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Edinburgh

Kick Up Your Kilt!

by nikkibridges

An October 1998 travel journal

Last Updated: February 9, 2002

Journal Usefulness Rating 2 out of 5
Journal Usefulness Rating
5
Reviews

I spent a year as an exchange student in Edinburgh, Scotland. While studying at the university, I

The best way to see Edinburgh is to get lost in the city. There are many winding, narrow back streets to explore. Just walking around in the city is amazing.

While taking your walking tour, stop in at the Elephant House. This is a funky little coffeehouse right on your way to Prince's Street.

Take a walk up the hill by the Divinity School at the University of Edinburgh. There is an impressive view that looks down on the Royal Mile.

Quick Tips:

Don't bother with an umbrella. You will notice that most Scots either brave the rain, or invest in a sturdy raincoat. If you try to fight back the rain with an umbrella, it will be ripped apart by the wind.

Best Way To Get Around:

The Elephant House

Restaurant

The Elephant House is a coffeehouse on George IV Bridge. This is my favorite coffee shop in Edinburgh because of the pachyderm motif. There are over six hundred elephants decorating the walls of The Elephant House.

There are an abundance of coffees, teas, and gourmet foods to choose from. After a long day of touring the city, this is a prime place to rest your feet, enjoy the castle views, and play a boardgame.

  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by nikkibridges on February 9, 2002

Elephant House
21 George IV Bridges Edinburgh, Scotland
0131 220 5355

Don't be afraid to try the coffee served up by the California Coffee Company. The police boxes cum red "coffee boxes" are located throughout the city. They serve up a quick (and large) coffee drink to go. Plus, where else will you find options for soy milk and carob syrup?
  • Member Rating 3 out of 5 by nikkibridges on February 9, 2002

California Coffee Stand
Edinburgh, Scotland

The Cellar Bar

Activity

The Cellar Bar is an underground pub that features free jazz and latin music during the week. There's no cover charge and the service is great. If you go, make sure you order a Long Vodka.
  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by nikkibridges on January 27, 2002

Cellar No 1
1 Chambers Street Edinburgh, Scotland EH1 1HR
+44 131 220 4298

Not to be confused with the Cellar Bar, Henry's Cellar Bar (Jazz Joint) features a wide range of music. Contemporary jazz, hip hop, latin, and even drum and bass. The cover is worth the quality of music served up by the musicians. Henry's Cellar Bar is small, so get there early if you want a table.
  • Member Rating 3 out of 5 by nikkibridges on February 9, 2002

Henry's Cellar Bar
8-16 Morrison Street Edinburgh, Scotland EH3 8BJ
+44 131 221 1288

About the Writer

nikkibridges
nikkibridges
New Orleans, Louisiana

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