[Travel] Edinburgh

[dazzer6666]

And Carlton Hill for some iconic views.

*Calton

Can recommend the Castle, underground tunnels (organised walking tour or ‘ghost’ tour - well worth it), boat trip under the Forth Bridge and out to Inchcolme Island, a stroll around the Meadows and nearby and generally just mooching around. Absolutely dozens of pubs and bars to explore, too many to recommend ! Arthur’s Seat isn’t far to go and not much of a climb but well worth it for the views. Best meal I’ve had in Edinburgh was at The Kitchin in Leith (as others have said, Britannia also worth a visit if out there). The Scottish Seabird Centre at North Berwick is a bit further out but great and easily reached by train (about half an hour from Waverley)

 

[Sussax]

Thanks all!

Next to see whether the the other half values any of your opinions

 

[Conkers]

There is an amazing Nepalese restaurant not too far from Waverley station. Gurkha Cafe.
Best meal I had whilst staying there.

 

[Live by the sea]

Me and the Mrs are off to Edinburgh for a long weekend next month. We’re planning on doing most of the main stuff (Old Town, The Castle, Arthur’s Seat etc) and maybe see this Giant Panda before it goes.

But does the wisdom of NSC have any other recommendations?

Good Pubs or places for dinner? (Nothing to fancy)

Anywhere to avoid?

Many thanks in advance!

Generally I’d say avoid Scotland in general , cold weather , poor diet , difficult accent to understand , they hate the English ( apparently) but Edinburgh does seem to be the exception to the rule .

 

[Jim in the West]

Generally I’d say avoid Scotland in general , cold weather , poor diet , difficult accent to understand , they hate the English ( apparently) but Edinburgh does seem to be the exception to the rule .

Our two recent forays north of the Border were excellent. Edinburgh was one of them - and pretty much every shop assistant, barista, or bar-person seemed to be English. The other was Skye - with a similar sort of experience. In both cases the service and welcome were fantastic, and the weather was brilliant, too. Not sure if any of that was coincidence....

 

[Thunder Bolt]

Generally I’d say avoid Scotland in general , cold weather , poor diet , difficult accent to understand , they hate the English ( apparently) but Edinburgh does seem to be the exception to the rule .

Having been to Thurso, Ayr, St Andrews, Glasgow and Edinburgh, I would say you're wrong.

 

[stewart12]

Generally I’d say avoid Scotland in general , cold weather , poor diet , difficult accent to understand , they hate the English ( apparently) but Edinburgh does seem to be the exception to the rule .

just been to Scotland (not Edinburgh). Weather was warm enough to swim in the sea, we ate great food, I'm not a f***ing idiot so could understand what they were saying and never experienced any hostility whatsoever

 

[sully]

Another recommendation for the Royal Yacht Britannia at Leith. The tram stops about 100 yards beyond the entrance.
We had a lovely lunch in the Roseleaf Bar Cafe, too, which isn’t far away still in Leith.

 

[One Teddy Maybank]

About to go in early June.

Any updated advice, have booked the Castle and Royal Yacht on the basis of this thread.

 

[Albion my Albion]

I guess you should verbally use the phrase "That's what she said" many times over the holiday. That is if you're using this thread for your holiday pleasure.

That is if you're using this thread for your holiday pleasure.

That's what she said.

 

[Albion my Albion]

Sometimes I feel as if my mind is in a Monty Python skit.




Please spam me the insults.

 

[Littlemo]

About to go in early June.

Any updated advice, have booked the Castle and Royal Yacht on the basis of this thread.

What kind of stuff do you like doing?

If you are fond of weird garden art then actually Jupiter Artland is worth a trip, it’s a bit different. The Camera Onscura was meant to be really good as well, though I haven’t been myself. It’s up near the Castle.

 

[Bakero]

About to go in early June.

Any updated advice, have booked the Castle and Royal Yacht on the basis of this thread.

Some good food options here: https://www.theguardian.com/travel/...scotland-2025s-most-exciting-food-destination

 

[albionalba]

Agree with @Littlemo re Jupiter Artland but it is quite a way out. If staying in the city some of the underground Edinburgh tours quite good / different - check out the reviews - see https://www.cityofthedeadtours.com/

 

[Littlemo]

Yes talking of food this place, Lannan Bakery, is very good. You need to get there early though, at Christmas I waited in a queue for about 30mins to get in there . It was worth it though.

 

[darkwolf666]

Someone previously mentioned the ‘ghost tours’, the hidden city ones are quite good too…

https://www.realmarykingsclose.com/

 

[One Teddy Maybank]

Thanks @Littlemo @Bakero @darkwolf666 @albionalba

 

[Daddies_Sauce]

About to go in early June.

Any updated advice, have booked the Castle and Royal Yacht on the basis of this thread.

How long will you be up there? We did Edinburgh a couple of years ago, but family over to the UK for a month wanted to also see the highlands etc. So we booked a minibus tour for 3 days (other lengths are available) which took in the some amazing views of the highlands, castles etc. with a couple of nights based on the Isle of Skye.

​

 

[One Teddy Maybank]

How long will you be up there? We did Edinburgh a couple of years ago, but family over to the UK for a month wanted to also see the highlands etc. So we booked a minibus tour for 3 days (other lengths are available) which took in the some amazing views of the highlands, castles etc. with a couple of nights based on the Isle of Skye.

​

Only 2 days.
Hoping to go back for a longer tour next year.

 

[Sussexscots]

If you're doing the Brittania, the pubs on the Leith Shore are cracking for food/drink.

Try Tuechters Landing for beer and food. The Malt and Hops for a great range of beer.

The King's Wark does a fabulous breakfast and the Ship on the Shore is fine.

Up Leith Walk, Robbie's Bar near Balfour Street tram stop is a grand old Edinburgh bar.

Bit of an out of the way gem is Bijou. A tiny restaurant on Restalrig Road near Leith Links.

Enjoy. Embra is a wonderful city.