Enchanting Edinburgh
- Rebecca Rudd
- Dec 29, 2024
- 5 min read
Get ready for a splash of cosy, a dash of charm and a whole cup of Christmas merriment!
Looking for the perfect place to continue the Christmas spirit? Or maybe you're still searching for somewhere special to welcome in the New Year? You might even be thinking about spending Christmas away next year? Well look no further than Scotland's captivating capital. With its impressive architecture, thriving social scene and beautiful backdrop of rolling green hills, it really is the most idyllic environment to welcome a little more sparkle and festive fun! Whether you're keen to don a pair of skates and take to the rink, create a festive wreath or simply enjoy a nice pint in one of the (many) pubs adorned in fairy lights, you are free to enjoy the festive season your way.
My Highlights:
The Edinburgh Dungeons: the perfect blend of history and theatre to provide an interactive and memorable moment. It's a fully immersive experience where you will travel through the city's intriguing history... Each section of the journey almost acts as a mini show: from the courtroom and dungeons to witchcraft-related confessions, there's twists and turns on every corner! So watch your step and get ready for a little bit of spooky fun!
The Christmas Markets: spanning across three different locations, Edinburgh is more than prepared when it comes to delivering 'market magic'! Get ready for a warm mulled wine, an array of sweet and savoury treats and lots of stalls for a little shopping. Whether you're looking for beautiful handcrafted goods, cute Christmas decorations, that perfect present or even that amazing 'find' you never knew you needed, here you can take in the atmosphere as you peruse the plethora of products available. If you're a little shopped out still from Christmas, there are still plenty of games and activities on offer to keep you occupied. And if you're feeling brave enough why not try the Starflyer (a swing ride that takes you a whopping 80 metres up in the air)? Top tip: maybe don't try this on a full belly of beer or mulled wine!
Arthur's Seat: an extinct volcano, now one of Scotland's most famous hills. This is the perfect hike for anyone needing a break from the busyness of the city centre. To ascend and descend, you would need to set aside approximately two hours. Don't forget comfy walking boots (with good grip) and warm attire- it's cold and windy up at the top!
The Stand - Comedy Nights: the perfect venue for a night of jokes, fun and laughter.
With very reasonably priced food and beverages, you can settle in for the evening and enjoy a range of comedians- often showcasing a range of different styles. With shows happening on different nights of the week (currently Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays), get ready to schedule some comedy into your week!
The Royal Mile and Edinburgh Castle: a classic tourist spot! No trip to Edinburgh is complete without a leisurely stroll up and down the Royal Mile. With an abundance of souvenir shops, this is the ideal place to pick up some last minute Scottish essentials to share with friends and family. Here you will find delicious shortbread, tartan garments, a wee bit of whiskey and much much more. Finally, the impressive Edinburgh castle sits at the top of the Royal Mile and lends itself to incredible views of the city and Arthur's Seat.
Bars, Pubs and Restaurants:
Bar: The Alchemist
As the connoisseurs of cocktails, they offer an extensive menu of creative delights! With its moody lighting and sophisticated decor, it definitely gives 'date night' vibes.
Pub: The Banshee
This pub is a must if you enjoy spooky vibes... Even though it's considered to be Scotland's most haunted pub, it's a great place to enjoy a relaxed beverage or two. Not only does it serve as a pub, but it also acts as a music venue and holds a cinema.
Restaurant: Edinburgh Street Food
Working as an indoor food market, this not only provides choice -with a range of tempting cuisines- but also deliciously large portions at a great price! We ordered from two different restaurants and both meals were fantastic.
Restaurant: Cafe Andaluz
Bringing rich and vibrant Spanish flavours to three different locations in and around Edinburgh, this tapas restaurant invites sunshine and sensation for the taste buds! The only difficulty is deciding on which dish to choose as their menu is both varied and extensive.
Bar and Restaurant: The Dome
Iconic. Grand. Opulent. Just some words to describe this popular landmark on George Street but for me it was just like looking at the setting of a Christmas film. With its lavish lights, decadent decorations and palatial pillars, this is the perfect place to enjoy a couple of cocktails, afternoon tea or deluxe dining.
Need to knows!
Currency: | Pound Sterling (GBP) |
Language: | The main language spoken in Scotland is English. (However, Scots and Scottish Gaelic is still spoken by some). |
Plug type: | Type G |
Travel: | There are numerous airports in Scotland. I flew directly to Edinburgh airport and there is a tram that will take you all the way to the city centre (for around £7-8). Glasgow (another major city nearby) also has its own airport). |
Cash or card? | Both are accepted. |
My Experience:
I stayed in the town centre of Edinburgh for four nights and five days at the beginning of December. I have visited this picturesque city before to take part in their annual marathon (which usually takes place in the month of May). However, it was a short stay (a long weekend) so I didn't have enough time to explore all that Edinburgh has to offer. However, for this second visit, I was very fortunate to have a local guide (somebody I met whilst travelling in South America) and this definitely enhanced my visit thus knowledge of this cool capital.
Due to my previous visit, I naively (and mistakenly) thought that I would have a good memory of the city's layout and main sights but it was so much bigger than I realised and so much there that I didn't do/see. Therefore, having this length of time in December to purely "sight-see" and soak up the ambience, allowed me to appreciate the city's natural beauty, its incredible architecture along with its dynamic artistic and cultural scene. From the side-splitting stand-up comedy night to perusing the metaphysical shops for sage and oracle cards, the atmosphere here is truly magical. With this hive of activity, it is definitely a city that I would like to explore more!
I would love to return and I have no doubt that I will, but there are also so many other places in Scotland that I am keen to visit, such as: Glasgow, Aberdeen, Inverness, Dundee and Perth... And don't forget the Orkney and Shetland Islands along with their rugged, remote beauty... Maybe it's time to start planning that next trip!
Here's to the new year: may it bring new trips and new adventures!
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