Top Travel Tips for your City Break in Edinburgh, Scotland
- MemoirsofaMountainGirl
- Oct 20, 2019
- 5 min read
Updated: Jun 30, 2020
I am in love with this city. Small enough to get around the highlights in a (long) weekend but big enough to not get smothered or (dare I say) bored - a city escape to Edinburgh leaves you feeling relaxed, rejuvenated and enlightened. Home to the Famous Edinburgh Fringe Festival each August, Edinburgh is a city of charm, history and culture, attracting an international clientele. The clean, chilled vibes of this compact city keep me coming back for more, and each time I discover something new. I've pulled together this itinerary showcasing the highlights and must dos for your city break - you are welcome!
Where to Sleep
Situated in the heart of the Old-Town, this is a perfect place to base yourself for your Edinburgh Vacay (and housed in the very same building as the famous Elephant House Café, the birthplace of Harry Potter) you are within walking distance of all top attractions and neighborhoods. If you are lucky enough to book the top floor rooms, they boast stunning views of Edinburgh Castle which is just a stone throw away. The apartments are, clean, modern, and safe!
Air B n B - There seems to be a lot of properties in Edinburgh which are second homes to some peeps, in some of the best locations and so you can get some amazing finds on air b n b.
If money is no object then head down to Edinburgh's Royal Mile for a luxury stay in the Waldorf Astoria or the Edinburgh Grand.
Where to Eat
Edinburgh is a Culinary delight, with trendy bars and cafes on every corner, street food, farmers' markets and its fair share of Michelin stared restaurants - there is something for every pallet.
For the very best of Scottish Seasonal produce, a worldly selection of fine wines, and possibly one of thee most romantic dinner settings by candlelight in Edinburgh - head to The Grain Store in the Old Town for a meal to remember. If you are in town celebrating a special occasion book into the Witchery (by the castle). This Edinburgh Institution has been around for decades, offering the very best of seasonal Scottish Produce in baroque surroundings and has a quaint Secret Garden situated in a closed off courtyard - one of Edinburgh's best kept secrets. If you are after some no-frills, comfort food - check out Makars Gourmet Mash Bar for some old school Scottish favorites including Haggis, Neaps and Tatties! If you are in search of brunch in the capital, you might try Urban Angel for an extensive breakfast/ brunch menu in a rustic setting with lost of baked treats! Expect a queue on weekends. For something a little different, you might like Roseleaf in Leith, a family run cafe, this random treasure chest is a delight, serving up breakfast and brunch favorites, or head here for the cure or hair of the dog (they are also a pub). The Roseleaf also throw a mad hatters afternoon tea party if you are feeling the vibe.
If you are visiting Edinburgh over the weekend and hunger strikes on Sunday, stroll over to Stockbridge Market, is a local's favorite farmers market and you truly are in foodie heaven with their extensive street food offering.
Places of Interest / Things to do
Take a trip back in time at Edinburgh Castle (in fancy dress)
Towering tall above Edinburgh’s cobbled streets, dominating the capitals’ Skyline, Edinburgh Castle is what draws many to the city. Take a tour of the historic masterpiece and while you are at it, step inside the tartan weaving mill for a quick photoshoot - Maid Marian-esk.
Stroll along the waterfront in Leith.
Leith - only ten minutes by bus from the centre of Edinburgh, is a vibrant hub for the curious and curiouser. It was the promise of exquisite seafood that initially lured me to Leith in the first instance if I am honest, but once there, you could almost spend a mini break in Leith alone. Lets start with that seafood - Fishers Restaurant is where the culinary magic happens. - a 17th Century watch tower with harbour views and award winning seafood, whats not to love. I took my boyfriend here for a celebratory dinner. What a treat indeed. Leith also boasts it's fair share of microbreweries - take a tour of Stewarts Brewing Taproom on the waterfront, or if you are lucky enough to find yourself on Leith on a weekend, head to the Pit Market for a street-food frenzy!
Go Whisky Tasting at the award winning Whiski Rooms
I went for the chocolate and whisky pairing. Not sure I got it tbh as I am not a Whisky lover myself, I just seemed to be saturating what was perfectly good chocolate in Whisky and therefore couldn’t enjoy either, but hay - when in Rome...
Go Glamping in the grounds of Dundas Castle
If you are not tight for time during your Edinburgh excursion, just 30 minutes out of the city is beautiful Dundas Castle, which caters for weddings and private events. A stroll around the grounds themselves is worth a visit but you can opt to stay in the Boathouse on the lake or stay in a private bell tent with your own eco en-suite, equipped with a stove fire and your own BBQ, you have everything you need to shut off from the world for a couple of days. You can also order custom made hampers to be delivered with fresh local produce such as eggs and cheese and crackers or famous Edinburgh fudge if you are in need of a sweet treat.
Take a hike up to Arthur's Seat.
This is what I truly love about Edinburgh, one minute you can be exploring the rich history of the city and dancing down the cobbled streets, the next you can be at the top of a historic volcano towering over the city and looking out to the North Sea, soaking in the views. This walk up to Arthur‘s seat has been on my Edinburgh bucket list for a while, but just recently I have managed to fit it into my itinerary and I wasn’t disappointed. You should allow about a half day for this excursion, which starts at Holyrood park, you can see many sites of interest on the way to the top, including a Birdseye view of the exquisite palace of Holyrood House and you can see all the way across to Nelson Monument on Calton Hill.
Immerse yourself in the Edinburgh Fringe Festival
Home to the World’s largest Art festival, the Fringe Festival, which runs every August is where Edinburgh’s true colours really show! Dubbed as “the worlds‘ greatest platform for creative freedom”, the festival attracts people from all corners of the globe and aspiring comedians and artists use the Fringe as an opportunity to showcase their talent. One of my favourite acts was an improvised play by baby wants candy - now a sellout act at the festival. Make sure to book accommodation well in advance if your are planning to travel to Edinburgh to soak up the Fringe in all its glory.
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