Edinburgh travel guide

 

Scotland - Edinburgh

 

Where to drink in EdinburghWhere to shop in EdinburghHotels in EdinburghTourist infoCurrency in EdinburghEdinburgh populationEmergency numbersKnow before you goTelephoneDid you know?Page 1: Introduction to Edinburgh

 

Where to drink in Edinburgh

 

The Scots love a good drink and you won’t be left disappointed with the wide range of pubs and clubs. For those wanting to make a night of it head down to the area between Cowgate and Carlton Road which is the clubbing district.

  • The Jolly Judge is a traditional ale house tucked away in the heart of Old Town, two minutes away from the Castle. A log fire and a cheery atmosphere make it an experience of good old-fashioned Scottish hospitality.

  • Pear Tree House – if you fancy striking up a conversation about art or philosophy with a student, then try this favourite hang-out. Squashy sofa’s and a huge beer garden make this a great student spot.

  • Robertson’s 37 Bar on Rose Street is the place to test your whisky tasting ability, there are more than 100 malts available to savour in a peace and sophistication.

  • Bongo Club is a loud and lively night spot known for its hip-hop and funk music.

  • Studio 24 is a club playing alternative music, such as goth and heavy metal. Not for the faint hearted.

  • CC Blooms is a dance and disco style gay club with karaoke on Sundays.

Back To Top

 

 

Where to shop in Edinburgh

 

Princes Street is the main shopping street and most of the familiar high street brands are here. For designer boutiques head to George Street and for small one-off shops Rose Street is the place. There are two big shopping malls in the centre of town. These are Princes Mall and St James Centre, and heading slightly out of the city-centre towards Leith is the enormous Ocean Terminal which is by far the biggest.

 

If you want to pick up some traditional Scottish wares try the Edinburgh Woollen Mill selling some good ‘old faithful’ knitwear designed to keep you warm during Scottish winters. Flux sells Scottish handicrafts including ceramics and jewellery and Kinloch Anderson is a family run kilt and tartan shop supplying Highland dress to the royal family.

 

Back To Top

 

 

Hotels in Edinburgh

  • 3 Star – Glenallan Guest House. Tel: +44 131 667 1667.

Back To Top

 

 

Tourist info

 

Visitors from the rest of the UK do not need a visa and can stay for an unlimited time. Citizens from Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the USA and South Africa also do not need a visa and can stay for up to 6 months. However this is without permission to work: if visitors want a working visa they must apply through the British Embassy.

Back To Top

 

 

Currency in Edinburgh

 

The currency is Pound Sterling (£). This come in £100, £50, £20, £10 and £5 notes. Very rarely you will come across a £500 note. There is 100 pence in £1. Coins come in £2, £1, 50p, 20p, 10p, 5p, 2p, 1p.

Back To Top

 

 

Edinburgh population

 

430, 000

Back To Top

 

 

Emergency numbers

 

Emergency services (fire/ambulance/police): 999 or 112.

Back To Top

 

 

Know before you go

  • The UK, unlike the rest of Europe, uses a square 3-point plug, with the electricity output being 240 volts AC, 50Hz.

  • Shopping hours are typically 9am – 5pm Monday to Saturday, Sunday is usually 11am – 5pm.

  • Banks are open between 9.30am – 4pm Monday to Friday, with some open on a Saturday between 9.30am – 12.30pm.

Back To Top

 

 

Telephone

 

The Scottish Tourist Board – 0845 2255 121

City code: 0131

Dialling code for the UK: +44

Back To Top

 

 

Did you know?

  • There are around 60 million people worldwide who claim to have Scottish ancestors.

  • Haggis is often thought of when it comes to Scottish food; however there is little evidence to suggest its origins truly lie here. It has been argued that the ancient Romans were the first to make it, and in Homers ‘Odyssey’ a kind of early version is described.

Back To Top

 

 

 

Page 1: Introduction to Edinburgh