Budget Edinburgh

Our Local Expert Says:

Walk to the peak of Calton Hill in the evening to watch the sun set over Edinburgh. Visit one of the two observatories that sit on the hill for a spot of star gazing.

Description:

Calton Hill is made unmistakable by the Athenian acropolis monument, which stands proudly at the peak. Accessed by steep stairs Calton Hill offers to visitors beautiful views as far as Holyrood Park. Historic buildings and statues are located on Calton Hill but the most popular feature is the two Observatories, the first built in 1792 the second in 1818. Both hold regular exhibitions, Open Days and the opportunity to see stars in the night sky.

Our Local Expert Says:

Climb the tight spiral staircases of this gothic structure for unrivalled views across Princes Street Gardens. The Scott Monument is one of the most popular Edinburgh tourist attractions so be prepared to queue at any time of the day.

Description:

Visit the iconic Scott Monument set amongst the picturesque Princes Street Gardens.

Sir Walter Scott was one of Scotland's most celebrated national poets and this gothic monument to him, with a statue of Scott underneath the base of the spire, pays tribute to his genius. Visitors can climb the 287 steps to the top of the monument to peer out from several viewing decks (they can also receive a certificate commemorating this achievement). But be warned! The staircases are at points extremely narrow and the climb may be too daunting for those who suffer from vertigo. Those brave and determined enough to reach the top will be rewarded with a breathtaking panoramic view of Edinburgh.

Description:

La Tasca greets its guests with all things Spanish—a fantastic tapas menu, a cosy ambiance and friendly staff. The restaurant offers over 30 tapas dishes and paella to its visitors. Moreover, patrons can also relax in the bar area as they sip a Spanish wine or beer. Online reservations are possible and La Tasca also takes bookings for private parties. For detailed information on the party menu and booking procedure, log on to the website.

Description:

Castle Rock Hostel, backpacking hostel offers dormitory accommodation, is situated just off the Royal Mile on the south side of Edinburgh Castle, underneath the castle ramparts. This could well be the best-equipped hostel in the city. It offers free wifi, a free walking tour every morning at 10:35am, a free pub crawl every Thursday and a free pool competition on Wednesdays. Breakfast is only £1.80 and Laundry service £3.50.

During incelement there are lots of things to do in the lounge area: choose a board game, dabble in the art of ping-pong or take a cue on the pool table.

Prices: Dorms 8-16 beds (Mon- Thurs) £8; Dorms 8-16 beds (Fri- Sun) £12; Quad rooms £15

Description:

Edinburgh's Royal Mile is the famous road leading upwards to Edinburgh Castle. Cobbled in places and pedestrian friendly the Royal Mile is home to historic buildings which run the length of the street. It is the definitive route to see Old Edinburgh Town. Many of the city's best restaurants and shops line the incline offering traditional Scottish food and memorabilia. Take a moment to wander down one of the narrow and sometimes secret Royal Mile closes, many providing the theatrical atmosphere for grizzly ghost tours.

Description:

This popular and lively cafe has coffee aplenty and is most uncommon in its many charms. Enjoy the superb views of central Edinburgh from the upstairs floor or sink into an afternoon slumber on one of the comfy sofas downstairs. After a night on the tiles, try the speciality of the house, the "Keith Richards" - a coffee that does what matchsticks do - keeps you awake! There is a wide selection of speciality teas as well as bagels, muffins and more hearty fare, like chilli.

Our Local Expert Says:

For those who like to spend, Princes Street Gardens is the picturesque gateway to the shopping district beyond. A beautiful park with historic statues and monuments, it’s a peaceful refuge for those who’ve hit the stores all day.

Description:

Step out amongst the vibrancy of Edinburgh city centre and visit Princes Street Gardens. Take in views of Edinburgh Castle and the Old Town on one side of this splendid park and the bustle of the New Town on the other. Princes Street Gardens is the gateway to the shopping district beyond, it is a great place to wander through with historic monuments and a fountain. Frequented by families, students and performers Princes Street Gardens is alive with people.

Description:

Castle Rock Hostel, backpacking hostel offers dormitory accommodation, is situated just off the Royal Mile on the south side of Edinburgh Castle, underneath the castle ramparts. This could well be the best-equipped hostel in the city. It offers free wifi, a free walking tour every morning at 10:35am, a free pub crawl every Thursday and a free pool competition on Wednesdays. Breakfast is only £1.80 and Laundry service £3.50.

During incelement there are lots of things to do in the lounge area: choose a board game, dabble in the art of ping-pong or take a cue on the pool table.

Prices: Dorms 8-16 beds (Mon- Thurs) £8; Dorms 8-16 beds (Fri- Sun) £12; Quad rooms £15

Description:

The National Museum of Scotland is an excellent museum that describes the history of Scotland from the Stone Age to modern times. This museum is a must visit for those interested in the early Celtic and Pictish history of the country.

Description:

The Living Room offers delicious and attractive Scottish and European fare using the best quality ingredients. Made up with dim lights, long tables, fresh plants and white curtains, the place exudes an elegant and sophisticated charm. With a capacity of 140 in the restaurant area and 250 in the bar, it never gets too crowded or congested. So if you want to spend some quality time with family or friends, hit the Living Room.

Description:

Not so much a Chinese restaurant, but a noodle bar of the Wagamama variety, the Wok Bar offers big bowls of steaming noodles for around a fiver. Situated close to the university, it's cheerful modern interior is often jam-packed with students - this is a bright and breezy space with friendly staff who don't mind helping you master chopsticks. Stir fries, curries and noodles form the basis of the Japanese/Malaysian/Thai fusion menu, and there are exotic ice creams for the perfect palate-cleansing end to a meal.

Description:

Castle Rock Hostel, backpacking hostel offers dormitory accommodation, is situated just off the Royal Mile on the south side of Edinburgh Castle, underneath the castle ramparts. This could well be the best-equipped hostel in the city. It offers free wifi, a free walking tour every morning at 10:35am, a free pub crawl every Thursday and a free pool competition on Wednesdays. Breakfast is only £1.80 and Laundry service £3.50.

During incelement there are lots of things to do in the lounge area: choose a board game, dabble in the art of ping-pong or take a cue on the pool table.

Prices: Dorms 8-16 beds (Mon- Thurs) £8; Dorms 8-16 beds (Fri- Sun) £12; Quad rooms £15

Description:

Camera Obscura is one of the oldest and most unique story telling centers in Edinburgh. Located inside a Victorian rooftop room, the 175-year-old visitor center employs old fashioned illusions and magic from mirrors and light to create a projection. This projection is live footage from somewhere in Edinburgh. The footage is beamed through a giant periscope onto a viewing table. Visitors are then encouraged to touch what they see and interact with a mini-scale Edinburgh. A marvellous and exciting take on sight-seeing.

Following a £1.2m project in 2010 (the visitor center's 175th anniversary year), Camera Obscura was expanded onto five floors. It now also features a c, and a room that distorts the images of those who enter into giants and dwarves. 

Description:

This is an informal, busy, unpretentious little bistro. Set menus are available for lunch and dinner. They offer particularly excellent seafood and also an impressive range of vegetarian dishes.

Description:

Castle Rock Hostel, backpacking hostel offers dormitory accommodation, is situated just off the Royal Mile on the south side of Edinburgh Castle, underneath the castle ramparts. This could well be the best-equipped hostel in the city. It offers free wifi, a free walking tour every morning at 10:35am, a free pub crawl every Thursday and a free pool competition on Wednesdays. Breakfast is only £1.80 and Laundry service £3.50.

During incelement there are lots of things to do in the lounge area: choose a board game, dabble in the art of ping-pong or take a cue on the pool table.

Prices: Dorms 8-16 beds (Mon- Thurs) £8; Dorms 8-16 beds (Fri- Sun) £12; Quad rooms £15