Castles, Culture and Whiskey in Edinburgh

Castles, Culture and Whiskey in Edinburgh

Whether you're a history buff, a culture enthusiast, a nature lover, or a foodie seeking new flavors, Edinburgh promises an unforgettable journey filled with enchanting experiences and timeless charm. In this free guide, you'll find: πŸ›©οΈ Instructions on how to get from London to Edinburgh πŸ«” A list of the top foods & restaurants to try 🏑 Accommodation options for mid-range & luxury budgets πŸ• Must visit historic landmarks & scenic landscapes 🎷 Best local pubs & live music venues This guide is perfect for: - Digital nomads - Foodies - Couples travel - Friends/family travel I fell in love with this magical city and am so excited to share all of the treasures I encountered during my time there, enjoy! 🫢
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Edinburgh, Scotland

A city with a rich and diverse cultural tapestry, blending historical traditions with modern influences and vibrants arts and literary scene.

Expect to get this vibe in Edinburgh:

🏰 Medieval architecture & historical heritage

🎭 Vibrant arts & literary scene

πŸ“» Cultural, music & film festivals

🎢 Scottish heritage, traditions & folk

🍜 Diverse culinary scene

How to get into Edinburgh City Centre

πŸš„ The cheapest yet convenient way to get into Edinburgh is taking LNER train from London to Edinburgh (Waverley) which takes approximately 4 hrs 15 min. The cost starts from Β£40 depending on when you book. In UK, it's highly advisable to book atleast few weeks in advance to avoid paying high prices. I suggest using thetrainline.com to book your tickets.

πŸ€‘ HOT TIP --> Buy a rail card if you're planning to take multiple train trips in the UK which helps you save atleast 1/3rd on each trip.

πŸšΆβ€β™€οΈThe Edinburgh Waverley Station is located between New Town and Old Town. Depending on where you book your accommodation, it will take you 10-15 min to walk to the city centre. Even though Edinburgh is a compact pedestrian friendly city, it's built on several hills so might get a little harder to walk if you are carrying a lot of luggage.Β 

πŸ™Œ Highly recommend this train for the comfort and scenic views of the countryside. Totally worth the time I spent in commute <3

Waverley Railway Station
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There are multiple exits from the station to go to the city centre. Definitely ask one of the station staff from where to exit.
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Must Try Food & Restaurants

Howies Restaurant
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Local's favourite family owned spot, medieval Scottish atmosphere & local cuisine. Vegan friendly (try Butternut Squash Risotto). Also offers set lunch and dinner menu. Other dishes to try: Casserole of the day, catch of the day, famous banoffee pie and local Scottish dessert called Cranachan (attached pic)
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The Haggis Box
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Enjoy a traditional Scottish meal of haggis, neeps and tatties at this budget friendly place especially when you're trying it for the first time and is not a meat aficionado. Might take you a few bites to get used to the taste or may be not :P
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Byron - Royal Mile
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One of the best cheeseburgers of my life. Not gonna lie. This place is highly underrated for the epic burgers they sell. Definitely have it with their mind-blowing ales.
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The Scotch Whisky Experience
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In the land of the finest scotch whiskey, book this five star whiskey tasting tour costing Β£37
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The Edinburgh Coffee Lounge
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Amazing almond croissant, cappuccino with cutesy vibes. Sit by the window and soak in the charming views of this medieval city
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Mary's Milk Bar
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Edinburgh's no 1 dessert cafe. A local's favorite!
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Must Visit Historic Landmarks & Scenic Landscapes

Edinburgh Castle
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Recommend taking a guided tour of the castle which takes 1.5-2 hrs. The One O'Clock Gun, fired daily except Sundays, is a popular tradition at the castle.
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Royal Mile
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Free walking tour is the best way to explore the Royal Mile and know the history & modern day stories of Edinburgh.
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Palace of Holyroodhouse
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This is the official residence of the British Monarch in Scotland. Located at the other end of the Royal Mile, you can tour the gardens and enjoy views of the Arthur's Seat. Book your tickets in advance online.
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Greyfriars Kirkyard Edinburgh
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JK Rowling took inspirations for the character names in the Harry Potter books from the tombstones of this graveyard. The real Tom Riddle's grave lies here. The cafe opposite this grave used to be the main location where JK Rowling wrote her books
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Calton Hill
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Climb Calton Hill for panoramic views of Edinburgh's skyline and iconic landmarks. You'll find monuments like the National Monument, Nelson Monument, and the Dugald Stewart Monument here
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Best Local Pubs & Live Music Venues

Whiski Bar & Restaurant
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Located on the Royal Mile, amazing crowd, live music every night
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Sandy Bell's
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Go here for folk Gaelic live music performances. Usually starts after 10pm!
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Accommodations for Mid-range to Luxury Budgets

Edinburgh offers a wide range of accommodation options to suit different preferences and budgets. The best area to stay in Edinburgh depends on your interests, whether you prefer to be close to historic landmarks, cultural attractions, nightlife, or scenic views.

πŸŒ‡ Old Town: To be in the heart of Edinburgh's historic charm and close to iconic attractions.

πŸŒ‡Β New Town: More elegant and Georgian-style ambiance compared to the Old Town. Wider streets lined with neoclassical buildings, upscale shops, art galleries, and trendy restaurants. Stay at the Princes Street.

πŸŒ‡Β Leith:Β Located near the port area, this neighbourhood has a waterfront setting with trendy bars, restaurants serving fresh seafood, and cultural attractions.

Haymarket Apartments
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Cost for 2: US $250 per night
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Cheval Old Town Chambers
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Cost for 2: US$ 600 per night
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Eleven Stafford Street Townhouse
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Cost for 2: US$ 300 per night
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More Activities & Day Trips

I hope this guide makes you fall in love with Edinburgh just as much as I have.

If you found it helpful, consider leaving a tip!

It would be greatly appreciatedΒ πŸ™

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Hey there, adventurers! I'm Sonakshi, an enthusiastic explorer from Toronto, Canada. At 32, I've roamed through 20 countries, loving every moment. Solo travel's my forte - there's something truly liberating about navigating the world on your terms. Why trust me, you ask? Well, my travels taught me plenty. I'm all about crafting unique experiences just for you. From lively cities to serene beach paradises, I know how to mix comfort with adventure. Your trust means everything to me, and I'm dedicated to ensuring your journey is not just memorable, but truly extraordinary. Imagine this: munching on tasty street food in Bangkok, hiking Europe's tallest peaks in Georgia, or diving into Mexico's rich culture. That's my style – a blend of foodie delights and genuine local vibes. I believe in mid-luxury travel that's budget-friendly, making every dollar count. But don't mistake luxury for extravagance – I'm all about value for money, finding that sweet spot where comfort meets adventure. What makes me different? I hunt for hidden gems and off-the-beaten paths. While others stick to the touristy spots, I seek out the undiscovered treasures. Adventure's my jam, whether it's scaling peaks or diving into clear waters or jumping off a plane from 4000m! Ready for a one-of-a-kind adventure? Whether you crave untouched nature or tasty treats, I'm here to make it happen. Let's create a trip that speaks to your soul, mixing comfort, excitement, and culture. Reach out, and let's start this journey together!
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