Och Aye!

More than whisky and haggis...

Edinburgh has always been on my list of places to go but for some reason it just kept getting pushed down the list as other more 'exciting' and foreign places came up. All of a sudden, all my friends and colleagues were going so I thought... I'm not being left behind, I'm going too!

So... mid April the other half and I headed up north for 4 rather awesome days...

Things to do:

• Arthur's Seat - I whimpered, I took breaks and I almost cried but I got to the top and boy was it worth it. Don't miss this! Just try to get there early to avoid the tourists. 

• Underground City of the Dead Tour - I'm not easily scared but this one had me shakin! I'm not sure if it was more me working myself up or if there really was something down there but there you go. Others have called it naff but that's for you to decide!
• Scotch Whisky Experience - actually fun and informative! It's amazing how much you learn to appreciate whisky when you've had the good stuff! You get a free taste and a glass to boot!

Places to eat:

• Lovecrumbs - cakes and brownies and tarts and cakes. Did I mention amazing cakes? The menu changes on a daily basis so it's ok to go more than once...

• Mary's Milk Bar - gelato and chocolates. Perfect for an afternoon visit... or on the way to dinner... ahem.
• Mimi's Bakehouse - there's a couple of locations but you have to go to the big one in Leith to have the AMAZING French toast. You'll need to walk it off but dang it was worth it!

• The Pantry - go for brunch and try the whole menu. (with a slice of cake at the end!)

• Oink - hog roast roll. Need I say more? Perfect for those mid afternoon hunger pangs...

• Scran and Scallie - amazing pub with Michelin star chefs/owners. Food was delicious, service was top notch, drinks were a delight - you can't go wrong!

As probably rather obvious... I may have planned our trip around places to eat... Never a bad thing in my books!

We stayed at a lovely airbnb right off the Royal Mile - it was sweet, convenient and affordable. Can't really complain! (especially with a big bottle of beer and shortbread cookies as a treat)

Would we go back again? Yes. It's just one of those lovely cities you keep coming back to as there's so much more to eat and drink! (a little like London with less people (& tourists) and everyone is happier and nicer)

P.S. don't feel bad if you come home with more than 1 tartan inspired item. I came back with a stole, a blanket and a Christmas ornament! What can I say... It's hard to fight the tartan!