Typically I do my “Help a Reader Travel” posts on Monday, but I received an urgent email from a loyal reader who is traveling this weekend and would love some help/suggestions!
This special Friday’s travel destination includes Edinburgh, Scotland. I received the following email from reader Andrew:
“We are traveling to Edinburgh for a leisure golf trip and have a day or so to check out the city and area. Appreciate any tips on restaurants or things to do around town or in the area.”
While this reader only needs help for one day of things to do, I am sure many others would love other suggestions such as hotel accommodations, etc.
So, if youâve ever been to Edinburgh and have any recommendations, letâs help out reader Andrew by commenting below.
Also, if you have any upcoming travel where you need some help, feel free to email me at dealswelike@gmail.com to be a featured âHelp a Reader Travelâ Monday special. Thanks!
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I lived in Edinburgh for several years, and really enjoyed it. For traditional (but tasty) Scottish Pub fare, an excellent selection of single malts (and beers, I’d recommend the Sheep Heid Inn:
http://www.thesheepheidedinburgh.co.uk/
It’s the oldest pub in Edinburgh, has a great ambiance, and is very close to Arthur’s Seat (the extinct volcano in the middle of the city that makes for a great climb and great views).
Edinburgh Castle is also well worth a visit/tour, and is easy to get to. This time of year, a walk from the Castle through Princes Street Gardens and up to Calton Hill should be pleasant, pass right by the Scott Monument, and the view from Calton Hill itself is stunning.
Was there two months ago. Stayed at the Premier Inn, it’s cheap and clean. Take the Airport Bus into town instead of a taxi and save a ton. In addition to the Castle, walk the Royal Mile. There’s also the quirky Museum on the Mound about the history of Scottish money.
I would suggest walking the Royal Mile from the castle down to Holyrood and the parliament. You can also walk along Princes Street. Deacon Broadie’s Tavern (Deacon Brodie served as the inspiration for Robert Louis Stevenson’s story, “The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde”) is a great place to eat. Whenever I’ve been in Edinburgh with someone who hasn’t been before, we’ve taken the double decker sightseeing bus… it provides a great, narrated overview of the city. And, you can get on and off at various points along the route.
We liked the Radisson Blu on the Royal Mile. And Wedgwood is a really nice restaurant!
If you’re looking for food recommendations, have a look at our foodie blogs for recommendations.
http://Www.lunchquest.co.uk
http://Www.cakequest.co.uk
We are Edinburgh based and give indie reviews of restaurants and cake shops, if that’s your bag.
The weather is glorious this weekend, so wander about the Old Town and soak up the sun. Have a good trip.
We just got back from Edinburgh a few weeks ago. Definitely see the castle – the history is amazing. Stroll the Royal Mile and marvel at the architecture (and pick up a few reasonably priced souvenirs in the shops). Tuck down some of the quaint little closes off the Royal Mile for some lovely courtyards and historic buildings off the beaten path. The queen was at Holyrood while we were there, so our walk down to the palace for a tour was in vain, but the boys trekked up to Arthur’s Seat on a glorious sunny May afternoon (trail is right across from Holyrood). For delicious haggis and tatties, try Greyfriar’s Bobby — and for a filling breakfast check out Deacon’s House Cafe (just up the road from Deacon Brodie’s Tavern). For evening entertainment there are “haunted tours” fraught with tall tales of the Old City (look for Real Mary King’s Close tour or some of the other walking tours–we didn’t have time to do any of them). Have a fantastic time!