Unmissable Edinburgh Guide

Unmissa ble Edinburg h

Your guide to the city

A collaboration between EUSA and The Student Newspaper

FRE E!

Contents

Contributors

Zoe Blah

Claire Cameron Jamie Clegg Dominique Cottee Anna Donegan Alasdair Drennan Chris Dyer Emma Elliott-Walker Paul Fitzpatrick Susannah Jeffries Lewis Macdonald Niamh Maynard (photography) Andy Quinn (photography) Tom Rhimes Guy Rughani Emma Shiel Ben Simmons Amy Spall Chris Waugh Aaron J. Webster

Welcome Timeline Getting Around General Geography Eating Out Pubs Clubs Live Music Entertainment Shopping Things to do Walking Trip Festivals Useful Contacts

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to e m o H, c G l R e U B W N

DI E E L AB S with S n I o i t M UN junc

EUSA. on d c n n a i r en spape writt w e N t tuden S e h T

The aim of this guide is to offer you advice, tips and recommendations about the best places to see and things to do in the city. Edinburgh is a varied and cultural place so whatever your interests, we’re confident that the city will win you over.

If you’re stuck for something to do, check out the sections on Day Trips and Entertainment, or the Getting Around section offers advice on buses, bikes and trains.

The guide has been written by students, so we hope to introduce you some of the many hidden gems this city has to offer that we’ve discovered since coming to Uni. We’re delighted to be able to welcome you to this fantastic city – we love Edinburgh and know you will too!

www.studentnewspaper.org www.eusa.ed.ac.uk UNMISSABLE EDINBURGH

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e n i l e m i T 626

Edinburgh founded by King Edwin of Northumbria

1128

Holyrood Abbey founded in Edinburgh by David I, King of Scotland

1130

David I builds a formidable royal castle on the rock.

1356

David II orders the rebuilding of the castle.

David’s Tower is named after him.

1528

King James V enters city with an army, to assert his right to rule; Holyrood Palace is built for him

1582

Edinburgh University is founded

1652

A ‘journey coach’ to London is introduced – it takes a fortnight to make the journey

1677

The first coffee house opens in the city

1700

A fire destroys the larger part of Edinburgh

1767

A competition is held for the best plan to build a new town. The competition is won by James Craig.

1772

North Bridge is built

1818

Calton Hill observatory is founded by the Edinburgh Astronomical Institution

1826

The Royal Scottish Academy is founded

1830

McVitie & Price Ltd, biscuit makers, are founded and locate on Rose Street

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1833

The city goes bankrupt, partly due to the development of Leith docks

1869

Sophia Jex-Blake becomes first female medical student (studying at Edinburgh University)

1874

Heart of Midlothian Football Club is founded

1875

Hibernian Football Club is founded

1892

McVitie’s devise Digestive Biscuits

1910

First electric trams run

1943

Eduardo Paolozzi begins studying at the Edinburgh College of Art

1947

Edinburgh Festival is founded

1950

The first Edinburgh Military Tattoo is held on the Castle Esplanade

1980

The City Art Centre opens on Market Street

1984

The Gallery of Modern Art opens on Belford Road

1984

Alexander McCall Smith begins teaching at Edinburgh University

1989

Eduardo Paolozzi is knighted by Queen Elizabeth II and awarded the KBE

1998

The Museum of Scotland is built

1999

Scottish Parliament is opened by the Queen

2004

Scottish Parliament Building is opened

2009

Largest Clan gathering is held for Homecoming Scotland UNMISSABLE EDINBURGH

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d n u o r a getting

Starting out in a new city can be a daunting experience.

The best way to learn your way around is walking, but if this seems a bit time-consuming there are a number of other ways to get around as well. The city is host to excellent bus and train systems, as well as being cyclist-friendly and providing reliable taxi services. This leaves you with no excuse not to really discover the city and explore.

Buses Edinburgh’s main bus station is in St. Andrew’s Square, where you can find various services travelling all over Scotland and the rest of the UK.

A single ticket costs £1.30, or if you’re going to be travelling a number of times during the day, a day ticket gives you unlimited travel for £3.20.

To and from the airport

TOP TIP

Lothian Buses are the main bus service providers in the city itself, and the huge number of routes they offer can seem daunting, but simply do a little research on their website (www.lothianbuses.com) before you hop onto one and you should have a good idea as to what number you need, and how frequently it travels.

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The Airlink, Edinburgh’s bus service to and from the airport, sets off from outside Waverley Station and takes about half an hour to leave you right outside the Departures lounge of the airport.

It runs 24 hours, 7 days a week (in conjunction with the N22 Nightlink), and from 6 in the morning until just before midnight a bus leaves at least every ten minutes. A single fare is £3.50 and a return is £6, making your journey relatively cheap and easy.

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Bus Tracker Apps Lothian Buses offer free Bus Tracker apps for both iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch as well as Android devices. The EdinBus apps give live bus time information and service disruption information. You can search for bus stops by name, location or the unique identification number which can be seen at each stop. These apps are very useful, especially later in the day and on Sundays when buses are less frequent. The main downfall of the apps is that they do not provide route information.

If you do not have an iPhone or an Android phone, the information in the apps is also available at mobile.mybustracker.co.uk, or at www.mybustracker.co.uk from a computer.

There is also an app which plans journeys from doorstep to doorstep.

The Traveline Scotland iPhone app is free and easy to use to help you get around the city. Once again, you can also use the website (www.travelinescotland.com) or the mobile site (mobile.travelinescotland.com) to get the same information.

Trains

Waverley Station off Princes Street is the central train station in Edinburgh. From there, you will be able to travel all over Britain, allowing you to head home over the holidays or zip off to Glasgow for a day’s shopping.

A useful purchase is the 16-25 Railcard. It costs £26 for a year’s use, and can give you up to 1/3 off all of your fares, including Standard and First Class Advance, and can be used as often as you like.

Trains are a great and easy way to explore Scotland. The average fare to Glasgow is £6, with trains usually running at least once an hour.

Book yourself a window seat and enjoy the ride.

Plan your journey or book tickets if going further afield at www.thetrainline.com.

Cycling

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One of the best ways to get around the city is by Keep in mind when bicycle. There are a number of cycle paths in buying a bike that places like the Meadows and provision for buying a good bike cyclists throughout the city with numerous cycle lock is absolutely lanes. Check out www.spokes.org.uk for essential! up-to-date maps and info. If you’re on the lookout for a bike, head to second-hand shops such as The Bike Station, which is found just off Causewayside (www.thebikestation.org.uk), or have a look on Gumtree, for individuals selling their own bikes (www.gumtree.com/edinburgh). Gumtree is fantastic if you’re looking for furniture, flatmates, jobs or the like.

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general geography Here are a few of the main areas in the city centre and slightly further afield.

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A quick and simple way to start learning about Edinburgh is to join one of EUSA’s many Freshers’ Week See The City tours. You can pick up your Freshers’ Week What’s On Guide at any EUSA venue or check listings at www.freshers.eusa.ed.ac.uk

New Town Perhaps the most easily navigated part of Edinburgh, the New Town offers some of the best shopping, clubbing and dining in the city. Princes Street is definitely the feature of this end of town, with huge chain clothing stores such as Topshop, Urban Outfitters, or the more upmarket Jenners (the Harrods of the North), regularly pulling in customers off the street.

Designer boutiques also line Hanover, Frederick and George Street, for those with more expensive tastes.

Heading east, eventually you’ll reach Calton Hill, which offers an unrivalled panorama of Holyrood, the Forth, the Castle and Arthur’s Seat. One street north of Princes Street is Rose Street, which features many independent pubs and restaurants, many with brilliant student lunch deals.

George Street is home to some of Edinburgh’s best nightlife, including clubs, cocktail bars and huge 19th century pubs.

For those rare sunny days, New Town has a multitude of parks which are perfect to take a walk, pack a picnic or just sit with a good book, the most popular of which is Princes Street Gardens. For museum lovers, the National Gallery of Scotland offers free admission to some of the North’s best art collections, making the area a popular destination for both tourists and locals. page 12 I UNMISSABLE EDINBURGH

Newington and the Bridges You’ll quickly get to know Newington and the Bridges. Whilst it may not be the prettiest of Edinburgh’s areas, it is certainly the most convenient for university, town, Arthur’s Seat and basically everything else. Additionally, from North Bridge to Clerk Street are all the food, charity and pound shops you could possibly desire.

Close to Pollock Halls is the fabulous (and suitably pricey) Peckhams deli. Pop in and marvel at the wide range of cakes, cheeses and chutneys. At the south end of Newington is the oddly spaceship-like Cameron Toll Shopping Centre. They’ve got a massive Sainsbury’s and guess what? More pound shops.

Living costs are cheap in Newington, so when it comes to sorting a flat for second year, don’t overlook it in favour of the glossy attractions of Marchmont and New Town. The various coffee shops, Tesco’s, university buildings and the gym make it a hub for all the conveniences you’ll need.

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general geography Old Town The Old Town is the Medieval part of the city, seen in its winding and cobbled streets that appear to have no order or design to them. The more you explore, the more you realise that there is an endless supply of narrow, twisted streets, seemingly infinite stairs, and odd-named locations like the sordid-sounding Fleshmarket Close. An example of these winding streets is Cockburn Street, where you’ll find a number of alternative clothes shops, restaurants and hostels. No visit is complete without taking a walk down to Grassmarket. Far more than simply a retail haven, the area is well known for being home to some excellent restaurants as well as an eclectic collection of bars and pubs, many with a history dating back to the notorious days of Burke and Hare, which are known throughout the world for their exciting, dark Edinburgh history.

The most prominent feature of Old Town is the Royal Mile, which houses Edinburgh Castle at one end and Holyrood Palace at the other. In between you’ll find a number of places of interest, such as the Camera Obscura, St. Giles’ Cathedral, and all the places to buy anything and everything tartan you’ll ever need. page 14 I UNMISSABLE EDINBURGH

Tollcross/Lothian Road Home to the Usher Hall, Edinburgh’s main concert hall, Lothian Road or the Cultural Quarter, as it has been recently renamed, is a performing art lover’s dream. Every Friday from September to April, the Scottish National Orchestra performs here, and throughout the year it plays host to some of the biggest and best names in music, both classical and contemporary. Located just northwest of the Meadows, this trendy area features three different theatres: King’s (Leven Street), the Lyceum (Grindlay Street) and the Traverse (Cambridge Street), all of which regularly hold theatre and musical performances to suit all tastes.

Cinemas also dot the streets of Tollcross, including the ODEON for blockbuster enthusiasts, and the Cameo and the Filmhouse for those with tastes more geared towards independent, arthouse or foreign cinema. And of course, no theatre district is complete without a plethora of restaurants to choose from, with selections from all over the world, including Thailand, India, France, Italy and even the odd Scottish cuisine. Most restaurants offer deals for theatre-goers, so for a classy night out, Tollcross has all bases covered.

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Marchmont Located just across the Meadows, Marchmont is a popular student living area, containing a large number of flats, conveniently close to both the central and King’s campuses. There are a number of small coffee shops such as Black Medicine, which cater for those who enjoy spending the day filling up on caffeine and cake, and pubs such as The Earl of Marchmont, which is small but cosy, offering a lively student atmosphere.

The student influence can be seen in the number of small convenience stores such as Scotmid and Margiottas, which sell all the essentials, as well as the more specific greengrocers, fishmongers and banks, giving the area a community feel.

More aesthetically pleasing than Newington, Marchmont is a good place to stop and take a break if you’re having a walk or run around the green and especially when the weather’s nice, the air is pleasantly filled with the smell of barbecues drifting in from the Meadows.

Bruntsfield/Morningside Bruntsfield and Morningside, found to the southeast of the Meadows, are not as dominated by students as Marchmont. Here you’ll find a number of restaurants, delis, and coffee shops as well as upmarket boutiques selling various items your mum would love. There is also a small, independent cinema in Morningside called the Dominion.

If you decide to visit the area, Canny Mans pub in Morningside is certainly somewhere you should experience. Inside, you feel like you’ve stepped back in time, with a huge array of items and collections adorning the walls.

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Fountainbridge is found not far from the west end of Princes Street, situated at a triple junction between Haymarket, Tollcross and Bruntsfield. It is a relatively quiet student area as it’s a little far from the university but is perfect for a fun evening out. It houses two main attractions; FountainPark Centre and the Union Canal.

FountainPark is the go-to place for most Marchmont and Bruntsfielders. It has a Cineworld cinema, which shows all the new releases and is cheaper than the Vue cinema with an average student ticket price of £5.40. There is also a Gala Bingo, bowling, a casino and countless number of restaurants including a Nando’s to enjoy. The union canal plays host to a number of recreational activities such as rowing and kayaking, as well as being the perfect destination for a lovely walk or early morning run.

general geography

Fountainbridge

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general geography Stockbridge Stockbridge may seem a little out of the way for most students, but is host to (arguably) the best event found in the city. The Stockbridge Duck Race is held every year, raising money for charity through its sale of rubber ducks that are raced down the Water of Leith. Winners get the glory of knowing that their duck was the fastest rubber animal to be tipped into the water out of a plastic bin that year. Fantastic.

Alternatively, the Royal Botanic Gardens are located in the area, which offer a lovely day out if you’re sick of studying and want a bit of nature in your life. Their cafes and restaurants are also worth visiting.

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Leith Leith is found to the North of Edinburgh, and is very accessible by bus or can be found within walking distance to Princes Street.

It is host to Ocean Terminal shopping centre, which houses most of the high street chains as well as a cinema, bars and restaurants.

One of the nicest aspects of Leith is its proximity to the Water of Leith Walkway, which starts from the harbour and ends up on the edge of the Pentland Hills, offering a world away from the bustle of the city.

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eating out Eating out in Edinburgh can be as expensive or cheap as your budget allows.

There are plenty of places offering coffee or pub food for the everyday visits, or three course dinners and fine dining should there be a special occasion!

EUSA venues offer a number of places to eat, such as the New Amphion and the Library Bar in Teviot for a selection of hearty filling meals or the famous burgers, The Pleasance Bar which does a mean “gut-buster breakfast” or the Café at Potterrow Dome, all of which are very affordable. However, if you’re feeling brave and want to try somewhere new, we’ve recommended a few places, so be adventurous and discover them for yourself!

Rainbow Arch

Chop Chop Noodle Bar

8 – 16 Morrison Street, EH3 8BJ Tel 0131 221 1288

248 Morrison Street, EH3 8DT and 76 Commercial Street, EH6 6LX

This well known Chinese restaurant is located just off Lothian Road, above the famous jazz bar Henry’s Cellar Bar. This particular restaurant is worth a visit for the dim sum alone, with a few scary-sounding options such as tripe or chicken feet for those feeling brave! Despite being a bit worn around the edges, this place serves a great a la carte menu and is well worth stopping by.

Illegal Jacks 113 – 117 Lothian Road, EH3 9AN Tel 0131 522 7499 www.illegaljacks.co.uk

This fantastic tex mex restaurant offers freshly cooked, tasty meals including fresh salsa and guacamole. The great thing about Illegal Jacks is the simple 4 step menu – choose burritos, tacos or quesadilla as the basis of your meal then add your extras – or the option to choose from the delicious specials menu. The service is truly excellent and a friendly welcome is always extended.

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Tel 0131 553 1818 www.chop-chop.co.uk

Chop Chop has a fantastic reputation in Edinburgh and became even more famous when Gordon Ramsay featured the show on his F-Word TV series, with the sweary man himself rating it one of the best restaurants in Scotland. An informal atmosphere combined with simple, expertly produced cuisine such as chilli beef, chicken and peanuts and the best desert ever, peanut butter dumplings, means you’ll leave Chop Chop planning your next visit!

Wannaburger 7/8 Queensferry Road, EH2 4PA Tel 0131 220 0036 www.wannaburger.com

An amazing burger menu awaits in Wannaburger! This diner-style establishment can offer plenty of choice for meat-eaters and veggies alike, with beef, chicken, bean, or portabella mushroom burger. Add your own toppings such as chilli, cheese, bacon or Roquefort, and be sure to try the fab range of side dishes such as onion rings and pickles.

Wannaburger believe that burgers should be eaten with your hands so don’t stand on ceremony in this place – dig in!

Valvona and Crolla 19 Elm Row, EH7 4AA Tel 0131 556 6066

The Clock 35 Shore, Leith EH6 6QN Tel 0131 553 1922

Visit The Clock for delicious sandwiches and all sorts of tasty vittles to get you through your day! Here you'll find one of the largest selections of 'on the go' food available. The quality on offer means that The Clock has become very popular.

However, smart and efficient staff ensure the queue moves quickly meaning that you won't have to salivate for long...

Mother India’s Café

3 – 5 Infirmary Street, EH1 1LT Tel 0131 524 9801 www.motherindiaglasgow.co.uk

Mother India’s unique approach to Indian cuisine means you can taste a selection of fantastic dishes. Their unusual tapas-style menu ensures you get a delicious, varied meal without feeling like you’re going to burst at the seams. Faves you should try include butter chicken, spicy king prawns and, if you’re looking for a veggie treat, aloo saag dosa or chana poori. This is a bustling and lively cafeteria style eatery, those wanting peace and quiet should look for another venue.

This Italian deli has a reputation which reaches far beyond Edinburgh city centre. A deli/café bar, it’s a great place to pop in for breakfast or lunch as well as browse the many goodies in the deli section. Don’t venture in if you’re on a serious budget – it can be pricey and you will be tempted to spend!

Under The Stairs 31 Merchant Street, EH1 1QD Tel 0131 466 8550 www.underthestairs.org

This basement bar restaurant is a popular vegetarian choice – not exclusively veggie but plenty of options – and has a lively, fun atmosphere. The décor is mismatched and 70s style, with features such as a large fireplace with an old stove and stone walls.

Whether it’s a bowl of hearty homemade soup, their famous burgers or mussels, there’s lots on the menu which will appeal to everyone. This is a popular pre-club destination so be warned, it gets noisy and busy as the night goes on.

Kismot 29 St. Leonards Street, EH8 9QN Tel 0131 667 0123 www.kismot.co.uk

This restaurant specialising in Indian and Bangladeshi cuisine is famous for the “Kismot Killer” – a curry so hot that a) you have to sign a disclaimer before you eat it and b) if you can ACTUALLY eat it all, you get it free! Not to worry though, alongside your usual Indian restaurant menu offerings there’s plenty of unusual treats on offer for those with taste buds which aren’t made from reinforced steel, including chocolate and marshmallow nan bread and curry ice-cream!

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out g n i eat Elephant House 21 George IV Bridge, EH1 1EN Tel 0131 220 5355 www.elephanthouse.biz

Elephant House is as well known for its famous literary clientele as much as its very tasty menu options. JK Rowling, Ian Rankin and Alexander McCall Smith are cited as regular attenders, enjoying the relaxed atmosphere and gourmet tea and coffee on offer. A popular student choice, the food and drink are reasonably priced with options covering favourites such as baked spuds, paninis, quiches and pies, homemade soup and daily specials.

Urban Angel

121 Hanover Street, EH2 1DJ Tel 0131 226 6215 and 1 Forth Street, EH1 2JS Tel 0131 556 6323 www.urban-angel.co.uk

Urban Angel is perfect for the discerning consumer with a foody conscience. Think organic, fair trade, and free range. They also offer a range of organic, fair trade, vegan wines, beers and tea. Head straight for the specials to try something exciting as the main menu is fairly standard, but the home-made burgers, tapas and brunch options are tried and tested faves.

Extremely stylish surroundings plus the ethical credentials means that you’ll maybe have to wait ‘til payday to sample this menu.

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Assembly

41 Lothian Street, EH1 1HB Tel 0131 220 4288 www.assemblybar.co.uk

This very popular bar restaurant ticks all the boxes for student life, due to its proximity to Union buildings, the nicely priced meals and drinks, and the laid back atmosphere.

Assembly offers a good mix of pub grub such as the delicious chickpea burgers to the more surprising offerings of duck spring rolls or Cajun chicken, plus smaller nibbles to keep you on the responsible side of drinking on a night out.

Negociants 45 – 47 Lothian Street, EH1 1HB Tel 0131 225 6313

Negociants is famed among the student population, locals and tourists alike as a fantastic venue for food, drinks and sitting outside watching the world go by. Make sure you have plenty of room if you plan on ordering either the burger or any of the sandwiches and chips, the portions are generous. If you’re sitting outside and it’s a bit chilly, just ask a staff member who will provide a blanket!

Mosque Kitchen 29 – 33 Nicholson Square EH8 9BX www.mosquekitchen.co.uk

Fantastic value at around £5 per meal plus a plate piled high means the Mosque Kitchen remains a firm student favourite.

The barbecue is on the go every day and carnivores can tuck into lamb or chicken whilst the veggies can enjoy dahl, chickpea or spinach and potato curry.

Mum’s

4a Forest Road, EH1 2QN Tel 0131 260 9806

Black Medicine 2 Nicolson Street, EH8 9DH Tel 0131 557 6269 www.blackmed.co.uk

Black Medicine is a popular destination for excellent sandwiches, good coffee and chat. The staff are always happy to have a blether with customers and make it part of their ethos to provide a warm, personable welcome. Check out their website to get to know who's who! The sandwiches, paninis and bagels have got a great choice of tasty fillings and their smoothies are brilliant.

The New Amphion

Teviot Row House, Bristo Square, EUSA, EH8 9AJ

Since its refurb last year, with its new marble top tables, luxurious leather sofas and Jules Verne style fans, The New Amphion in Teviot now has a relaxed, unhurried, almost colonial feel.

We think it looks like a mix between a Parisian café and a 1920’s luxury liner, and it would look great in any high street in any city. And best of all, its one of your Unions!

With a new great fresh hot meal selection every day, real fair trade coffee and an excellent a la carte menu, all at student prices (less than £4.00 for a full hot plate lunch) it's both budget-conscious AND healthy, hearty fare.

Worth noting it is extremely popular between 12 and 2 with hot plate meals definitely the quickest option – but also a great place to plug in the laptop and work all day with cappuccinos always close at hand.

Mum’s is both student and wallet friendly, serving up a range of home comforts. The retro décor accompanied with the 60’s music makes it the ideal place to chill out with some friends after a hard day’s studying, and what’s more, it’s open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Mum’s serves gourmet food at student prices, just a stone’s throw away from the main campus…what’s not to love?

Spoon

6a Nicholson Street, EH8 9DH Tel 0131 557 4567

Hidden between a health food shop and a rug outlet store opposite Old College is the unassuming entrance to an Edinburgh marvel. Go up the polished wooden stairs, wait to be seated and take in the beautifully airy, light-flooded space of Spoon Cafe Bistro. Between the panels of Gilbert and Sullivan theatre brochures, you can nestle back on the pop-art cushions, lift a piece of vintage crockery to your lips and enjoy a delicious milkshake, coffee or tea.

Their soup of the day is always glorious and their sausage and bacon sandwiches served in a salted bun are surely Edinburgh’s finest.

Redbox 51 – 53 West Nicholson Street, EH8 9DB Tel 0131 662 0828

Red-Box Noodle Bar is just a stone’s throw away from George Square and is well worth a visit during lunchtime. Situated on West Nicholson Street, it offers a quick, affordable and substantial meal. You order your £5 noodle box Subway style, selecting the type of noodle you want, followed by the meat and fresh vegetables you would like, finally adding the stir fry sauce (the Thai sweet chilli sauce is especially tasty). Your order is then brought to your table, although the option to take-away is also available. Although simple, the eating area provides an incredibly pleasant experience, although it’s worth keeping in mind that it gets very busy at peak times and it is not always easy to find a seat.

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out g n i t ea Centotre 103 George Street, EH2 3ES Tel 0131 225 1550

This Italian restaurant located on George Street is the perfect place to have dinner when friends and family are in town.

With a polished, high-ceilinged interior, you’ll find yourself feeling calmed and pleased with the aesthetics and even more so with the menu. A nicely varied choice of pastas, pizzas and mains such as lamb, sole or veal means that whatever your taste, something is sure to appeal. They also offer gluten-free alternatives, happy to provide for whatever allergies and quirks present themselves. Centotre possesses that happy balance of good food, attractive surroundings and reasonable prices.

Hanedan

41 West Preston Street, EH8 9PY Tel 0131 667 4242

Once you have managed to squeeze into this tiny gem of a restaurant, you won’t be disappointed. Each dish is lovingly prepared from fresh and delicious ingredients in the miniscule open kitchen. Chef Gursel Bahar welcomes you like an old friend, before recommending dishes for the less seasoned palate. Try the Kalamar meze; a squid salad, flash-fried in lemon, garlic and chilli. The mains are slightly more expensive, but the portions are generous so two could easily share. If you don’t want to break the bank, but have the room to enjoy a hearty meal, there is a set menu on offer for under £10 to cater for your tastes. page 26 I UNMISSABLE EDINBURGH

The Scottish Café and Restaurant

Access via National Gallery of Scotland or Princes Street Gardens, EH2 2EL Tel 0131 226 6524

For the best hot chocolate in Edinburgh, venture no further than the Scottish Cafe. Housed underneath the National Galleries of Scotland with inspiring views over Princes Street Gardens and up towards Calton Hill, this handy tartan treasure is a surprisingly peaceful escape from the bustle of central Edinburgh.

They offer a wide range of food and drink, but afternoon tea is their forte.

Pick your drinks from the menu, but go up to the counters for the widest choice of cakes and scones.

The quality of the cakes is reflected in the price though, so make sure your eyes aren’t bigger than your wallet!

The Library Bar Teviot How House, Bristo Square, EUSA, EH8 9AJ

The best original Nachos, the best stone baked pizzas, the best chef made burgers and all at student prices! Portions and pizzas big enough to share and all in the most popular student bar in the city.

It’s rammed and that’s the reason why!

Serving from lunch ‘til late – with pizzas until 2am at weekend – the Library Bar is the place to graze with a beer without breaking the bank for students.

The Mayfield Bar The Blackford Lounge Pi In The Sky Kings Buildings House, Kings Building, EUSA, EH9 3JJ

The Pleasance Bar The Pleasance, EUSA, EH8 9TJ

It’s pub grub and doesn’t pretend to be anything else and we love it! Definitely a “regulars’” bar, and if you are part of any society, or use the CSE facilities, you will probably end up at Pleasance at some time or other. Grab a seat, grab the ketchup and tuck in. Large portions, cheap prices, and sport on the telly! If you want your very own ‘local’, with students as the locals, then Pleasance is for you. “Sometimes you want to go where everybody knows your name...”

The Dome Café & Bar

Potterow, Bristo Square, EUSA, EH8 9AL

New for 2011, the Dome Café in Potterow is all wood and all good.

With pretty much everything except the floor made from reclaimed wood and fallen trees, you can enjoy the aesthetic without feeling guilty about the environment. With fresh hot food, sandwiches and fair trade tea and coffee, all at student prices, plus the whole of the palm filled Dome to sit in, this is great place to lunch or study. The main student shop is right next door so you can also enjoy the convenience of grab and go (and pay of course!) if time is short.

Three choices one building. With the offer ranging from great value hot plate food to a la carte dining, if you are studying at KB, or live nearby, these venues are a must try for lunch, dinner or just a coffee break. The a la carte is served only in the Blackford, and with a high percentage of tutors and mature students in there it’s the quieter of the 3 spaces, but if you have a bit of spare cash and want something a bit different then this is definitely worth a try. Pi In The Sky is fast and straightforward fare, and the Mayfield lively and good value, if you don’t mind MTV with your burger.

The Chocolate Tree

123 Bruntsfield Place, EH10 4EQ Tel 0131 228 3144

The Chocolate Tree is home to a world of organic chocolate delights and the small, cosy atmosphere provides the perfect environment to sit and catch up with friends. A wide range of hot and cold drinks are available, including artisan hot chocolates, Spanish speciality coffees, and homemade lemonade. Pair this with an impressive cake menu including local home-made muffins, European delicacies and the biggest slice of chocolate cake you’ll have ever seen, and there’ll always be something to take your fancy! Perhaps the most incredible thing about The Chocolate Tree is their very own chocolate display. Ready to be packed away into origami boxes, this hand crafted chocolate is almost impossible to resist. Available in a wide variety of different flavours, you can even buy homemade chocolate spread and individual chocolates, for those times when you deserve to spoil yourself.

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Edinburgh is world-famous for its vast selection of pubs and bars, and there’s definitely something to suit everyone; we’ve detailed just the tip of the iceberg…

Doctors

32 Forest Road, EH1 2QN Tel 0131 225 1819

Situated on Teviot Place, just off Bristo Square, Doctors is a popular student drinking post. Offering discounts for students, it’s also reasonably priced for an Edinburgh pub. Due to its convenient location, many students regularly visit Doctors for a brisk lunch before returning to classes or a quick tipple on the way home. Food prices are extremely competitive and, with a large variety of dishes and themed nights, you won’t be disappointed with the quality and diversity available.

Although Doctors is a great place to eat and drink at any time, the pub really comes to life when the sport is on. With numerous screens and several live-feeds, all key sports events are broadcast, often simultaneously, and the atmosphere is always electric – especially during the Six Nations season.

Three Sisters

139 Cowgate, EH1 1JS Tel 0131 622 6801

Stepping off Cowgate into the large, cobblestoned courtyard of The Three Sisters, you are immediately drawn into its lively-yetcasual party atmosphere. BBQs are held all throughout the summer, with a large outdoor projector screen for sports matches. Inside, the front section offers long, rustic tables or comfortable booths at which to enjoy the large selection of drinks and food. The Bar Menu offers 3-4 course set meals, various finger foods and typical pub lunches.

The Back Bar is the visual masterpiece of the Three Sisters: the surrounding 16th century stone walls and high ceilings host the main dance floor, Tuesday night pub quizzes, live music and the occasional comedy night. page 30 I UNMISSABLE EDINBURGH

Bramble Bar

16a Queen Street, EH2 1JE Tel 0131 226 6343 www.bramblebar.co.uk

You might have already walked past Bramble Bar, hidden as it is on the corner of Queen Street and Hanover Street. But take the stairs down to the unmarked basement door and you'll find inside a treasure trove for the cocktail enthusiast. No coffee or beer on tap in here – that would interfere with the mixing!

Choose from 28 bespoke cocktails or any other standard cocktails. We recommend a Gin ‘n’ Jam as a good way to start your evening. It’s a fairly subdued venue but DJs are on Fridays and Saturdays.

The Sheep Heid Inn

43 – 45 The Causeway, EH15 3QA Tel 0131 661 7974 www.sheepheid.co.uk

This place is well worth a visit – due to being the oldest pub in Scotland! Well, not quite, this version of the Sheep Heid has been pulling pints for around 200 years but the first Sheep Heid Inn was built on that spot around 1360. A skittle alley, beer garden, 4 real-ales on tap and around 25 whiskies to sample ensure you’ll get a truly Scottish experience.

Teviot Row House

Bristo Square, EUSA, EH8 9AJ

How many bars can you fit into one building?

In Teviot, the answer is 6, and they are all yours! Every one has a different atmosphere, they are only for students and guests, and although responsible drinking is a EUSA mantra (we hear you, we hear you), the beer is seriously good value!

With all profits from these bars going back into student services, you are really helping yourselves every time you have a drink in a EUSA bar.

The Library Bar is definitely the most popular student bar in Edinburgh. It’s busy and bustling and a great space, but not somewhere for a quiet chat. Nearly all the staff are students too, so students are made to feel very welcome.

The Lounge is all red leather chairs, comfy sofas and a grand piano! When a talented student is tinkling the ivories this becomes a great piano bar. If not so talented a pianist, then there are plenty of other bars to choose from.

The Loft Bar is right at the top of Teviot and feels like a private VIP bar, which it is during the Edinburgh Festival – so you get to sit and drink where the greats of theatre and comedy have done the same. With its own roof terrace (nice for smokers) this tends to be used for private society functions and parties – they throw in a free buffet (and a karaoke if that’s your thing) if you get enough people together and book the bar for the evening. Worth a thought.

The Sports Bar does what it says on the tin. Not the nicest looking bar in Teviot, and the furniture is a bit basic, but all the big sporting events are shown live and the atmosphere during the 6 nations (especially for England vs Scotland) has to be felt and heard to be believed. Not for the faint hearted.

The Underground brown carpet on the walls is a bit worrying, and the murky corners and shadows are probably best not examined too closely, but when live bands play the Underground really comes to life. With drinks at student prices, and great local bands and DJ’s, it can offer a really good night out. If EUSA ever have enough to spend a few hundred thousand on it, it could be fantastic. Until then, it’s safe, loud and yours, so enjoy it as it is – sticky floors and all!

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The Pleasance

60 Pleasance, EUSA, EH8 9TJ A student local and a theatre bar. Those who use it, love it, as it has that “local pub” feel in abundance. Those who don’t, should try it. Just down the road from Pollock Halls, if you and your friends just want a drink in a traditional pub, but want to be sure you’ll be safe and you’ll only pay student prices, then it’s always worth heading to the Pleasance. Good pub grub too!

KB House

Blackford Lounge and Mayfield Bar, EUSA, EH9 3JJ

All those students using Kings Buildings will find a home from home at KB House. Those who aren't studying there are advised to pop in if passing as these bars are worth a look.

The quiz night is pretty good and usually very busy. The Mayfield is great for pool, sports, or MTV if there's no major football or rugby on, and the Blackford is a bit quieter, a bit more comfortable and it does great food.

The Dome Bar

Potterow, EUSA, EH8 9AL

This bar tends to be open only when events are on in the Venue in Potterow, but we have been told EUSA are hoping to open it as another nightly Union Bar from September 2011. If they do, and there is heating in the Dome (as they are also telling us there will be) then this could be a great alternative to Teviot, if you want to drink and socialise in one of the Unions.

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The Salisbury Arms 58 Dalkeith Road, EH16 5AD Tel 0131 667 4518

Situated just across from Pollock Halls on Dalkeith Road, this pub is a firm favourite with Edinburgh students, as it is a great place to chill out at lunchtime when some students are at lectures (or even still in bed). In the evening when it fills up, there is a vibrant student atmosphere. Recently refurbished and renamed The Salisbury Arms, this student haunt has had a good makeover and more comfortable surroundings will only serve to make this already popular destination even busier.

The Brauhaus 105 – 107 Lauriston Place EH3 9JG Tel 0131 656 0356

With hundreds of world beers to choose from, the relatively small Brauhaus is testimony to the fact that size isn’t everything. The small bar offers more variety than some beer festivals, from Russia’s Baltika 7 or Sweden’s brilliantly titled God Lager.

It's not all about beer though – as the signed Dennis Bergkamp shirt would suggest.

Football from across the continent is regularly shown, with foreign commentary sometimes included! Due to its size, the place gets busy quickly, but regardless, it’s well worth braving the Edinburgh cold for. And after all, what better way to warm up again than with an unpronounceable German wheat beer?

Brewdog

Secret Arcade

For a whole new experience in beer, Brewdog is the place to be. However, don’t be put off if you’re not a beer purist, there’s plenty other options on offer behind this well-stocked bar. Beers are either draught or bottle, and all are designed to be served straight from the chiller. It goes to show it’s not just the real ale enthusiasts who can get passionate about brewing – Brewdog have cornered the beer connoisseur niche and no mistake! The staff are knowledgeable and happy to chat and recommend.

This Polish vodka bar is upstairs from the main pub, The Arcade, which is a bit more traditional. Venture upstairs however and you will enter a bar crowded with funky artwork, candelit tables, decks and a projector screen for movies on Sundays. Stocking over 80 different vodkas, The Secret Arcade can be pricey but well worth a visit. Sneaking in through the entrance hidden away on Jackson Close only adds to the fun of the evening!

The Pear Tree House

30 – 31 Wright’s Houses, EH10 4HR Tel 0131 221 5221 www.golftavern.co.uk

143 – 145 Cowgate, EH1 1JS www.brewdog.com

34 West Nicolson Street, EH8 9DD Tel 0131 667 7533

This is a well known student watering hole which is popular all year round – somewhere cosy to chat with friends during winter with a huge beer garden to be utilised when the sun is shining. Great for watching the footie or the rugby and a friendly atmosphere, note however this pub doesn’t have a food menu.

Brass Monkey 14 Drummond Street, EH8 9TU Tel 0131 556 1961

A fab wee pub where you can make yourself really comfortable – the back room is a mound of mattresses and cushions with little tables with holes to put your pint IN! Movies on the big screen every day at 3pm means it’s a student paradise on an afternoon off.

Prices for food and drink are reasonable, so it gets pretty busy at night time.

The Blue Blazer 2 Spittal Street, EH3 9DX Tel 0131 229 5030

A fantastic offering of eight real ale taps, fifty malt whiskies and an astonishing seventy-odd options for rum means every visit to The Blue Blazer is unique. The third Sunday of every month hosts a tasting session (5pm – 9pm) to educate those taste buds.

48 Cockburn Street, EH1 1PB Tel 0131 220 1297

Golf Tavern

The Golf is an Edinburgh institution and is busy most nights of the week, attracting its fair share of students but also residents from nearby Bruntsfield and Morningside. The downstairs bar is ideal for watching sport with lots of small screens as well as big screens over the bar. You can also hire clubs and balls to play the pitch and putt course on the Meadows in front of the pub – always a good laugh with mates. The Golf also serves food – decent pub grub which always tastes fresh and uses good local produce.

Bar Kohl

54 George IV Bridge, EH1 1EJ Tel 0131 225 693

Just off the Grassmarket and within five minutes of the Royal Mile and Cowgate, Kohl is a fantastic vodka joint which remains popular with a range of clientele in the city centre including students, locals and tourists.

With nearly four hundred flavours of vodka, and over 100 different cocktails, there’s always something new to try at Kohl!

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Clubs

Most of the city’s clubs offer a variety of music and nights out, depending on the day of the week you visit them. Those in the New Town are generally more expensive and upmarket, with the cheaper, grungier places found along the Cowgate. Almost all of them will have some kind of student night, with reduced prices and a variety of deals and offers, such as free or reduced entry before a certain time – do your research online to find out the best deals, most clubs have facebook pages to keep their customers updated of events and offers.

The Venue @ Potterrow Bristo Square, EH8 9AL

Potterrow hosts the Big Cheese, Edinburgh’s biggest student night, every Saturday night during term time, opening its doors at 9pm and offering free entrance before 10pm. After 10pm tickets go up to £3 and again at 12am – just £4 with your student card.

The music is, as the name suggests, cheesy, from the 70s up to the naughties.

After a couple of drinks you’ll find yourself reliving your nineties youth with some questionable dance moves and intense renditions of the theme tune to The Fresh Prince of BelAir. This surreal experience is combined with the fact that anything goes in terms of outfits, with an incredible array of fancy dress costumes parading the dance floor, the more outlandish the better.

The best part of the Big Cheese is simply the fact that it’s our biggest weekly union night out. You’re bound to see people you know, and the large seating area means that there’s plenty of space to catch up, socialise and show off your knowledge of S Club 7 song lyrics.

Underground, Teviot Bristo Square, EH8 9AJ

If you're looking for student union prices on a Saturday night but are feeling a bit Cheesed out, you can see the best of Edinburgh’s new live bands in Teviot's own basement nightclub The Underground. Entry is free and bands are usually on stage from around 11pm, perfect to pop downstairs for some excellent music if you're enjoying a night out in the Library Bar or the Lounge. page 34 I UNMISSABLE EDINBURGH

The Hive

15 – 17 Niddry Street, EH1 1LG

The Hive on Niddry Street is Edinburg h’s student staple, almost certainly guaranteed to attract a reasonable student crowd every night. Open seve n days a week, each night has a different theme. Wednesdays and Saturdays tend to be busiest playing chart mus ic, whilst other nights tend to cater to more niche interests. The website (ww w.clubhive.co.uk) is the best source of information about what is on and when. Entry is free if you can get ther e early enough but the later-entry door fee is also affordable. During the wee k prices are student friendly, getting a little more expensive at the weekend s.

There is also a cocktail bar serving a variety of different cocktails either by the glass or by the pitcher. Overall the Hive will not cater to everyone’s taste as the crowded interior may put man y off. However, it is certainly worth trying out.

Why Not?

14 George Street, EH2 2PF

Why Not? on George Street is one of Edinburgh’s most renowned clubs.

Monday nights are the highlight of man y students’ weeks, when everyone will happily dance, drink and socialise for a night that won’t break the bank .

Friday nights are also popular with students, standard prices tend to stay the same but most of the cheaper offer s are not available at the end of the week.

The music is pretty mainstream, stick ing to popular chart favourites, whic h you can enjoy on the large dance floor , VIP section and ample sofa space.

However, being the favourite on a Mon day night does have its drawbacks.

The club gets incredibly busy, often turning people away at the door beca use it is full, especially at the start and end of term. If you turn up after eleven you can expect a long wait outside, as well as it frequently taking more than 20 minutes to get served at the bar.

The club is only open to over 21’s on a Saturday, but remains a firm favourite on Monday and Friday nights.

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Cav 3 West Tollcross, EH3 9BP

Clubs

Cav, also known as Lavaignite, is situated just off Lothian Road at the Tollcross end, so for those in Marchmont, Bruntsfield and Morningside it’s in a prime location if you fancy a night away from George Street.

The music and dance floors are probably one of the reasons Cav is unique – only here can you be strutting your stuff on a light-up dance floor to Boy George and mosey downstairs to get down and dirty with Rihanna.

It’s fair to say that it’s no semi-classy George Street club, but that’s why we love it. Cav gives you the perfect opportunity to really shake it like you just don’t care, whatever your wearing, whoever you’re with!

City 1A Market Street, EH1 1DE

City is the big alternative to a standard George Street night out.

Wednesdays in City are a night for the University sports teams to hit the town. Doors open at 10.30pm, with prices at a reasonable £5 student / £4 guestlist / £2.50 sports teams.

Wednesdays are a somewhat sublime mixture of tropical VKs, outrageous fancy dress and lots of sport-mad students living it up. With reasonable prices and a good mix of chart, cheese and student tunes, it’s easy to see why this has become a popular student night in Edinburgh.

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LGBT Scene The gay scene in Edinburgh is far more varied than you may realise.

A good start is BLOGS, Edinburgh University’s LGBTI society, which is open to everyone, student or not. They run events on and off the scene as well as smaller outings for those less into bars and clubs.

Most of the gay bars and clubs in Edinburgh are on Picardy Place and Leith Walk. GHQ is undoubtedly the hub, offering student prices on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays. On Tuesdays, Drama at Hawke and Hunter is hugely popular and draws a really varied crowd. Almost next door is the Street, which is probably the classiest bar on the scene and serves great cocktails, though if you’re looking for somewhere in the city, Frenchies Bar on Rose Street is a little known gem; it offers a great range of drinks in a cosy, romantic atmosphere.

If you’d prefer somewhere more outrageous for your pre-club drinks, try Priscilla’s Bar. It’s slightly further down Leith Walk but has karaoke and drag queen DJs. Or somewhere more chilled is Planet, which has pool tables and a mixture of people, despite its reputation as a lesbian bar.

If you want a girls’ night, GHQ run Furburger monthly, and the Speakeasy at Cabaret Voltaire run the women’s night Velvet once a month, which is hugely popular and often draws in customers from Glasgow as well as Edinburgh.

CC Blooms and Café Habana attract slightly older people, but are free all week and have particularly good music at the weekends. So, whether you’re after a quiet, romantic night or a crazy night out, there’s definitely something for every taste.

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The Jazz Bar 1A Chambers St, EH1 1HR Tel 0131 220 4298 www.thejazzbar.co.uk The Jazz Bar is a famous venue on the blooming Scottish jazz circuit.

A mixture of up-and-coming and established acts from across the world rub shoulders on its stage. There are typically four or five acts every night, with the mid evening slot at 8.30pm reserved for the night’s main attraction. Prices range from £3-£6 to get in, depending on the night and during the week there is usually a free jam session or DJ set from 11pm until late. Top acts that have played here in the past include Ravi Coltrane, Tommy Smith and Brian Kellock.

HMV Picture House 31 Lothian Road, EH1 2DJ Tel 0131 221 2280 http://venues.meanfiddler.com/hmv-picture-house Formerly known as The Picture House, HMV Picture House plays host to top name live music acts and also holds regular club nights. You can expect an eclectic line-up; the Picture House has packed out the venue with such headline names as Amanda Palmer, Calvin Harris, The Charlatans, Dizzee Rascal, The Streets, Ellie Goulding and many more.

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The Cabaret Voltaire 36-38 Blair Street, EH1 1QR Tel 0131 220 6176 www.thecabaretvoltaire.com Cab Vol is not only a popular club but also well worth keeping an eye out for live events, as the venue, located centrally in the Cowgate area, has a reputation for being cutting-edge cool when it comes to alt-music/indie/electro. Everyone from Los Campesinos! to Mumford and Sons have graced the stage; and while it can be a little more expensive, Cab Vol's general all-round coolness makes it a must-see.

The Liquid Room 9c Victoria Street, EH1 2HE Tel 0131 225 2564 www.liquidroom.com Boasting a fantastic live music schedule, you can expect to see such varied acts as Bad Manners, Fratellis, Glasvegas, Noah and The Whale or Vampire Weekend. Much like Cab Vol, the Liquid Room has an enviable repuation for both club nights and live music, so is definitely worth checking the website and upcoming gig schedule.

The Venue @ Potterrow Bristo Square, EUSA, EH8 9AL Not just home of the Mighty Big Cheese, but also a fantastic live music venue, having attracted in the past such names as Eliza Doolittle and the Futureheads. We're told by sources on the inside that Potterrow will be playing host to Mr Scruff in Autumn 2011 as well as Zane Lowe.

You can keep up to date with all the goings on at www.eusalive.co.uk as well as buying tickets online.

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t n e m n i a t enter Edinburgh offers plenty of ways to entertain away from the pubs and clubs. During the day there are plenty of museums, tourist destinations, beauty spots and shops, or at night you could check out some of the comedy or theatre that’s on offer. Websites like The List (www.list.co.uk) have constantly updated information and reviews about what to see and when, or have a look in The Student newspaper for advice on what shows and events to keep an eye out for. It also features enough reviews of theatre, comedy, art, music, films and restaurants to keep you well informed.

Theatre Edinburgh’s theatre is varied, cultural and, importantly, caters for students.

Whether it’s Shakespeare, Annie or a one-man Beckett show, the city attracts national and international tours as well as performances by its own Scottish actors and companies.

The Lyceum theatre in the West End has its own company that perform well known and well-staged plays. Students get half-price discounts, and on Wednesday matinees all seats are a bargain at £5.

The Festival and Kings Theatres usually stage touring companies, including ballets, operas and musicals. They also usually include a high profile comedian in their season. They have Student Standby tickets which can be bought on the day of the show for £10, as well as offering student discounts if booking in advance.

The Playhouse usually show well known musicals, comedians and gigs.

They often have big names, so it’s well worth having a look online in advance to get your ticket early.

The Traverse Theatre is highly regarded as a producer of award-winning new theatre, and is a hugely popular destination to enjoy new and innovative productions both during festival time and the rest of the year. The Traverse Bar is, in itself, a popular Edinburgh attraction and the perfect place to relax with a coffee or a drink and browse the programme to see what whets your creative appetite.

The Pleasance Theatre offers a theatre programme during semester time with a recently refurbished 300 seater venue which plays host to comedy, drama, dance and music. See the comedy section for more details, or find full events listings here www.eusalive.co.uk Don’t forget our own student productions. Bedlam Theatre usually stage at least three shows a week during term-time, and other societies like Footlights, the musical theatre group, stage new shows every year which are fun and bound to involve some familiar faces in the cast. page 40 I UNMISSABLE EDINBURGH

Cinemas You are spoiled for choice when it comes to cinemas in Edinburgh.

The Lothian Road area boasts two independent cinemas and an Odeon; there is a very large Cineworld in Fountainbridge, and there is a Vue to the east of Princes street. There is also an incredibly small, cosy independent cinema (the Dominion) in Morningside.

Ticket prices are not cheap. However, there are a few offers out there to bring down costs, for example Cineworld offer 2 for 1 student tickets from Monday to Thursday through an offer on Student Beans (www.studentbeans.com), or those on the Orange mobile network could take advantage of Orange Wednesdays, which allows you to bring a friend for free (http://more-from.orange.co.uk/orange-wednesdays).

The Filmhouse on Lothian Road is among the best places to go to see a range of independent or foreign language films and has incredibly comfortable seats. The Cameo, on Home Street, has a slightly more old-school feel but also boasts an impressive range of arthouse, independent and foreign films, as well as late-night classic or cult film marathons which are not to be missed, where dressing up is popular!

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t n e m n i a t r ente Museums and Galleries

Edinburgh boasts many fascinating museums and galleries, many of which are in clo se proximity to the Centra l Campus.

The National Museum of Scotland on Chambers Street offers a walk-through of the his tory of Scotland, from the Tril Permian right up to the present with an exhibition obites of the of Scottish pop-culture and Jackie Stewart’s F1 car. The roo f terrace also boasts spectacular view s of the castle, Calton Hill and the University. Entrance is free and even if you are not inte in Scotland’s rich histor rested y it is certainly worth hea ding up to the roof terrace on a sunny day.

Attached to the National Museum is the Royal Mu seum of Scotland, which has rec ently This ambitious project has undergone a major refurbishment. increased public spaces by 50%, created sixteen new gal leries, provided a new lea rning centre and allowing thousands of new treasures to be dis played.

The Royal Mile is home to the Museum of Childh ood which boasts a collection of Victorian and early 20th Century toys and games which you are free to try out. and education spread ove There are also sections on health r four floors. Entry is als o free, and it’s worth keeping an eye out in The Student Newspa per for reviews of the various free art exh ibitions in the smaller gal leries scattered around the city , such as the Fruitmark et Gallery on Market Street, or the Col lective Gallery on Cockbu rn Street.

The Talbot Rice Gallery, situated on West Colleg e Street, could be easily missed as you take a short cut from the Union buildings towards town, however it houses a stu nning Georgian Gallery space, as well as a contemporary gallery spa showcasing a variety of artists work. Entry is free ce and the gallery is open from Tue sday to Saturday. You can find out which exhibitions are com ing up by checking their website www.trg.ed.ac.uk

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Shopping General Shopping Your High Street shopping needs can be met on Princes Street. Here you can find shops like H&M, Topshop, HMV and Boots alongside coffee shops and department stores like Jenners and Debenhams.

George Street (parallel to Princes Street) has the more upmarket shops like Cath Kidston and Jack Wills, as well as a reasonably-sized Harvey Nichols.

St James’s Shopping Centre and the Prince’s Street Mall are found at the East end of Princes Street, housing the cheaper alternatives like Poundland and New Look.

Whatever shop you go into, check if they have a student discount before you part with your cash.

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Charity Shopping The arguments in favour of charity shopping are simple. First of all, finance – that crucial factor for us students. Second hand clothes and books are sold at a fraction of the price of their new high street equivalent and yet they are often of a very good quality, still in fashion and designer labels. Don’t be surprised to chance upon some leather brogues for a tenner or a Topshop dress for eight pounds. Good quality books are also pretty standard. They range between £1.50–£2 for paperbacks and £3.50 for a hard back.

Also, charity shops all support a good cause. It’s a win-win situation – you get great new stuff and get to leave with the glowing satisfaction of having helped someone else out in the process.

Luckily, Edinburgh is nationally renowned for its charity shops, the city is heaving with them. The best areas to hit are Nicolson Street/South Clerk Street, Morningside and Lothian Road. Nicolson Street is good for cheap, high street brand clothing, the Barnados book shop also stocks some academic textbooks and a good selection of novels and the Bethany shop (which is on Summerhall Place) has everything you could ever need for a student kitchen. Morningside is really all about the clothes, it’s a bit more up market so if you’re looking for a cashmere jumper or a tweed jacket, this is your place. Finally, Lothian Road really needs to be visited, purely for the Salvation Army Shop, any aspiring vintage kids dream!

Don't forget you can get all you need for Uni souvenirs, hoodies, mugs, key rings, USB sticks... you name it... at the EUSA shop in Potterrow. Smaller shops are also running in Pollock and David Hume Tower for grabbing a quick bite or any other student essentials. Societies note too, EUSA shops can order personalised hoodies at reasonable prices.

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o d o t s g n thi

Edinburgh is full of activities to do and places to see on those free days where there are no lectures to go to, essays to write, exams to study for… or simply when you are chronically avoiding all of the above. Whether an active day’s walking, a lazy day’s shopping or an adventurous trip outside of the city, there’s no shortage of ways to fill your time. A cheeky little website is that of Doors Open Days (www.doorsopendays.org.uk).

This tells you when certain buildings are open to the public for free, usually happening in the last weekend of September.

The destinations with this symbol will take a full day to get the value – don’t try and do it in an afternoon!

Deep Sea World North Queensferry, KY11 1JR

Take the train from Waverley and within twenty minutes you’ll find yourself at ‘Scotland’s National Aquarium’ in North Queensferry.

From the station, the centre is down a steep hill and found in the shadow of one of the Forth Bridge’s massive towers. Inside, as well as some luminous tropical fish, a seal sanctuary and a slightly out-of-place collection of tree frogs, you’ll find Europe’s longest underwater tunnel which weaves its way through the impressive shark tank. If you fancy it, you can book to dive with the sharks and wave at bemused visitors from the watery depths. The centre runs fish feeding sessions and shark talks, but they finish fairly early in the afternoon. Deep Sea World has a student discount, but it is still a pricey £9. To save some cash, book online.

Arthurs Seat Holyrood Park

Arthur's Seat is the main peak of the group of hills which form most of Holyrood Park, a wild piece of highland landscape in the centre of the city of Edinburgh, about a mile to the east of Edinburgh Castle. The hill rises above the city to a height of 251 m (823 ft), provides excellent panoramic views of the city, is relatively easy to climb, and is a popular walk. Though it can be climbed from almost any direction, the easiest and simplest ascent is from the East, where a grassy slope rises above Dunsapie Loch.

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Camera Obscura

Castlehill, The Royal Mile, EH1 2ND Tel 0131 226 3709 I www.camera-obscura.co.uk The Camera Obscura show is a fascinating and highly amusing way to see the city and learn about its history. From inside this mysterious Victorian rooftop chamber, you see live moving images of Edinburgh projected onto a viewing table through a giant periscope. Before you get to the show, you will work your way through 5 floors of fascinating oddities including the maze of mirrors, the rather scary “Vortex” and a viewpoint which allows you to see the whole of Edinburgh laid out before you.

Our fave part has to be the Vortex... all reason and logic will leave you as you start walking across the bridge... it has to be seen to be believed! Student tickets cost £7.95 or less if you can arrange yourselves into a group. The staff are superfriendly and helpful, but be sure to bring your ID to access the student price!

The Royal Botanic Garden Inverleith Row, EH3 5LR

Tel 0131 552 7171 I www.rgbe.org.uk The Botanics captures the imagination of everyone who visits and is world renowned for its horticultural excellence. Over 70 acres of beautifully landscaped grounds provides a tranquil haven just a mile from the city centre. Admission to the garden is free however there is a charge to access the Glasshouses.

Butterfly and Insect World Lasswade, EH18 1AZ

Tel 0131 663 4932 I www.edinburgh-butterfly-world.co.uk A great way to spend a rainy day, Butterfly and Insect World is a fascinating nature adventure. From fish feeding to animal handling (including snakes, tarantulas and millipedes, the leaf cutter ant parade, and tropical gardens, this attraction is well worth a visit. It’s easy to get there too, as the centre is located at Dobbies Garden World; take the 3, 3A or 29 Lothian Bus. Admission prices are £5.95 for students, make sure you bring your student card to access the discounts.

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do things to Dance Base

14 – 16 Grassmarket, EH1 2JU Tel 0131 225 5525 I www.dancebase.co.uk Dance Base offers a variety of fun classes for all ages and abilities.

Drop-in classes include Cuban Salsa, contemporary, ceilidh, barefoot ballet and breakdancing. Sign up for a course and you could learn aerial skills, African street jazz, bollywood, burlesque, pole dancing or tap dancing! There is a student discount available but committing to a full course and paying up front might not be advisable to start with, try a drop-in in the first instance!

Scottish Parliament Horse Wynd, EH99 1SP

Tel 0131 348 5000 I www.scottish.parliament.uk It may be a controversial piece of architecture from the outside, but pass through the airport-style security and you’ll soon see where all the millions of pounds went. Inside, the Scottish Parliament is really quite impressive. From its garden terrace with a huge leaf-shaped roof to the bamboo-covered debating chamber, visitors can turn up and view a limited amount of the building unguided, or phone and book a free walking tour. If you want to see more than just the main chamber, then it is worth giving them a ring. Similarly, if you fancy seeing the First Minister in action or want to sit in the Public Gallery during a debate, then it’s best to go to the Parliament’s website and reserve a free place.

Palace of Holyroodhouse and the Queen’s Gallery Canongate, EH8 8DX

Tel 0131 556 5100 I www.royalcollection.org.uk Nestling beside Arthur’s Seat, the baroque palace has played an important role in Scotland’s history and is the Royal Family’s official residence north of the border. You can see Mary Queen of Scots’ boudoir, a pretty fancy dining room and the haunted adjoining abbey.

The Queen also has a gallery at the Palace which displays a regularly updated selection from the Royal Collection. The tickets to the Palace and gallery include marvellously informative audio-guides. To polish off your day, Holyroodhouse has some lovely tea rooms and a right royal gift shop – perfect for getting your Gran that piece of commemorative china she didn't know she wanted, especially with the small student discount (of about £1).

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Mary King’s Close 2 Warriston's Close, EH1 1PG

Tel 0845 070 6244 I www.realmarykingsclose.com For a glimpse into historical Edinburgh, you’ll be hard pushed to find anywhere offering more insight than the tour of the real Mary King’s Close. Located underneath the Royal Mile, the experience offers a tour of the streets and residences of old Edinburgh, showing exactly how it was set out in the seventeenth century. Unlike other historical attractions, it combines authentic history with entertainment as tour groups are shown around the original close by costumed guides, playing the roles of various residents that would have lived there. The tour guides are knowledgeable and interesting and as you are led around the labyrinth of streets and dwellings it is easy to imagine the Close as it was when originally inhabited. The tour is cheaper than both the castle and the dungeons, and offers a much greater insight into the history of this grand city.

Rosslyn Chapel

Roslin, Chapel Loan, EH25 9PU Tel 0131 440 2159 I www.rosslynchapel.org.uk Rosslyn Chapel is touted as being one of the most mysterious places in Scotland, especially with books such as The Da Vinci Code purporting to show how hidden secrets lurk within every crack of stone at this venerated place. Anybody who has ever visited the chapel may feel that it deserves its current status, even on a busy day the atmosphere is something to be experienced. It has become a place of huge relevance to those interested in the biblical, masonic, pagan and Knights Templar themes. Entry is £6.10 with your student card, normally £7.

Edinburgh Castle Castlehill, EH1 2NG Tel 0131 225 9846 I www.historic-scotland.gov.uk Built on top of an extinct volcano, Edinburgh Castle provides the centrepiece of this spectacular city. Now Scotland’s most popular tourist attraction, the Castle’s highlights include various military museums and memorials, prison vaults, and spectacular views across the entire city. St Margaret’s Chapel, built in 1130 and perched at the highest point of the rock, is Edinburgh’s longest-surviving building. Mons Meg sits proudly in front of the chapel, one of the oldest medieval canons. The Royal Palace is a particular delight for royal enthusiasts, as it showcases the Honours of Scotland, Europe’s oldest crown jewels, the Stone of Destiny (upon which Queen Elizabeth I was crowned), and the rooms in which King James I was born to Queen Mary of Scots. The Great Hall sits directly across from a moving memorial to Scots fallen in war and directly underneath this lies a labyrinth of vaults once used as a prison for prisoners of the American Revolution. Entry to the Castle costs £14, and this includes a complementary guided tour, which leaves from the entrance twice an hour.

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things to do

Edinburgh Zoo

134 Corstorphine Road, EH12 6TS Tel 0131 334 9171 I www.edinburghzoo.org.uk The Zoo offers you a day to re-live the excitement of your childhood.

One highlight is the daily penguin parade, which takes place around lunch time, they let the penguins out to walk around a circuit so you can see them waddle and strut their stuff as they enjoy the spotlight.

Stay around after this and you can get a chance to see feeding time.

Edinburgh Zoo is also home to the only koala’s in the UK. This year will also see a pair of pandas joining the zoo family to much excitement.

Tickets aren’t particularly cheap, however they do offer student concessions. Pick a sunny day and bring a picnic as there are plenty of nice places to sit down and eat whilst admiring the animals.

St Andrews The Medieval centre of St Andrews, a warren of narrow alleys and cobbled streets, leads to the now ruined cathedral and the adjacent church of St Regulus, where, on climbing the spiral staircase to the top of an 108-foot tower, you can enjoy fantastic views of the town and its surroundings. You can also find St Andrews University, founded in 1410, located in the centre of the town, such recent famous alumni being Prince William and Kate Middleton. St Andrews has two great beaches, one being the West Sands, where the famous opening sequence of 'Chariots of Fire' was shot. Amongst the town's many other attractions are the Botanic Gardens, the St Andrews aquarium and the Byre Theatre, Scotland's only 5-star arts attraction.

South Queensferry Canongate, EH8 8DX

Tel 0131 556 5100 I www.royalcollection.org.uk You can consider yourself an honorary Scot once you have pictures of you and your friends/family on the beach in the rain/wearing winter clothing. So pop along to the lovely village of South Queensferry and have a long walk along the beautiful sands. Nestled under the shadow of the two Forth Bridges, South Queensferry offers cosy pubs such as The Hawes Inn which are perfect to warm up after a brisk walk, in summer the Hawes also offers a great beer garden.

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North Berwick North Berwick, also known as the Golf Coast, offers a vast array of things to do and see. Not only is it famed for being a beach destination, North Berwick is also a golfers paradise – nearby Gullane boasts more regular golfers per head than anywhere else in the UK. The Scottish Seabird Centre is also close by. Outlying areas Fenton Barns and Dirleton are well worth a visit – Dirleton is said to be the most beautiful village in Scotland. East Fortune is also home to Scotland’s Museum of Flight.

Portobello Located three miles to the east of the city, Portobello is one of Edinburgh’s hidden gems. Once a popular beach resort, it now provides a nice city getaway – perfect for those rare Scottish sunny days. The bustling High Street features a wide range of charity and antique shops, which back onto the promenade and the beach.

The wide esplanade boasts various cafes, bars and eateries, and on a hot day the beach is busy with swimmers, sailors, cyclists, skaters, volleyball players and sunbathers relaxing. A visit to the arcades for some childish fun is always recommended, as well as the Portobello Swim Centre, home to one of three remaining Turkish baths in Scotland. Even on a windy day, the beach provides a perfect opportunity for a leisurely stroll, usually followed by a nice pub dinner overlooking the sea. Catch the 42 or the 26 bus from the city centre, and be sure to take flip-flops and a camera.

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things to do

Glasgow

Glasgow’s music scene is undoubtedly one of the best reasons to visit the city, which is just 40 minutes away by train or around an hour by bus/car. With venues ranging from the Royal Concert Hall to the SECC, it’s almost impossible that one of your favourite bands won’t be performing in the city during your time here. If you have an interest in folk music, the annual Celtic Connections festival gives you an opportunity to luxuriate in musical tradition ranging across Europe and the world. Glasgow also has a smattering of good independent cinemas as well as a good selection of theatre spaces both conventional and contemporary. These, along with a wide range of high-quality restaurants and bars, can provide the excuse for an excellent night out. As well as Celtic Connections, Glasgow also plays host to events all around the calendar. The film festival takes place in spring and the Glasgow Fair at the end of July are the perfect time to see the city’s parks and grand buildings being bathed in summer sunshine (tempered, however, with the odd downpour).

And if you’re in need of retail therapy, Glasgow’s awe-inspiring collection of high-street and designer shops concentrated in the City Centre provide plenty of opportunities for updating your student wardrobe.

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Stirling Stirling is widely considered Scotland's heritage capital, where the Wars of Independence were fought and won; where, for three centuries, monarchs ruled in regal splendour and where merchants and craftsmen plied their trade below the castle rock.

The must-see places are The Wallace Monument, the 220ft tower which heralds your arrival in Stirling, visible in all directions as you approach the city. Take a walk through the Old Town, in particular the “Back Walk” which leads you around Stirling Castle and the Old Town Jail. The battlefield of Bannockburn plus visitor centre are also worth a visit. The Old Town area is also home to the Tolbooth, Stirling’s main music venue. Stirling also offers a reasonably sized shopping centre, The Thistles as well as a plethora of fantastic cafes, restaurants and bars. No visit is complete without trying the famous Corrieri’s Café which sits at Causewayhead, under the shadow of the Monument. Or for city centre dining and drinking in style try The Junk Rooms on Friars Street, Wilawan Thai restaurant or the East India Company. The macrobert Arts Centre and Stirling University campus are around 5 minutes away on the bus, and well worth a wander for the scenic loch and feeding the ducks.

Dundee Dundee city centre features a selection of shopping centres, with the Murraygate, Wellgate and the magnificent glass-fronted Overgate shopping centres housing major department stores and retailers to suit all interests. City Quay, on the Dundee waterfront, is a bargain-hunter’s paradise, full of factory outlets selling designer gear at discount prices.

The city's cultural quarter features the fantastic Dundee Rep Theatre and Dundee Contemporary Arts centre (both well worth a visit for their café bars never mind anything else!). The Discovery Point Visitor centre is also worth a visit, where Captain Scott’s famous Antartic expedition ship RSS Discover is berthed.

These are all areas in Scotland you can travel to for a day trip – there is, of course, an almost inexhaustible number of places to go, and things to do and see. The best place to visit to research day trips, weekends away or longer holidays is at www.visitscotland.com UNMISSABLE EDINBURGH

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Edinburgh is a cracking city for a walk. Where else can you find extinct volcanoes, beautiful rivers, bracing beaches and tranquil parks just minutes from the city centre? We’ve put together a short walk to introduce you to some of Edinburgh’s treats: namely Arthur’s Seat, Calton Hill, Princes Street Gardens and the Grassmarket. At five or so miles it should take a couple of hours at a leisurely pace.

1

Starting at Pollock, turn right out of the main entrance along Holyrood Park Road, go between the big gateposts, cross the roundabout and head towards the quiet road (Queen’s Drive) going up the hill.

2

Follow the large path which heads leftish away from the road and continue on the wiggly stone steps which ascend Arthur’s Seat.

3

After about 10 minutes, the steepish path plateaus to reveal a stunning bird’s eye panorama. Scamper up the final few rocks to the trig point 251m above sea level to get the full effect. To the north you’ll see Fife, east is North Berwick, south are the Lothians and west lie the Castle, Pentand Hills and the cliff-like Crags.

4

Take the main path down from the summit (heading north) towards the Palace of Holyroodhouse.

5

Once at Queen’s Drive between the Scottish Parliament and the Palace, go to the roundabout at the end of the Royal Mile. Walk up Abbeyhill Road, under the railway bridge and turn left on to Regent Road. Follow the street along and enjoy the spectacular views back towards Arthur’s Seat and the Crags. From this road you’ll also see the Canongate Kirkyard, burial place of Adam Smith, David Rizzio and the inspiration for Dickens’s Scrooge character, Ebenezer Lennox Scroggie.

6

After about 800m you’ll come across some steps on the right which will take you to the top of Calton Hill. The various monuments you’ll see scattered around the summit gave Edinburgh its title the ‘Athens of the North.’ Perhaps the Acropolis is described as the Calton Hill of the South.

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7

Head back down the steps to rejoin the main road. Go west along Princes Street until you pass the National Gallery complex. From there, enter Princes Street Gardens down the large flight of steps.

8

The site used to be a massive dumping ground full of grime and waste, but since the ‘Nor Loch’ was drained, the Gardens are often full of students and shoppers. Head towards the big golden fountain at the west end of the Gardens and take the bridge over the railway line to join King’s Stables Road.

9

Turn left along this road. Go under the bridge, pass the Stereo club and you’ll get to the Grassmarket. This pretty little area was Burke and Hare’s stomping/killing ground and the square was regularly used for public hangings – hence the pub ‘The Last Drop.’

10 Go along to the roundabout at the eastern end of the Grassmarket and walk right up to George IV Bridge and the Bedlam Theatre. Close by is Potterrow and Teviot, a perfect place to finish with a drink.

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festi vals

As a vibrant and cultural city, Edinburgh is host to a number of exciting festivals. These take place at numerous locations across the city, and are spread out throughout the year, from Hogmanay in December to the Fringe Festival in August. The best way to get the most out of them is to go exploring online and find out exactly what is being offered, often at very reasonable prices. They cater for large audiences, so are updated regularly with their upcoming events, times and prices.

Hogmanay 30 December 2011 – 2 January 2012 Even in the depths of winter, Edinburgh still finds an excuse to hold a celebration.

Hogmanay attracts approximately 29,000 people from all over the world, and begins on December 29 with a torchlight procession departing from Parliament Square, down the Royal Mile towards Calton Hill, ending in the torching of a Viking ship, complete with fireworks to signal the commencement of the four-day festival. Torches can be purchased before or during the event, and all proceeds go to charity.

December 30 brings a scattering of street performances and live music, but the main event is always New Years Eve. On the 31st, partygoers can choose to revel in the street party or have access to the Concert in the Gardens (Princes Street Gardens, that is). Concert tickets include access to the enormous street party in the city centre. Tickets can also be bought for an unmissable Ceilidh, held in the Mound Precinct. New Years Day is celebrated either at Dogmanay, a dog sled race across Holyrood Park, or by taking a plunge in fancy dress into the River Forth (an event affectionately known as the Loony Dock). Hogmanay is a ticket-only event, so be sure to purchase in advance. www.edinburghshogmanay.org

Edinburgh Festival Fringe

1 – 30 August 2012 Every August, tens of thousands of revellers flock to Edinburgh for one event: the Fringe.

First held in 1947 by eight theatre companies not invited to perform at the Edinburgh International Festival, it now holds a reputation as the world’s biggest and best arts festival.

To this day, the Fringe Society operates independent of the festival, and provides a platform for anyone from the up-and-coming to the world-famous.

Over the four weeks of the Fringe, Edinburgh brims with tourists and merrymakers, transforming the city into a non-stop party. For those wishing to partake in the festivities, it’s best to get in early: the first two weeks are often the quietest, and organisers will often offer bargains to fill venues. Programmes and tickets are available from the box office, located on the Royal Mile. Try the Half Price Hut at the Mound Precinct for discounted tickets; and keep your eyes open for free entertainment opportunities, particularly on the streets. Purchase tickets to more popular acts early, but don’t over-book: often the best acts are the ones discovered last minute. Most venues are within walking distance of each other, found in various venues in the Old Town, so don’t forget comfortable shoes! www.edfringe.com page 56 I UNMISSABLE EDINBURGH

Edinburgh International Book Festival

13 – 29 August 2012 The world’s largest literary festival takes place each year in Edinburgh’s Charlotte Square Gardens at the west end of George Street. Taking place during the last two weeks in August, the Book Festival is certainly one of Edinburgh’s most popular festivals, attracting hoards of visitors over 16 days. Each year, it attracts some of the world’s most prolific writers, along side a number of well-known political figures and world-renowned personalities with over 800 participants in 2010.

The atmosphere in Charlotte Square during the festival is magical and it is not uncommon to spot a famous author or two soaking up the summer sun and reading like everyone else.

Events run from morning until late every day of the festival. Past participants at the festival include Edinburgh locals such as J.K Rowling, Ian Rankin and Alexander McCall Smith along side well known figures like former Prime Minister Gordon Brown, Nobel Prize winning Economist Joseph Stiglitz and Salman Rushdie.

An interest in books is not essential and there really will be something for everyone at the Book Festival. Entry into the gardens is free and there are student concessions on ticket prices. www.edbookfest.co.uk

Edinburgh International Science Festival

31 March – 13 April 2012 The Edinburgh International Science Festival is Europe’s largest festival celebrating science.

Hundreds of events take place over the duration of the two week festival across the city.

There are film screenings, talks, hands-on workshops for children and even Zoo sleepovers.

Taking place in mid-April each year, the Science Festival is perfect for those who decide to stay in Edinburgh during the Easter holidays. The programme divides cleanly into ‘Family Events’ and ‘Adult Events’, providing something to suit all ages and tastes. The events for families are perfect if you have relatives visiting in April. The City Art Centre houses hands-on workshops for children throughout the festival. Elsewhere, talks are given by prolific names such as Professor Robert Winston and Richard Dawkins alongside worldrenowned experts in all fields of science. There are a number of interesting and topical discussions on the future of science and there are a series of interactive events for adults.

Even if you have no interest in science before the festival, you will most certainly leave it with a burning desire to learn more. www.sciencefestival.co.uk

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Useful Contacts Visit Scotland

www.visitscotland.com

Historic Scotland

www.historic-scotland.gov.uk

The List

www.list.co.uk

The Skinny

www.theskinny.co.uk

West Scotland Tourism

www.west-scotland-tourism.com

Get Active in Scotland

www.activeoutdoorpursuits.com

eusalive

www.eusalive.co.uk

EUSA website

www.eusa.ed.ac.uk

Edinburgh Bus Tours

www.edinburghtour.com

City Discovery Tours

www.city-discovery.com

Trip Advisor

www.tripadvisor.com

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