want to see the pandas you need to book a viewing slot in advance - this can be done on their website.

I don't think there are any festivals on in March but there will still be theatre and music performances happening - a quick google search should show you what's on.
Hidden gems - lots - but it depends on what you're in to.

The Science festival is on from March 23rd (to April 7th)
http://www.sciencefestival.co.uk/

You wont need a car - walking and public transport will be easier.

Edinburgh is stacked full of interesting places - you'll find some of them just by walking around the New Town and Old Town.

Great info here: http://www.edinburgh.org/

":The List" gives listings of things going on in Edinburgh. It's a great place to start your search.

Chocolate Tree has amazing cakes, chocolates. IMO they are the best in Edinburgh!!
http://www.the-chocolate-tree.co.uk/

Also a newly opened place called Timberyard, They are not cheap but very good.
http://www.timberyard.co/

If you're after a quick and cheap bite, try Mosque Kitchen, they are on the South Bridge.

Absolute first thing to do for any visitor to Edinburgh should be one of the hop-on, hop-off bus tours. That will give you a good idea of where everything is and what it's about.

Even as someone who's familiar with Edinburgh I've learnt something new every time I've taken one.

Hi,

I went to Edinburgh last year for the first time as well and I found a wonderful little cafe. It's not in the center of the city, but it's a cute little place (furnished like the living room of an old lady, but in a very nice way ;) ) perfect for a little tea break with sandwiches or homemade cake. I actually stayed there for two hours drinking tea and reading the newspaper :)

It's down Regent Road, passing the Regent Road Bowling Club on the right :) and then you'll see the off-white coloured building. Afterwards you can go down Abbeymount, which will bring you to the Palace of Holyroodhouse and the Scottish Parliament.

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Just-the-Ticket/203405199713629 or http://www.just-the-ticket.biz

Apart from that, what I did was to just walk around with a map, always choosing the street that looked most interesting. You'll always find great shops or places that way and the city is perfect to explore it that way!

Anyways, have fun!!
You'll love it there :)