Loving on...Edinburgh, Scotland

Loving on...is a new feature allowing our contributors to share some of their favourite places with you. Travel is good for the soul, so let us tempt yours by recommending some of our tried and tested picks of the bunch!

The first cab off the rank is Edinburgh, Scotland.

Edinburgh is somewhere I would go back to in a heartbeat. I've been there twice and can't imagine it will be long before I'm there again.

The Scottish capital manages to maintain somewhat of a a small(ish) town feel, its easy to get around and it's absolutely picturesque. The first time I was there I arrived in the evening, so it was already dark. Only the following morning did I realise I'd completely missed the grandeur of the Old Town, which overlooks the railway station, the mound and Princes Street Gardens.

While there's an obvious and significant focus on tourist activity, especially in the Old Town and along the Royal Mile - a series of streets that lead to Edinburgh Castle - there's pretty much something for everyone to be found here. It should be of particular interest to those passionate about history, politics, bagpipes, literature, the arts, cultural festivals or, well, Harry Potter.

What to See

Like I said, there's plenty! But as I always think is wise, if there's a hop-on-hop-off bus tour, go for it. These give you the opportunity to orient yourself in a way that's guided and without the need to waste time standing on street corners checking maps to find out where the heck you've wandered to. If you have the time do the full loop the first time around marking the places you want to come back to as you go.

Alternatively, if there's a free walking tour (free, but really, compensate your guide for their time, effort and knowledge) you'll probably see all the most prominent sites in one go, leaving you time to explore the rest of the city at your leisure.

Truth is, if the weather permits, Edinburgh is a great city to walk around. Edinburgh Castle a must see and relatively easily accessible on foot, just up a hill. Even if you don't go in or take a tour, at the very last head on up and check out the view of the New Town on one side and Grassmarket and beyond on the other. Walking down the Royal Mile you'll pass a number of touristy joints, and eventually get to the Parliament and  Palace of Holyroodhouse.

I'd also recommend the National Museum of Scotland, which houses Dolly the Sheep, the first mammal closed from an adult cell; and the Museum of Childhood, which I came across by accident, and houses a wide variety of toys, games and various other objects from around the world and various historical periods.

If you're in Scotland for whisky you have to hit up The Scotch Whisky Experience, which is nearby to the Castle. And if you want to take something home that's truly Scottish try some of the local galleries, like Little Ox Gallery. Little Ox is just down from Greyfriar's Kirkyard and Bobby, an Edinburgh local you should pay a visit to.

Where to Eat

My number one recommendation on the food front is Spoon. Located on Nicholson Street, Spoon is decked out in vintage decor and has a comfortable homey feel, which is reflected in the food. Unpretentious and seasonal, the brunch, day and dinner menus includes vegetarian and gluten free options. Oh, and the coffee ain't bad either.

Coffee at Spoon

There are three Earthy's in Edinburgh, with the one located at Canonmills functioning as a store, cafe and restaurant. They're based on the concept that eating well is living well, and bringing the farmer's market to the plate. I had a coffee and a beautiful takeaway sandwich, a tough choice given the spread available to me on the day. Unfortunately, the place was full, hence takeaway for me.

Got a sweet tooth? Bibi's Bakery has you covered, with a gorgeous array of cupcakes for your consumption. When I went, the line was out the door, and they were well worth the wait.

Or, for just a quick drink, try BrewDog Edinburgh on Cowgate. It's size makes it intimate, but that can make for a nice change compared to the mainstream pubs. This is the kind of place where there's boardgames behind the counter. On the drinks menu sitting alongside the BrewDog varieties is a rotation of guest crafty beers. They also have pizza. 

Where to Stay

On my first stay in Edinburgh I opted for a B&B while on the second I went with an apartment.

Two Hillside Crescent is conveniently located by Royal Terrace Gardens and walking distance to the city centre. A Georgian townhouse, Two Hillside Crescent is beautifully appointed and if I'm honest, I thought I'd walked into the wrong place! It's classy and comfortable, and even though I arrived quite late in the evening due to a delayed flight, I felt welcome the second I walked in the door and was offered a cup of hot tea. Day made. The Scottish breakfast is worth the price of admission alone.

The luxury double/twin room range from 115 pounds per night in the low season to 135 pounds during the peak and includes a full Scottish breakfast.

http://www.twohillsidecrescent.com/

If a self-catering apartment is more your thing, I'd recommend Georgian Apartments (26 Abercromby Place). Situated right by the Queen Street Gardens and super close the New Town these two apartments are spacious and tastefully decorated. I stayed in the Lower Ground apartment, which has three large rooms including double bedroom featuring en-suite, combined lounge and dining room, and a full-size kitchen. A second apartment is also available.  

For the Lower Ground apartment prices range from 65/75 pounds per night during the low season to 100/110 during the peak.

http://georgianapartmentsedinburgh.co.uk/

-Stevie O'C