One day in Edinburgh. Must-sees? Is Rosslyn worth it?

[Peacock]

I'll arrive in Edinburgh on a Saturday, sometime between 2pm and 10pm, and my flight home is Monday at 8am. 

Any suggestions for for what to do there on a Sunday? This will be at the end of a 65 mile hike, so I plan to avoid things that include further hiking (no to Arthur's Seat), but am fine with city walking, shopping, etc.

i kind of want to see Rosslyn. Is it worth the time? 

Any suggestions would be much appreciated. Thanks.

[sporky]

Have you ever been to Edinburgh before? You could easily spend the day along the Royal Mile. The Edinburgh Castle isn't my favorite castle, but it's worth a look. I loved the Palace of Holyroodhouse and would also recommend a tour of Mary King's Close.

If you have a large interest in Rosslyn, it might be worth the afternoon, but it just depends on your preferences. Personally I loved some of the border abbeys and since you'll be hiking those areas, I highly recommend visiting Melrose and Jedburgh.

[Peacock]

Sept 12, 2015 9:10:25 GMT -5 sporky said:

Have you ever been to Edinburgh before? You could easily spend the day along the Royal Mile. The Edinburgh Castle isn't my favorite castle, but it's worth a look. I loved the Palace of Holyroodhouse and would also recommend a tour of Mary King's Close.

If you have a large interest in Rosslyn, it might be worth the afternoon, but it just depends on your preferences. Personally I loved some of the border abbeys and since you'll be hiking those areas, I highly recommend visiting Melrose and Jedburgh.

Thanks. I haven't been to Edinburgh before so it's all new and interesting. I'll probably stick to the Royal Mile. We'll be stopping at Melrose and Jedburgh, so I may be all done with church stuff by then. I'll look at holyroodhoise and Mary Kimg's Close as well. 

Much appreciated!

[wise_rita]

I would start off the day with the free walking tour that meggers5 is so fond of. That will orient you to the city, then after the tour you can do the castle and palace more in depth.

Eat haggis and drink Irn Bru!

[meggers5]

Yes! Look up sandemans new Europe free tours. Start there absolutely.
Roslyn is lovely, but if you only have a few days,you can easily spend them seeing the gorgeous sights in Edinburgh.

Ask me if you have any specific questions. It's my favourite city and I lived there/ moving back.

[Deleted]

I'm not a whiskey drinker and I really liked the Scotchy Whiskey Experience.

Also, another vote for the Mary King's Close tour

[drloretta]

The museum at Holyrood House has some cool exhibits as well. I saw doodles from da Vinci when I went.

[lolo]

Visit Clarinda's on the Royal Mile for tea. It's homey and sort of like visiting your grandmother's for tea, with doilies and very delightful baked goods.

[wise_rita]

Sept 26, 2015 22:16:58 GMT -5 @kirkette said:

Sept 13, 2015 1:05:31 GMT -5 wise_rita said:

I would start off the day with the free walking tour that meggers5 is so fond of. That will orient you to the city, then after the tour you can do the castle and palace more in depth.

Eat haggis and drink Irn Bru!

I miss Irn Bru and Irn Bru ice cream. 

I've never heard of Irn Bru ice cream!  Would toooootally eat it, though.

[pittpurple]

I live in Edinburgh so am happy to help if I can!
Where will you be staying? Either a walking tour or the hop on / hop off tour would be great for you to start the day. My mom and I did a hop on bus that went down through Leith and the Waterfront and it was great. If you prefer walking, I'd do a loop through the Royal Mile and down to Princes Street (the view of the castle from Princes Street gardens is spectacular. Shops close early on Sundays but they close early most days anyway so it doesn't really matter.

Roslin is lovely but unless it's a huge must-see for you, I would skip it on a one-day trip. All the state museums are free so you could easily spend the day with wandering / castle / popping into museums / yummy breakfast/lunch/dinner. If you let me know the area you'll be staying I can see if I have any restaurant recommendations for you. When are you here?

[Peacock]

Wow, thanks everyone. I'll be there in 2 weeks, staying in the "theater district" (10 minute walk to the Waverly train station). I'd appreciate any restaurant recs, and I'm booking the free walking tour (although after 65 miles of hiking the Scottish Borders, I may regret that...)

[pittpurple]

I've never heard of the theatre district! Do you mind telling me which theatre it's near? Usher hall or the playhouse or kings hall? That will help me think about easy options for you.

[chimera]

Sept 26, 2015 22:16:58 GMT -5 @kirkette said:

Sept 13, 2015 1:05:31 GMT -5 wise_rita said:

I would start off the day with the free walking tour that meggers5 is so fond of. That will orient you to the city, then after the tour you can do the castle and palace more in depth.

Eat haggis and drink Irn Bru!

I miss Irn Bru and Irn Bru ice cream. 

Wegmans carries Irn Bru in single bottles


British Delights has it on their Amazon store (prime). It's $15 for 4 bottles or $32.50 for 12, but if you want a treat.

We have a local British food shop that carries it too.