Did Edinburgh fulfill our expectations? Does it perfectly combine the traditional and modern way of living and the metropolitan and homely feeling?
After weeks of being a part of this lively city, we absolutely agree that Edinburgh is one of the most amazing capitals in Europe, combining tradition and modernity in its own, remarkable way. Over the last few weeks we investigated all the topics concerning this beautiful city, its culture, lifestyle, nightlife, food and drink, and even more, “unveiling secret Edinburgh”. What we’ve recognised, while living here and writing this travel guide, was that it will never get boring here. There is so much to do, it doesn’t matter what you are interested in, you will always find some place that fulfills your desires. Whether you choose to explore the traditional way of life in Edinburgh, such as visiting the Old Town or the castle, listening to bagpipe-music, eating haggis, drinking whisky, and learning something about the history of Scotland, or whether you want to pick the modern way of living, visiting art museums, going shopping, and celebrating the nightlife in one
of the amazing nightspots, then there is something exactly right for you there. Explore Edinburgh whichever way you choose to find your favourite places to be and things to do, you only have to go and check them out.
At the end of our stay we can honestly say that you have to pay the capital of Scotland a visit. Its metropolitan character and its homely atmosphere will inspire you from the moment you arrive.
So, just like we said in our Editorial: Don’t hesitate - go visit Edinburgh!
2. A Few Words to Start off....
If
Facts
Capital of Scotland
Located on eastern co
ast Hopping over North Bridge to the New
2nd largest city after Gl
asgow Edinburgh were a Town, you’ll get an impression of Edin-
Population: approx. 50 Whisky it would be an old Glenfiddich. burgh’s enchanting variety. Numerous
0.000 museums cover everything from Scot-
Split in two main distr Its taste would be dry, its scent tish history to modern art exhibitions.
icts: Old Town & New
Town spicy, and its colour deep and dark.
On your way along Princes Street, you
Its nickname is Auld Re But its finish would be warm and lingering. will come across a number of people
ekie (Old Smoky),
due to the people who
burnt a lot of coal and
wood to heat their hom This unique beverage would be served in playing the bagpipes, some of them by
es themselves, fully dressed up in
Known for its great va an astonishingly modern
riety of different festi- and colourful glass and their kilts, some of them a bit
vals throughout the wh
ole year you would drink it in an more modern, accompanied
Said to be one of the m
ost haunted places in old and dusty pub next to by drums and electric guitars.
Europe pleasant Scots chatting Every little nook and cranny
Edinburgh’s symbol, th
e Castle, is built on
about the good old times. tells a story and will give you
an extinct volcano a different insight in how
The points of comparison
are a fitting description Scottish life has changed
of Scotland’s windy city. over the centuries and how
proud the Scots are of their
Although Edinburgh is long history and traditions.
quite big with its 250km²,
at least for Scotland, it And who knows, maybe you
perfectly combines the will be lucky and encoun-
anonymity of a city and ter the stereotypical long
the intimacy of a village. bearded, old man, sitting
in the corner of a rustic pub, sipping
Of course you might not know eve- his whisky next to a plate full of haggis.
ry single person you pass by, but I’m
sure everyone is willing to make your So don’t miss Scotland’s wonderful capi-
stay as comfortable as possible. Keep- tal, which manages to perfectly combine
ing in mind its breathtaking architec- its ancient history with its modern aspects.
ture, where every stone has its own sto-
ry to tell, this doesn’t seem too hard.
When you wander over the Old Town’s an- Don‘t hesitate -
cient cobblestones, you’ll feel the sensation
of Scottish life a couple of hundred years ago. go visit Edinburgh!
You’ll pass by many buildings whose sto-
ries you might not know, but within a few
seconds there will be a charming old man,
willing to share his knowledge with you.
Désirée Hens
3. Contents
1. Editorial............2 5. Food & Drink..66 7. Explorations...90
2. Getting Started..6 Find your Place over the Rainbow................68
Welcome at Hendersons................................69
Don‘t Get Blown off Arthur’s Seat!.................92
Nature Next Door...........................................93
“The halesome parrtich, chief of Showdown in the Highlands..........................94
Map.....................................................................8 Scotias’ food”.............................................70 Highlight Highlands: The Hairy Coo Tour...96
Where to Stay in Edinburgh............................10 The Taste of History.......................................71 The Festival City.............................................98
10 Must-Dos while being in Edinburgh...........14 Visit Scotland, Savour Scotland....................72 Majestic Bus Tour...........................................99
How to Get Around...........................................16 Peter’s Yard....................................................74 Sitrling...........................................................100
Get Lost!............................................................17 Afternoon Cuppa - The Beginning.................75 The Birthplace of Valour, the Country of
An Energy Drink of its Own -IRN BRU........76 Worth.........................................................102
3. Culture...........18 Henleys Traditional Sweet Shop...................76
This Little Piggy Went to Market..................77
Deep Sea World.............................................103
Magic of Nature - The Royal Botanic
Whisky, Drink of the Land............................78 Garden.......................................................104
History & Folklore Museums & Galleries Coffee, Cakes, and Scones..............................79 The Royal Yacht Britannia...........................106
Where Old & New Fits Perfectly Together: The People‘s Story Museum.........................45 Falling in Love...............................................80 Entering the Port to Edinburgh ..................108
The Old and New Town...........................20 Discovering our World in one Place: Portobello Beach...........................................109
The Edinburgh Castle...................................22 National Museum of Scotland.................46
Another Way of Remebrance Gallery of Modern Art..................................47
- Memorial Benches.................................23 Scottish National Portrait Gallery..............48
Parliament: Freedom for the Scots.............24 The Stills........................................................49
A Short History of Kilts and The Camera Obscura....................................50
Tartans of Scotland..................................26
Get a Feeling for Scotland: Go Ceilidh
Dancing!...................................................28
Behind the Scenes: The Underground
4. Lifestyle.........52
6. Nightlife.........82
Vaults........................................................30
Fashion Hotspots: Where you can Find
Edinburgh Dungeon: Dare You Enter?.......32
Treasures for your Wadrobe...................55
Green Getaway & Creepy Stories:
Vintage Stores
Greyfriars Kirkyard.................................34 Crawling along the Cobblestones.................84
Godiva.......................................................... 56
Greyfriar‘s Bobby – A Dog Became a Dragonfly Cocktail Bar.................................84
Armstrong’s Vintage Emporium
Legend.......................................................36
The Wild Haggis – Catch One if you Can....37
– Edinburgh’s Finest Vintage Selection..57
Joey D ..........................................................58
Do it the Dark Way........................................85
Edinburgh: Clubs & Bars .............................86 8.What Not
Language
History of a Barely Known Language:
Herman Brown: Treasure Chest.................58
The Omni Car Boot Sale:
Shakespeare’s on 65 Lothian Road...............87
Glasgow - Live the Night...............................87 to Do..............110
Gaelic........................................................38 Drinks to Try in Edinburgh...........................88
A Place with Individual Treasures..........58
Suas Leis a‘ Ghàidhlig! – Keep up the ‘‘It don’t mean a thing if it ain’t got that
Student Life: Hotspots for Students............59
Gaelic!.......................................................38 Swing!’’.......................................................89
Dictionary: Gaelic – English.......................39
Literature & Arts
Locals Talk: Why Coming to Edinburgh?...60
Film & Theatre 9. Epilogue.........111
Edinburgh and the Movies.......................62
Walk of Books...............................................40
The Lyceum.............................................63
Encounter with Late Stars:
Traverse: Risktaking, Adventurous,
The Writer’s Museum...............................42
Caesura.........................................................44
and Innovative................................63
Music
10. Imprint........112
The Music of Dalriada........................64
Five of the Top 5 Live Music Venues in
Edinburgh.............................................64
4. Getting
started
Whether you fly here or drive here...
your first day is all about settling in and making plans for
what to do and where to go. With so many exciting activi-
ties and interesting places here in Edinburgh, you want
to make sure you get the most out of your trip to the city.
In the following section we will recommend our favorite
sights and things you shouldn’t miss while you are here.
We will also give you an overview of public transporta-
tion and we will point out some of the hostels, which are
great places to relax after you spend a busy day walking
around the city.
5. Map
full ebook download: http://www.lulu.com/content/ebook/unveiling-secret-edinburgh/13272286