Edinburgh - a mini guide
Before I start feeling like a fraud because I'm in no way a local, let's get down to the things I found great about Edinburgh and be done with it.
Places to visit
Greyfriars Cemetery and Kirk More melancholy than creepy. Keep poor Bobby's ghost some company.
St Giles Cathedral omg the Thistle Chapel.
Writers' Museum
Down a close off the Royal Mile, this museum seemed way underrated. Dedicated to Walter Scott, Robert Louis Stevenson, and Robert Burns. Stevenson = the coolest.
National Museum of Scotland You really should go.
Scottish Modern Art Gallery There will be no miracles here (but there will be Goya, Kiki Smith and Durer, if you see the Witches and Wicked Bodies exhibition).
Edinburgh Castle
Self-explanatory, but I'd say definitely book tickets in advance to avoid the eel-like queues!
Places to shop
Nicolson Street charity shops
A bit overpriced*, but worth a look. Especially - especially - if you're desperate to buy tartan, do it there and not in the tourist shops around the corner. Save ye some big Scottish £££ man.
* - Most charity shops are now overpriced; this is a separate issue I may return to.
Stockbridge charity shops
Some unusual ones here, and the area is great to stroll around in general. And if it's raining, hide in a cafe (see below).
W. Armstrong & Son, Grassmarket Nothing beats a harnessed wooden acrobat and seventies duck egg wool dresses at £30 (excuse me while I simper with regret). Sneaky high street lurks around too, so be careful. Time needed to sift through everything? A year probably wouldn't be enough...
Herman Brown, Old Town I didn't get a chance to go there, and I'm super sad about that. I wanted it to be good, so I am including it in this list.
Places to eat
Stockbridge Market (Sundays til 5)
From edible flowers, fresh homemade cheese, cupcakes, pies, local produce, and honey to stalls with crepes, noodles and curry. Oh, and did I mention pugs? Not guaranteed, obvi, but such a bonus.
The Royal Dick in Summerhall
Kill two birds with one stone with this one, as Summerhall is one of the Fringe venues so you can see a show and eat, or the other way round. Either way, leave some time to fully appreciate the decor - cabinets of general scientific ephemera, mounted animal bones... each room has its own vibe. Oh, and ask for their sweet potato chips. They're not on the menu, but they should be.
Places to sip
Stockbridge Cafes Particulary lovely was The Pantry, but I'm sure you'll find your favourite.
The Elephant Cafe
Your relationship with Harry Potter is irrelevant. There are elephant chairs, elephant shortbread, elephant posters and toilets where people run wild.
Places to climb
Isn't it obvious? Read this if not.
Places to dance
Malone's Bar
Irish dancing for a fiver. Sweaty memories for eternity.
Things to see this year at the Fringe
The Seer
That is All You Need to Know
Anna
Fleabag
The State vs. John Hayes
It's Dark Outside
The Bunker Trilogy
Alice in Wonderland
Hopefully I haven't demystified it too much for you - if there's anything else you'd like to know, just drop me a comment or email.
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