Tips for a trip to Edinburgh, Scotland
There is always a magical feeling about Scotland – and certainly also about Edinburgh –vibe'. Edinburgh, or Auld Reekie ('old smoker') as it is affectionately called by the residents, cannot be compared to any other city. As if you have gone back to the Middle Ages. Or suddenly found yourself on the film set of Game of Thrones. It has plenty of sights, just tiny ones Close (alleys), the most cozy pubs and is surrounded by an impressive landscape. Add to this that the Scots are very friendly and there is a nice, relaxed atmosphere in the city.
There is nothing more pleasant than sitting in the pub on a rainy, drizzly day in autumn with an ale while listening to a bagpiper playing outside. Aaah, can you see it in your mind? Edinburgh as a city trip is one the must- and as far as we are concerned, especially in the fall (but actually always). So gogogo and use this list. Miss Kannie. These are tips for a trip to Edinburgh, Scotland.
Have you already planned a trip to England? Then you have to catch up these articles about England look.
Important: how do you get to Edinburgh? There are many options besides the plane. How about the more sustainable option: the ferry. Boarding in the afternoon in the Netherlands (IJmuiden), sleeping on the boat and arriving in Newcastle rested in the morning. From Newcastle you can reach Edinburgh in about 1,5 hours and the bus to take you there is already waiting at the port. Convenience serves people.
Edinburgh is quite small and cozy. It is the capital of Scotland, but it has 'only' 519.000 inhabitants. Most of the sights, restaurants and pubs are located in the Old Town and this area is easily accessible on foot. Keep in mind that Edinburg – just like Rome – is built on seven hills: everything goes up or down. You will develop muscle pain. Since the city is not too big, you can also spend your time getting lost in one of the many alleys and ending up at a cozy pub. The atmosphere is so nice everywhere, certainly not a punishment. The better thing is to get lost.
And now on to the tips for eating and drinking in Edinburgh:
On the way up to Edinburgh Castle you will find Fish & Frites, a fish & chips food truck, but level 2.0. A bright blue vintage mobile bus on the Royal Mile with fresh fish and good fries. Just a little different than usual, and above all a lot tastier than in other places. Fish & Frites has been run by the same family since 2018, who in 2024 are still doing their best to be just a little bit different. We think it turned out well, especially in terms of quality. They make their own batter and tartar sauce, too!
Know the hidden places in a city, because these are of course often the pearls. This also applies to this hidden bar. This cocktail bar is hidden in a (very) back alley. And when we say hidden, we really mean hidden. To enter, you knock on the door – the door you think 'there can't be a cocktail bar behind' – and you stand still. You will be accompanied to the dark pub by one of the hosts. Gentleman style. A bar with class where appropriate music is played, it is actually just too dark to see each other, but oh-boy where it is so much fun. There is no menu: the bartenders make a personal cocktail based on the desired flavors you indicate. See, that's how we like it!
Always wanted to make your own magic potion? That's beautiful! You can do that in Edinburgh and be inspired by Harry Potter. Bee The Cauldron you can book 'The School of Magic', where you will brew your own magic potion. The location fits the theme perfectly: in an old cave, hidden behind a cathedral. It's a cocktail course, but nothing is what it seems, with the puzzles and challenges that test you. The best part? At the end you can take your magic potion with you, so you can continue the adventure at home. It may sound a bit childish, but it definitely doesn't!
Photos by @thecauldronedinburgh
Sometimes popular places are undeservedly popular. That does not apply to Baba: an Instagram hit, yes, and it is always there; reservations are not a bad idea. The cool interior, the Lebanese cuisine with its delicious dishes, a touch of conviviality and the super friendly staff make this restaurant a favorite. Add to that the cocktail bar and the picture is complete. Sip wine at the handsome bar: we're in.
You will find two locations of Mia Italian Kitchen in Edinburgh, so twice the chance of getting a table. One can be found near the Haymarket (Dalry), the other a little more towards the south of the city (Morningside). Both are good, but Mia Italian Kitchen in Dalry is a favorite. Very tasty food – home-made pasta, a very good steak with gorgonzola sauce, super pizzas: everything good! –, the staff is super friendly and the price/quality is really more than okay. The menu also has plenty of choice for vegetarians and vegans, so it really is a wonderful place where everyone walks out satisfied and with a full belly.
Jolly Judge is hidden in one of the many streets of Edinburgh. It's a real pub; quite small and cozy. With a nice fireplace, where you can warm up in cold Scotland. We could also say: Scottish hospitality at its best. The menu mainly features local and international drinks. No fuss, just a nice pub. We never spend a weekend in Edinburgh without getting a pint at the Jolly Judge.
Something you may not have known, but Scotland has a true coffee culture. It's a thing, in Scotland. That coffee. Ha! It is inevitable that the hip coffee scene can also be found in Edinburgh. And there you have it, living proof: The Milkman. In addition to expertly served coffee, it is also a beautiful place (with the emphasis on 'you'; get a seat!) to stay. Especially in the windowsills. They also work with independent designers who have the most... Pretty things to make. So get a coffee mug to take home.
You can get coffee from these coffee fanatics in two places in the city; known to every coffee lover in town. The beans are roasted by them themselves & you can take them home. Leuheuk. What you can expect, here Cairngorm Coffee? Mega tasty coffee, good on the sides such as chocolate brownies and a light, Scandinavian interior.
Yes yes yes, you want to visit this place. One of the very best places for cocktails in the whole of the UK. And they continue to make this happen time and time again. The cocktails are sacred and all have their own story. Panda & Sons even released a storybook, where each chapter is a different type of cocktail. They have courage and make classics with a twist. Think of Martinis with olive oil or Bellinis with strawberries and hibiscus puree. The friendly service is happy to give you a helping hand where necessary and lovingly creates a cocktail based on your own palette of flavors.
Don't drop out if you think: I don't like cocktails. Nerd, they have plenty of tasty beers and wines. Truly a place for everyone, with the combination of the glamor of the cocktail bar and the goodness of the local pub. They love theater, so even entering is an adventure (hint: go to the bookcase).
Located on one of the highest hills in the city, Carlon-Hill, you can view the city from the 360 degree restaurant. And whether that is fun. Besides that beautiful view, they serve good food ('fine dining is appropriate) with ditto wines. From morning to evening, the latter of which offers a seven-course menu serving dishes with crab and oysters. To die for. The fun part? There is an open kitchen so you can see exactly how your dish is made. Flip's tip: book a round table by the window, the best view guaranteed.
When you say Scotland, you say pub. Scots almost live there. Where there is live music, the Scottish accent sounds and there is a lot of toasting with whisky. This cozy pub is located in the heart of the city The World's End can be found and fun is guaranteed. Traditional dishes such as haggis (stuffed sheep's stomach, right…) and potato pies are served here. Bring your own favorite people & you are assured of a successful Scottish evening.
