7 hours in Edinburgh

[DelphiniumBlue]

We’ll be going to Edinburgh for the day tomorrow- what’s the essential things to see and do? I’ve never been there before. Need to build in some sitting due to dodgy back. Interested in art, history, quirky shops, things that make Edinburgh different from other cities.

Tomorrow?! Good luck.

Why? I know it’ll be busy, but was hoping for some suggestions.

Wander around the grass market, royal mile, down the mound toward Princes Street and Princes Street gardens. It may be very busy. George IV Bridge has the museum of Scotland. The meadows could be good for a seat and people watching

This is going to sound negative but it’s not meant to. The atmosphere in Edinburgh during the Festival is worth experiencing. Trying to do anything else, on a day trip, is going to be difficult.

Edinburgh will be busy with the Festival. You will see a lot of street performers, whether you want to or not. Have a wander on the Royal Mile (it’ll be heaving!), take sanctuary in the brilliant Museum of Scotland which is nearby, try to find a spot in Princes Street gardens and enjoy the views of the castle.

There are loads of great things to do in Edinburgh. Festival time is probably not the time to try to do them, unless you’re very determined (and have pre booked tickets).

It’s the second day of the festival. It will be mobbed! But the weather is due to be lovely.

start at St James Quarter. Grab a coffee /breakfast at Bonnie and Wild. Or if really hungry, try a breakfast naan from Dishoom at St Andrews Square. Walk up the mound, and then up on to The Royal Mile. Watch the street performers.
Try and do an underground city tour. Auld Reekie good. You’ll need to pre book. They meet every hour at the Tron.

then back down to Princess Street ( West End). Again you’ll need to pre book, but the Johnny Walker Whiskey tour is great. Takes maybe 90 minutes, then ask to go up onto their rooftop bar. Take in the views, try their Irn Bru cocktail with a side of haggis Bon Bon’s.

if whiskey not your thing, then visit The Chocolatarium ( again rebook).

finally take in a Fringe show. You can’t come to Edinburgh and not see something.
try the Pleasance Courtyard or Festival George Square. Go to the ticket booth and they will recommend something. Try one of the local street food carts displayed alongside the venues.

chill time Botanic Gardens or princess street gardens ( although parts might be closed off due to concerts). The castle esplanade is cool to see but the tour is a bit dull.

Royal Mile - lots of street performers Castle at top Holyrood Palace at bottom. Princes Street Gardens - Royal academy Art - lots of street performers between that and Gardens, basically just wander about. It’s very busy as Edinburgh Festival has just begun - very international - good time for wandering around and absorbing atmosphere.

Chamber Street museum, free and can spend hours in it and decent cafe.

Hiya

If I only had a day I’d start by having a wander up Calton Hill for the views. (If you have plenty of energy)

From there Edinburgh Street Food Market is not too far for lunch.

You could have a wander through Royal Mile and enjoy some street performers.

Marys Milk Bar is known to be one of the best ice cream places in the city

https://www.marysmilkbar.com

Id also not want to leave without seeing Greyfriars Kirkyard and Greyfriars Bobby. If you can stretch to a ghost tour you’d get to see Edinburghs underground which is very cool.

The Meadows is a nice place to hang out. Theres some nice lunch places near there. I like Argyle Place.

St James Quarter also has a nice food court at the top where you can get some nice lunch and they have Joelato ice cream too- recommend salted pistachio

Fab suggestions, thank you all very much!

There is an Andy Goldsworthy exhibition on at the National Gallery too.

How did you get on? I’m going today for one day. Have a fringe show booked around 3pm but otherwise free to wander and take in the sights! Any recommendations?

Had a lovely day in Edinburgh- saw a show - Macbeth: the Musical- very funny; wandered round the gorgeous museum; walked around a lot, Royal Mile etc; George Square for food.
DS found the library was a good sanctuary when the heat and hustle bustle got too much for him. It was busy, but no more than central London on a normal weekend, I’m a Londoner.
Im really glad we went, will go back for a longer stay.

@DelphiniumBlueglad you had a good time but you can’t compare the utter nightmare Edinburgh is for the 4 weeks in august to London which is constantly busy. The population doubles for that 4 weeks it’s an absolute nightmare for locals trying to live their normal lives!

Yes, I can imagine it’s very difficult for the residents. I only meant in terms of crowds and business.

I’m a local and I love it.

however slightly dreading next weekend. Mid festival plus a trio of Oasis concerts! Eek!
all we need is a bin strike ( thankfully nothing planned) and it’s the perfect storm.

There’s no where quite like it in August. Such a great buzz

Do come back - if you like art the (two) modern art galleries which face each other across the parkland are excellent, on to Stockbridge and the Botanic Garden, and always worth a climb of Arthurs Seat. Easy to fill a few days in Edinburgh, and many things are free.

We had a great time and will definitely do a day trip again. Walked Arthur’s Seat, picnicked in the Meadow, took in a Fringe show, Calton Hill and the National Museum before sitting down to a lovely Indian meal in Mother India restaurant. We flew in that morning and home that night and it was so easy getting from and to the airport.