Belle’s Essential Guide To…. Edinburgh
From mountain hikes to underground ghost walks, and mediaeval history to modern art, Edinburgh is a city of contrast and excitement at every turn. Sitting in the shadow of an ancient extinct volcano, the city is small enough to cover on foot in a day, but rich enough in attractions to keep any visitor busy for a week. We, however, had but 48 hours in the Scottish capital, so if you find yourself in a similar situation, here are Belle’s essential sights to see on a mini-break to Edinburgh…
What To Do In Edinburgh…
Hike Up Arthur’s Seat
It’s starring role in the recent Netflix series One Day has further revived the enduring popularity of this ancient landmark, an inactive volcano featuring a stone seat’ at the very top. Most easily accessed from its base in Holyrood Park, which sits beside the Scottish Parliament buildings and the Palace of Holyroodhouse, the hill rises above the city to a height of more than 250 metres. It is a relatively easy hike – allow an hour or two to get up and down again depending on fitness levels – and offers spectacular panoramic views of Edinburgh and beyond.
Take A Ghost Walk Through Edinburgh Vaults
Mercat Tours are the experts when it comes to historical tours beneath Edinburgh’s busy streets, so make sure you find time to delve into the Old Town’s grim and ghostly past and explore the Blair Street Underground Vaults as an expert storyteller shares gory details of dark Edinburgh history and folklore. The tour takes around two hours and features freaky, folklore tales as well as a wee whisky dram to steady the nerves. Our guide Jared hit the perfect balance between entertaining and eerie, and ended the night with a spine-chilling story that left us wondering whether the vaults really might be haunted after all…
Visit Royal Yacht Britannia
Climb aboard 70 years of history at the Royal Yacht Britannia, located a short tram ride away from the city centre in the Port of Leith. The ship itself is a fascinating insight into the world of the Royals, with access to view the late Queen’s living, dining and sleeping quarters, as well as ostentatious ballrooms, more bars than you can believe would fit on one boat, and a laundry room bigger than the average Brits’ kitchen and garden rolled into one. There’s an audio guide available which narrates you around the historic rooms which takes about an hour, but make sure you allow time to enjoy a cream tea and magnificent fruit scone or two in the Royal Deck tea room.
What To See In Edinburgh…
Hop On An Edinburgh City Tour Bus
A Hop On Hop Off Edinburgh Tour Bus is the perfect way to explore without wearing yourself out, and offers insights and information at every turn. Tour guides are locals who love the city and there’s a friendly, family feel to the trips. Circular tours cover everything from Edinburgh Castle to Holyrood House, and there’s plenty of opportunities to ask questions if something catches your eye – like the statue of Greyfriars Bobby or the intricate street signs leading down narrow passages into Edinburgh’s hidden city. Hop on and hop off as and when you wish, each ticket is valid for 24 hours.
Edinburgh Castle
Edinburgh’s ancient castle looms over the city and is one of the most captivating historic sites in the UK. Set in the heart of the capital, the view from the battalions will take your breath away. The Scottish crown jewels are housed here, as is the national War Memorial for Scotland’s fallen soldiers. Audio guides are available for a small price which allow you to go straight to part that interests you, or follow its numbered itinerary to get you around. Find out more here.
Where (& What) To Eat In Edinburgh…
Maison De Moggy & the Chihuahua Café
If you prefer your tea and cakes on dry land, and are more of an animal-lover than a Royalist (although some would say the to may sometimes merge a little too well) then hop off the Royal yacht back to the city centre and seek out the Chihuahua Café or Maison de Moggy, Scotland’s first ever cat café, both doing exactly what they say on the tin and offering baked delights alongside a furry friend. Book ahead at either venue and not only will you enjoy a quaint Scottish shortbread with your cuppa, but you get to ‘hire’ a canine or feline companion for the duration of your visit.
SushiSamba
From pie and mash to pasties, from pub grub to fine dining, Edinburgh has it all. But Sushi served seamlessly in a Samba style? What a delicious treat for the senses. SushiSamba sits atop the W Hotel and is just oozing with style and sexiness. South American beats pulse through your veins as fresh tapas-style dishes are served by upbeat staff. Choose from traditional Sushi plates or those with Peruvian or Brazilian twists, whatever your tastes we guarantee you’ll be satiated by the vibrant and innovative menu. Just a few standout serves include the green bean tempura with truffle aioli, the crispy lobster taquitos, Loch Fyne oysters with sesame, and the house special Highland Waygu Ishiyaki. There is plenty of choice for vegetarians and vegans too with tofu and mushroom dishes alongside the meat and salted fish options. Just make sure you leave room for dessert as we highly recommend the assorted mochi – soft Japanese rice cakes filled with ice cream served with white chocolate ganache. Heaven in a mouthful!
Where To Drink In Edinburgh…
VooDoo Rooms
The Voodoo Rooms is a multi-award-winning cocktail bar, restaurant and Fringe venue immersed in opulent Georgian décor and style. A five minute walk from the W Hotel and just two minutes from Waverley train station, this city centre bar is full of buzz and atmosphere. The main bar really has to be seen in person to be fully appreciated. It’s an incredible piece of Edinburgh’s architectural landscape, not to be missed. Cocktails at VooDoo are innovative and exciting – and the venue also offers cocktail masterclasses for groups.
Joao’s Place
Where better to enjoy a cocktail than overlooking the whole city at sunset? Joao’s Place is a speakeasy bar with the best views over Edinburgh skyline, found in the new St James complex. Drinks are inspired by São Paulo in Brazil and from a seat on the terrace you can spot tiny figures reaching the top of Arthurs Seat, and tourists traipsing away from the castle, as the sun sets over the city. Open until 3am at weekend, Joao’s is the place to be seen in a city that rarely seems to sleep.
The Newsroom
An unassuming and friendly bar with traditional pub vibes and a quirky take on cocktails at the top of Leith Street. The Newsroom bar staff are friendly and the menu is an old-style newspaper. Great for a quick pint after a day’s sightseeing.
Where To Stay In Edinburgh…
W Edinburgh
The newly opened W Edinburgh is in a league of its own when it comes to style, substance and location. Dominating the city skyline the building is just minutes from all the main tourist attractions. The hotel is comprised of three distinct buildings with 199 rooms and 45 suites, many with outdoor terraces. The three buildings consist of the 12-story Ribbon Building which features a striking exterior façade, the James Craig Walk which is a heritage listed terrace dating back to 1775, and the Quarter House which offers a stone façade, inspired by traditional Edinburgh architecture. Suites are stylish and comfortable offering all mod cons, some even with their own cocktail bars. Those in search of a little relaxation can seek out the spa, or those looking for a fitness burst have use of the 24-hour gym.
