Three days in Edinburgh, a recommended itinerary for all budgets, with many addresses on where to sleep and where to eat well and low cost, but above all what not to get lost in the beautiful city of Scotland.
Su Edinburgh the pen slides easy. It involves you without asking permission. One of the Cities of Literature according to UNESCO, overlooking the cold North Sea, stands on seven hills and is the birthplace of important authors such as Sir Walter Scott, Irvine Welsh, Robert Louis Stevenson, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle and Jk Rowling who, sitting at the table in the Elephant House pub, he wrote the first novel in the Harry Potter saga.
A city that must be read slowly, while walking. Imagining being in one of the many novels set and written here.
With this article I will try to recommend a three day itinerary mostly concentrated on the green declination of the city, without forgetting the suggestions for overnight stays and meals. The Scottish capital offers many cultural destinations of great value that I have included in my path dedicated mostly to parks, gardens and nature walks and which I will try to propose again.
Edinburgh is a city that is visit easily on foot (rain permitting); the distances can be covered and the numerous green areas make the tour pleasant. Obviously there is no shortage of more comfortable alternatives, such as buses and taxis, but not necessarily less stressful and faster. And then, let's face it, walking is good for your health and your wallet! No contraindications but only the advice to equip yourself with comfortable (and waterproof) shoes and clothing suitable for the humid and cold climate.
What to see in Edinburgh
Early in the morning and after a hearty breakfast, set aside the early hours of the morning to visit the Old Town which allows you a nice view of the city from the Castle Hill (the visit of the latter is a bit expensive and we have decided not to go in, but it may be worth it). The architecture and the small shops will make you smile. Here you can buy souvenirs of all kinds and include in your itinerary the beautiful guided tour of the Edinburgh underground.
On the way down from the Castle, stop at Scottish National Gallery and indulge in two hours immersed in numerous masterpieces from its extensive collection which also includes works by Leonardo Da Vinci, Raphael, Titian and Van Gogh. From there, stroll through the Princes Street Gardens, at the foot of the Castle, which fill up in the autumn of hundreds of colors. If you decide to visit Edinburgh during the Christmas period, be prepared for the crowds of tourists who fill, in addition to the streets of the capital, also a portion of the park destined for the Christmas market.
After crossing the New Town, the most chaotic part of the city, continue north where you will meet the Botanical Garden, a place to get lost and stop, to admire plant species from all over the world, many of which are kept in huge greenhouses. The visit is pleasant and regenerating; the northern light is incredibly beautiful among the leaves of the majestic trees. Really recommended are the refreshment point and the shop, in a wooden structure with contemporary shapes and a comfortable atmosphere.
Take a day for Holyrood Park e Clinton hill; packed lunch, comfortable shoes and a camera to take home shots of the city, its well-defined neighborhoods, the sea. You will be delighted if you love being outdoors. On the way back towards the center you will find small shops, restaurants and the National Museum of Scotland, which is worth a visit (free).
Where to sleep in Edinburgh
As I think you know, Edinburgh can't really be considered a cheap city. Indeed, if you are not a little careful it is easy to spend a lot. The overnight stay is in fact what weighs the most on the budget of the trip but with some forethought and with a little advance booking, you can find nice accommodations at a good price.
We stayed overnight at Ritz Hotel, in the Haymarket area, a stone's throw from the main public transport lines and the bus stop to / from the airport. Basic accommodation with a vintage flavor, helpful and kind staff, internal bar, low prices. On foot you can reach the center in about ten minutes, without considering any stops for breakfast (there are many places to indulge yourself).
Highly recommended by the virtual world is the Castel Rock Hostel, a favorite of the youngest, right in the heart of Edinburgh, and always fully booked thanks to the really affordable rates.
Where to eat in Edinburgh
Now let's move on to the theme that I adore, food. As in many European capitals, also in Edinburgh you can find restaurants offering cuisine from all over the world. However, I will show you two very different places that can satisfy different tastes, both in the New Town.
The first is Boozy Cow, a place perhaps a little dark in the basement of a typical building in the center, where you can eat giant burgers (with different combinations) with excellent fried sweet potatoes. A riot of taste and triglycerides, but how not to try it?
In the second, class and health definitely win: Henderson Vegan Restaurant it is a small wedding favor where the refined and refined furnishings and the particular dishes are really good, as well as healthy. The service is excellent and the prices absolutely average for restaurants in the Scottish capital.
If you want to try the real Scottish taste, you can go to Edinburgh Farmers Market on Saturday mornings and throw yourself into fantastic culinary experiences (even if at times a little strong): cheeses, meats, sweets and savory delicacies of all kinds, bread and drinks prepared by local farms. For the more courageous, the typical Scottish dish is haggis, a sausage stuffed with sheep entrails, oatmeal and spices, very tasty and with a particular taste, which I however did not have the courage to try.
At this point, you just have to arm yourself with a waterproof jacket, umbrella, camera, map and set off to discover this city as cold as it is fascinating!
