A local’s guide to Edinburgh: Tips and ideas

If you’re stuck for ideas when it comes to putting together a list of things to see – never fear! We have pulled together recommendations from our GuestReady team in Edinburgh including the best local eateries, some family-friendly fun in the city and a Google Local Guide for you to share with your friends.

1. GuestReady’s Local Guide for Edinburgh

Airbnb Management Tip: Share our Google Map with your guests for local tips and an unforgettable stay.

2. Eating out

Scotland’s most famous dish – a savoury meat pudding known as haggis – may not be to the top of every traveller’s list when it comes to sampling local cuisine during their trip to Edinburgh but there are plenty of other delicious dishes on the menu. Scottish salmon, bangers and mash, sticky date pudding – to name a few!

For a healthy start to the day, head to Hula Juice Bar for an acai bowl and green smoothie. If you prefer bacon and eggs, Papii has a yummy breakfast menu with traditional offerings.

For lunch, try the very affordable French eatery, Chez Jules where you can get two courses for the bargain price of £7.90 or if you’re craving pasta, we recommend Italian restaurant, Contini…the pork and sultana meatballs are to die for!

When it comes to dinner, and if you want to indulge, book yourself a table at The Dome – an exquisite restaurant full of grand arches and mosaic-tiled floors. There are a couple of different dining areas in this historic building, allowing you to choose from a range of sandwiches to a plate of Lamb Wellington with creamed potatoes, ratatouille and green beans.

For a late night sweet-tooth snack, treat yourself to a few scoops of icy goodness at Artisan Gelato which is located near Edinburgh Waverly station.

3. Travelling with kids

For Airbnb guests travelling with kids, Edinburgh has lots of outdoor and indoor activities to keep them occupied.

Our top pick would be Dynamic Earth. This fascinating family attraction gives your kids the chance to experience the primaeval forces of nature that shaped our planet, to journey through space and time, and have a 4D adventure around the globe. It’s basically hours of fun and education for the whole family!

For a place where mum can go shopping while the kids play, you can’t beat Fountain Park. This entertainment hub is a mix of retail stores and restaurants with a cinema and bowling alley – as well as a soft play area for little ones.

If you like to encourage outdoor fun for your youngsters, head to the Botanic Gardens for a walk to enjoy the flower displays and various plants.

And what better way to end a day of adventure with the kids than with ice cream from Mary’s Milk Bar where the flavours include hot cross bun, salted caramel and banana biscuit.

4. Saturday like a local

What do Edinburgh locals do on a Saturday? What can you suggest if you are an Airbnb host who is asked by guests about experiencing local life?

The first stop would be Cairngorm Coffee for an espresso. This much-adored café serves up locally roasted coffee and you can even take home bag once you’ve had your morning caffeine fix thanks to the onsite shop.

Next, take a walk through Holyrood Park to Arthur’s Seat which is an ancient volcano that sits 251 metres above sea level offering up superb views of the city. Then stop by the Edinburgh’s Farmers’ Market to see the finest and freshest local produce and buy yourself a morning snack.

To soak up some culture and art, check out what’s being exhibited at the National Gallery before indulging in some pub grub at either Element or The Standing. If you fancy a Guinness at the end of the day, head to Irish pub Billy Mulligans.

5. If you’re an Airbnb host in Edinburgh

Putting together a thorough welcome pack with tips on places to see and things to do is part of delivering a great professional service to guests. We’ve included more tips below on how to create exceptional Airbnb experiences for your guests:

If you’re based in Edinburgh and feel inspired by our article, schedule a call with us today and find out more about our property management services. We also provide our own booking website with a “Where to stay in Edinburhg” guide, where our owners properties are included.

Schedule a call with the Edinburgh property management team.

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