Edinburgh

[everyonebutme]

I'm planning a break in Edinburgh for my partner's big birthday in December. I'm looking for ideas for places to stay and anything interesting to do apart from the obvious. Any hidden gems please?

What do you class as the obvious? What budget do you have for accommodation?

Straightaway, book every meal and every bar if you want to stop for a drink somewhere. Edinburgh and Christmas are always really, really busy.

Arthur's Seat, Castle, Royal Mile and normal tourist attractions are the obvious to me. I'm looking for anything quirky/different that someone might recommend. Not really sure on budget - again am looking for any hotel or accommodation recommendations (but not super expensive). Sorry to be so vague. Just started to investigate now to be honest.

Suggest travel via train
Book accommodation near train station
Plenty to see & do
You can book tours whilst there or online
Book some ghost tours
There is a hop on, hop off bus service round city or take comfortable shoes for lots of walking

Arthur's seat will be slippery and windy in December. Lots of lovely other walks though.

Tapa in Leith is gorgeous (my favourite place to eat.)

It's a very walkable city with an excellent bus service and parking that's rarer than hen's teeth and even more expensive than the local property prices so definitely fly or take the train!
The Christmas lights thing at the botanics will be on in December if that appeals. Although it's similar to other events around the country if you've been to one before.
if you're really unlucky the Christmas markets might return this year

Thank you everyone. Any recommendations for AirBnBs or best areas to stay in?

I’m in Edinburgh and you really need to give us a budget! 5* Hotels can be £400-£600 per night and there are hundreds of hotels/airbnbs so you need to narrow it down!