Much More than Whiskey and Tartans

Holding - Around The World - Escape

by Abigail Vint

Abigail Vint.

Edinburgh--the city of gothic architecture, world famous festivals and an eclectic buzz about it. Trendy, modern and full of all different walks of life, it may not be your typical Scottish city but it does have a certain indescribable charm. A long weekend is just enough to begin enjoying yourself. After a week, you'll feel right at home.

The View

Ocean sunrise, Cancún, Mexico, April 2004

Photo copyright Olof Tjerngren.

Traveler Type: As many of the cities featured in this column, Edinburgh really does have something for everyone. Its distinctive architecture makes it a romantic fairy tale city for couples. The night life and international social atmosphere makes it a great place for singles to meet. Families will find there is much to keep the kids busy while also learn about Scottish history and culture for many days.

For Families: The West Princes Street Gardens is a perfect central spot to catch some rays and relax with ice cream. Plus, it has a great view of the castle. Check out the Explore Edinburgh website for a variety of venues that will appease any age.

For a day trip, why not try the Edinburgh Zoo It's open every day of the year but check the website for closing times and admissions prices.

Also, see the museum list below for some more cultural ideas.

Museums: The Royal Scottish Academy is host to contemporary art in Edinburgh and the National Gallery of Scotland provides a wide variety of cultural and historical pieces.

For a blast to the more recent past, visitors to the Scottish Mining Museum will learn about the mines just outside of Edinburgh.

But the most accessible--and cheapest--museum would be the streets of Edinburgh themselves. Wandering the streets you'll find the architecture stunning, with its towering dark tenement buildings.

Costs: If you're coming from a European country, you may not find things all that expensive; however, bear in mind this is not the Euro you're spending but the mighty Pound (£). If you're coming from North America, stop calculating how much it is in "American" or "Canadian" because you just don't want to know.

Food prices are similar to many major cities in the UK. You can get a decent pub meal from between £5-£10. Better food can be had in full serve restaurants for about £15 per person.

Accomodation will be very expensive during festival time in August; however hostels can be as low as £9 per night for one bed. Budget hotels or B&Bs can cost between £20-£40 per person a night. If you're going all out in the fancy hotels, expect to pay well over £100.

Places to Stay

As with many European cities, Edinburgh is busy during the summer, especially because of festival time, so be sure to book ahead during these months. The New Year's festival, Hogmanay, is also a busy time so be sure to book well ahead if you want to take part.

Budget: You will not be short on good hostels to choose from (£9-£10/night). MacBackpackers offers everything a budget packer would need. It has three locations: Royal Mile Backpackers, High Street Hostel and Castle Rock hostel all centrally located, plus, they offer tours in and outside the city, with links to other hostels in Scotland. Edinburgh Backpackers Association is also a good choice, with centrally located facilities. All prices will go up during festival time in August.

Mid range: Finding a nice, centrally located B&B may be a bit tricky, however, if you're up for staying out of the action, you could find something on the outskirts of Edinburgh. Here are a couple more centrally located places:

The Dene Guest House
Ardenlee Guest House

Expensive: Sometimes, you've just got to splurge. With fantastic views of the city from pretty much anywhere, you're bound to find the elegance and romance you're looking for at any one of these swanky places:

Balmoral Hotel
Braid Hills Hotel
The George Edinburgh

Best Time of Year to Go: Edinburgh can get very cold during the winter months, although Christmas and Hogmanay would be a festive time to be in the city. April-May will not be as expensive as June, July and August. During festival time in August everything will most likely cost twice as much.

Top Five Must-Dos:

  1. Scottish Whiskey: You can't go to Scotland without trying the whiskey. When I was there, I went into Royal Mile Whiskies and tasted a few but if you have the time, it would be worth going to a distillery outside the city. There is the Museum, located near the castle or you could take a couple of hours and go outside the city to see a distillery. The Scottish Whiskey Association can point you in the right direction. The Scottish Whiskey Heritage Centre is located near the castle as well, if you're interested in the history of the drink.
  2. Edinburgh Castle: Focusing so much on the festival, I did not get to see this magnificent structure from the inside; however, I think it is a must see, especially if you don't have all the festival shows to entice you. Located on top of a hill, the castle is a landmark amongst the towering spired buildings.
  3. Arthur's Seat - This magnificent geological structure, located not far from the city centre, bring welcome tranquility after a day of wandering Edinburgh's buzzing streets. This volcanic plug offers great view of the city as well as perfect resting spots for a picnic or a lie-down. Even experienced hikers will find parts of this majestic mountain a challenge. You can hike straight up or take the scenic route around on the paved roadway.
  4. Shopping: Princes Street, named after King George III's sons, has everything a girl--or boy--could want. With many tiny, specialty shops as well as the larger brand name ones, you'll be sure to find something distinct to bring back with you.
  5. Attend a Festival: With so many to choose from, it's best to pick a time of year that you will be able to take in the city with a festival buzzing around you. A good listings of all the festivals is on the Eventful Ed website. The most high profile evets--and expensive ones--would the Fringe Festvial during the month of August, which also overlaps the Film Festival and other small ones during that month. Hogmanay is also an interesting New Year's Eve celebration, one that is quite like it is in Edinburgh anywhere else in the world. Both these times are high, expensive season, but it's well worth it, even if to say you were in the "city of festivals" for an extraordinary event.

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