First solo trip ever- Hope to go to Edinburgh- Any tips?

[datcherygrateful]

I am hoping to go visit for a weekend, end of September.
I have been looking at places to stay- I am leaning towards Motel 1, but its nearly £500 for the weekend. I can't find anything central that is much cheaper than that. I could venture out and am open to it, but I've never been to Edinburgh, and don't know how big the city is.

I am nervous tbh as I haven't travelled on my own before or stayed in my own company away from my home and family so I'd appreciate any tips you have really. I am an early riser and would unlikely stay out past 8 or 9pm tbh out of fear. Any advice is much appreciated!

• places to stay if you've been
• things to do or not bother doing
• tips or advice when staying away as a solo female.

Thank you

If you're on fb there's a fab group called
Things to do Edinburgh

Amazing thank you!

The bus service is very good in Edinburgh; reliable and safe to get around. The city centre is also small enough to get around by foot.

Defo check out the fb group if you can

I forgot to add that I got emails from Fingal (sp) and it looks lovely but it's in Port Leith- my spacial Geography is not v good so I am trying to figure out logistics and whether venturing away from Old Town is with it for a first trip away on my own

Thank you

I loved Surgeons Halls Museum but perhaps not if you are squeamish. I also loved the Museum of Scotland with the Millennium Clock Tower. The architecture is amazing and perhaps take in one of the ghost walks, you would be with others so safe. Have a great trip!

There's a tram that goes from ocean terminal (where the royal britttania is, and it looks like the place you mentioned is next to it) all the way to the airport via town so that would be fine!

That is really handy thank you so much @relentlessissue

If you’re wanting a budget stay in the centre, I’d suggest Ibis. They have 2 hotels very close to the Royal Mile.
Nothing fancy but clean, good service and decent breakfast.
And as central as you can get. Lots of place to eat and the Grassmarket is only a few minutes walk away.
I’d suggest doing one of the free walking tours when you arrive (ie you don’t pay up front but a “tip”is expected at the end). These are usually fun and informative.
The main museum on Chamber s St is excellent and free. Walk the Royal Mile. There’s several smaller interesting museums, the Botanic Gardens (although I’m not sure if the glasshouses are open again yet, they were being refurbished), see the sunset from Carlton Hill.
For a weekend, you’ll be able to walk to all the sights centrally.

Ooh yes, a ghost walk would be a great idea.

i’d also recommend Arthur’s Seat. It’s walkable from the city centre and although it’s a decent sized hill it’s not a long walk and there will be plenty of other people on the same path - you can’t get lost.

i found the Scottish parliament building interesting. You can go in the gallery to watch the debate if they’re in session and the building is lovely.

and the National Museum of Scotland (again for the architecture and it’s free to get in)

The camera obscura is fun

And duck and waffle v delicious!

These are great suggestions- thank you :)

Look at the Hub hotels by Premier Inn. Very small rooms but central and usually good value.

Sorry, hope you don't mind me asking how old you are? So as to hopefully offer suggestions to where a woman of different ages would feel more comfortable staying? Xx

Edinburgh is not a big city and it’s easy to get around, but I’d really recommend staying in the city centre. If not in Old Town then New Town, West End, Stockbridge or near The Meadows (Southside). Edinburgh has suburbs but it would be a shame to visit and not stay centrally. Lots of city suburbs are quite similar and you’d be best staying in one of the more unique and distinctive Edinburgh areas.

It’s a safe city - much safer than somewhere like London. Where are you from? What is it you’re worried about? It’s a massive tourist destination and there’s plenty to do depending on your interests - nice walks up to Arthur’s Seat or just Calton Hill, plenty of museums, bars and restaurants, distilleries, architecture… What are your interests and why are you visiting Edinburgh?

It's such a beautiful city and easy to find your way around because you always know where the castle is. Go there on day one and look out over the city, you'll get the lay of the land (and look out for the little dog cemetery).

You will love it I'm sure.

Yes, the Ibis in George Square (?) is good value, and central. Although I wouldn't normally go on a tourist bus, one does go from outside the Ibis hotel out to Leith. This is perfect for RY Britannia, which is a must-see. Then you can get the bus back to the city, and get off on the Royal Mile.
Edinburgh is quite a small city, otherwise, and very walkable.
Definitely go to Holyrood House, also the Scottish National Gallery - both fab.
Edinburgh Castle is OK, but you could miss it out if you are short of time.
There is nothing to "fear" - it's just a big town. Look at booking a theatre trip or concert.

Being a solo female is no different to being in a pair, or being a solo male. Your concern is only in your head. Like any holiday, get the most out of it by planning in advance, but just go about your business as you normally would.

Thank you
I really want to book a table for dinner at a really nice restaurant but I'm not sure if it would be weird to eat alone in that kind of setting? Coffee shops and lunches I am fine with but proper dinners- has anyone done this?

I am early 40's, based in SW England. Always wanted to visit Edinburgh- I think it is beautiful- have always wanted to visit Scotland. I think the architecture is stunning and have heard so much about the place
I love history, so fascinated by the history of Scotland
I love food too!

Tbh the fear is in my head, but it's the being out late at night when I personally feel a little vulnerable and that is in any city even my own

Yes I’ve eaten at restaurants before for dinner solo (in Edinburgh too), normally I load something up on the kindle to read while waiting or just people watch.

That's a relief- thank you. Good idea with the Kindle too

Enjoy your trip!!

I stayed here: parliamenthouse-hotel.co.uk It was around £200 a night, well worth it.

It's down a little quiet cobbled street at the bottom of Carlton Hill, less than 10 minutes walk from the station and therefore right in the city. Round the corner, 2 minutes walk is Howies restaurant www.howies.uk.com/venues/howies-waterloo-place/ which was fabulous.

I'm from Edinburgh but haven't lived there for the last 20 years. My sister still lives there as a single mature lady and from my own experience, it is a very safe city. I'd book one of the Hub hotels, probably Rose St., currently showing at about £300 for a 2 night weekend at end September. You'll be in the centre and where it's busy which is a good thing if you are on your own.

I know it's a while ago, but I used to walk on my own right through the city and out to my flat on the outskirts in the early hours of the morning after a night out and failing to snag a taxi. I never felt under threat at all.

The tram is great for getting around as is the bus service.

We often get some decent weather in September so fingers crossed!