Edinburgh at Christmas

[WreckTangled]

We have decided to go to Edinburgh for a couple of days before Christmas with some friends. It's a long way away from where we live so I'm currently looking at places to stay. Does anyone know the area who can advise me which apartment to go for? It's between these two:

www.booking.com/Share-xQUCb9

www.booking.com/Share-ZVuYTf

The first one might be better because we will be able to leave our bags before and after check in but the reviews aren't as good and the location seems better at the second one.

Also if anyone has any tips for us! I know it's a while off yet but...🎄🎁❄️🎅🏽🤶🏼

The Dome is fully booked

Not a fan of the Dome- sorry.

Lucky break I'd say.

Dome

And from the outside

Just go in for a drink- there are lots of bars inside. Did you book York Place in the end?

Edinburgh looks beautiful at Christmas time. Sign up to the Edinburgh Groupon & Itison deals nearer the time you may get some good eats or event deals.

My brother and I went into the dome with no booking last Xmas. We were seated at the front bar. It was lovely.

Yes I booked it York place

I don't feel like we can just walk in anywhere to eat as there will be 9 of us(!) so I want to get it all booked in.

Thank you for all of your tips!

If you are looking for somewhere really special try the Witchery, in the shadow of Edinburgh castle.
Edinburgh has a very spooky side and this place is awesome.

www.thewitchery.com/

So jealous OP!

We stay in York Place when we visit and it's a fab location. If you need to leave your luggage, don't bother with the pricey lockers at Waverley - the ones in the bus station around the corner from York Place are much, much cheaper (and more convenient for you).

Have a lovely time!

Ooo thanks quim any other recommendations?

It's not Christmasssy per se but the Mercat vaults tours are brilliant, much better than Real Mary King's Close. Actually I think they'd be great at Christmas, very spooky and atmospheric - perfect if you're a fan of the whole ghost stories at Christmas sort of thing! Also, maybe you could see if there's a carol service at the Cathedral while you're there. It's absolutely beautiful (and the shop sells some beautiful Christmas decs to take home) - it'd be a wonderfully festive activity and free, too.

Thanks! We will have dc with us (2-8yrs) so probably best not to do anything spooky but a carol service in the cathedral sounds lovely!

I'm so sorry mentioning the dome and then leaving, we've got visitors!
What about the afternoon tea idea and just seeing the building? It's actually the first time I've stayed over at Christmas but we've has plenty of day trips in the past.
I'm eagerly noting down any ideas too!

we went a couple of days before Christmas last year by train from South Coast..loved it..and the friendly people, I was surprised how reasonable winter wonderland was too..it wasn't terribly cold either

I think the afternoon tea is all booked up too

Smelly we are on the south coast too I'm pleased to hear it's not too expensive.

All the photos just look so pretty I can't wait!

Should we go to the castle?

I think the castle is obligatory. The short walk up the Royal Mile to get there is memorable and the views are stunning. Make sure you get there to watch the one o clock gun being set off.
The Old Town is full of things to do and see without walking too far., quaint little closes, cobbled streets etc. Loads of spooky things- try the Vaults or a tour of an underground medieval city at Mary Kings Close.
There is also a surprising number of free museums and exhibitions in Edinburgh-
Have a look here- hubpages.com/travel/Cheap-Edinburgh-how-to-have-a-budget-Vacation-in-Scotland

I would also recommend the National Museum of Scotland in Chambers street- the interior of the building is magnificent, uplifing even on a cold dark day, and full of Christmas things during November.
The art galleries on Princes Street are great too- good for a wander, a coffee and a warm up.

Edinburgh would be near the top of my bucket list of world cities to visit.
If I didn't already live here!!