A Mini City Guide to Edinburgh
I am so delighted to share with you yet another entry to my Mini City Guide series. This time let’s talk about my favourite city in the UK **drum rolls*** EDINBURGH!!
Cobblestone streets, medieval buildings, castle on the hill, great food, friendly people, who wouldn’t want to live here? Edinburgh has stolen my heart in many ways I can possibly imagine.
Edinburgh is the hilly capital city of Scotland. It has a medieval Old Town and elegant Georgian New Town. There's no question that Edinburgh deserves its reputation as one of the most stunning and enthralling cities in the world. It will always have a special place in my heart.
Getting here
There are several ways to reach the city. You can choose from the following options whatever suits your itinerary.
By Plane – Fly to Edinburgh International Airport. From Edinburgh airport you can reach city centre by either tram or bus. The journey is approximately 25 mins.
By train – There are two major railway stations, Waverley and Haymarket, operate regular services to other parts of Scotland and the UK on a frequent basis.
Second time we rode the train from York to Waverley Station on our England – Scotland holiday. Railways are fantastic! Fast and efficient way to travel across the UK.
Getting around
On foot! For me, the best way to explore the city (or any city for that matter) is always on foot. Walk about and you will discover surprising corners and alleys. Participate on walking tours and you'll learn so much about the history of the City. There are free walking tours in Edinburgh just head over to the Royal mile and you'll find different tours they offer. There is a ghost and whiskey tour too if you're up for the challenge.Where to stay
When we went in Spring 2018, we traveled as a group (5 adults, 1 child). We stayed in an apartment kinda - loft type. It is a bright and spacious flat for 6 situated in Old Town of Edinburgh. It is actually nice and cheap too. £388 for 3 days and 2 nights, divided into 5 that would be £77 per person!You can find the listing here.
I love this City so much and I wanted my Bebe to see it so I came back in Winter 2018. The Airbnb we stayed in is amazing! It is right across the castle’s entrance. It’s a 1-bedroom apartment on the second floor of an old stoned building. It has our own living room, kitchen and toilet.
What I particularly like is the view from the living room window. I mean look at that!
Although I think it’s a little bit pricey for its own good. I guess it’s the view and the location you are really paying for.
Both occasions, we stayed in Old town we booked via Booking.com and Airbnb.
Start using Airbnb and get up to £25 off on your home booking. You'd also get £9 to use toward an experience worth £36 or more.
Use my link below:
https://www.airbnb.co.uk/c/kimm5836?currency=GBP
Where to eat:
Chop House
Fancy a Steak dinner? This is your place! The finest steakhouse in the City, located at market street, near Waverley Station. OH MY GOSH. It was sooo good. Charcoal-grilled-steak cooked in perfection.
They also have selection of cocktails and wines.
CHOP HOUSE MARKET STREET
ARCH 15 EAST MARKET ST
EDINBURGH
EH8 8FS
Email: marketstreet@chophousesteak.co.uk
Telephone: 0131 629 1551
Website: https://www.chophousesteak.co.uk/
EDINBURGH
EH8 8FS
Email: marketstreet@chophousesteak.co.uk
Telephone: 0131 629 1551
Website: https://www.chophousesteak.co.uk/
The Ox
Lovely little pub, attentive staff and great food! The Sunday Roast was exquisite.
The OX
49–51 London Street, EH3 6LX, Edinburgh, Scotland
Tel: +44 0131 556 9808
Email: theox@theoxedinburgh.com
Tel: +44 0131 556 9808
Email: theox@theoxedinburgh.com
Bella Italia
Bella Italia
Address: 9-11 Hanover Street, Edinburgh, EH2 2DL
5 Free Things to do in Edinburgh
Walk Around Old Town
My favourite part.. walking around the old town. It never gets old. Wherever you look is an amazing piece of the past and you just cant help and think, What would life be like back then? Old town has some troubled and intriguing history too.
One interesting part of the Old Town are its narrow alleyways they call it "close". They say that if you look at the city (map) from above, the alleyways lead to the main street - The Royal Mile area that goes up towards the entrance of the castle. This way the public has direct access to the castle.
Edinburgh Castle
A historic fortress which dominates the skyline of the city of Edinburgh, Scotland from its position on the Castle Rock.
No payment is required outside the castle but if you're interested to check out what's inside, tickets cost from £10.50 to £17.50 if you book online in advance and £11.50 to £19.50 at the Gate.
I haven't been inside the castle to be honest. I wasn't really interested, there are always huge queue and beside the outside facade of the castle is enough for my snaps. :)
Calton Hill
Calton Hill is one of Edinburgh's main hills, set right in the city centre. It is unmistakable with its Athenian acropolis poking above the skyline.
It took us about 10 minutes minutes (should be less but you know picture!!) to get to the top of the hill from a staircase at Regent Road on the South side,
There is a path right round the edge of the hill and a jumble of historic buildings and structures on top including, for star gazers, an observatory.
National Museum of Scotland
With my scientist slash archaeologist and astronomer wannabee Bebe, visiting a museum has been part of our travels. In fact, I think he wants to go and check out every museum of every City we will ever visit.
The Museum is an excellent introduction to Scottish history and achievements, richly illustrated and diverse. Famous scientists, fashion leaders, furniture designers, explorers, antiquities and animals from around the world, etc are nicely displayed. I particularly liked the big room with animal display.
Walk down the Royal Mile
The Royal Mile is one of those ‘must-see Edinburgh’ attractions that most certainly can’t be missed on any trip to the city. Located in the very heart of the city, a walk down the Royal Mile will allow you to see plenty of cashmere shops, pubs, churches and other historic buildings.
Edinburgh has a rich-colourful-bloody-brutal history that makes it an amazing place to visit. I hope you'll love this city as much as i do. See you on my next adventure.
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