8 things to make your winter in Edinburgh warmer!
Although the weather is not bad for this time of the year with temperatures this week at around 12-13oC and a forecast of a mild weather this Christmas, we thought of giving you tips on things to do that will keep you warm this winter in Edinburgh.
1. Start the day with a traditional full Scottish breakfast
Similar to the famous full English breakfast, it’s a meal that will keep you warm and going until the afternoon. There are small variations but the dish generally includes eggs, sausage, bacon, buttered toast, black pudding, baked beans, tattie scones and hash browns. It may also include fried or grilled tomato and/or mushrooms and occasionally haggis, white pudding, fruit pudding or oatcakes.
It’s not difficult to find restaurants that open early for breakfast, many pubs also do.
2. Keep walking
Edinburgh is the perfect city for walking. Being out and walking will warm you up and help your body adjust to the low temperatures. Dress for the weather and enjoy the city’s monuments and parks. Have in mind that in winter it gets dark earlier, this means you will have the privilege of seeing the monuments and buildings beautifully illuminated. Don’t be surprised if you feel a bit more romantic than usual…
3. Visit Camera Obscura
One of Edinburgh’s 5-star attractions, the Camera Obscura show is a fascinating and highly amusing way to see the city and learn about its history. Opened for over 150 years, it is one of first purpose built tourist attractions in Edinburgh! It offers stunning views over the city and amazing optical illusions that can keep all the family entertained. The attraction includes The World of Illusions. As the Camera itself only works with daylight it’s worth visiting it first in the morning.
4. Warm your heart with a whisky experience
Across the street from the Camera Obscura is The Scotch Whisky Experience, another very popular attraction in Edinburgh. There are tours available where you can see and learn everything there is to know about the manufacturing of Scotch whisky. It is also home of the world’s largest collection of Scotch whisky with almost 3,500 bottles. The tours even give out tasters (but you must be over the age of 18). There are plenty of different brands of whisky sold in the shop in case you want to take your new favourite home.
5. Stop at John Lewis and try their fish soup
On the 4th floor of John Lewis store in Edinburgh there is a restaurant with beautiful views to the city. It’s a casual, self-service restaurant. Their fish soup is simply delicious! If you had the Scottish breakfast this is a great option for a light but warm lunch.
6. Visit one of the galleries or museums and have a coffee or a hot chocolate!
The National Galleries and the museums are free (except special exhibitions). Their permanent collections are impressive and definitely worth a visit. While there, take the opportunity to enjoy a nice coffee or hot chocolate at their café.
7. Shop until you drop!
New Town Princes Street and George Street are the most popular areas for shopping in Edinburgh. On Princes Street is where the traditional high street shops are located, from Primark to Marks & Spencer, GAP, Zara and Svarovski. There you will also find the famous Jenners department store. On one side of Princes Street are the shops, on the other the beautiful castle and gardens. A lovely place to shop!
Two blocks north, parallel to Princes Street is George Street where you will find more sophisticated shops, restaurants and cafés. Head east to St Andrews Square and visit Harvey Nichols and other fancy shops on Multrees Walk.
Have in mind that shops close usually at 6pm.
8. Treat yourself a nice Indian dining
Britain is famous for its love for Indian cuisine. Type ‘Indian restaurant Edinburgh’ in Google and you will be surprised with the offer. The unique spices and aromas of the Indian menu are mouth-watering and warming! Delicious and unexpected flavours make meat and vegetarian dishes rich alike. Remember it doesn’t need to be spicy to warm one up.
Our favourite is a award-winning best Indian restaurant in Edinburgh:
Britannia Spice
150 Commercial Street
Ocean Drive
Edinburgh EH6 6LB
Tel: 0131 555 2255
There you will find a selection of exquisite dishes from a wide range of traditional cuisines, from Bangladesh, Northern India, Nepal, Thailand and Sri-Lanka.
Click here for a complete list of Indian restaurants in Edinburgh.
