We are going to meet our granddaughter(16) in Edinburgh the 15th of June 2019. We are looking on VRBO for an apartment. Would like to have some idea of where would be a good place to stay. We do not rent cars is Europe and are in our late 70's early 80's. We are in good physical shape but would like to be close to transportation and in a not to touristy neighborhood.
We will arrive a few days before she arrives so we will be spending at least two weeks in Edinburgh. We plan to do a couple of tours there , The Rabbie tours look interesting, but we will take trains and buses to some of the towns around Edinburgh. Would like to know if anyone has an idea of a good central location in the city for around $150.00 a night for an apartment and if anyone has taken Rabbie tours.
Posted by
Washington DC
27041 posts
My tripmto Edinburgh doesn't take place until July, so I'll defer to others about the specifics. However, you should keep in mind that Edinburgh is very hilly. You might want to take terrain into,account when selecting an area to stay in.
Posted by
Delaware
1376 posts
Hi, Jerry and Stelly,
In your search for an apartment (flat), check for lodging in the Newington/Prestonfield and Morningside areas of Edinburgh. Both are outside of the heavily traveled tourist areas, but are close to bus lines, as well as many good restaurants. Those areas would be less expensive than New Town. Plus south side is not as hilly as north side.
I'm assuming that your granddaughter will be staying with you in the flat, and that is why you're looking for a flat as opposed to a hotel or B&B. If you plan to do a lot of your own cooking, as opposed to having the majority of your meals in restaurants, there are many shops and small supermarkets in Morningside, but you may have to travel a bit farther afield for messages if you're in Newington. Most of the shops there are farther up Clerk Street and Nicolson Street. Wherever you shop, you'll be surprised at the excellent quality of food in the Scottish markets.
Falkirk, Dundee, Stirling, Pitlochry, and Dunkeld would make for good day trips by train while you're staying in Edinburgh. You'll get a lot of advice about Rabbie's tours on this forum.
I find it inspiring that you are taking on the challenge of Edinburgh at your ages. I'm sharing your post with Mrs. Auchterless to show her that age is no barrier to overseas travel.
Best wishes for your travels. You are going to love Edinburgh! Your granddaughter will, as well.
Mike (Auchterless)
Posted by
OP
Dallas, TX, usa
323 posts
Was hoping you would reply, Mike, and thank you for the information. We will look in the areas you suggest. and Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you and the Mrs. Hope you can convince her to travel.
Posted by
Columbus, OH, USA
2026 posts
We stayed in Edinburgh at Hugo’s Place Grassmarket Apartment. We thought it was excellent....spacious, modern, quiet and a great location. We took a day trip with the Heart of Scotland tours and it was quite nice and we took ourselves by train to Stirling for the day, very easy. Our trip was in May 2017.
Posted by
Western Canada
3098 posts
Just an addendum to Mike's reply: for those of you not familiar with the term "messages"; it means getting the shopping or groceries! :))
Posted by
Charleston & Birmingham
4297 posts
Everyone on this forum seems to love Rabbies tours. We took their Highlands tour from Glasgow in early June last year and loved it.