Where to Stay in Edinburgh
Edinburgh, just like any other European city, is a compact place where there are many small neighbourhoods which travellers can choose from to make their stay complete in the Scottish capital. To make it easy for the wander-lusts, we have vetted the best places where the tourists can opt to stay.
- City Centre.
- The Royal Mile.
- Bruntsfield.
- Stockbridge.
- Leith.
There are many bus services to roam around the place, but, the city is best when explored by foot - the winding streets going towards the majestic castle that has a thousand tales to tell. If the Old Town has its mystery to be unearthed, then the city centre gives a vibe of bustling life with day-to-day activities.
Facts About Edinburgh
The lush green trees, the smoky clouds, the chilly winds and a hot cuppa of chocolate milk is what is needed to make a perfect trip. To make the holiday more interesting, here are a few facts to know before guests start packing their bags and head towards the Scottish capital.
- Auld Reekie is the nickname of Edinburgh and it means Old Smoky.
- Edinburgh has 112 parks and more trees per head than any other city in the UK.
- Lairds Lug is a small window in Edinburgh Castle’s Great Hall above the fireplace, where castle residents used to eavesdrop to listen to the conversations taking place in the Great Hall.
- Edinburgh Castle is built on an extinct volcano.
- Company for Quenching of Fires is an act passed by the Edinburgh Government after a series of fires devastated parts of the city in 1703, creating one of the first fire services in the world.
- Edinburgh was the first city to be named a UNESCO City of Literature.
- J.K. Rowling wrote some of the Harry Potter books in an Edinburgh café, The Elephant, and took inspiration from the landscape for the locations.
- Scotland’s national animal is the unicorn.
- The Encyclopedia Britannica was first produced in Edinburgh.
- Edinburgh is the home of Arthur Conan Doyle and Greyfriar’s Bobby.
A few trivial facts include:
- Area (city) - 102 sq mi (264 km2).
- Area (metro) - 87 sq mi (225 km2).
- Demonym - Edinburgher.
Here are a few facts about the city’s economy:
- Bank of Scotland was established in 1695 and the 19th Century, Edinburgh’s economy was mainstay banking.
- Tourism plays an important part in the city’s economy.
- Scotland is the headquarters for Bank of Scotland, Sainsbury’s Bank, Tesco Bank, and TSB Bank.
- The GDP of the city is approx £33 billion and GDP per capita is approx £58,000.
Things to Do in Edinburgh
Ancient, mysterious, adventurous and breathtakingly beautiful, Edinburgh has a vast amount of amenities and attractions. Although it has a vast history behind it, the city does not lag when it comes to being effortlessly modern. There is lots of fun, food, culture and dance that attracts tourists all over the world to this city.
What are the most popular things to see in Edinburgh?
These are the top 10 attractions in Edinburgh:
- Edinburgh’s Castle.
- Arthur’s Seat.
- Leith.
- Whiskey Tasting.
- Summerhall.
- Cameo.
- Scottish National Gallery.
- Festival Theatre.
- Haunted Edinburgh Tour.
- The Meadows.
What are some free things to do in Edinburgh?
Here are 10 free things to do in Edinburgh:
- Get a fresh breath of air at the botanical garden.
- Get to know about Scottish Law at the devolved Scottish Parliament.
- Take a tour of the Scottish Art Gallery.
- Walk down the Royal Mile.
- Visit Greyfriars Kirkrayd.
- Admire the view from Carlton Hill.
- Experience the culture and history of Scotland at the National Museum of Scotland.
- Hike Arthur’s Seat.
- Visit the Museum of Childhood.
- Animal lovers can visit Gorgie City Farm.
Where should you spend your nights in Edinburgh?
This is where guests need to spend their night in Edinburgh:
- Visit Old Calton Burial Ground, home to many spooky tales.
- Explore the underground vault comprising of chambers that have many mystery stories to tell.
- Take a vintage bus ride to popular landmarks including Grassmarket and Royal Mile.
- Explore the busy area known as Mary Kings Close and what tales it has to say.
- Go on a whiskey tasting experience at night.
- Visit Princess Street when it’s lit up at night.
- Watch the extravagant shows, dance, and music at the Military Tattoo.
- Get a seat in any comedy clubs where it features local comedians to tickle your funny bones.
- Watch how the sky looks in a Scottish night ar The Royal Observatory.
Places to Visit in Edinburgh
There will be no time for boredom in Edinburgh thanks to the likes of the castle, the extinct volcano, the glorious cafés or even the gigs of stand-up comedians. Overall, Edinburgh offers an experience that makes one want to visit the place again and again.
Here are the top places to visit in Edinburgh:
- Edinburgh’s Castle - a top tourist attraction, Edinburgh’s Castle is considered to the most classic and iconic in the whole of the UK.
- Arthur’s Seat - forget about all the other things that Edinburgh has to offer and just put on the shoes and head towards Arthur’s Seat.
- Leith Theatre - visit the old Leith Theatre to catch up on some musical renditions.
- Whiskey Tasting - head to one of the distilleries where Scotland’s best whiskies can be savoured.
- Summerhall - this once upon a time a veterinary school is now a hub to workshops, gigs, music, theatre performance, and a micro-brewery.
- Cameo - a century-old cinema building, special events like a movie marathon are a few things that this place offers.
- Scottish National Gallery - this gallery boasts of collections of residents’ masterpieces and temporary exhibitions.
- Festival Theatre - hosting opera, live music and ballet, this is a dream come true for those that love a spectacle.
- Haunted Edinburgh Tour - those who love spooky stuff should take up this tour and learn about the city’s shady past.
- The Meadows - located in the centre of the city, this is a must-visit for nature lovers that love a bit of greenery or those that want to sunbathe on the rare occasion that the sun is out.
Places to Eat in Edinburgh
Edinburgh is a city that knows how to dine in style. With many eating-outlets propping out every other day, it shows the cosmopolitan nature of the place. Many places in Edinburgh are a must to try those authentic Scottish dishes. In case one is missing home food, Edinburgh has made room to offer cuisines from all over the world.
What foods should visitors try in Edinburgh?
Here are 10 foods that every traveller should try:
- Haggis.
- Neeps and Tatties.
- Cranachan.
- Cock-a-leeki soup.
- Tipsy Laird.
- Cullen Shrink.
- Scottish Salmon.
- Scottish Tablet.
- Grouse.
- Black pudding.
What are the best restaurants in Edinburgh?
There are many top restaurants that Edinburgh, and these are the best ones it offers:
- Contini.
- Timberyard.
- Pickles.
- Gardener’s Cottage.
- Leith Chop House.
- Lavage.
- Castle Terrace.
- Blue Parrot Cantina.
- Spoon.
- Hanedan.
What are the top posh restaurants in Edinburgh?
Here are 10 of the most expensive restaurants in Edinburgh:
- Restaurant Martin Wishart.
- The Witchery by the Castle.
- Rhubarb.
- The Kitchin.
- The Honours.
- Castle Terrace.
- 21212.
- Ondine.
- The Pompadour by Gavin.
- The Dome.
What are Edinburgh's cheaper dining options?
Why waste money on expensive restaurants, when Edinburgh offers a myriad range of cheaper dining option that is worth every penny.
- Saboteur.
- Mosque Kitchen.
- Oink.
- Checkpoint.
- Wings.
- Pizzeria 1926.
- The Pakora Bar.
- Meltmongers.
- Taquito.
- Roots.
Street Food in Edinburgh
A true foodie is one who never compromises when it comes to satisfying their gastronomy. Edinburgh, since time immemorial, has been a tourist spot, and the city offers the best street food to go with its reputation. Find out the best street food joints that offer a variety of cuisines to tingle the taste-buds.
- The Pitt Market.
- Stockbridge Market.
- Viva Mexico.
- Lynne’s Scrumptious Snack.
- Tupi Kitchen.
- Barnacles and Bones.
- Veloce.
- Bodega.
- Taste of Italy.
- Paradise Palms.
Shopping in Edinburgh
If eating is for the stomach, shopping is for the soul. No travel is complete without shopping. A gift for oneself for making time to travel and many gifts for well-wishers and family is something that cannot be missed.
Edinburgh is a place that offers many shopping centres that can range from home-décor, personal goodies and gifting options. Read on to find out the best shopping arenas that Edinburgh has to offer. As usual, like any place in the world, Edinburgh's shopping destinations are divided.
For instance, Princess Street, George Street and Multrees Walk should be explored for something expensive and branded. Cobbled Street and West End are flocked by boutiques and independent stores that sell anything from organic products to fashion. Finally, known as a tourists’ paradise, Royal Mile and Grassmarket have a plethora of options ranging from vintage fashion, handmade gifts and antique books.
Transportation in Edinburgh
The bus is the major means of transportation in Edinburgh. Known as Lothian buses, they operate almost the entire city with pit-stops, which is easy for the locals and tourists who would want to reach their desired destination. With trams being introduced in 2014, thus giving more travelling options to people, getting around the Scottish capital has never been easy. Though train options are available, it should be noted that the city can be explored through a bus or on foot.
Weather in Edinburgh
Edinburgh has a maritime climate and has mild temperature, though that is due to it being located in Northerly latitude. It is known as ‘windy-city’ due to the winds that cine gushing from the south-west region, so guests should be prepared to be blown about a bit. Winters in Edinburgh are cold and summers are warm, making it an ideal destination for tourists during the peaks of sunshine - ideal to experience the great views from Arthurs Seat or to experience the castle. Rainfall is evenly distributed throughout the year, but August is known to receive a high amount of rainfall.
