Edinburgh

Scotland’s capitol and second largest city, Edinburgh is a stunning city situated in the south-east of Scotland. With a spectacular rugged setting and vast collection of Medieval and Georgian architecture, Edinburgh is often considered one of the most picturesque cities in Europe.

The best thing about Edinburgh in my opinion, is that despite being a fairly small city geographically, there are so many spectacular things to do both day and night here, most of which is based centrally and within walking distance

The only thing you may need to consider is that Edinburgh, and particularly the centre of the city, is built over several hills. Coming out of Waverly Station or walking up Cockburn Street (pronounced Coe-burn street) can be quite strenuous if you have a lot of luggage or are someone who has difficulties walking, however there is an extensive bus network and taxi service on hand if required.

Areas

The Centre of Edinburgh is divided into two by Princess Street Gardens. To the South the view is dominated by Edinburgh Castle and the Old Town. To the North lies Princes St and the New Town, and the West of the castle lies the financial district, housing insurance and banking buildings.

Other notable areas of Edinburgh include South Side and Leith. The South Side is a popular residential part of the city, comprising of areas including St Leonards, Marchmont, Newington, Sciennes, and is considered to be one of if not the most affluent area of Scotland. This area is particularly popular with families, students, and festival goers due to the nearby University Campuses and high regarded state and private schools.

Leith is an area that still retains a separate identity from Edinburgh, and it is still a matter of great resentment from some locals of the area from when the burgh of Leith was merged into Edinburgh. A port of Edinburgh, Leith offers several cruises to countries such as Norway, Sweden, and Denmark, but is also an area that is particularly popular with students due to some of the cheap accommodation and local nightlife available. Much of the film “Trainspotting” starring Ewan McGreggor and Robert Carlisle was based around the area of Leith with some filming also going on here.

Transport

By Air

Edinburgh has an international airport which fly’s to several destinations within the UK and abroad. The city is also within close distance to Glasgow International and Glasgow Prestwick Airports as the two cities are only approximately one hour’s drive from one another. Booking flights to Edinburgh online will obviously save you a bit of money when flying to the city!

By Rail

There is a regular rail service between Edinburgh and most other large towns and cities throughout Scotland run by Scotrail. Services between Edinburgh and Glasgow run approximately every 15 minutes during peak time, with regular services everyday to other major cities such as Aberdeen and Dundee. There is also a regular service down the east coast of the UK, with several trains running daily between Edinburgh and London.

There are 3 main train stations within Edinburgh. These are;

Waverly Station

The most central and busy station.

Haymarket Station

Also very central, but not quite as busy as Waverly, Haymarket is situated in Edinburgh’s West End.

Edinburgh Park

By Bus

There are several bus companies that run services to/from and within the city:

Lothian Buses

First Buses

Megabus

National Express

Where To Stay

Festivals

The Edinburgh Festival

Edinburgh is best known around the world for The Edinburgh Festival, an event that is in fact a series of festivals running from the end of July until the beginning of September. The longest established festival of them all is the Edinburgh International Festival centring on a programme of high-profile theatre productions and classical music performances, featuring international directors, conductors, theatre companies and orchestras. However, in recent this years this has been overtaken in both size and popularity by The Edinburgh Fringe.

The Fringe

With approximately 2000 different shows, the Fringe Festival has become particularly popular by the number of high profile comedians who have had their “big break” here. In 2008 the largest comedy venues on the Edinburgh Fringe launched as a festival within a festival, labelled the Edinburgh Comedy Festival. It is now the largest comedy festival in the world.

Other notable festivals around at this time are the Edinburgh Art Festival, Edinburgh International Film Festival, Edinburgh Jazz and Blues Festival, Edinburgh International Book Festival, The Edge Festival (formerly known as T on the Fringe) and running concurrently with the summer festivals, the Edinburgh Military Tattoo.

In my opinion the best time of year to be in Edinburgh is during the Festival. There really are few places in the world that can compete with the atmosphere here during the month of August, and if I am ever travelling during the summer months I always try to make it back in time for the festivities! For information on getting to the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, click on the hyperlink.

Celebrations

Hogmanay (Scottish word for New Year’s Celebrations)

A street party is held in Edinburgh every year on Hogmanay. Due to overcrowding in previous years, there is now ticketing on Princes Street where the main party is held, with a limit of 100,000 tickets. During the street party Princes Street is accessible by ticket only, allowing access into the street where there are live bands playing, food and drink stalls, and a clear view of the castle and fireworks. However, if I could give my best tip for spending Hogmanay in Edinburgh it would be to stay away from Princes Street and head up to nearby Calton Hill only a few minutes walk away. There is a much better view of the fireworks at the castle from there, as well as fireworks on the hill itself. Not only that but it is completely free to go there and there is always a great atmosphere and camaraderie between everybody. You are also free to find a local pub before heading up and therefore stay in the warm away from the cold weather outside.

On the 30th of April you can also go to the Beltane Fire Festival on Calton Hill. The festival is a procession followed by the re-enactment of scenes inspired by pagan spring fertility celebrations.

Landmarks, Landscapes, and Places of Interest

Edinburgh has a deep history going back hundreds of years. There are several areas of great man made structure and beauty littered throughout the city.

Edinburgh Castle

Edinburgh Castle is a main focal point of the city and is very hard to miss when on a visit to the city. There are some stunning views of the castle from most parts of the inner city, however the inside in my opinion is very over rated and costs more than it is worth. There are lots of beautiful castles littered throughout Scotland that offer a much cheaper entrance fee and more rewarding experience in my opinion.

The Royal Mile

Popular with tourists for a reason, the Royal Mile is Edinburgh’s High Street and runs exactly one mile long right up to the castle. It is littered with pubs, little shops, and cobbles! The architecture surrounding is representative of the old town and you will often find many street performers here even out with the popular Edinburgh Fringe Festival.

The Grassmarket

The Grassmarket is another great area situated in Edinburgh’s old town. A haven for students and international travellers, the Grassmarket has some great little independent shops, with Armstrong’s Vintage Clothing Outlet deserving a special mention. There are also several pubs along here too, although I personally find them better for a quick drink or a meal during the day rather than a place to go to at night. If you are looking for somewhere to party however my next suggestion is where I recommend you go!

The Cowgate

If the Cowgate was not situated in heart of Edinburgh’s nightlife it would be quite eerie at night. Situated in the old town’s lower level, walking along the Cowgate under George IV bridge and South Bridge, can provide a gloomy, but dramatic back drop, and insight into life in the 1800’s through some of the surrounding architecture.

Arthur’s Seat

Situated about a mile from Edinburgh Castel, Arthur’s Seat is a great place to walk up for stunning views of the city. There is also a little enclove about half way up, where if you sit down with a picnic you actually can’t see any of the city. It can make you feel like you are far away in te country side, yet you are right in the heart of Edinburgh.

Forth Rail Bridge

Joining Edinburgh to the region of Fife, the Forth Rail Bridge is an iconic feature, and structural masterpiece of Scotland. Built over a hundred years ago, over 450 workers were injured and 98 lost their lives during the construction of this bridge. It is definately worth a trip out to view and take in a piece of Scottish history.

Nightlife

From the country that invented Whiskey, Scotland is a country that enjoys a night out, and Edinburgh is no different with a host of pubs, bars, and nightclubs to frequent every night of the week. A pint of beer in the city will generally cost between £2.50 – £4.00 dependant on where you go, however if you go out mid-week there are several places which will offer pints of any kind of beer or cider on draft for as little as £1. Below are a list of my favourite pubs, nightclubs, and hang outs in the city for a good drink, although by all means head out into the city when you are here and discover some for yourself!

The Brass Monkey

14 Drummond Street. The Brass Monkey is quite simply a cool place to hang out. One of the best bars in Edinburgh and a local secret, Brass Monkey offers all manner of delights. From Havana and Coke from 2.55, monkey art, iconic posters and an intimate back room made of mattresses!

Standing Order

62-66 George Street. I’m not usually a big fan of these sort of chain Wetherspoon type pubs, but for the cheapest booze and food all week long check out the Standing Order on George Street.

The Antiquary

72-78 St. Stephen Street. If you are looking for somewhere a little more homely then The Antiquary or “The ‘Tic” situated in the area of Stockbridge (just outside the city centre) is somewhere you should check out. This little basement bar is a bit cheaper than the pubs in town, the staff are really down to earth, there’s usually something on most days of the week, and there is always a bit of banter going on. The ‘Tic was my “local” during the 2 years I lived in Edinburgh and is somewhere I always go when I’m back in town (although I am slightly biased!)

Bannermans

212 Cowgate. A favourite with local bands, Bannerman’s is a laid-back pub tucked semi-underground on the Cowgate. Bonuses include cheap pool and good banter from a rock and indie crowd. 3 pints for the price of 2 for any students!

Cabaret Voltaire

36 Blair Street. Contrary to what the name suggests, Cabaret Voltaire is actually a basement club which has in the last few years become the “place to go” in Edinburgh. It may be small in size, but the atmosphere here can be electric on a weekend, particularly when Cab plays host too many international and underground DJs.

Bongo Club

37 Holyrood Road. If you want to have a crazy night ou then head to Bongo Club! That’s all I’m going to say!

The Hive

15-17 Niddry Street. Come here Sunday to Thursday and you will find £1 a drink. The Hive is a popular student haunt known for its cheap drinks and varying music policy.  From punk and emo to pop and chart, hitting up indie, electro and all that is mashed up in between – if you are looking for a fun filled and drink fuelled evening then check it out. Holding up to 650 people there is often a combo of live music and club nights in these underground vaults.

The Three Sisters

139 Cowgate. Spacious and full with students, this place is as much a staple of modern Edinburgh as the Royal Mile. Also has an outdoor terrace with a huge TV screen for sports.

I have a lot of favourite places to go for a night out in Edinburgh. So many so that I couldn’t possibly list them all, but the above are some good places to get you started.