How to Experience the Real Edinburgh
How to Experience the Real Edinburgh
How to Experience the Real Edinburgh
Edinburgh has never been a city short of visitors. As well as hosting one of the world's largest cultural festivals every August, The Edinburgh Festival, and the largest Hogmanay get-together on the planet every 31 December, the city's historic streets are rarely free from tourists. A quick walk up the Royal Mile, or the High Street as it's called locally, will tick many attractions off the typical list of crowd pleasers, but to get to know the real Edinburgh, it's worth venturing slightly further afield.
Of the top ten things to do in Edinburgh, the first one is simple. Walk. Don't get a taxi or a bus but walk just as most people in the city do; you'll find that it rarely takes more than 15 minutes before you are in a completely different part of town.
Yes, the castle's on everybody's itinerary but it is there for a good reason. You don't have to pay the full entrance fee to appreciate the panoramic city views from the esplanade either.
From here amble down the full length of the High Street, past Holyrood Palace and the Scottish Parliament, and you'll find yourself standing at the foot of Arthur's Seat. This surprisingly easy climb is an Edinburgh institution as not only does it put the city's diminutive size into landscape perspective, but it's also the best way to feel like you're in the Cairngorms, whilst only a 20-minute walk from the nearest Starbucks.
From here keep heading south along the marked path and you'll reach the beautiful village of Duddingston. However, the real treat is behind the main street, where you'll find Scotland's oldest pub, The Sheep's Heid. Enjoy a game of skittles here at the pub's Victorian bowling alley.
Afterwards head back along the Innocent Railway path, through Holyrood Park and aim for Leith. The old city docklands are still very much a separate community from Edinburgh itself, and Leith is crammed full of character and glimpses into the city's thriving maritime era. Luckily, Leith is also the best place to eat, so stop for lunch at one of the many traditional pubs on the shore.
For a spot of afternoon window shopping or deli splurging, head to the cosmopolitan district of Stockbridge. From cheesemongers and coffee houses to award-winning butchers and wine bars, Stockbridge has a subtle charm and a village-like atmosphere thanks to the Water of Leith running through the middle of it. From here, head west to the Dean Gallery of Modern Art - free and not to be missed.
If you're not in Edinburgh during the festival don't worry, the nights are still packed with opportunity and the many Edinburgh hotels will be quieter too. For a show try The Playhouse or The Lyceum theatres, or head to one of the city's long established music haunts like Whistle Binkies on North Bridge.
Afterwards, there's nothing like finishing off a day with one of Edinburgh's many ghost walks, all advertised on the High Street. Don't forget to head to Forrest Road come midnight, for a good choice of takeaways and late-night coffee shops.
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