By Tilly Pern
Whether you are visiting uni mates, escaping for a romantic getaway, or simply wanting to broaden your cultural horizons, Edinburgh is the one for you! Offering all the benefits of a buzzing big city whilst also having easy access to the mountains and beach, Scotland’s capital is a must-see destination. Uni student and third-year resident, Tilly Pern gives her tried and tested recommendations for your next weekend getaway.
Where To Stay
As a student in the city, I have only experienced the ‘luxury’ of student accommodation and flats! Although, when my parents visited, they stayed at The Kimpton, located on Charlotte Square. A modern boutique hotel, with slick service and stylish hospitality. The hotel is linked to a Lebanese restaurant Baba (which I highly recommend!). However, my advice on where to look for accommodation would be on Airbnb; the beauty of this is the variety of different options, whatever your preferences are. Areas to search for include: Stockbridge, New Town, Royal Mile, and Old Town!
Where To Eat
An inexpensive romantic dining experience. The French-style restaurant’s décor while simple, has character, with low lighting accentuated by candles carved into old wine bottles. The interiors capture the perfect French vision. Expect a relaxed experience, with specials, wines, and cocktails scribbled all over the blackboard walls and staff rushing around to heighten the atmosphere and ensure glasses are kept full!
*What not to miss: LUNCH! Chez Jules is popular with students for its renowned inexpensive lunch deal!
Right in the heart of Edinburgh’s New Town, a perfect spot for a meet-up or a much-needed hungover chinwag! Urban Angel has become an institution for brunch in the city. It has an extensive brunch menu ranging from Eggs Benedict to more recent favourites such as Smoothie Bowls, as well as an array of different smoothies to cure that Sunday morning hangover. Urban Angel prides itself on being “Independent, free range, seasonal, and use local sourcing.”
Scotland’s oldest serving and beautifully restored pub allows for a more upmarket, stylish, traditional pub experience. The best way to dine is post a walk in the fresh air around the famous Arthur’s Seat. The pub is situated at the foot of the landmark and offers a hearty Sunday roast at the end of a delightful week. If you know you’re visiting the city – make sure to get this one booked in advance!
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Where To Go Out
AKA “The Vinnie” as it is locally known. Lies on the boundary of Stockbridge and New Town. This was first discovered on a wintery walk down Circus Lane during the lockdown period when The Hatch Bar was open, and the smell of mulled wine poured out into the neighbouring streets. This little spot has a rustic and old-fashioned feel, undoubtedly the perfect place for a first-date drink, with a variety of quirky cocktails to help you get to know one another.
Fingers
Fingers is hands down the perfect venue for a spontaneous get-together, no matter your age. This piano bar is a place one may stumble into with no plan in hand, definitely after a few drinks at a dinner party or celebrating a birthday! All gathered around the piano, singing along to some old-time classics with your best friends is a core memory not easily lost. The friendly, amazingly talented Pianists allow requests, offering the chance for your favourites to be sung from the top of your voices!
Sneaky Pete’s is a favourite Edinburgh nightclub located in Cowgate, featured in the ‘World’s Best Clubs’ list with some giant venues. With the decks on the dancefloor and the capacity being 100 people, it is a one-room intimate clubbing experience. You are bound to bump into someone you know. DJs commonly request a return set at Sneaky Pete’s and many name it one of their favourite places to play!
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Where To Grab a Coffee
Hidden on the corner of the busy George and Hanover Street intersect, lies Wellington Coffee. It is the perfect place for a good on-the-go coffee, walking to university or work. Wellington’s surroundings are minimal, with only a few tables and chairs inside. But, when the sun shines, tables spill out onto the streets making you feel part of the bustling morning commute. This is the best way to kick-start your day.
Milkman has become TikTok famous for its unique story. Opening in 2015, the owner, Mark, transformed an old candy shop into a comfortable and trendy coffee shop. After chatting with the passionate baristas, it is inspiring to hear how they speak of taking extra steps toward a fairer and more sustainable future. Using specifically selected coffee from a locally sourced roastery. As much as we all love coffee, the icing on the cake, quite literally, is the selection of sweet treats that Milkman has to offer. The perfect coffee pairing is a slice of cake, sourced from one of the local bakeries!
An independent family-owned and run café in Stockbridge. It is for walk-ins only or takeaways from the stained-glass window (en route for a walk in Inverleith Park!) With big windows and rustic décor, it makes for a bright and vibrant lunch spot with a comfortable feel. The young but experienced team presents an energetic and friendly atmosphere to the café.
What To See
Calton Hill
Calton Hill is home to the National Monument, Nelson Monument. Located at the end of Princes Street, one of Edinburgh’s prominent hills with some of the best views of the city. This is the perfect place for a picnic or a couple of drinks with a group of friends. On a clear day, views to the West stretch all the way to the Forth Bridge and across to the East to Portobello Beach. Calton Hill is the best place to find your bearings in the City.
Portobello Beach
From the top of Calton Hill, looking to the east coast – Portobello Beach can be seen. The beach is a short drive from the city centre, only taking 15-20 minutes. There is also a very quick and efficient bus route! Portobello is great for a short sea breeze walk, with the beachfront offering many options for food and drink. One of my favourites is The Beach House for when the weather is just too chilly to brave the outdoors. But, if it is ever so slightly more bearable, a takeaway from ShrimpWreck should not be missed! From Lobster Rolls to Crispy Squid to your classic Fish and Chips, there are a number of options to please everyone.
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Where To Shop
W.Armstrong & Son lies bang in the heart of Edinburgh and is now established as one of the UK’s oldest and most loved vintage clothes shops. A wide variety of unique pieces, where you are bound to find a preloved item ready for a new owner! There are three shops situated around the city. The talented team strives to find one-of-a-kind pieces ‘hand-picked for their timeless look’. This is a very popular choice among the students at Edinburgh University.
This is one of my all-time favourite shops! Mellis Cheesemongers offers so much more than just cheese. This deli-style shop is definitely a treat, with a huge selection of cheeses, cold meats, olives, and jams, to name a few! With a few shops located across Edinburgh, my favourite being in Stockbridge. When on a weekend walk to Stockbridge market, it is just too hard to resist popping my head into this heavenly store. A must-get is the slithers of succulent cured ham, wafer-thin but thick with flavour, where the portion sizes are chosen by you and cut by the Slicer on the counter right before you!
Plants, Botanical Goods, Coffee. Here is where I bought my first plant at university to attempt to transform my student flat! This friendly and picture-worthy shop is located just opposite the St Vincent pub, so you must pop in before you go for a drink. There is a variety of different plants tailored to all, to keep your space green. Ranging from indoor plants to outdoor plants to dog-friendly plants to plant care and many little gifts for plant lovers! As you’re browsing or pondering, you should do so tucked away in the cosy window with a warm coffee in hand.
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