Top 10 Tips for Your Stay in Edinburgh
No one knows Edinburgh quite like the locals do, so take it from us, we’ve got the best tips for making the most of your stay in the capital.
Go high for the best views
Whilst the view of Edinburgh from the castle is great, a view with the castle in it is even better. For the more energetic among you, a climb up Arthur’s Seat in Holyrood Park will undoubtedly give you spectacular views. Alternatively a climb up Calton Hill will give you brilliant views of the castle along Princes Street. If you’re not feeling quite so energetic then make your way to the National Museum of Scotland on Chambers Street and head to the rooftop garden where you can almost reach out and touch the castle!
Breathe in the fresh air in one of the many city centre parks and gardens
Edinburgh is the UK’s greenest city so make the most of the wonderful parks on offer. Not to be missed are the Princes Street Gardens. Sitting in the old moat of the castle, the gardens offer an escape from busy Princes Street as well as a spectacular view of the castle. The gardens even feature their own bear!
Watch out for the One O’Clock Gun
Keep your wits about you if you’re anywhere near the castle at 1pm Monday to Saturday. In a tradition spanning over 150 years, a canon is fired to mark 1pm, frightening many unsuspecting tourists. Originally fired to alert docked ships in Leith and on the Firth of Forth of the time, it’s now just a lovely attraction to the castle.
Planning in advance is key
To make the most of your time in the city, our best advice is to plan ahead. If checking off the top tourist attractions is your priority then buying a Royal Edinburgh ticket in advance is a must. Included in the ticket is entry to the Edinburgh Castle, The Royal Yacht Britannia, Palace of Holyrood House and Edinburgh Bus Tours. We can sort one out for you, just let our team know and we’ll have the tickets ready for you on arrival.
Be prepared for glorious sunshine, thunderous rain and then more sunshine …
Scotland is typically known for its weather, not exactly the warmest of places but it is known for surprising its residents with all seasons in one day. So be prepared and follow our advice: bring your rain jacket or buy yourself a poncho!
Go off the beaten track
Some of the best places and sights in Edinburgh are further away from the hustle and bustle of Princes Street and the old town. We’d recommend a walk along the Water of Leith, where you can take photos of Dean Village, then wander along to Stockbridge Market for lunch, or continue further down to Leith for a fantastic selection of award-winning restaurants including The Kitchin.
Get your bearings and map it out
Edinburgh is a very pedestrian friendly city but it can be easy to get lost. Make yourself familiar with where your apartment is and the bus routes nearby so that you will always find your way home. All out apartments have maps available for guests so make sure to take one with you when you go exploring.
Jump on a Lothian bus
Edinburgh has a fantastic bus network spanning the city so definitely make use of them when exploring the capital. It’s just £1.70 for an adult flat fayre and £4 for a day ticket which gives you unlimited access all day. Keep in mind that the buses don’t give change, and if you’re staying for longer it might be worthwhile downloading the app (the minimum top up for the app is £10). Check out timetables and routes here
Do as the locals do and eat brunch
There is no shortage of delightful places to have brunch in the city, take advantage of Southpour, next door to our Southside apartments and receive 20% off when you show your apartment key or a Destination Edinburgh Apartments business card.
Stay with Destination Edinburgh Apartments
If you weren’t convinced already, then get booked in with us to explore Edinburgh, see the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo and stay in our sister apartments with Destination Edinburgh Apartments in either our Rodney Street, Southside or York Place apartments. All are self-catering apartments, they give you the freedom to make your stay your own. Our Rodney Street apartments come with a free parking space and the views from our York Place apartments are not to be missed. AND if you book directly with us then you’ll receive a free gift! We look forward to welcoming you soon.