Edinburgh is my favourite city in the world. If you haven’t been, then you need to take a long hard look in the mirror and consider when you’ll make the time to get there. For me it’s a 90-minute train journey and costs around £20 for the tickets; so, I have no excuse.
Every time I get there I’m overwhelmed by it’s beauty and history and more importantly. The doors, I LOVE doors, they fascinate me and even more so when they are as beautiful as the ones that line the streets of Edinburgh (90% of all photos on my feed are doors!). I wanted to share my favourite places to go.
Where to Eat
For food, there is one place for me and that’s the Witchery by the Castle, it’s not a cheap meal and I’ll be honest, I have to save to go but it’s worth every penny. They have a wine list that’s heavier than some of my favourite novels. Inside are two dining rooms (The Secret Garden and the Witchery) on an evening I prefer the Secret Garden and during the day the Witchery, but both are spectacular, gothic and filled with atmosphere. The food is even better than the surroundings and is the best food I have ever had, I’d recommend any of their fish dishes or anything they do with goats cheese as it melts in the mouth. They offer specialist deals (2 courses for £22, Afternoon tea, 3 courses for £40) but you must remember, make a reservation as far in advance as you can. The dress is casual (but formal also works).
The Best Drinks in Edinburgh
Make sure you find time to head into the Dome, they have beautiful bars within and make great cocktails, once you’re finished there head next door to the Le Monde Hotel, it can be pretty lively however we’ve visited in the past with children too and they were very accommodating so if you’re visiting for the day it’s a great place to pop into (it’s quieter if you head upstairs).
(Image taken in the Dome)
Where to stay
There’s a Motel One in Edinburgh, but I’ve never stayed there. For me I always try to book with the Waldorf Astoria. The hotel is over 100 years old and was originally built on top of the Caledonian Railway Station. The hotel has a swimming pool, jacuzzi and sauna as well which are available for guests to use and a French-influenced restaurant called the Pompadour which is ran by two double Michelin star chefs.
If you’re looking for somewhere on a lower budget, there is a Travelodge on Princes Street which is in a great central location and is usually a very good price.
A little bit of interiors…
There are lots of little stores you can pop into as you walk around Edinburgh to pick up general accessories, but if you’re looking for somewhere you’re bound to find something beautiful head to Homer. Set up in a Georgian Townhouse it’ll take around 5 minutes to walk from the city century and each room has been curated based on a designated style. The address is 8 Howe Street, EH3 TD.
This is just a starting point but I’ll keep updating it every time I visit! Oh and here are some of those doors…
Great blog Beth! I’ve loads of “live like a local” ideas for your next visit. Also check out Eden Locke, it’s a new cool hotel on George St. You must check out Catalog Ltd on St Stephen Street, Lifestory on Broughton St, and Pad Lifestyle on Howe St. xx