I’m always amazed when visitors plan only to bash through Edinburgh in a hurry. And then I feel sorry for them when they realise they should have stayed longer and really dug under the skin of this wondrous city. I thoroughly recommend you give remarkable Edinburgh more time, at least four or five days, and dive deeper. As do Forever Edinburgh, who are pushing the idea of a ‘Stay Different’ longer break. Here are seven wonderful things you can really enjoy with a longer break in the Scottish capital.
1. Stay at Black Ivy
Black Ivy is a super cool boutique hotel, bar and restaurant that comes with a vinyl DJ deck inside, vinyl on the walls and a flower-kissed Instagram exterior. I also had a massive bedroom with big bay windows peering over Bruntsfield Links. Really cool fun and – dare I say – even sexy. Very new Edinburgh and deliciously different. Bruntsfield has lots of wee shops, cafes and green spaces and makes for a great alternative base for a longer Edinburgh adventure with a real neighbourhood vibe.
2. Speed down the Alpine Coaster
The Alpine Coaster, the first of its kind in Scotland, is a thrilling new attraction in the Pentland Hills that is serious fun. You bash down at speeds of up to 30mph. As you snake around the corners and thrill at the dips you can get great views of Edinburgh too. Best book the three ride ticket to really make the most of the views. Afterwards a wee walk in the Pentlands beckons. There are myriad trails and you can go mountain biking and horse riding here too.
3. Check out Morningside
This posh suburb is enjoying a bit of a moment just now and I’m really impressed with its new cafes and the wee shops in an area I hadn’t been to in ages and few tourists go. At the foot of Morningside Road is this seriously friendly bao place called Pablo Eggsgobao. You get served at a wee counter in an oasis that used to be a chippie. Their cooked breakfast baos are delicious and they have excellent coffee too. Breakfast here really sets you up for the day.
4. Dine Well
Contrary to what you might hear you can eat really well in Edinburgh without breaking the bank. Howies have been around for years and still deliver great authentic Scottish cooking – I love their smoked salmon and smoked trout starter; their hearty slow-cooked beef shin too. At Badger & Co the Wind in the Willows theme is fun, with sharing plates to start fun too, followed with the likes of venison haunch or steak as a main. The comfort food desserts tempt with lots of local flair throughout. Last but certainly not least is Chez Jules – three courses of French bistro cooking for £15.90 is a steal and they even throw in a salad.
5. Play Old School Golf for Free
Bruntsfield offers not only one of the oldest golf courses in the world, but a free round too. You can hire clubs at the local barbers Sirs if you need them. The oldest extant clubhouse in the world is also on hand, with a post-round pint at the Golf Tavern the way to go. A free round of golf in the Scottish capital is a winner all round and a must for golf fans here in the ‘Home of Golf’.
6. Enjoy a Timewarp Cinema Experience
The Dominion Cinema has stood proudly here since 1939, a real Art Deco wonder. I love its history and retro cool. They also have comfy sofas where you can enjoy a beer from a local brewery to go with your film. They offer whiskies and decent cocktails too. The Dominion gives you a real sense of occasion and it’s the anthesis of the faceless multiplex experience. Look out for the old posters that show some of the famous stars who have come here over the years.
7. Enjoy a Coorie Night
The Scots word ‘Coorie’ translates roughly as ‘cosy’. We all know about the myriad shows at the world famous Edinburgh Festivals in summer, but why not also try a cosy, chilled night of less formal entertainment. How does live music and whisky sound? Finnegan’s Wake sits in the heart of tourist Edinburgh, but still provides a really authentic, fun experience. There is free live music every night and the musicians are great at getting everyone involved, which includes locals and tourists. Their whisky is spot-on too, a silky smooth but still very smoky 16-year-old Lagavulin a highlight. It is the perfect coorie (Scottish cosy) way to end your trip here on a break that delves into myriad sides of Edinburgh doing things a little differently. What are you waiting for?
For more ideas on what to do exploring Edinburgh differently check out Forever Edinburgh’s website at https://edinburgh.org/staydifferent/. There are ideas themed around ‘Stay Adventurous’, ‘Stay Curious’ and ‘Stay Enlightened’.
- *This post comes in conjunction with Forever Edinburgh. All views and opinions are independent and are very much our own