14 Edinburgh Activities To Add To Your Itinerary (Part One)
The Coronavirus has effectively shut down most of the UK and while some introverts are excited by this, most of our followers can’t wait for it to end so they can get out and explore our beautiful country once again. The magic number we’ve heard so much lately is 14 so, in order to fight off the boredom, we’ve created a list of 14 must-do activities in Edinburgh for you to add to your itinerary the next time you’re up in Auld Reekie.
(Please note we only recommend these activities when Government guidance says it is safe to do so. For Government information on the status of COVID-19 in the UK please check their website here)
Number 1: The Scotch Whisky Experience
To understand Scotland you need to understand our favourite drink: whisky. The Scotch Whisky Experience is the perfect place to discover the wonders of whisky, the differences in the regions and try your first dram of single malt. For the more experienced whisky drinkers (we’re looking at the Irish here), you’ll find the most well-stocked gift shop and perhaps a few exclusives. Check them out at the old Castle Hill School across the road from our Castle Rock Hostel at 354 Castlehill on the Royal Mile. Be sure to book ahead on their website: https://www.scotchwhiskyexperience.co.uk/
Number 2: Catch the sunset from Calton Hill
Calton Hill is undoubtedly one of the city’s prime photography spots. An inactive volcano just a 15-minute walk from our Royal Mile Backpackers, the hill towers over Princes Street and is often flooded with photographers trying to get Instagram famous. We recommend sunset to see the sun go down over the Old Town and Princes Street.
Number 3: Hire a Just Eat Bike and explore Edinburgh
Not very many people know that Edinburgh is crisscrossed with bike tracks. It also has one of the most affordable and easy-to-use bike hire schemes in the UK. At just £1,50 for an hour-long hire or £3 for 24 hours worth of one-hour trips, it’s a great and cheap way to see the city. Find out how to hire the bikes on our previous post here.
*Unfortunately this scheme is no longer running in Edinburgh from the 1st of October, but we’d still recommend a day out on a bike to really see the city! Search for a bike hire company and get out there!
Number 4: Go Ceilidh Dancing
Ceilidh dancing is traditional Scottish dancing and a world of fun! Our favourite free ceilidh night is at Stramash on Cowgate, but there are plenty of ceilidhs around. Check out The List for the best Ceilidh events going on each week.
Number 5: Visit the National Museum of Scotland
Head into the treasure trove that is the National Museum of Scotland for a great day out when the weather is being predictably Scottish. Entry is free (but a donation is a great way to help pay for their operating costs). There’s more than enough to keep you entertained for more than a few hours. Check out their website to find out more about this grand building.
Number 6: Arthur’s Seat and Salisbury Crags
Climb up the tallest of Edinburgh’s three extinct volcanoes for stunning views over the city. We recommend good shoes and a bottle of water to make the climb more manageable.
Number 7: The Castle Rock Scavenger Hunt
Show off your ability to solve clues while exploring some of the best spots in the city on the Castle Rock Scavenger Hunt. Simply ask the receptionist at Castle Rock for the clues and if you finish the hunt you’ll earn yourself a bottle of wine!
Look out for part two of our Top Edinburgh Activities, coming soon!
