ENGLISH

INDEX:
1. WHAT TO DO
2. SEASIDE
3. PANORAMIC POINTS
4. FESTIVALS
5. PUBLIC TRANSPORT
6. TRADITIONAL FOOD + EATING OUT
7. CLIMATE AND CLOTHING
8. MONEY
9. ELECTRICAL SOCKETS
10. GREETINGS
11. SPORT
12. TRAVEL WITH KIDS 
13. 1 DAY TRIP

LEGEND:
BLUE: for rainy days but not only ...
GREEN: when the sun is shining, or not ...
👆🏻: there is a link, click!


1.WHAT TO DO

Guided walking tour, if you have little time, it's the ideal way to know a little about the city's histories and legends, in a light way, I recommend the Wee Walking Tours, lasting about 2 hours, Price £ 15, book from the website https://www.weewalkingtours.com/book-wee-walks

Guided bus tour, available in different languages, if it rains and you have little time it is a practical solution to see the city, duration from 75 min to about 3 hours, prices based on the tour starting from £ 16. Info and tickets: https://edinburghtour.com/

Dean Village👆🏻 A bucolic village on the banks of Water of Leith (the river that runs all over Edinburgh to the sea), I recommend a relaxing walk on the banks of the river from Bell's Brae Bridge👆🏻 to the Stockbridge Market👆🏻, where on Sundays there is a market. Stockbridge is a nice neighborhood, full of independent shops and cafes, I recommend The Pantry, a place famous for brunch, location: https://goo.gl/maps/yp43fAb6TBHACSMt8

Georgian House👆🏻 is a traditional 18th-century house of a wealthy family in the New Town of ​​Edinburgh, run by The National Trust of Scotland, a charity dedicated to the preservation and protection of cultural Scottish heritage. Price: £ 10.00. There is no need to book in advance. Recommended pub nearby, my absolute favorite, The Queens Arms, a very traditional and authentic pub, good for both food and drinks https://goo.gl/maps/iFeC1849C6EiFR5c8

Gladstone's Land👆🏻 is another museum house, but in the popular 17th-century style, located in the Old Town of ​​Edinburgh, again managed by The National Trust of Scotland. Price: £ 7.50. There is no need to book in advance. Recommended pub nearby, Deacon Brodies Tavern, a traditional Scottish pub, great Cullen Skink and great choice of beers, location: https://goo.gl/maps/xPTTAneTWfa8KFns7

National Museum of Scotland👆🏻, a giant, modern, interactive museum divided into 2 buildings connected to each other, one of only Scottish history (7 floors divided by age), the other with objects from all over the world that show the connection of Scotland with the world and vice versa. Anyone can find something interesting thanks to the wide range of topics covered. Special for children who find many play areas. On the seventh floor, there is a terrace with a panoramic view of the old town and the castle. Free admission, open all year (not 25th Dec) from 10.00 to 17.00. Lunch or dinner nearby, Mums, diner offering a choice of traditional Scottish home-made comfort food, location: https://goo.gl/maps/BvHE1jLXqyTZoXnC9

Scottish National Gallery👆🏻,  an art gallery that collects works of great prestige from all over the world, to name a few: Leonardo da Vinci, Raphael, Rembrandt, Titian, Van Dyck, Velázquez, Van Gogh. Free admission, from 10.00 to 17.00. Breakfast/lunch/dinner/snack nearby, Scran Bistro, good quality of food and wide choice, I recommend the Scottish Breakfast, which is also good for lunch. Location: https://goo.gl/maps/oCBcK4ayjwj64Fgm6

Edinburgh Castle👆🏻,  perched on a hill right in the center of the city, if you don't have much time it is still worth seeing it from the outside, from the large square in front of its entrance, where you can also enjoy a beautiful view of the Old and New Town. If you have time to dedicate to it, it is expensive, but beyond the walls you will discover a medieval village out of time. The website describes various itineraries to follow inside. Admission £ 18.00, audio guide in different languages £ 3.50. Lunch or dinner nearby, The Grain Store, a Scottish restaurant on the iconic Victoria Street. Special "Sunday Roast", the Scottish Sunday barbecue. Location: https://goo.gl/maps/w9529GkrK4xM7Vvt5

Royal Mile👆🏻 (or High Street) is the 1-mile long road that connects the Castle to the Royal Summer Residence, Palace of Holyroodhouse. From the Royal Mile a lot of alleys (called “closes”) open in a herringbone pattern that spread to the north and south side of the city. It is full of pubs, restaurants, and shops. A must see The Nutcracker Christmas Shop, location: https://goo.gl/maps/WdGG9x9mH9VgoVRc8. Café nearby, Clarinda's Tearoom, traditional afternoon tea, coffee and cakes, try the Scottish Scone, location: https://goo.gl/maps/a9jtxPMu9TnXKjpAA

Palace of Holyroodhouse👆🏻, at the end of the Royal Mile, you will find the Royal Summer Residence which is still Her Majesty's official residence in Scotland. Admission fee £18.50. If you don't have much time, it's enough to see it from the outside and maybe have a break at the café in the court, The Cafe at the Palace, location: https://goo.gl/maps/PvWTi89kjppBUNxLA

Whiskey Tour in Edinburgh, I recommend 2 options: Scotch Whisky Experience👆🏻,, nice, short, audio guide available in different languages, or Johnnie Walker Princes Street👆🏻, even if you're not a whiskey lover, it is a great adventure to experience. The tour is in English but it is very scenographic, like a show, so even if you don't understand 100% of the story, you will still have a nice experience. This tour offers 3 whiskey cocktails created by you along the tour, based on your taste, £ 28 per person, to be booked in advance at: https://www.johnniewalker.com/en-gb/visit-us-princes-street/book-whisky-tasting/#id=johnnie-walker-s-journey-of-flavour
After the tour you can have a drink or dinner at the restaurant on the roof terrace (same building), overlooking the castle, it's called The 1820 Rooftop Bar, you have a 10% discount on drinks with the whiskey tour ticket. If you don't want to take the tour, you can also just dine at this restaurant.

Calton Hill👆🏻, 103m high, a hill in the city center, with neoclassical monuments and striking views of Edinburgh's skyline and Castle. Pedestrian path to reach the top, very easy to walk and suitable for everyone. Time: 10 minutes. On the sum there is a restaurant with a panoramic view of the city and the north coast, very few tables, not cheap, to be booked in advance, The Look Out, location: https://g.page/TheLookoutbyGC?share

Arthur's Seat👆🏻, 251 m high, is an uncontaminated hill in the city center, to climb you must have suitable shoes for trekking/hiking, the ground is rocky/grassy. Excursions from moderate to advanced level depending on the routes. It is quite popular, so the path is easy to recognize simply by following the other hikers. Recommended starting point: near the Palace of Holyroodhouse👆🏻. Time: 1.5 hour. It is not necessary to climb to the top to enjoy a beautiful view and take a nice regenerating walk. Watch out for the wind. Pub nearby, Kilderkin https://goo.gl/maps/4YQX4jMQLYQoyFsV7

Ceilidhs is the traditional Scottish dance, to be danced to the rhythm of folk music. Before the start of each dance, the choreographies are explained and demonstrated from the stage, the audience learns and dances instantly, helped by the regulars, passionate ceilidhs dancers, always very welcoming. You will sweat because you will jump a lot, dress accordingly. WHERE: EdinburghCeilidh Club👆🏻, every Tuesday evening in Summerhall and one Friday a month at the Roxy Assembly; the evenings are open to everyone, from beginners to expert dancers. - GhillieDhu👆🏻, a deconsecrated church that houses a bar on the ground floor and a restaurant with a dancing room upstairs. They offer a traditional dinner + Ceilidh dance night with live music, £ 35 per person, to be booked in advance on the website (they ask for a deposit of £ 5 per person to be paid online); or only the entrance to the Ceilidh dance evening after 9.30 pm, £ 7 per person, payable at the entrance, to be booked in advance by email. It is not compulsory to dance, you can join the group or just watch it, it is very suggestive and it is an authentic experience. - Another location with live bands, The Royal British Legion👆🏻.

Theater shows, the culture of theater in the UK is very popular, here going to the theater often costs the same as going to the cinema, around £ 15 / £ 20. Even if you do not understand English very well, experiencing the theatre's atmosphere during the show, where the audience is very involved (they even dress up accordingly with the show, adults and children), will immerse you in local customs. See the list of shows on the theater's websites listed here:  Edinburgh Playhouse👆🏻, Kings Theatre👆🏻, Festival Theatre👆🏻. 
Silent Disco Tour👆🏻 is another way to experience the city through a "traveling musical show", when inhibitions will fade and laughter will take over, you will be part of the funniest walking tour in the city! Visit the website to better understand what it is and book your ticket, price £ 16.95.


2. SEASIDE
The north and east coasts of Edinburgh overlook the sea, specifically the Firth of Forth, which overlooks the North Sea. Beaches are long and deep. Visiting the seaside is always a refreshing experience. The coast can be reached by bus (Lothian Bus company) in about half an hour from the city center. Our favorites:

- Cramond Island👆🏻, is a small island in the Firth of Forth, connected to the shoreline of Cramond by a half kilometer long spit of land, which can be covered depending on the tide, which covers/discovers it at certain times, please consult them at the beginning of the walkway. If there is low tide, the beach is immense. The surrounding nature is majestic and the promenade is very wide and well organized. Café / restaurant (no dinner) nearby Cramond Bistro, location: https://goo.gl/maps/sysopRSz1zWLVbWz6

 - Portobello👆🏻, this long and deep beach, attracts large crowds with good weather and hosts many popular events, international volleyball competitions and triathlon events. There is a wide choice of waterfront bars and cafes: TheBoathouse👆🏻, Civerinos Prom Slice👆🏻, Miro's👆🏻, The Esplanade👆🏻, The Beach House👆🏻. There are other options on the main street, such as the best fish & chips according to locals, St Andrews Restaurant & Takeaway, location: https://goo.gl/maps/EGsFCARJ1B7qpCHCA

 - South Queensferry👆🏻, north of Edinburgh, is a village located on the south bank of the Firth of Forth, between the 3 bridges that connect Edinburgh to the Fife region. One of these, Forth Bridge, is a UNESCO heritage engineering feat. You can take a coastal walk or a boat ride with  Forth Boat Tours👆🏻 to explore the fauna and history of the islands off the coast. We suggest Scotts Bar & Restaurant for lunch / snack / dinner, seasonal Scottish cuisine, location: https://goo.gl/maps/dDjyptQ3uT5J5NZA9

- OUTSIDE EDINBURGH - Yellowcraigs👆🏻, 40km from Edinburgh, it is a pristine sandy beach,  surrounded by woods and meadows, with an extensive network of footpaths through the surrounding beach, woods and grasslands. It offers activities suitable for children (pirate-themed adventure play area). There are no bars or restaurants on the beach itself, many visitors bring picnics or use the barbecue area.


3. PANORAMIC POINTS
- Calton Hill👆🏻,103 m, Ascent: 5 minutes.
- Arthur's Seat👆🏻,  251 m, Ascent: 1 hour.
- Terrace of the National Museum of Scotland👆🏻, free admission, staircase or lift.
- Edinburgh Castle Esplanade👆🏻, from May to September occupied by the Military Tattoo Festival' stands  (https://www.edintattoo.co.uk/)


4. FESTIVAL
Edinburgh is called the festival's city, guess why:  Science Festival👆🏻 in April, Jazz & Blues Festival👆🏻 in June / July,  Fringe👆🏻 / International Festival👆🏻 / Book Festival👆🏻 / Film Festival👆🏻 / Royal Military Tattoo👆🏻 in August. The Fringe👆🏻 festival is the one that most envelops the city with its shows, every corner is good for performing, churches, pubs, schools, streets, parks, in August the city is a unique spectacle. Tickets for the shows are very cheap, £ 10 on average, and many shows are free.


5. PUBLIC TRANSPORT
- BUS: the company that operates in the Edinburgh area is called Lothian Bus. Consulting the bus timetables is very simple via Google Maps, the proposed itineraries and timetables are reliable. The buses are very frequent, it is not necessary to organize well in advance, at any time there is a good bus for the trip you want to do. To and from the airport there are special buses called SKYLINK (number 100,200,300,400). Airport ticket prices are: single £ 4.50 / return £ 7.50. Ticket prices to travel in the city: single £ 1.80, day £ 4.50. Tickets can be purchased directly from the driver on the bus. How to pay: in cash (prepare the correct fare, the driver does not return the change), much more convenient with a contactless card (the most convenient rate is charged based on the number of trips; swipe your card on the reader when you get on board and you will be charged a single fare, after three or more journeys the daily fare will be automatically charged). www.lothianbuses.com

- TRAM: There is only 1 tram line in Edinburgh, which departs from the airport and ends in the city center, at York Place. The bus arrives and departs from each tram stop every 15 minutes. Airport ticket prices: single £ 6.50 / return £ 9.00. Ticket prices to travel in the city: single £ 1.80, day £ 4.50. Where to buy tickets: before getting on the tram, from the ticket machines at each tram stop; Tickets must be used within 30 minutes from purchase. www.edinburghtrams.com

Tram day tickets can also be used on all the Lothian Bus buses and vice versa, the Lothian Bus day ticket can also be used on the tram.

- UBER / TAXI traveling by taxi in Edinburgh is cheap, especially if you are traveling in a group, of course it depends on the length of the route. In general, to give you a random example, from the airport to the city center in a group of 4 people, it's cheaper to travel by taxi rather than by bus or tram. Traveling with Uber is even more so, you book and pay for the trip through their mobile App👆🏻. A taxi company recommend is Capital Cars, which can be booked by phone or with their mobile App👆🏻.


6. TRADITIONAL FOOD
- Scotch Pies, single-portion savory pies filled with meat or vegetables, also eaten as a snack.
- Scottish Porridge, oat flakes softened in water and milk, used as a base for dessert or breakfast.
- Cullen Skink, haddock fish soup with potatoes and parsley.
- Haggis, a sausage made from sheep entrails and vegetables, served with neeps and tatties, which are mashed turnips and potatoes.
- Scottish Tablet (or fudge), sugar tablets, like square biscuits, served with tea.
- Water: The quality of public drinking water supplies in Scotland remains amongst the highest in the world. It's good for you, it's good for the planet and it's good for your pocket because it's free! You can refill your water bottle at almost any tap/bar/venue, this official map will show you where to find your nearest Top Up Tap: www.yourwateryourlife.co.uk

EATING OUT
The Scots are party animals, they book at full speed and well in advance, so if you have specific goals it is always better to book for lunch/dinner at the restaurant you want, especially on weekends. 90% of the time you can book through the restaurant's website, rarely you do need to call. Some places do not accept reservations, in this case you can usually still find a space easily. Dinner time goes from around 5 pm to around 9 pm, many restaurants do not accept customers after 9 pm, almost all restaurants close at 10 pm. Late dining is not easy in Edinburgh, not even in pubs, where the kitchen closes at 10 pm anyway. It is easy to find vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free options everywhere. Children are not allowed to enter most pubs/restaurants after 8 pm. Prices: a "main dish" costs on average between £ 13 and £ 15, a starter between £ 6 and £ 10, the same for dessert.

SCOTTISH PLACES:

PUB - The Queens Arms, a very traditional and authentic pub, good for both food and drinks https://goo.gl/maps/iFeC1849C6EiFR5c8

PUB - Deacon Brodies Tavern, a traditional Scottish pub, excellent their Cullen Skink (traditional Scottish soup, cream of cod, potatoes and parsley) and excellent choice of beers https://goo.gl/maps/xPTTAneTWfa8KFns7

RESTAURANT - Mums, diner offering a choice of traditional Scottish home-made comfort food https://goo.gl/maps/BvHE1jLXqyTZoXnC9

RESTAURANT / CAFÉ / PUB - Scran Bistro, good quality and wide choice of food , I recommend their Scottish Breakfast, which is also good for lunch https://goo.gl/maps/oCBcK4ayjwj64Fgm6

RESTAURANT - The Grain Store, a Scottish restaurant on the iconic Victoria Street. Special "Sunday Roast", the traditional Scottish sunday grill. https://goo.gl/maps/hGUuTCdzoBdSrT7C6

RESTAURANT - The Look Out, a restaurant with panoramic views of the top of Calton Hill, local seasonal cuisine, very few tables, to be booked in advance https://g.page/TheLookoutbyGC?share

RESTAURANT / BAR - The Devil's Advocate, a bar and restaurant located in the historic and atmospheric old town of Edinburgh, seasonal Scottish cuisine and a wide range of whiskeys. https://goo.gl/maps/pjhvb8Vuvy3crnmt9

RESTAURANT / BAR / CLUB - Ghillie Dhu, a deconsecrated church that houses a bar on the ground floor and a restaurant with a ballroom upstairs, where they periodically organize evenings of Ceilidh, the traditional Scottish group dance. The traditional dinner + dance evening package is highly recommended (to be booked on their website), or only the entrance to the Ceilidh evening after 9.30 pm (payment at the entrance, booking via email) https://g.page/GhillieDhuEdinburgh?share

BRUNCH - The Pantry, famous for brunch https://goo.gl/maps/yp43fAb6TBHACSMt8

CAFÉ / TEA - Clarinda's Tearoom - Traditional afternoon tea, coffee and cakes, try the Scottish Scone https://goo.gl/maps/a9jtxPMu9TnXKjpAA

TAKEAWAY - The Fishmarket, fish and chips to eat sitting on the banks of Newhaven harbor. Book through their website well in advance to collect your order at the fish shop. https://goo.gl/maps/ahuqT6e7T4MUzcak7


INTERNATIONAL PLACES:



THAI - Chaophraya (roof terrace overlooking the castle, request this room when booking) https://goo.gl/maps/DGdpWQXQREkSLfPP8


MALAYSIAN - Kampong Ah Lee https://g.page/kampong-ah-lee?share


NEPALESE AND INDIAN - Gurkha Cafe & Restaurant https://g.page/Gurkhacafe?share






7. CLIMATE AND CLOTHING
The climate in Scotland is mild all year round but very variable, in winter it almost never goes below zero, during summer it rarely exceeds 20 degrees. The wind is the variable that makes everything colder in winter and cooler in summer.

That said, dressing in layers is the key; obviously it will depend on how cold/warm you are, but there will certainly be situations where you will want to wear a t-shirt (especially in clubs) and times when you will want a wool hat.

Shoes are of fundamental importance, Edinburgh is a small city built on 7 hills, very enjoyable on foot, you will walk on stone roads (sometimes slippery), grass and unpaved terrain (sometimes wet), so in general, a pair of trekking shoes, ideally waterproof, will be comfortable on all occasions.

As anticipated, the wind is never failing, if you have a jacket that is not windproof and waterproof, the good old k-way will be very useful, to be worn directly over the t-shirt in summer or as a last layer over the coat in winter.

If you are not a hats fan, I suggest some hooded jumper/jacket or an earmuff (even in summer they are useful) always to shelter from the wind which can be really annoying and can ruin the visit.

The umbrella is very little used in Scotland, however on certain rainy days it comes in handy, a mini folding umbrella can be very useful.

The Scots themselves admit that their climate is not great, but it is "character building" and above all, where else can you experience "4 seasons in 1 day"? This is Scotland!



8. MONEY
In Edinburgh you can pay by card everywhere, even for a small amount of £1. Since the pandemic, many places do not accept cash, to avoid contact. If you prefer to use cash, it is best to withdraw from a cash machine once in town and pay a small commission only once. In supermarkets there is the possibility of having "cash back", you pay a sum at the cashier and you receive cash in return.


9. ELECTRICAL SOCKETS
The English electrical sockets👆🏻 have a shape with 3 holes, so you will need an adapter to use your electronic equipment, at BroomHouse HomeStay we provide adapters, so don't worry! 
The power supply is 220 volts at 50 Hz. All the sockets have switches to block the flow of energy, so they must be turned ON in order to be used.


10. GREETINGS
The Scots are a very welcoming people, you will be amazed by the courtesy at the entrance of restaurants or by the greeting to the bus driver. In fact, thanking the driver is a must in Scotland; while getting off the bus, everyone thanks to the driver with a simple "thank you" or "thanks driver!". To get on the bus they line up on the sidewalk in front of the bus stop, in a rigorous, sometimes manic, order. Here is a list of the most common greetings:

- "Hiya" / “Hi there”: Hello!
- "Hi Pal" / "Hi Mate": Hi Friend!
- "Cheers!": Cheers! It is good for everything, to say hello, to thank and to toast.
- "Aye" (pronounced AI): Yes


11. SPORT


12. TRAVEL WITH KIDS
At the moment the board in Edinburgh appears to generally accept that children over five years old can be allowed into pubs and some restaurants accompanied by a person over 18 years old, until 8 pm. This rule may change based on the pub/restaurant regulation. It is strongly suggested to plan ahead where to have lunch and dinner with kids.


13. 1 DAY TRIP FROM EDINBURGH

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REFERENCE WEBSITE FOR TRAVELING IN SCOTLAND: https://www.visitscotland.com/

OUR FAVORITE SPOTS, OUR MAP:  https://go.mapstr.com/hUuA4idIyqb


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We hope you will enjoy our suggestions!
Have a safe trip and take care,
Eleonora and Alberto
@BroomHouse HomeStay - Edinburgh




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