Here’s our Edinburgh Anti-Tourist Guide to make sure you take the best of it while feeling like a local
Edinburgh is Scotland’s capital city and it’s also the second-biggest city in Scotland. In the whole of the UK, it’s in the top 10 most populated cities. It’s also home to a bunch of institutions, like the Scottish Parliament and Government. The University of Edinburgh is one of the best research institutions in the world, having been founded in 1582. Edinburgh is a real cultural gem. There are so many museums here, covering all kinds of subjects. You’ll get a great vibe in both the Old Town and New Town. When you walk through the Old Town, you’ll feel like you’re in a fairytale, mostly thanks to the beautiful old buildings and churches. Still not sure what to do in town? Then read on for our Edinburgh Anti-Tourist Guide.
How many days should I save to visit Edinburgh?
This question is tricky to answer because it depends on what people are interested in when they visit a new city. If you only want to see the main tourist stuff, 2 days will be enough. But if you want to visit more of the Old Town’s neighbourhoods and some museums, you’ll probably need about four days to see Scotland’s capital.
What are the main highlights of Edinburgh?
1. Edinburgh’s Music Scene
a) Live Music in Edinburgh
Edinburgh is the birthplace of a lot of musicians, and the capital of Scotland has a venue for almost all styles of music. You can enjoy some jazz at The Jazz Bar, which has great jazz and blues performances. This bar has a great, intimate atmosphere to enjoy all evenings.If you’re more of an electronic and indie music fan, you’ll absolutely love Sneaky Pete’s! This place is on the small side, but that can work in its favor. They’re known for giving chances to up-and-coming artists, and they’ve got a great selection of music styles, from folk to rock.If you’re not sure what your favorite music style is, Stramash is the place to go. They’ve got a wide range of music styles, and they’ve got a great atmosphere.
b) Traditional Scottish Folk Music in Edinburgh
Scotland’s known for its folk music, and you can find traditional Scottish tunes in bars all over Edinburgh. Sandy Bell’s is a pub that’s easy to find but hard to leave after a great evening. You can enter the pub almost any night and find musicians performing. On Tuesdays, there’s Scottish folk music, on Wednesdays, traditional songs and blues, and on Mondays, there’s harmonica sessions! If you’re into folk, another great spot is Leith Folk Club. The performers there are mostly up-and-coming artists from all over the country, and the crowd’s energy during the shows is amazing. Captain’s Bar, which is close to The Royal Oak, has folk sessions until 1 a.m. almost every night of the week. These parties are legendary!
c) Clubbing in Edinburgh
Edinburgh’s got some great spots for those late-night clubbing and dancing vibes. Cabaret Voltaire, right under the Old Town, is a total gem. This joint’s got awesome sound systems and a vibe that just won’t quit, playing mostly house, techno, and bass all week long! But if you’re more into hip hop, reggae, drum and bass, or soul, you’ll probably want to check out Bongo Club. It’s in an old library-basement, which is pretty cool, and it’s got a great selection of drinks. It’s always packed, and it’s one of the most popular spots in town. Last but not least, we’ve got Garibaldi’s. This place is a favorite among the locals, so it’s a great spot to mingle with the Scottish crowd. The club is always packed, and they’ve got a special drink called “Gari’s Special” — a name that’s as intriguing as the drink itself!
b) Edinburgh’s Festival Scene
Edinburgh International Festival
This festival is basically a programme of world-class opera, music, theatre and dance. This ‘art’ festival is held in Edinburgh every August. It’s a great lineup of international and national musicians every year. Most of the music is classical, but there’s also a lot of other genres. As well as the amazing music, there are also loads of exhibitions, talks and workshops in Edinburgh. The idea behind the festival is to provide a platform for the flourishing of the human spirit, which makes it even more beautiful!
Edinburgh Festival Fringe
This festival is something special. It was started by artists to encourage and support the Fringe’s values of inclusivity, experimentation and imagination. It’s the biggest art festival on the planet! It’s like the Edinburgh International Festival’s more alternative cousin. There’ll be loads of street performances all over the city, as well as comedy, music and exhibitions. It’s a really important part of Scottish culture. Once you’ve experienced one of their festivals, you’ll totally get why!
2. Where to eat in Edinburgh
Edinburgh has a lot of great food spots and restaurants to check out. If you’re into unique restaurants, you’ve got to check out Frankenstein / Bier Keller. This Halloween-themed restaurant is on another level! Not only do they have awesome beers on tap, but you can also enjoy their comfort food in a cool atmosphere with creepy music. If you want to make sure you eat enough, go to Porty Vault. This place is all about BBQ, with awesome mac ‘n’ cheese options and, of course, plenty of meat. And what goes better with BBQ than some delicious beers? Porty Vault has a huge selection of 36 beers on tap! If you’re craving some traditional Scottish dishes, check out Belushi’s Edinburgh. This spot’s known for hosting cool sports events and parties during the week. Enjoy these while eating some Scottish food and trying something of their wide range of whisky.
3. What to see in Edinburgh
The National Museum of Scotland
I think this museum speaks for itself. It’s home to a bunch of artifacts, like the Lewis chessmen, which are a set of 12th-century chess pieces, and Dolly the sheep, the world’s first cloned mammal! As well as these two, the museum has a lot of other amazing artefacts and artworks. If you’re into history and museums, this one’s a must-see!
Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art
If you love museums but you’re more into modern art, then the Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art is definitely worth a visit! It’s got one site, two sculpture parks, two galleries and loads to explore! You’ll see artworks by up-and-coming artists and ones who are already big names in the art world. And the outside of the museum is just as impressive, with works by Dan Graham, Nathan Coley and other big names. It’s a must-visit!
Johnnie Walker Princes Street
Whisky is basically synonymous with Scotland. You just can’t leave Scotland without trying some of the great whisky they have there, like Johnnie Walker, which is one of the most popular whiskies in the world. In Edinburgh, you can take a tour of the Johnnie Walker Experience, where you can learn all about the history of the brand and try different types of whisky. And the best part is that the ticket price includes three drinks, making it a real bargain.
4. Alternative places in Edinburgh
The Real Mary King’s Close
Edinburgh’s got loads of hidden alleyways. They’re mostly under the buildings in the Old Town. On a tour of Real Mary King’s Close, you’ll get to explore the underworld of Scotland and Edinburgh. These alleyways and underworld were used a lot during the plague, and a lot of murderers hid there during the dark years. While you’re there, keep your eyes peeled for ghosts – apparently, a lot of people believe the Close is haunted even today.
Dean Village & Water of Leith Walkway
Edinburgh is a big city, but if you look for Dean Village, you’ll find a smaller, more charming area. This area was its own village until the 19th century. This area mostly known for its many mills, which were used a lot back in the day. It’s got a real old-world charm, with loads of charming old buildings that make it feel like something out of a fairy tale or a medieval story. It’s the perfect spot to chill after exploring the main parts of Edinburgh.
5. Where to stay?
Our friends at the St. Christopher’s hostel are the place to go. With a great in-house bar and restaurant, amazing staff and comfiest beds they are definitely the place to be.
Like this article? Check out our Instagram and TikTok page to see more of these!
…
