We arrive in Edinburgh 5/24 and stay 3 nights before heading out on a road trip. We spend another half day in Edinburgh before flying out on the 3rd of June. I have been trying to prioritize our time in the city. Having been there briefly on a bus tour a few years ago with my sister I know I want to show my husband some of the highlights like the castle, St. Giles, Princess St., Victoria St., Holyrood Abbey and Arthur's Seat. I was also thinking Dean's Village and Calton Hill. Any thoughts? I am also looking for recommendations for places to eat. I would really like to hit some of the locals favorites and love the idea of old pub atmospheres. My husband is a steak and potatoes kind of person but I love to eat like the locals. Thanks!!
Posted by
Cincinnati, OH, USA
768 posts
We will be in Edinburgh for the first time three weeks before you. Since we will be there on a Saturday We’re planning on a visit to Grassmarket, you might consider this. We’ve also planed to have tea at the Colonnades at the Signet Library as something a bit special. Depending on weather we may take the Maid of the Forth to the Isle of Inchcolm and the abbey for a different experience.
Posted by
72 posts
My husband and I greatly enjoyed getting breakfast at Patisserie Valerie located at 158-162 Rose St, Edinburgh EH2 3JD, UK
We're normally the type to try something new for each meal, but the breakfast at Patisserie Valerie was so good, we went back 3 days in a row! It was a huge traditional Scottish breakfast and the price was really good. It kept us so full, we'd just have a snack for lunch and then eat dinner. I highly recommend it. We also really enjoyed high tea at the castle and were pleasantly surprised by the really reasonable price.
Posted by
35 posts
If you like old pubs try Sheep Heid Inn. HM, the queen, has dined there as well as Mary, Queen of Scots. For steak we ate at Steak Edinburgh. Dean Village and Water of Leith are very relaxing and picturesque and I also enjoyed the Royal Botanic Garden.
Have a great trip!
Posted by
New York City, NY, USA
5678 posts
I love the Georgian House in New Town. It's a nice contrast to the Royal Mile. Speaking of which, I like Gladstone's Land for a good impression of Medieval Scotland. I also enjoyed a tour of Holyrood--the parliament building. Dynamic Earth is fun too if you are interested in geology. It's like other science museums, but all the examples are in Scotland!
Posted by
S.F. Bay Area, CA, United States
1878 posts
For me the castle is a must, think my wife and I spent several hours there on our 2002 side trip from Ireland. The Scottish national museum is also wonderful, I am not sure if that's the precisely correct name. They had Robert the Bruce's sword and other artifacts from way back. It's like the Smithsonian of Scotland. The Edinburgh City Museum was also very interesting.
Posted by
New York City, NY, USA
5678 posts
It is the National Museum of Scotland. It combines an older Victorian building with a new building. The new building was built to look like it was a castle. And it starts with prehistory on the ground floor and you wind your way up to the 21st century at the top.
I always start any trip to Edinburgh with a visit to the Castle. It orients me and the views are wonderful. I would agree that it is a good idea to plan on at least a couple of hours.
Posted by
OP
19 posts
Thank you all for your suggestions!! I could not be more excited to return to Scotland!! I'm a bit obsessed with this beautiful land! I hope my husband loves it as much as I do. I will have to plan a trip to Wales sometime since that is where some of my DNA comes from :)
Posted by
OP
19 posts
Thank you all for your suggestions!! I could not be more excited to return to Scotland!! I'm a bit obsessed with this beautiful land! I hope my husband loves it as much as I do. I will have to plan a trip to Wales sometime since that is where some of my DNA comes from :)