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Latest Edinburgh hotel reviews
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Favorite thing: > Edinburgh was founded in the 7th century, but it was not until c. AD 950 that the city, referred to at this time in the Pictish Chronicle as 'oppidum Eden', fell to the Scots and finally remained under their jurisdiction. During this period of Germanic influence the city's got its Germanic suffix 'burgh'.
> The city sprawls over a landscape which was caused by intense volcanic activity and glaciers.
> Edinburgh is affectionately known by Scots as "Auld Reekie" meaning "Old Smelly/Stinky"... because with its open sewers and refuse left to fester in the narrow closes & wynds, the city's *aroma* used to be pungent (understatement of the century). It can also mean "Old Smokie". This nickname refers to the smoke from the chimneys of the tenements and closely packed houses, many of which are still stained in black soot to this day.
> Many forget (or don't even realize) that Edinburgh is actually a coastal town, lying on the East Coast of Scotland by the North Sea.
> Edinburgh is located in Greenwich Mean Time Zone.
> The weather in Edinburgh is always unpredictable. Even in summer I would pack some warm clothes, a raincoat and umbrella. Comfortable walking shoes are always a good idea.
> Edinburgh's population is almost 450,000. But that figure swells to well over 1 million during its famous arts festivals in August, making it the second most visited tourist destination in the United Kingdom, after London.
> The buildings of the "New Town" are from the 18th century; they contrast with the 16th and 17th century tenement buildings of the High Street and Old Town.
> Currency: GBP (British Pound) and the Scottish Pound (equal value).
> Country telephone code: +44, city code: 0131.
> Emergency Telephone for Police, Medical, Fire & Coastguard: Dial 999.
> The electricity in the UK is 220-240V/50Hz; 13 amp plug with 3 rectangular pins.
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Fondest memory: > Each year, Edinburgh hosts the biggest New Year street party in the world (Edinburgh's Hogmanay) and the biggest arts & culture festival in the world, The Edinburgh Festival or "The Fringe" (in August).
> Edinburgh University, one of the most famous universities in the world, was established in 1583.
> There are over 60 art galleries and museums in Edinburgh.
> Edinburgh Castle, which dominates the city skyline, is the most popular visitor attraction in Scotland with over 1 million visitors each year.
> The Palace of Holyroodhouse is The Queen's official residence in Scotland.
> Edinburgh, along with Bath, Rome and Venice, has been designated a World Heritage Site.
> Useful website: www.edinburgh.org/
Updated Aug 7, 2011
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Favorite thing: The main tourist office is on Princes Street next to Waverley train station and the Waverley Hotel -- lots of information available re accommodation, tours, sights, etc
Tel: 0845 22 55 121
Email: info@visitscotland.com
Website: http://www.edinburgh.org/
Address:-
3, Princes Street
Edinburgh
Lothian
EH2 2QP
Scotland
Written Oct 18, 2007
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Favorite thing: BHS Store on Princes Street.
Great British Breakfast 10 items of YOUR choice such as 2 eggs, two sausages, beans would make five + bacon, 2 black pudding, tomato and mushrooms would make 10 + one slice of toast comes to £2.69. €3.97.
Its on Rose Street or go right through the BHS from Princes St to the back.
Oh and here's a tip offten if you buy something they give you a chit to use at the restaurant which will give you 20% off.
The drinks are dearer with a mug of chocolate or coffee it could come to €6.63 £4.49p.
Updated Jul 6, 2007
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Favorite thing: For US travelers, Edinburgh is an expensive city but you can get by with virtually no transportation cost except the rather inexpensive airport bus (currently L5 round trip), all of the major museums have free admission, St. Giles and Parliament are both free to enter. Walking to the top of Calton Hill or Arthur's Seat won't cost you a dime (and will help you work off some of that full Scottish breakfast)
Hotels-Ibis has a hotel right near the Royal Mile and if you are really low on funds there is a youth hostel. Or you can try laterooms.com to see what kind of reduced rates are out there.
Food-lots of inexpensive options, pub fare, kebabs, fish and chips, all can be had for under L10
Updated Feb 7, 2006
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Favorite thing: I found an ATM in the Edinburgh airport (look for the Travelex exchange) and was able to use my card at the Royal Bank of Scotland, the Clydesdale Bank machine did not look like it would take my card. The ATM at the airport dispensed English pounds, the one in the center dispensed Scottish pounds. I did take some of the Scottish pounds to London with me, and althoughthe clerk at Woolworth's had to go get his boss to verify that it was indeed valid currency, I had no trouble using it in London.
I didn't end up charging very much in Edinburgh but it did look like credit cards were widely accepted.
Written Feb 6, 2006
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Favorite thing: Seems like there are two REALLY busy times to go to Edinburgh, at New Year's for the Hogmany celebrations and in the summer when they have the Festival. I chose January, not because I thought it was a particularly good time to visit Edinburgh but because it fit in with my travel plans to visit London for the big VT meeting on January 21, 2006.
It was a little chilly, especially at the top of Calton Hill and Edinburgh Castle and of course the gardens are not much to see but otherwise I found it a fine time to visit, nothing was particularly crowded, I got a better rate on accomodations and didn't need to book anything in advance.
Written Jan 31, 2006
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Favorite thing: Edinburgh seems to be obsessed with ghosts, ghouls and things that go bump in the night
Almost every place we visited had at least one ghost, and night time ghost tours are very popular, Edinburgh is home to Scotlands most haunted pub `Nicol Edwards`, obviously a good place to visit if you like to drink spirits
lf you like the idea of being scared half witless then check out Auld Reekies tours on www.auldreekietours.co.uk
Fondest memory: here is VT member Suet with her new friend at the entrance to Tron Kirk on the Royal Mile, this is the starting for the scare-you-to-bits tours
Written Jul 9, 2005
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Favorite thing: My favourite thing about my trip to Edinburgh was just walking around. Through Princes St gardens, up little alleys, down the Royal Mile, around Arthur's Seat. There are always things you will miss if you stay in a car or on a bus. I feel fulfilled after spending a day or two walking around and exploring a new city, exhausted, but fulfilled.
Updated Oct 2, 2004
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Favorite thing: Stroll along the high street and soak up the atmosphere, try and catch a rugby match, visit the many drinking establishments and stock up on the calories in the decent curry houses and restaurants to be found. For reviews of over 200 pubs in the city, click HERE.
There are plenty things to do and see in Edinburgh, many more than can be covered in a weekend. Click HERE for more information.
See my 'Must see activities' for a few things we managed to squeeze in around the constant eating!
Updated Sep 28, 2003
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Fondest memory: The traffic wardens are extremely efficient. I parked my car in a controlled area where parking is free until 8am. I went to my car at 7.55am. Guess what, 2 traffic wardens were already there waiting to issue parking tickets. Never knew they are so efficient!
Written Sep 8, 2002
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Miscellaneous tips and photos posted by real travelers and Edinburgh locals.
Write a ReviewThe traffic wardens are extremely efficient. I parked my car in a controlled area where parking is free until 8am. I went to my car at 7.55am. Guess what, 2...
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