NYE in Edinburgh

[lastminutetrip]

I have had a weird spurt of energy and booked a flight to Edinburgh for the evening of NYE because I’ve always wanted to celebrate Hogmanay there.

Ive booked the last flight out, we get in at 6, and the first flight back, 6am the next morning. I can definitely stay up so that’s fine.

My question really is where is good to go for a drink or a dance? I have the street party tickets on Princes Street but I know this is commercialised and we may not even use them if it is too packed or overwhelming, I just want to be there and soak it up. I’ve booked some bars and dinner at Twenty Princes Street so we can have a sit down if we need to. Looking for any places which have a proper authentic feel.

anyone with any recommendations? I am from London so crowds don’t really bother me massively, it’s more about the atmosphere. Thanks

We went a few years ago and spent most of the night on Princess Street as there was so much to do and see and the atmosphere was really great though v v touristy as you'd expect. A lot of the pubs will have ticketed entry and it does get pretty packed everywhere ime but if you want something more chilled then the bars around Inverleith might be a good bet and you'd still be able to see the fireworks. Wrap up warm! You'll have a great time.

PS you might get more detailed and informed replies from the locals if you post in Scotsnet, MNHQ can move it.

Ah thank you! It’s good to hear its a good atmosphere on the street, I’ve read reviews that it’s really commercialised now but I am still so excited for it!

I can't really help with pubs as it's been a few years since I didn't Edinburgh Hogmanay. Maybe Brewhemia or the Ghillie Dhu, depending on your vibe, most venues will be ticketed.

Think about your transport to and from the airport - public transport will be off by the time you land and taxis in short supply. Taxis will be almost impossible to get after the bells to get you back to to airport.

Edinburgh trams normally run throughout the night and day on Hogmanay so keep an eye out on the website if they're doing it this year. The trams go into the airport. Homepage | Edinburgh Trams

I’ve checked the trams, they are fine on the way in, on the way back there is a bus (airlink 100, something like that) it’s less frequent but that’s fine.

I’ll check out both those recommendations thanks. I’ve booked a table at Panda and Sons, no ticket. I just hope I’ve not missed something. I might call them.

Just checked Ghillie Dhu. it looks awesome! I’ve just booked the ticketed after bells party from 12.30 - 5am so that gives us plenty of time and a warm place to be until we need to leave… and it had live trad bands 😍

Glad you got somewhere and that the trams are running. Have a great night.

My sister got married in the Ghillie Ddu (upstairs). It's a nice place.

Oh enjoy, haven't celebrated Auld Year's Night in Edinburgh in years....you'll not regret it. Have the best time 😊

You're flying from London to Edinburgh for a 12 hour visit? No wonder the planet is fucked.

The LNER is a nicer way to travel IMO, but each to their own 🤷‍♀️

Maybe if the trains were more reliable or cost effective then people would be more inclined to use them. As it is a return train ticket London to Edinburgh can cost in excess of £200, isn’t guaranteed to actually run and will take at the bare minimum 4.5 hours but in all honesty, that time of year, probably longer if it runs at all.

Vs a £100 return flight that takes less than an hour. I love the planet as much as anyone but you can see why people choose the quicker, cheaper, more efficient option.

Deliberately chose LNER recently over flying due to all the stress at the airport. At least you have no luggage allowance for travelling by train. Yes it takes longer but you can factor that in. DH gets 75% discount with train travel so we were lucky for a family of 6 it worked out fairly cost effective.

I recently got Edinburgh - Belfast flights for cheaper than a peak time Edinburgh-Glasgow train ticket.

I am, yeah. It’s my first flight in 22 years.

Learn the words, and the correct hand placement, for Auld Lang Syne.

Hi OP, I will be there, too!
Bumping this up for more info, pretty please, MN!

I have street party tickets but we might not use them either. Was wondering if the fireworks are visible in Leith? Have friends staying on the waterfront & we may join them instead if attending the street party.

Also - we were just going to eat at the street party. Are the food stalls ok? Ours it best to book a meal somewhere?

No you can't really see the fireworks from Leith. You might hear them.

I haven't been to the street party I'm years but when I did go there was zero chance of getting anywhere near a bar or a food stall. They absolutely cram you in and once your in you can't easily move through the crowd, that's your spot for the night. I'd book somewhere for food but be aware lots of places will close early on nye and those that are open later will be booked up.

@Invisimamma

*No you can't really see the fireworks from Leith. You might hear them.

I haven't been to the street party I'm years but when I did go there was zero chance of getting anywhere near a bar or a food stall. They absolutely cram you in and once your in you can't easily move through the crowd, that's your spot for the night. I'd book somewhere for food but be aware lots of places will close early on nye and those that are open later will be booked up.*

Well that's cheerful! 🤣 Thanks for recommendations. Will book a restaurant. I read differing reports about being crammed in to street party. Hopefully someone who has been recently will give info too. Thanks!