The Scottish capital of Edinburgh has a lot to offer working holidaymakers in the UK. A buzzing city renowned for its festivals, heritage, culture and surrounding landscape, just follow our guide to Edinburgh and you can experience it all.
When To Come
Edinburgh is lively all year round, but the best time of year to be in the city is during August for the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. The biggest arts festival in the world, it takes place throughout the month with thousands of shows taking place in hundreds of venues. You might want to ease yourself into the city before it all kicks off, so arrive in June or July, find your bearings, and then prepare for the onslaught of the crowds.
Attractions And Activities
With a medieval Old Town, a Georgian New Town, and the Edinburgh Castle on a hilltop, Edinburgh is beautiful, and as a result there are plenty of places to visit and things to do. From whiskey tours to spa days and markets to indoor skiing, the city centre has enough to keep you within its clutches, but you should also explore further afield to appreciate the outstanding landscape. Take the seas and beaches for diving, surfing and sea kayaking, or head into the hills for quad biking, paintball and enough golf courses to shake a putt at.
Where To Stay
There are dozens of backpacker hostels in Edinburgh with beds from just £7 per night. With most boasting central locations like Budget Backpackers in Cowgate and Princes Street Backpackers, you’re paying for the social aspect and convenience of a hostel, being based in the heart of the city with fellow travellers. For something a little more comfortable but very affordable, Cityroomz Edinburgh and Tune Hotels Haymarket are desirable and in excellent locations to city exploration.
Where To Eat
Go traditional and try some of Scotland’s cuisine including haggis, neeps and tatties in humble cafes and grand hotels. The Royal McGregor on High Street serves Haggis Fritters for starter and chicken stuffed with haggis or Highland Burger topped with haggis for main. You can also have it with a cooked breakfast at The Huxley on Rutland Street.
Where To Drink
Have a traditional brew or flavoured tea at Pekoe Tea in Raeburn Place, or get your caffeine fix from The Caffeine Drip in Melville Place, or Artisan Roast on Broughton Street. For something stronger, the watering holes in Edinburgh include everything from warm pubs like Waverley Bar on St Mary’s Street to underground whiskey bars like Usquabae on Hope Street.
Photo by Dominik Rešek on Unsplash