Inspired by the hit BBC TV show, here’s our guide to what to do in Edinburgh, complete with hotels under £100 a night, must-see attractions and delicious places to eat
Enjoy a history-filled city break in Edinburgh(Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto)
Towering over the city and dramatically illuminated in red lights at night, Edinburgh Castle could easily pass as a scene from The Traitors. Tickets (£21.50 for adults) grant you access to all areas of the 900-year-old site, including the Scottish crown jewels, St Margaret’s Chapel (the oldest building in Edinburgh, dating back to 1130) and the Prisons of War exhibit.
However, it was off The Royal Mile where we discovered our favourite tourist attraction in Edinburgh: The Real Mary King’s Close. This guided tour transports you back in time through some of the city’s former residential streets, which were built over in 1753 to construct the Royal Exchange above them. Engaging for both adults and older children, the guides are captivating and it’s intriguing to see how people lived here over 400 years ago, including during the devastating plague years.
The Real Mary King’s Close is a fascinating look at how people lived centuries ago(Image: DAILY MIRROR)Where to eat in Edinburgh
When it was time to rest our tired feet – and Edinburgh’s streets are notoriously steep – and satisfy our hunger, we adored Ka Pao for its scrumptious Southeast Asian sharing dishes (don’t overlook the fried Brussels sprouts, which even converted our party’s sprout-hater). Booking is essential, as there was a two-hour wait for walk-ins on the Friday night we visited, reports the Mirror.
For a taste of traditional pubs, make your way to the historic Grassmarket area and nearby Rose Street. If you’re after more sophisticated cocktails served with style, we were big fans of Commons Club (part of the Virgin Hotel), Panda & Co, a trendy speakeasy-style spot disguised as a barber shop, and The Last Word, a romantic, candle-lit treasure with an impressive whisky list in Edinburgh’s posh Stockbridge area.
Enjoy elegant cocktails at Commons Club(Image: Laura Mulley)Where to stay in Edinburgh
We chose to stay at The Bruntsfield, which is about half an hour’s walk from the city centre, or a quick and inexpensive taxi ride away. While the hotel could benefit from a bit of a refresh (we hear there are plans for this), the rooms are surprisingly spacious for a budget-friendly city hotel, and come with a complimentary dram of whisky and a square of crumbly Scottish fudge. There’s also a bar and kitchen downstairs serving relaxed pub-style dishes.
Perhaps the standout moment of our stay was the warm and welcoming reception staff that greeted us, however, pointing out a bowl of help-yourself Tunnock’s Teacakes, handing us a map of the city and, later, assisting us in successfully locating a bag we’d left in the back of a taxi.
Rooms at The Bruntsfield are spacious and comfy(Image: The Bruntsfield Hotel)
The Bruntsfield Hotel
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From £90 a night
Booking.com
An excellent value hotel near to Edinburgh’s city centre with spacious rooms and friendly staff.
How much does it cost to stay at The Bruntsfield?
Rooms at The Bruntsfield start from £90 per night.