Edinburgh City Guide
Posted by Alec on April 11, 2012.
Sights and Attractions
It is difficult to avoid Arthur’s Seat when visiting Edinburgh as this extinct volcano towers 823 feet above the City and is located in Holyrood Park which is in the very centre of Edinburgh. The volcano is an attractive site in itself, but the hike to the top is an incredible experience! Once you get to the top (and catch your breath) you will be able to see spectacular views of the whole city. This is one of Edinburgh’s top tourist attractions and is free, which makes it even better! From Arthur’s seat it is easy to walk up the Royal Mile, which is definitely a “must do”. The mile long hill features lots of touristy shops that lead the way to the magnificent castle set at the top. Visit http://www.edinburghcastle.gov.uk/ for all the information you will need and details of the fantastic events held here all year round.
Out of town, Hillend dry ski slope is fun, and in the summer take a step back to the 60′s with a walk along Portobello Beach, for classic fish and chips on the pier.
Relaxation
If you would prefer to relax during your visit then the Macdonald Hotel and Spa (www.macdonaldhotels.com) is a must visit! The Hotel is located in the EH2 area of central Edinburgh and is a superb place to stay. Once you buy a spa package you will gain full use of the spa, including the relaxation room. You will also be able to use all the facilities of the health club and a light lunch is on offer with your choice of beverage. This really is the perfect spot to rejuvenate before your big night out in Edinburgh!
Shopping
For shopping, Princes Street is the main shopping street, and for more upscale shops try George St, where there is also a Browns, a Cafe Andaluz, and a Living room. Quirky (but expensive) shops can be found in Bruntsfield, again with excellent cafes etc, including “cocos of bruntsfield” – a chocolatier where you can do chocolate making and tasting workshops.
For the most convenient, all-weather shopping experience, head to Ocean Terminal Shopping Centre (www.oceanterminal.com) on Ocean Drive. There are dozens of high street favourites as well as some independent shops. There is also a Pure Spa and Gym onsite where you will be able to take part in some last minute relaxation after all that shopping! Ocean Terminal also plays host to popular chain restaurants such as Frankie and Benny’s, where you will be able to pick up a delicious and well priced lunch. Throughout the year there are many special events going on in Ocean Terminal, including European food and clothes markets. Be sure to check out the website, before you come to see what is going on. Ocean Terminal also has a great view of the spectacular HMS Royal Yacht Britannia, which you are able to take tours on!
Refreshments
Within spitting distance of Ocean Terminal are The Shore and Commercial Street where there are many more fabulous bars and restaurants for every price range, including 2 michelin starred restaurants as well as a Pizza Express. Worth mentioning is Mimi’s Bakeshop, a cafe and bakery with amazing cakes etc, and The Roseleaf, a quirky, unique bar and restaurant where you can have “pot-tails” cocktails in teapots and everything comes in mismatched vintage china. You can even arrange a “mad hatters tea party” where they provide the hats and a yummy selection of afternoon tea food.
On the Royal Mile, pop in to “Always Sunday” for lunch – wholesome, really excellent home-made soups, baked potatoes and salads etc, or “Oink” on Victoria Street for a cheap and excellent Roast pork roll. (There is a pig on a spit in the window, and they literally take the meat out of the pig and put it on your roll.)
Eating Out
For later in the evening there should be no other choice than to dine at Number One Restaurant (www.restaurantnumberone.com) located in the Balmoral Hotel on Princes Street. The A la Carte menu is on offer throughout the evening and is £62 for three courses prepared by the Michelin Star chefs in the kitchen. The cuisine is all typically Scottish, with dishes such as the Halibut being the stars of the menu! The atmosphere is comfortable and welcoming, with pleasant and helpful staff.
For something a little more relaxed, The Café Cassis Bistro and Garden (www.cafecassis.co.uk) is the perfect place to visit. This southside restaurant boasts a varied menu with a very French influence. Both the evening and lunch menus are reasonably priced and the service is as excellent as the atmosphere.
Nightlife
Edinburgh is well known for its nightlife, with hundreds of bars and clubs dotted throughout the centre of the city. The Bow Bar has been voted number one nightlife spot by Trip Advisor (http://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Attraction_Review-g186525-d189001-Reviews-Bow_Bar-Edinburgh_Scotland.html) who claims that this is the best place to try some real Scotch whisky and ales. This is a traditional style pub with very helpful staff that are happy to discuss everything they have to offer with the customers. This is a great spot to start your night where you will really be able to experience the real Edinburgh!
