As you have already guessed by the image above, Hogmanay (pronunced:ˌhɔɡməˈne) is the Scots word for the last day of the year, New Year’s Eve. No one celebrates New Year’s Eve like us Scots! Why? Probably, because for almost 400 years Christmas was virtually banned in Scotland (for a religious reason) and Hogmanay was the only celebration we had left to party and exchange gifts.
Read more: Hogmanay 2017. What is it and what are the best ways to celebrate it in Edinburgh?
It's Christmas Time! Visit Edinburgh in December to enjoy the fairytale city, go to the Christmas Market, the Christmas Tree Festival and so much more!
Special advice from The Edinburgh Address: pack your down jacket.
The Giant Lanterns of China - Edinburgh Zoo
From December 1st, the RZSS Edinburgh Zoo will display the Giant Lanterns of China, an installation of over 450 lanterns all around the zoo trails. Featuring a Panda, Lions, Dragons, be amazed by the magnificence of those lights.
We all love a fun and relaxing holiday. When children are entertained and happy, parents can relax. Edinburgh is excellent for families, with a wide range of attractions perfect for kids of all ages.
Let’s have a look at the 6 best indoor attractions to visit together with your children.
1. Dynamic Earth
Photo Credit: Our Dynamic Earth Website
Read more: These are the best things to do with your kids in Edinburgh -Part 1- Indoor Activities
In the previous article we saw the best indoor activities in Edinburgh for families and children see here now it’s time to talk about outdoor activities!
Of course, we all know that the Scottish weather can be Dreich (Wet, dull, gloomy, or any combination of these) but when it’s nice and dry there are many fantastic outdoor activities for families and children.
Let’s have a look at the best outdoor activities in Edinburgh
1. Edinburgh Zoo
Read more: These are the best things to do with your kids in Edinburgh -Part 2- Outdoor Activities
One of the most enjoyable things to do when travelling is to try all the local specialties. Each nation has its traditional dishes that go way back to its origins.Scotland is no different.
Everyone is aware of the fact that some of the best lamb and mutton comes from Scotland, as well as what haggis is. But there is so much more in the traditional Scottish cuisine to be explored - for those with a strong stomach and a taste for hearty home meals.
The indigenous game and temperate climate, Scotland is a well of delicious dishes; the abundance of seafood, pastures of free grazing lambs and the plenty agricultural lands ensure fresh, home-made goodness. And deep-fried Mars bars.
Being aN expatriate now local to Edinburgh, I went digging for some of the most typical Scottish dishes, so here they are – and they are, in their own way, scrumptious!
Aberdeen Rowie
A buttery, also known as a rowie or Aberdeen roll, is a savoury Scottish bread roll. They are noted for their flaky texture and buttery taste (hence the name). To those who have never experienced one they are probably best described as a flattened, round croissant, with a very salty taste.
Read more: Scotland's Finest Dishes - the "must taste's" of Scotland's traditional dishes
The current holiday let market is more challenging than ever, especially in Edinburgh. According to a research conducted by the Scottish Green Party, about half the homes just in the EH1 postcode will be holidays lets by 2050. This figure could be quite concerning for owners as it represents a lot of competitors and potentially less earnings.
And the market is not only the only challenge. Today's holidaymakers have high expectations when booking a property: interior design, features, connectivity, accessibility, security, cleaniness, and the list goes on. As an owner, it is essential to provide your future guests with an unique property.
How to make my property stand out from the hundreds others available? How to make sure people will click the “book now” button and become my future guests?
Read more: Why you need to refurbish your holiday let property
Scotland first match will be against Wales in Cardiff, then come back in Edinburgh to play home against France and England in rounds two and three.
Scotland’s last two games will be played away in Ireland and Italy.
This year Scotland will play home only for two games, one less compared to the last year championship. In 2017 the Scots hosted Ireland, Wales and Italy, achieving spectacular wins in all the three home games.
This year Scotland will host Samoa, New Zealand and Australia in the fastest-selling Autumn Tests ever!
-SCOTLAND v SAMOA-
The magic of Christmas in the centre of a fairytale city.
EDINBURGH’S CHRISTMAS
When? From 17th November
Where? Princes Street Gardens, St Andrew Square and George Street
Running from November to January, Edinburgh’s Christmas is one of the most popular Christmas celebrations in UK.
This year you will enter a magical wonderland with the biggest and brightest events and entertainment you have ever seen!
Spin around on a charming Carousel in Princes Street Gardens or skate on the Ice Rink in St Andrew Square.
Christmas is in the air! Visit Edinburgh in November to enjoy city before the holiday rush and walk around the Christmas Market, the Foodie Festival and so much more!
Special advice from The Edinburgh Address: pack your down jacket if you want to survive.
This is what makes Edinburgh magical at the end of the year: lights, decorations, attractions, shows, food and mulled wine. There’s no need to go somewhere else to find the perfect Christmas spirit. Put your ice skates on, embark on Santa’s train, order a hot dog and walk around the great gift shops to find the perfect Christmas gift. The festival is a fantastic celebration and great fun for the whole family.
When? From 17th November
Where? Princes Street Gardens and George Street
More information: Check Here
Since our favourite device never leave our pockets nowadays, we thought it could be interesting to guide you among the best apps to discover Edinburgh. Want to know the best part? They're all free and available on the App Store and Google Play!
Read more: Apps & The City: Discover Edinburgh with your phone
A little selection of what has become an institution in Edinburgh - the coffee shops! More famous than pubs, often the trendiest spots in town, the coffee shops have completely changed the way we consume coffee and food. We have packed our travel mug, ready to give you the best addresses we know.
What an amazing little coffee shop, one of our favourites to be honest. Trendy and quiet, hidden between The University of Edinburgh and the National Museum of Scotland, The Brew Lab has been running since 2012, and offers not only great coffee options, but also a wide variety of delicious food. But wait, there’s even more. You can also train yourself at The Brew Lab! Book yourself in one of the three masterclasses, including Latte Art or Filter Brewing.
A must go!
The impressive volcanic hill located right in the centre of Edinburgh is one of the Masterpieces of the Old Town. Gathering History, heritage and ghost stories, Castle Hill also hosts the best attractions of the city.
We have recently been invited to visit what makes Edinburgh Old Town so special. From Edinburgh Castle to The Scotch Whisky Experience and Camera Obscura, we have quite a lot to share with you! Put your trainers on and let’s get started.
It's Halloween! We thought it might be worth to take you around the city and tell you how was Edinburgh in the past.
Edinburgh is known to be the spookiest city in the UK, and maybe in Europe. And no wonder why. Its Medieval Old Town hides thousands of vaults, graves and wicked secrets that may scare you to death. Cannibals, murderers, torturers and other gory stories are waiting for you.
If you are ready to embark in a dreadful adventure walking around Edinburgh underground paths, then make sure to choose one of the below tours specialised in ghost tours to get the most of your experience.
Located in the north of the city, Stockbridge is well known as the trendiest neighbourhood of Edinburgh. And no wonder why. The area is full of cafés, restaurants, delis and other dedicated shops - the foodie paradise in other words.
Between Gastro Pubs and little street food shops, we have selected the best addresses for your next breakfast, brunch, lunch or diner.
Prepare your forks, part 1 coming up right now.
Purslane - The perfect definition of casual fine dining. Named Edinburgh restaurant of the year last May, Purslane brings together Scottish food at its highest level making you forget the traditional haggis neeps and tatties as National dish. Focusing on seasonality and local produces, the chef Paul Gunning has sourced 80% of his suppliers in Stockbridge. Trying to bringing the community together, the aim of the chef is to offer great food at more than affordable prices.
In brief, at Purslane you will experience exquisite dishes and a lovely atmosphere in a tiny restaurant.
Where? 33a St. Stephen Street Edinburgh EH3 5AH
Autumn has finally arrived in Edinburgh! It’s starting to get chilly so to warm you up we thought it’d be a good idea to share what to do in the city in October. And there’s actually quite a lot! So let’s get started.
October tip from The Edinburgh Address: remember to pack a rain gear, no matter what.
Food & Drink
The Gin Festival - For its very first edition, the Gin Festival is bringing to Edinburgh no less than 100 different gin from all over the world along with street food and music, and the opportunity to meet gin distillers face to face. From gin tonic lovers to initiates, there’s certainly a glass waiting for you. We are looking forward to this.
When? 6th - 8th October
Where? The Corn Exchange
More information: http://bit.ly/2vM5fat
We think Edinburgh’s West End and Dean Village areas are amongst the most beautiful sights and lovely attractions our city has to offer. Yes – of course Edinburgh has the Castle, Arthur’s Seat and The Royal Mile, but take a step back from these monumental crowd-pleasers, and you’ll find cobbled streets, pretty paths and individually owned boutiques and café’s which are a pleasant change from the generic shops we’re so used to seeing on every street.
Take a stroll down to Dean Village and you’ll feel like you’re no longer in Scotland’s Capital City, but in a dainty suburban town. Here’s our guide to just a few of the things you can do whilst in this charming area.
One of the most striking features of Edinburgh is the way that every area has its own distinct persona – an architectural and social character unlike any other. With every region offering something new and unique, the draw of returning to this beautiful city is amplified by the distinctive experiences offered throughout its many geographical genres.
Located a little over a mile from Waverley Station, the cluster of gorgeous Bruntsfield, Marchmont and Morningside combines an intriguing blend of history and character with a contemporary, bohemian flair. More secluded than the city centre, this charming cultural hub offers a wealth of exciting things to do and see for Edinburgh newcomers and connoisseurs alike. Plan your day and let The Edinburgh Address take you on a tour of the best that Bruntsfield and the surrounding burghs have to offer.
Partake in a round at Bruntsfield Links
Our gorgeous two bedroom, two bathroom property at North Charlotte Street is the ideal apartment for your luxury Edinburgh city centre get away. The apartment has one king sized bedroom and one super-king, both with en-suite bathrooms. In our opinion it is one of Edinburgh's most prestegious self catering properties. There's free private and secure parking to the back of the property as well as free wi-fi and a welcome pack. We're offering 15% off stays in April and May 2017.
Read more: 15% off stays at The Skyline @ North Charlotte Street
Boasting some of the world’s finest courses, Scotland offers the golfing connoisseur an array of exquisite possibilities on par with greens all over the world. From perching upon St Andrew’s iconic Swilken Bridge, to the sweeping Duddingston fairways overlooking Holyrood Park, the fineness of a Scottish golfing getaway is not an occasion to be missed.
