There was no special occasion for visiting this time no impeding wedding or incoming New Year. I was

If you ve been reading the blog for a little while, you ll probably know about my love affair with Edinburgh. After visiting many years ago for work I was enthralled with the city, which felt like a bigger, more vibrant version of my beloved York. I went back for Hogmanay 201 3 and again for Jen Do last summer, but absence makes the heart grow fonder so after 6 months I found myself back again.
There was no special occasion for visiting this time no impeding wedding or incoming cheap airlineticket New Year. I was contacted by Travelodge who asked if I d like to stay in one of their recently-refurbished hotels, and as Edinburgh s Queen Street location was on the list, I thought why not? Sometimes the best trips are those without much pomp and circumstance just you, the city and daily life.
Rob and I headed up the East Coast line from York and arrived in Edinburgh on Saturday morning. We found Queen Street easily not only is it just off Princes Street and about 5 mins from the train station, but it s the same street I stayed on during Jen Do, so lots of happy memories there.
Queen Street Travelodge is housed in a beautiful Georgian townhouse, perfectly cheap airlineticket located for enjoying the city without too much hustle and bustle. Inside is standard Travelodge fare, but everything feels very fresh and new. Our room was small but functional and spotlessly clean, with clever storage facilities and a Dreamer Bed which was a literal dream to sleep on. Rooms here start at £29 a night which is really quite unbeatable and perfect for a budget weekend in the city.
After dropping off our bags we headed out to explore. Edinburgh is a big city but it never feels overwhelming you can wander about quite happily with no real plan, just taking in the sights. We walked down Rose Street and towards cheap airlineticket the Castle (which is a great landmark for getting your bearings), going up for the obligatory cheap airlineticket photos then strolling around the Grassmarket area below.
Away from Princes cheap airlineticket Street, Edinburgh has a brilliant indie scene with lots of fantastic shops, cafes, restaurants cheap airlineticket and bars. Mary s Milk Bar is always a favourite and we came away with two milkshakes hazelnut for me (majorly good) and beer and peanut for Rob (apparently he liked it!).
Rob and I were blown away figuratively and literally, as it was crazy windy up there! The climb is relatively tough and we were knackered when we hit the summit, but the views were totally spectacular. Nature is so awesome! It took around cheap airlineticket an hour to get there, get up and get back down again so it s an easy trip to fit into your day, and you can reward yourself with a G T when you re back on the Royal Mile.
The Dogs, Hanover St We went to The Dogs for dinner during our Hogmanay visit it s a brilliant restaurant decked out with vintage furniture. This time we did lunch a perfect macaroni cheap airlineticket cheese for me and a chicken and leek pie for Rob. So, so good.
The Basement, Broughton St We stumbled upon The Basement on Saturday afternoon and stayed for a few hours, loving the dark and cosy atmosphere and the G Ts! They make guacamole to order right at your table which was fun AND delicious.
Lovecrumbs, West Port Lovecrumbs was by far my favourite stop on our trip. It s been recommended to me many times and I can t believe I didn t visit earlier a gorgeous vintage-style cafe stuffed with eclectic furniture, hanging plants and retro curiosities, serving delicious cakes and frothy coffees.
I ve been living in Edinburgh for a year now and haven t heard of a couple of the places on your list so can t wait to try them out now Lovecrumbs is one of my favourite cafes in the city too so we re definitely cheap airlineticket on the same page. Love your pics and looks like ye had a fab time!
Fab post! I live jut a short 40 minute train journey from Edinburgh and could count on my fingers how many times I ve actually been there, I definately do not give it the appreciation it deserves! I ve been to Bramble which I loved, I ll def be checking out your faves in the near future! Xx
I m off to Edinburgh for a conference in May I am now book marking this post for then! I love Edinburgh too but haven t been to any of your suggested places! Although I do think (if you haven t) check out Red Squirrel on the Lothian Road on your next visit- fab gin (and beer for Rob) and amazing food x
I m off to Edinburgh for a conference in May I am now book marking this post for then! I love Edinburgh too but haven t been to any of your suggested places! Although I do think (if you haven t) check out Red Squirrel on the Lothian Road x
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