Edinburgh travel guide podcast

Discover Edinburgh with Andy Hayes, author of the Historic Walking Guide to Edinburgh and the most popular iPhone app for Edinburgh. In this Edinburgh travel guide: things to do, day trips around Edinburgh, Where to eat in Edinburgh, and a podcast!

To listen to our interview with Andy, hit play below or find episode 168 in iTunes, Stitcher or Soundcloud:

Why come to Edinburgh?

Edinburgh is the capital of Scotland and the second most-visited city in the UK – and for good reason. It’s good for romantic breaks, history buffs, outdoor holidays, or ghost hunters. It’s suitable for families or couples and it’s extremely walkable. Why wouldn’t you love Scotland?

Things to do in Edinburgh

There are plenty of things to do in Edinburgh. Head to the Royal Mile, which runs from Edinburgh Castle down to Holyrood House, the Scottish Parliament. The castle is definitely worth a visit, although it isn’t cheap at about 13 pounds, and a tour of Holyrood House is also worth your time.

Lots of little museums are hidden along the Mile, and Mary King’s Close is a great insight into history. It’s situated across from St Giles Cathedral, and both are “slightly haunted”.

Lots of people visit for ghost tours. City of the Dead is the best company to go with, and will take you to visit the hidden closes (alleys) and vaults under old bridges.

Day trips in and around Edinburgh

Rosslyn Chapel

About half an hour from St Andrew’s square on bus 15. It’s a lot more interesting than it seems from Dan Brown’s books.

Glasgow

Great for shopping, nightlife, museums and music. Stroll along the river and have a picnic.

Loch Ness

Drive to the loch or go by tour (with Scotland Tours) and search for Nessie.

Where to eat in Edinburgh

Andy recommends several Edinburgh restaurants to try:

Negociants is a locally-owned bar in the Old Town. Reasonably priced with lots of great specials.

Monster Mash is near Greyfriars Kirkyard, famous for bangers and mash – but with a difference.

The Tempting Tattie is a fantastic potato shop with an interesting owner. Try the haggis baked potato.

The Edinburgh calendar

If you’re trying to decide when to come to Edinburgh, you have a lot of festivals to choose from. Celebrate New Year’s at Hogmanay, or visit in July for the film festival. The famous Fringe Festival in in August – make sure you book your accommodation in advance. There are lots of other festivals happening throughout spring and summer as well.

The Indie Travel Podcast guide to Edinburgh, Scotland, is sponsored by HostelBookers. HostelBookers is an online booking service offering cheap Edinburgh hostels.

The no booking fee policy and lowest price guarantees that HostelBookers provide the most competitive price and service for backpackers and budget travellers – an average of 8.7% cheaper than their competitors.

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