First time to Bonny Edinburgh, Scotland

[Vadania]

Hey everyone,

My wonderful, fabulous DBF Colin (a.k.a. Headzila) is taking me to Edinburgh in September as a birthday present It's my first time to Scotland never mind Edinburgh (shocking I know considering I live 1 1/2 hours drive away).

Can you help?? I need suggestions of things to do and places to eat. We're going for three days at the weekend - driving up Friday night straight after work so will hopefully be there by 20:00 and leave the Monday evening/night depending on activities.

Any and all suggestions welcome

Thank you!!

 

[Minniespal]

You must try the Hard Rock Cafe and another restaurant I like is The Living Room, excellent menu plus lots of lovely cocktails. The Jam House is another fav of mine. Harvey Nicks for coffee and a nosey, The Castle, Hollyrod.

Here is a link with more info:-

http://www.edinburgh.gov.uk/internet

 

[scottishsue]

Edinburgh Zoo is a must do, definitely. Been there tons of times.
And has already been said - the Castle.

A walk through Princes Street Gardens and look at the shops (especially if you are a shopaholic like me).

 

[carolfoy]

ooooh, I haven't been to Edinburgh for years, its a lovely city. Must organise a weekend there soon.

 

[Vadania]

Thanks for the suggestions. I REALLY looking forward to going.

 

[Catananche]

The Royal Mile is a great place for wandering down, with the castle at the top and Holyrood Palace at the bottom of the hill. There's also St Giles Cathedral, Mary Kings Close, and various old churches and museums en route, but the closes (passageways) are good for a nosey.

There are three places for food on the Royal Mile that I can recommend: the restaurant Dubh Prais (pronounced Doo Prash) for dinner, and the chocolate cafe, Plaisir du Chocolat. Their website is down, but I think they are still open. Great for chocolate addicts. And Cafe Florentin, near St Giles is also good for a coffee stop (and much better than the usual tartan-infested cafes). The Witchery, by the castle, is one of THE places to eat, and stay, but also just a tad expensive. But very romantic. Did you say it was your birthday? http://thewitchery.com

There are lots of walking tours, from ghosty ones to literary ones. I'd recommend the Witchery tour, it's usually very funny. http://witcherytours.com

And the tour of Mary Kings Close is intriguing too. http://realmarykingsclose.com

On a rainy day, the National Museum of Scotland, near Greyfriars Bobby, is a good place to shelter, with the really freaky Millenium clock (worth going on the hour). http://ivu.org/congress/2002/dilip/edinburgh5.jpg

Have a great visit!

 

[Cnd_Jen]

Ooh, I am jealous! I lived in Edinburgh for 16 months after university. I would have loved to stay... but I left to work at Disney World D) and now my UK work visa has expired

For kind of a cheap pub lunch, and a chance to munch on some good haggis, I recommend the Conan Doyle. It's around the corner from St. James Centre (a shopping centre) on... fading memory... York Place, I believe.

Not sure how the weather is now, but if you're feeling kind of active I definitely recommend climbing Arthur's Seat. It's a bit of a hike, but offers AMAZING views of the city!!

When my parents visited I took them to the Childhood Museum on the east end of the Royal Mile. My dad loved it, and it's right next to a fudge shop (called The Fudgery, or the Fudge Kitchen or something) that, ahem, offers free samples...

Very important: Princes Street has a Disney Store and TWO H&Ms! (Boggles the mind of anyone from my home province.)

There is a safari park a bit outside of the city that is, apparently, fabulous. Unfortunately the name escapes me at the moment. Blair Drummond Safari Park, I think.

Have a great weekend!!

~ jen