Edinburgh Contingent...where to stay / what to do?

Django x2

Django x2

Django x2

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Having a long dirty weekend in Edinburgh in a few weeks.

Things I had thought about but could do with some tips / recommendations

Stay at the Caledonian (not sure if there's a nicer, more modern, Hotel in or near the centre)
Castle visit
Mary Kings Close
Royal Mile drinks

We're arriving at the airport and probably tram into the City.

Just looking for good meal recommendations and other things to do. We're there Thurs night to Monday morning 1st weekend in December (30th to 4th)

TIA
 
Django x2 said:
Having a long dirty weekend in Edinburgh in a few weeks.

Things I had thought about but could do with some tips / recommendations

Stay at the Caledonian (not sure if there's a nicer, more modern, Hotel in or near the centre)
Castle visit
Mary Kings Close
Royal Mile drinks

We're arriving at the airport and probably tram into the City.

Just looking for good meal recommendations and other things to do. We're there Thurs night to Monday morning 1st weekend in December (30th to 4th)

TIA
Click to expand...

Apex hotel might be worth considering.

The National Museum of Scotland on Chambers Street is worth a visit. The National Galleries are also worth going to if you like art. Also the Camera Obscura/World of Illusions.

Spoiled for choice for food in Edinburgh - just take a look on TripAdvisor and chances are there will be somewhere great nearby.
 
If the weather is decent and not too baltic, maybe a walk down the royal mile to the Palace of Holyrood House/Parliament building/Holyrood park.
 
Craig R said:
Apex hotel might be worth considering.

The National Museum of Scotland on Chambers Street is worth a visit. The National Galleries are also worth going to if you like art. Also the Camera Obscura/World of Illusions.

Spoiled for choice for food in Edinburgh - just take a look on TripAdvisor and chances are there will be somewhere great nearby.
Click to expand...

Thanks, I see there's a few (Grassmarket, Haymarket, City, etc), are they all similar ilk?
 
Was only aware of the Grassmarket one but it is probably the best location for doing touristy stuff. All of the above are within easy walking distance.
 
I would personally go for the Balmoral hotel if you are planning on the higher end of the market and it is the other end of Princes St closer to the High St/Royal Mile and perhaps the Castle?
 
Lot of good suggestions in this thread. I stayed at the Ibis on South Bridge, just a couple of minutes walk from the Royal Mile, decent price, great hotel and very well situated.
 
Im staying in the Motel One hotel in November booked it on booking.com thought it was a decent price considering location only paid £69 for a night.
 
I think the royal mile is over rated for drinks...
Head to Stockbridge or George Street to avoid most of the tourists.

Some suggestions
Whiski Rooms is nice for food and for drinks.
Devils Advocate does great cocktails and food. Not many tourists find this place!
Ting Thai Caravan Best thai food in town if thats your sort of thing. Very casual, cant book.
Scran and Scallie Excellent food and great whisky slection.

/Salsa
 
George Street tends to be where all the pretentious ******* go, best avoided IMO.

Ting Thai is decent but far from the best thai in town (try Passorn or Chaophraya), but it is worth going to for a fairly cheap and tasty scran.
 
Thanks guys. Any must have places to eat? Devils Advocate looks good. We like expensive, but not posh, if that makes sense? We loved OXO in London and Roast too, so plenty of vibe and atmosphere, but doesn't matter if that's ££££
 
El Cartel was excellent when we went but you need to be prepared to wait (lots of nearby pubs). 4 flavours of frozen margaritas which change daily and excellent food.

Cadiz restaurant and the Dogs were also excellent when we went earlier this year.

We stayed in the village hotel which is a little out of the way but there are easy bus links and a taxi is hardly expensive. I guess it depends on your personal preference but the cheaper hotel allowed us to be more frivolous with our dining.

If you want to really push the boat out The Kitchin was awesome. One of the best restaurants I’ve ever eaten in - and we were only there for lunch. Really excellent service.

Mary kings close was actually surprisingly good and I would recommend. Also the scotch whiskey experience was good and the guides were knowledgeable and you can try plenty.

Enjoy! Edinburgh is such a great city!
 
Regarding the tram, either scrap that idea and take the 100 bus which is far cheaper and just as quick. Or, luggage depending, take a 10 minute walk up to the park and ride to half the cost of a criminally high return airport fare.

Enjoy the city, I've just spent 10 months living there and it is without a doubt the nicest place I've had the joy of living, it's a great city full of great people and things to do.
 
I see someone already mentioned Whiski Rooms, they also have a bar on the Royal Mile simply called "Whiski" its great too!
You can't really go wrong though, I live in Leith and when I do venture into the city centre I usually just hit the Royal Mile, not too dear for food/drinks (despite it being Tourist Central).
Also, bring a brollie! It'll probably rain!
 
Good pub on Victoria Bow called the Bow Bar. Massive whiskey selection and lots of good craft beer. Victoria Bow connects George 4th bridge to grassmarket.

Also the Black Cat on Rose Street is good for whiskey. Most pubs on Rose Street a bit naff IMO. But the cat is good.

La Favorita on Leith Walk does proper pizza / pasta. Mother India is also good if you like eating loads of different Indian things http://www.motherindia.co.uk/index....her-indias-cafe/mother-india-s-cafe-edinburgh
 
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