I went to Edinburgh Scotland the first week of August during Fringe Festival time. The Fest is really cool, and there is such a great vibe in town. There are 1,000s of event performances during the month of Aug., tents, The Military Tattoo (formal event at the castle). What I didn’t realize is there is a formal part of the festival and then the Fringe Festival. The formal part is called the International Festival. You can order a program of the Fringe Festival (pretty thick book) or find a digital copy online. If you walk the Royal Mile there are 15min free performances teasers for full shows later on in the day. It’s a great way to see what you like.
My Travel Details:
– Transportation: Easy jet direct from Amsterdam. It was great! 150£ during festival time including one bag check in. Once you land you go through immigration (this takes some time). People are dead helpful and friendly so ask if you need help
AGENDA
Day1
– Arrived late and had dinner at Kathmandu. As a foodie and Indian food obsessed, this was some of the best Indian / Nepalese food I had since I moved to Europe. I still think about the Malai Kofta’s with food envy. It’s a must when visiting the city!
Day 2
– Purchased Fringe Tickets
– Shopping in New Section of Town (Brora)
– High Tea at Murcure with a friend
– Attended three Fringe Events
– Dinner at Delise Special
– Tea and late night computing at Elephant Cafe
Day 3
– Went to Saint Andrews via train to Leuchars and bus to St. Andrews.
then I took a cab to Crail
– Lunch at Crail Tea House (take out and ate food by beach)
– Walked the Fife Costal Path from Crail to St. Andrews
– Ate in St. Andrews at The Tail End
Day 4
– Walked around and found Handbag Heaven. This was a great place for second hand designer accessories (purses, belts, shoes). I scored a pair of killer Dries van Noten pumps for 30£.
– Off to the airport
TRANSPORTATION
– as soon as you exit the baggage area from the airport there is a very nice helpful information desk. You can buy your ticket on bus 100 to downtown Edinburgh there and ask any questions. If you buy a round trip at that time you save one pound (note: pounds from England can be used in Scotland, Scotland produces their own notes but the value is the same as the English currency).
-bus 100 is all the way at the end of bus stands and goes about every 10mins (at least in Aug)
– add bus website (note many buses in Scotland have free WIFi including the bus from the airport)
– add train website
FOOD
– Katmandu (Edinburg), 17-19 Forrest Road. Www.namastektm.co.uk – it was incredibly good and focuses on North Indian and Nepali food. I ordered the Mali Kofta which took about 40mins to come out but when it did it was piping hot and fresh. Wow! One of the best Kofta’s.
– Delise Special (Edinburg) – super cheap decent Indian food with a quirky atmosphere. Four about 4£ can get chicken tikka curry (invented in Glascow. Ck) with naan or rice. Not suitable for those with weak stomachs or irritable bowl syndrome. Don’t ask how I found this out.
– Crail tea house (Crail) – One of the best lunch places to eat in Crail with fresh Crail crab and cucumber sandwich soo good! They also have fresh baked goods and a 5* rating on Trip Advisor
– The Tail End (st Andrews) – next to Tesco. Fresh local fish served here. Get it to go and eat on the beach or eat in house
– cookie stand on Waverly Train Station (Edinburg) – really good! Super nice and gave me three free!
– SkyLark Cafe (Edinbugh -Stockbridge) – low key sandwich soup shop. Great for kids. Feel like your in someone’s house – not the best food but also not touristy
– Royal Terrace Gardens, London Road (Edinburg)- good reviews haven’t been. Sit at long tables. Set
– Restaurant Mark Greenaway. 69 North Castle Street,Edinburgh Haven’t been.
– http://www.theguardian.com/travel/2011/oct/12/10-best-restaurants-food-edinburgh
ACCOMMODATIONS
– I stayed at Portsburg Court Apartments on 56 Lady LawsonStreet. It is a step well above a Hostel but not quite a hotel. Its student housing during the year (think). It was about 1/2 the price of everything else in town during the festival at 212£ for three nights. It comes with linens, towels, private bath and shower, free Internet, use of a nice shared kitchen. I would definitely stay here again. Ppl of all ages were here so you don’t feel out of place it your a bit older. Check out is at 10 and there is no left luggage but can leave luggage at train station for 9£
– my Scottish friend recommends staying at the Premier Inn. Note there is more than one in town but only one in downtown areas. (it was all full by the time I booked)
TO DO
– trike tours Scotland?
– High tea – at Murcure on Prince Street runs two ppl 14£ pretty decent considering the price
– Elephant cafe – where JK rolling wrote first book. Say to at least to stop in the bathroom to see all the writing on the walls. Was told they have great shortbread in shape of elephants.
– Scottish Terrier (on x street) – tale of the man who died and the dog came to visit him each day for x years.
– Walk to king author’s seat – on a dead? volcano
– Walk to the castle
– Fife Costal Path -from Crail to St Andrews 6-7 hours mostly along the ocean.
– National Museum – its free
– cycling – cycle routes in Edinburg – http://www.theguardian.com/travel/interactive/2011/oct/12/edinburgh-cycling-bikes-routes-city
SHOPPING
– Brora. Fabulous. Hit end of sales. Wool local from Scotland. Not a tourist wool shop
– M&S
– high mile street – has all the tourist shops – go on xxx side street for more authentic
– Handbag Heaven – great second hand accessories (shoes, belts, bags, etc.). All price ranges From Fendi to Kenneth Cole. Can look at some new inventory on their Facebook page and they will ship if you call. I got a pair of Dries van Noten killer pumps for 30£.
– 21st century Kilts – on Thisle street. Website http://21stcenturykilts.com/
– http://www.theguardian.com/travel/2011/oct/12/top-10-independent-shops-edinburgh
– note: there is an outlet mall in Livingston
FRING
– saw “the only way is Downton”. – fabulous!!!
– saw “India Flamenco”. – good for a small venue
– -saw “fast film noir” – Excellent!!
– by st John’s? church – over 100 craft booths, looked cool but didn’t have time to venture.
– Fireworks