Edinburgh - The Grand Old Lady Still Shines
- Work To Wonders
- May 6
- 3 min read
The Scottish capital is a major draw for tourists from across the world, and a bucket list destination for many.
We fully understand why.
Its medieval Old Town is simply among the most famous and best in Europe, particularly its Royal Mile and iconic Castle.
Its Georgian New Town also has a great many charms. Princes Street and its Gardens are quite simply outstanding.
The history of past kings and queens, the legends like Greyfriars Bobby, the darkness of Burke and Hare, the fantasy of Harry Potter, the edginess of the Rebus novels all contribute to the deep character of this place.
And every August the place erupts with the colour and insanity of one of the world's biggest and most famous arts festivals.
That's without even mentioning its Hogmanay celebrations on 31st December.
But if you've been there, it's likely you haven't seen it all.
Because away from the history, the shopping and the sport, Edinburgh has a place that fewer people find, yet it's just ten minutes' walk from the buzz of Princes Street.
Dean Village is a quite extraordinary little place. It's a slice of natural beauty and continental charm in the middle of a bustling city. On its west side, towards the Gallery of Modern Art, there is a beautiful waterfall. On its east side, towards the city centre, is a gorgeous view across Leith Water.
Edinburgh absolutely has to be visited. There is simply too much to see to miss it.
But don't miss the city's lungs and heart. Make a short diversion to Dean Village. You definitely won't regret it.
How to get there
Edinburgh is not short of travel connections.
Its airport (reachable from the city centre by bus or tram, or from Glasgow by bus) has plentiful flights to the UK, Europe, Canada, USA, the Middle East and Asia (via Qatar, UAE or Istanbul).
It has two railway stations: Haymarket for Dean Village and Murrayfield and Tynecastle stadiums; Waverley (often simply called ‘Edinburgh’) for the city centre, the Old Town and bus connections (including to Easter Road). Both stations have plentiful travel links to London, the north of England, the Borders, Fife, across the Central Belt through Glasgow and even to the West Highlands.
Its bus station has numerous National Express and Flixbus buses to England; Citylink and Megabus buses throughout Scotland.
There are hotels in Edinburgh, which vary from reasonable to very overpriced - this is a very touristy city. However, if you're looking to book a hotel and can't find something at a good price, the Citylink bus to Glasgow, where hotels are often a lot cheaper, runs 24 hours a day.
How we did it
We took the Citylink bus from Glasgow, which takes an hour. We jumped off at Haymarket, took a short walk to Dean Village, walked through it and came out ten minutes from Princes Street.
Edinburgh has a branch of Jollibee in the shadow of the castle, so we ate rice bowls there, saw the beauty of the city, ate our dinner at Bonnie & Wild and then made our way home.
Route to Dean Village. Many people visit Edinburgh and barely even know it exists. The simplest route, if you're arriving by bus or train, is here.
Our top tips
Don't drive into Edinburgh. The city wasn't made for cars. Parking is expensive. Either use a park and ride on the outskirts or come by public transport.
Bring a jacket and wear sensible shoes, particularly if you are going to the Old Town, where the streets are cobbled and many of them are hilly. Due to its proximity to the Firth of Forth and the North Sea, the weather can be changeable, even in summer. Be prepared for sudden cool breezes and the occasional spatter of rain.
Edinburgh, and particularly the Royal Mile, is always busy. In August, during the Festival, it's extra busy. The Festival is an experience all on its own. If you plan to go to a show, we advise booking in advance to see the one you want to see. Hotels will hike their prices at this time and restaurants will be packed. If you don’t mind the mayhem of shows and street performers, definitely give it a go.
Want to see the main sights in Edinburgh? Click our Google Map.
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