Edinburgh - What to do and where to eat

jonny2510

I'm due a short stay in Edinburgh (approx 12:00 on a Saturday until mid/late afternoon on the Sunday).

I'd like to get as much done as possible (in the short time I'm there) and was just wondering what the "must do" places to visit are.

Also we'll be there for the Saturday, so a recommendation for a nice restaurant (from my wife and I) would also be appreciated.

Any suggestions/advice?

lucylucky

What sort of food do you like?
What sort of budget?
Where are you staying?


The castle is popular if you have no done it then it may be worth a visit.

Grandchildren4

Forget the "new town" and head towards the "old town" - castle and the Royal Mile. Castle at one end, new Scottish Parliament and Holyrood Palace at the other. In between you must visit the newly refurbished Camera Obscura and the Museum of Childhood. The Tron Church which has been excavated is also worth a visit. Think there's enough in the Royal Mile to keep you busy for a week!! Lots of nice eating places too. Enjoy.

*Kat*

There are lots of nice restaurants, one of my fav's is Papillio's (Italian), or Sizzling Scot steak place is great, also La Partenope is nice too. I guess it depends what kinda food you like. There's loads of nice pubs down the grassmarket too.

Go to the Zoo, it's amazing, also go to the smaller castle's! We went to Craigmillar Castle, which was lovely, not as many tourists as Edinburgh Castle, which was kinda good, cause it's full of them lol.

And the museums of course, but also try out Mary King's Close, which is pretty good too

Fiasco55

For evening's entertainment I would recommend a ghost walk tour. I have done lots of them with various companies. I would book up with Black Hart Tours for either the graveyard tour or the underground city. Tours tend to leave every 30mins-1hour.

http://www.blackhart.uk.com/

If that sort of tour is not your thing they also have some other historic
tours.
http://www.mercattours.com/home.asp
http://www.auldreekietours.com/

On a budget http://www.newedinburghtours.com/ offers free tours of Edinburgh.

Or how about a show. There are loads of theatres to see.

http://www.eft.co.uk/
http://www.edinburghplayhouse.org.uk/index.asp?VenueID=93

Hope this helps.

stuzhunter

There used to be a piemaker few mins walk near waverley station..yum..yum. lunch sorted!

stuzhunter

Oh Spendid (Free) views over Edinburgh from the top of Arthur seat!

Christina1982

I've recently had lunch at the slug and lettuce in the omni centre beside the playhouse - been really nice, there are a few places to eat there too

candjsmum

Jimmy Chungs, an all you can eat chinese buffet near Waverley station is our favourite when we go to Edinburgh. Yum:beer:

Blue264

Fiasco55 wrote: »

For evening's entertainment I would recommend a ghost walk tour. I have done lots of them with various companies. I would book up with Black Hart Tours for either the graveyard tour or the underground city. Tours tend to leave every 30mins-1hour.

I've done the tour that includes The Vaults and the one with "jumper ooters" and can't recommend them enough. Can't recommend them enough. They're great value for money, teach a good bit about the history of the city and very entertaining. The Witchery tours ghost walk had us crying laughing
http://www.witcherytours.com/

Loved The Edinburgh Dungeons too.

If you want a really nice restaurant, try The Witchery at the top of the Royal Mile, right by the castle. Under The Stairs on Merchant Street is another lovely place but to be honest, Edinburgh is blessed with loads of good restaurants. Apparently, you must also try deep fried haggis from one of the chippies too.

stuzhunter

The botanical garden is great if you are looking for some fresh air/tranquility..3 years ago I went there entrance was free.. not too sure whether this is still the case.