4 DAYS IN EDINBURGH: WHAT TO DO, SEE & EAT
Scotland has been on my bucket list for a while now, so I decided to book my flights to the UK. I spent 4 days exploring Edinburgh before starting a tour with Haggis Adventures. When I think of Scotland I see green hills, highlands cows and people playing the bagpipes.. and that it was I got to experience!
Edinburgh is a beautiful historical gothic city, with old cobblestone streets, back streets that lead to cute Scottish pubs and beautiful old buildings.
HOW TO GET THERE
Cause I live in Australia the trip to the UK is a long haul flight. I booked return flights to London through Thai Airways, with a stopover in Bangkok. The first flight took 9 hours and the second flight took 11 hours. Thai Airways are a really great airline to fly with, they provide exceptional service and really yummy food. Once I landed in London I then transferred to another terminal to get my flight to Edinburgh.
Edinburgh airport has a really great transport system connecting to the city. The best way to get to Edinburgh city centre is via the bus or tram. Airlink 100 express buses run every 10 minutes from the airport to Waverly Bridge. Waverly Bridge is where the main rail and bus stations are located. Tickets cost £4.50 for a single trip and £7.00 for a return trip. The trip takes around 20-25 minutes to get to the city centre.
Trams run every 7 minutes from the airport to Edinburgh city centre. Tickets cost £5.50 for a single trip and £8.50 for a return trip. The trip takes around 30 minutes to get to the city centre.
THINGS TO DO
Hike to Arthur's Seat
If you are wanting to get a picturesque 360˚ views of the Edinburgh skyline, I suggest hiking up to the top of Arthur's Seat. It will take a few hours to get to the top and back, plus a little bit of time to sit and take in the spectacular views. As I walked up the mountain I could see amazing views of Edinburgh and views across to the sea.
There are different tracks that you can choose from, some are harder than others. I suggest taking the track near the bottom of the Palace of Holyroodhouse, as it is a gentle walk to the top with a few steep steps. Check out the Visit Scotland website for more details about Arthur's Seat.
Explore Edinburgh Castle
If you are looking for a viewpoint of the city, I recommend heading to Edinburgh Castle. Standing on top of a great rock, Edinburgh Castle can be seen from anywhere in Edinburgh. It is a world-famous tourist attraction, a key part of the Edinburgh World Heritage Site and parts are still used as a military base.
It is free to walk up to the Edinburgh Castle, but if you want to explore the whole castle and take a tour inside it will cost you £18.00.
Be Amazed by Camera Obscura & World of Optical Illusions
Camera Obscura is one of my favourite places that I went to Edinburgh. The Camera Obscura is a Victorian invention that was the world first CCTV. A live projection of the city is displayed on a surface, it is amazing to see how it works! Click here if you want to read more about how it works. There is a world of optical illusion to see inside, a mirror maze, vortex tunnel, holograms and so much more!
I recommend going up to the rooftop, as there is an amazing view of Edinburgh. If you want to check out Camera Obscura & World of Optical Illusions it will cost £16.00. The tickets are valid all day, you can go in as many times as you want all day.
Walk the Royal Mile & Victoria Street
The Royal Mile is a street that starts at Edinburgh Castle and goes all the way down to the Palace of Holyroodhouse. The street goes through the old town in Edinburgh, most of the street is cobblestone. There are plenty of restaurants, shops, souvenir shops, cashmere scarf shops and you can hear bagpipes being played through the street.
Victoria Street is said to be the inspiration for dragon alley from Harry Potter!!! It's such a beautiful windy street with cute shops and buildings. I love the few brightly coloured buildings next to each other.
WHERE TO STAY
$ St Christopher's Edinburgh Hostel
This hostel is located in Edinburgh's old town in the city centre, situated opposite the Waverly railway station. If you are looking for a budget hostel in Edinburgh, I recommend staying at St Christopher's. I stayed here for 3 nights and I really enjoyed my stay. You can choose from shared dorm rooms or double bed private rooms.
Each room at St. Christopher's includes bed linen/serviced daily. En suite or shared bathroom, with free use of hot showers. Other amenities are available upon request and towels are available at a surcharge.
Cityroomz Edinburgh is located just a few meters from Prince's Street and only a 10-minute walk to Edinburgh Castle. They provide continental breakfast at an extra charge, offering croissants, pastries, cereals and cold meats. An express bagged breakfast service is available and it provides coffee and pastries to take away if you’re in a rush.
Each room free Wi-Fi, en suite bathroom with free toiletries, flat-screen TV and city views.
$ $ Best Western Plus Edinburgh City Centre Bruntsfield Hotel
The Best Western Plus Edinburgh City Centre Bruntsfield Hotel overlooks Bruntsfield Links Park. It is located 5 minutes away from the main shopping area on Princes Street. Edinburgh city centre and Edinburgh Castle are only a 15-minute or a 5-minute bus ride away. Bisque Bar & Brasserie provides casual dining with a seasonal menu with locally sourced produce.
Each room has bright interiors, free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TV with international satellite channels, a work desk, a seating area and a private bathroom. The hotel also has a lounge overlooking the park, where you can relax and enjoy the view of Edinburgh.
$ $ Courtyard by Marriott Edinburgh
This 4-star hotel is located near Calton Hill and is only a five-minute walk away from Prince's Street. The hotel offers free-Wi-Fi, a bar and free access to the gym. The Lantern Room offers food with a range of local and international dishes
Each room at the Courtyard by Marriott is modern, spacious and traditionally furnished. Featuring free Wi-Fi, a TV, telephone, tea and coffee making facilities and an en suite bathroom with a shower.
WHERE TO EAT
Rollo Wine Bar & Resturant: If you are looking for a traditional Scottish meal.
The Black Fox: Perfect spot to grab some local pub food, offering a range of burgers (including veggie options), hot dogs, a range of sides and Scotsman Burgers with haggis.
Oink Hog Roast: This place has the best Roast Pork Rolls, you can also choose your toppings & sauce. I chose the roast pork roll with sage and onion stuffing and apple sauce, it was so delicious!
Elephant House: The birthplace of Harry Potter, this cafe is the location where J.K Rowling wrote the Harry Potter books. Lots of breakfast and lunch options on the menu, I had a cake and hot chocolate. It also has an amazing wall full of HP fans messages and names on the bathroom walls!
