Five must do's in Edinburgh
So, to make planning your 48 hour itinerary that little bit easier, I've put together a list of my Scottish non-negotiables, including everything from medieval pubs to 21st century Netflix dramas.
... LET'S TALK HAGGIS!
It doesn't take many meals to become acquainted with the fact a Scottish twist is placed on many classics, haggis loaded fries to a double cheese burger topped with haggis, full English with haggis over sausages or quite plane and simply, a bowl of haggis.
Boasting an acquired taste, I personally opted for a sprinkling on my chips at the Burgers & Beer Grill house. Although not something I would lean toward every meal, it certainly adds to the dining experience and is a must try for your tastebuds if you've made the trip up north!
Having also indulged in a bite or two of the Scottish delicacy from the Edinburgh café, this feels like an appropriate place to sneak in a few dining recommendations so you don't loose out on a culinary adventure of its own ...
Breakfast/ Brunch https://menu.cafeedinburgh.com/ https://www.edinburghlarder.co.uk/
Dinner https://www.burgersandbeersgrillhouse.co.uk/ https://jimmysexpress.com/ https://devilsadvocateedinburgh.co.uk/
Pubs/ Bars https://www.instagram.com/scotsmans_lounge/?hl=en https://www.jollyjudge.co.uk/ https://www.belhaven.co.uk/pubs/edinburgh/malt-shovel-inn
...THE VENNEL VIEWPOINT The series that had us all in a choke hold back in 2024
If you're a serial series binger like me, the 2024 Netflix hit 'One Day' was the perfect excuse for a sofa day. A story line that saw us slowly become effectuated with a messy, complicated romance that was taken away in an unfair turn of events, leaving us all right there along side Dexter (Leo Woodall) in a moment of heartbreak. For those who haven't yet seen the drama, I recommend doing so to make this must do more than just a surreal view.
Avoiding the crowds boasted by the Royal Mile, the climb to Vennel Viewpoint is a short and sweet journey to capture an uninterrupted view of Edinburgh Castle. Like stepping back in time, the infamous sandstone stairway murmurs the tails of a cosmic mystery as Scotland's visitors stand in admiration of a historic landmark dating back to 11th century.
...ARTHURS SEAT
Whether it's looking up at glorious hillsides, or overlooking the city from a viewpoint that comes with no fee, just nature, Arthurs seat offers a glimpse into the beautiful landscapes surrounding the Scottish capital. Over 300 million years ago Arthurs Seat erupted just a short walk from what is now the infamous Royal Mile and now? Its remains boast an easy-medium level climb for outdoor lovers and panoramic views for all to enjoy, it's certainly a must on the cities on bucket list.
If you do happen to visit, opting for a sunrise or sunset trip can be the perfect way to appreciate the views peacefully, with little interruption and plenty of time to become immersed amongst the skyline.
...CLASSIC LANDMARKS
Stood on Castle Rock, Edinburgh Castle is one of the oldest fortified places across Europe, boasting a history filled from royal residencies to prison walls. Medieval Poets have shared rhymes of how a war band once resided within its walls before riding to their deaths months later. War novels and Scottish history books share the chaos the castle grounds have seen over centuries worth of conflict. And now open to the public, Edinburgh Castle shares a timeline of love and hate to curious minds and intrigued travellers.
The Royal Palace of Holyrood House is also not shy of a tail or two. Confined by its associations with some of Scotland’s most well-known historic figures such as Mary, Queen of Scots and Bonnie Prince Charlie, the Palace welcomes visitors seven days a week and offers an incite into the residence of royalty. Based on the bottom of the Royal Mile, you'll be welcomed with a traditional grand stair case, nothing short of a movie or a fairy tail, closely followed by a tour of royal paintings, before falling in awe of the spectacular dining space and dazzled by the Darnley Jewel.
Though an unmissable stop during your visit, both can carry a cost if purchasing a ticket on the day, so it's key to look out for offers and be prepared ... for example, the first Sunday of every month up until the end of March sees Edinburgh Castle welcome its visitors for no cost at all!
...AN OFFICIAL TOUR GUIDE
As much as we all love to deem ourselves an expert after a few TikTok videos, some TripAdvisor reviews and perhaps an hours deep dive in history before heading on the plane, there are very few who can truly share centuries worth of information in a captivating manor. With a variety of tours readily available, from graveyard ghost stories to guided adventures through the once narrow alleys of the 1800s, there is a lot to be said for the passion that has gone into the research of Scotland's past.
A ninety-minute history tour of the city created the opportunity to stand in an underground, windowless flat once used to house up to 30 people in an illegal pub setting to years later being used as a home for families with little else. The fireplace offering a glimpse of light to its owners and damp circulating the stone around it offered little to no comfort when cobbled streets and small rooms were found buried deep behind the modernized structure of the flat. Tails of dolls and tricks of the imagination bring a world so far from what we know right to your fingertips, an experience of time travel narrated through a guides passion for an ever-evolving history.
When the everyday life of the 19th century becomes a momentary reality, the stories of infamous locals, now commonly known as pubs on the Royal Mile, are shared in an effort to remind us of the past that lead to our present. After partaking in a tour myself recently I have become increasingly curious about the mischief of the past, specifically the story of Deacon Brodie.
