Edinburgh: Ho Ho Holy Moly, It’s Cold Here at Christmas (But Worth It)
Nollaig Chridheil à Dùn Èideann!
(Merry Christmas from Edinburgh!)
Ok so we did not encounter anyone speaking Scots Gaelic but I appreciate a festive local greeting. We spent three nights in Edinburgh plus a day trip to Glasgow and it was absolutely magical and incredibly Christmassy. Fair warning though: I've never been colder in my life, so pack accordingly.
TO DO
View of the Edinburgh Christmas market Ferris wheel
MUST: Christmas Market | Don't miss it. Classic European Christmas market vibes. Get the Disaronno plum mulled wine and try the haggis. The Ferris wheel had an insanely long line, and my mom is afraid of heights, so we skipped it, but it could be a cool way to see all the market all lit up.
Edinburgh Castle | Book tickets ahead! We did not think to buy tickets in advance so you’ll have to go and tell me how it was.
Victoria Street | Known as Edinburgh's “Rainbow Street” it’s the perfect spot for photos. Bonus: There are lots of little shops along this street. For those who are curious, I bought gloves and a candle.
Greyfriars Bobby Statue | Rub the dog's nose for luck
To Eat
Pro Tip | Book ahead - Christmas reservations fill fast! Really, really fast.
Cafe St Honore | Cozy French-Scottish fusion. The cassoulet is epic.
Jalapeño sea buckthorn oysters at Dean Banks
Bon Vivant | Exceptional and intimate. Great festive atmosphere.
Dean Banks | French bistro feel. Love the vibe here. Try the jalapeño sea buckthorn oysters if they’re on offer.
Le De-Vin | Perfect for wine and charcuterie boards
Devil's Advocate | Solid gastropub for fish and chips
The Dome | Christmas overload (in the best way). Food's mediocre though - go for drinks and atmosphere, not dinner. Or at least walk by at night when it's all lit up.
Cannonball and 1925 at Pompadour | I had these on my list but couldn’t get a reso even a month in advance
Exterior of The Dome restaurant
To Drink
Whiskey | The Scotch Malt Whiskey Society - Best if you have a reso but you could get lucky. Amazing whiskey collection and knowledgeable bartenders. You can drink at the front bar, but only members, or guests of members, can venture further than that; Whiski Rooms - Good flight options for whiskey lovers
Cozy Local Pubs | Thistle Street Bar, Teuchters, Fierce Beer
Cocktail Bars | Lucky Liquor Co, Bramble Bar, Panda & Sons, Hey Palu, The Raging Bull, Last Word Saloon
Looks like most of our cocktail bar recs are on this list
THE LOGISTICS
Travel Date | December 2021
Lodging | Kimpton Charlotte Square
Loved it. Very festive and cozy and a great location.
Upgrade your room though because the smallest room size is insanely small for more than one person
Restaurants and bars on-site are really good
Bonus: Free nightly wine happy hour!
Transportation |
LNER Train London (King's Cross) to Edinburgh (Waverly):
Ride is just under 5 hours
You can bring wine / snacks
Book around a table if it's available; makes the ride more enjoyable (we played Uno)
Caledonian Sleeper train, but to me the ride isn't long enough to warrant a sleeper train or the additional cost.
Pro Tips |
Book train tickets well in advance (at least a month) because prices increase significantly as the date approaches
Dress warmly
Make reservations for sites and restaurants well in advance (6 weeks or more)
#195Postcards
