cheap/free/cool stuff to do/see in edinburgh?
- Thread starter pengaleng
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vince noir
maximum impact tagline
Go to the Botanic Gardens, they're ace. Dunno about a Tate, but the National Gallery (on Princes St at the foot of the Mound) and the National Portrait Gallery (on Queen St) are both free. If you like art there's usually something decent on at the Fruitmarket Gallery on Market St (just by the side entrance of Waverly Station).
Climb Arthur's Seat and Calton Hill. Have a wander across the Meadows. Take the bus down Leith Walk to the Shore where there's some really good pubs. Find out when the tide is out and walk to Cramond Island (and get your dinner in the pub next to the walkway).
In the evening, go to the pictures at the Filmhouse or the Cameo. Buy the List to see what's going on at Calton Studios.....
I was a poor student in the Athens of the North so I was used to stretching my pennies as far as they would go.
Climb Arthur's Seat and Calton Hill. Have a wander across the Meadows. Take the bus down Leith Walk to the Shore where there's some really good pubs. Find out when the tide is out and walk to Cramond Island (and get your dinner in the pub next to the walkway).
In the evening, go to the pictures at the Filmhouse or the Cameo. Buy the List to see what's going on at Calton Studios.....
I was a poor student in the Athens of the North so I was used to stretching my pennies as far as they would go.
pagan
Guerilla Gardener
Good suggestions Vince.
I'd add - walk along the Water of Leith walkway upstream to The Dean Gallery of Modern Art where you can see Henry Moore and Palazzo sculpures and a wicked spirally earthwork (possibly Charles Jencks?) - and that's without even going in!
Just walk up to the Castle - the esplanade is free with wicked views but I wouldnt bother going in unless you're a fan of crown jewels/overpriced heritage attractions then walk down the Royal Mile, pop down some Closes to see 15th century skyscrapers (13 stories!) - theres a writers museum, a museum of childhood and a People's Museum (all free) and if your that way inclined you could even pop into our new Parliament.
An open top bus ticket is good value and your ticket's valid for 24 hours - just hop on and off.
A great way to spend a tenner imo is to book yourself on one of the many guided walks down on the Royal Mile. The one that goes round the Covananteers Graveyard (v.scary) and the one that does the haunted underground vaults (v.v scary) are especially good and you'll have enough change to get a pint or two of good old 80/- in a friendly pub (Worlds End is good, so'd the Old Tolbooth)
Enjoy my city!
I'd add - walk along the Water of Leith walkway upstream to The Dean Gallery of Modern Art where you can see Henry Moore and Palazzo sculpures and a wicked spirally earthwork (possibly Charles Jencks?) - and that's without even going in!
Just walk up to the Castle - the esplanade is free with wicked views but I wouldnt bother going in unless you're a fan of crown jewels/overpriced heritage attractions then walk down the Royal Mile, pop down some Closes to see 15th century skyscrapers (13 stories!) - theres a writers museum, a museum of childhood and a People's Museum (all free) and if your that way inclined you could even pop into our new Parliament.
An open top bus ticket is good value and your ticket's valid for 24 hours - just hop on and off.
A great way to spend a tenner imo is to book yourself on one of the many guided walks down on the Royal Mile. The one that goes round the Covananteers Graveyard (v.scary) and the one that does the haunted underground vaults (v.v scary) are especially good and you'll have enough change to get a pint or two of good old 80/- in a friendly pub (Worlds End is good, so'd the Old Tolbooth)
Enjoy my city!
geminisnake
a complex mass of conflicting ideas
If you're in need of any crystals you could pop into the Wyrd Shop at the bottom end of the Mile, on the right hand side as you're going down.
You could sit in Princes Street gardens and feed the fluffy bushy tailed grey rats, have a wander round Jenners, the big department store on the corner, it was specifically built as a shop and it's
The ladies is nice too, should you need.
You could sit in Princes Street gardens and feed the fluffy bushy tailed grey rats, have a wander round Jenners, the big department store on the corner, it was specifically built as a shop and it's
The ladies is nice too, should you need.
hiccup
King of the Vagabonds
There's a café called Chocolate Soup on Hunter Square that does huge bowls of well tasty hot chocolate topped with all sorts of unhealthy shit. Which is nice. Assuming you like chocolate.
The National Gallery is quite cool too. You know, for paintings and stuff. Pretty sure that was free to get in.
The National Gallery is quite cool too. You know, for paintings and stuff. Pretty sure that was free to get in.
Sweaty Betty
Hemo rising!
Nice one tp...........
Im off to Edinburgh for a hen night, but am planning to pull a sickie on the plane, so i can cast the slappers night out of the window and enjoy some time on my own in this lovely city...
Thanks for all the good advice, im defo pulling a sickie now as there is more to do in Edinbgburgh than just getting pissed FFs...........
Im off to Edinburgh for a hen night, but am planning to pull a sickie on the plane, so i can cast the slappers night out of the window and enjoy some time on my own in this lovely city...
Thanks for all the good advice, im defo pulling a sickie now as there is more to do in Edinbgburgh than just getting pissed FFs...........
geminisnake
a complex mass of conflicting ideas
hiccup said:
Not free or very cheap but definetly well worth it, I just remembered it about 10 minutes ago.
Hunter Square is just the Royal Mile, down from Games Workshop and the White Dove shop(cool ornaments in there) on the right as you're going down
What you gonna be doing in Edinbro teeps?
geminisnake
a complex mass of conflicting ideas
Also, imo and ime none of the chipshops in the centre of the city are any good at all. The best cheapest place to eat ime is a wee cafe round the back of Burger King on Princes St. Go up between there and the statue, left then right then just there, can't remember what it's called, any ideas anyone?
pogofish
Testicle Hairstyle
Snax/Snacks IIRC. Basic fry-up stuff, cheap & filling. No pretentions, seats rond the corner of the shop rather than a sit-down cafe. They also do sandwiches/filled rolls in the week. Staff IME are usually chatty Australian Backpacker types, making a few quid to continue their travels.
Here:
http://www.streetmap.co.uk/streetmap.dll?G2M?X=325762&Y=674125&A=Y&Z=1
There is usually a board with directions in the small square between Register House & the BK on the other side. Alternatively, turn left up the grim-looking lane at the Pret/Coffee Republic type place (reddish/shiny front) you can see on the corner of St Andrew's Square & it is at the end of the lane.
There are also some nice cafes in the streets around the Lyceum Theatre, between Lothian Road/Grassmarket but check the menus as prices vary considerably. Also the Thai Orchid restraunt by the theatre itself is a nice if v.small place - You may well spot an Edinburgh celeb or two in there too.
For a more veggie-friendly place, the Elephant House on George IV Bridge is OK & there are several other similar places in that area. Again, prices & chi-chi-ness varies considerably.
Also plenty small cheaper-yet places of all kinds down by Haymarket station but some look very ropey indeed.
Personal advice is to avoid Lothian Road places at all cost.
Here:
http://www.streetmap.co.uk/streetmap.dll?G2M?X=325762&Y=674125&A=Y&Z=1
There is usually a board with directions in the small square between Register House & the BK on the other side. Alternatively, turn left up the grim-looking lane at the Pret/Coffee Republic type place (reddish/shiny front) you can see on the corner of St Andrew's Square & it is at the end of the lane.
There are also some nice cafes in the streets around the Lyceum Theatre, between Lothian Road/Grassmarket but check the menus as prices vary considerably. Also the Thai Orchid restraunt by the theatre itself is a nice if v.small place - You may well spot an Edinburgh celeb or two in there too.
For a more veggie-friendly place, the Elephant House on George IV Bridge is OK & there are several other similar places in that area. Again, prices & chi-chi-ness varies considerably.
Also plenty small cheaper-yet places of all kinds down by Haymarket station but some look very ropey indeed.
Personal advice is to avoid Lothian Road places at all cost.
equationgirl
Respect my existence or expect my resistance
Bar Napoli on Hanover Street is good for cheap food, and has lots of veggie options - they do a three course lunch menu for £5. Great staff, no need to book.
Lots of art galleries in the New Town, and the cow parade is in twon this year, so there's lots of artily painted cows around the town. Lots of them are in princes street gardens next to the National Art Gallery.
There's also the Gallery of Modern Art at Dean Bridge - free shuttle bus runs from National Gallery on the Mound to there quite frequently.
Lots of art galleries in the New Town, and the cow parade is in twon this year, so there's lots of artily painted cows around the town. Lots of them are in princes street gardens next to the National Art Gallery.
There's also the Gallery of Modern Art at Dean Bridge - free shuttle bus runs from National Gallery on the Mound to there quite frequently.
inflatable jesus
I used to be carried in the arms of cheerleaders
The fruitmarket art gallery is free and they've usually got at least one cool thing in there at any one time. It's mostly modern art installations, video art, that kind of thing. It's a bit small, so you can't really spend more than an hour there (and even that's pushing it). But It's right next to Waverley Train station so very easy to just pop into.
The Modern art Gallery is definitely worth checking out too though if you have the time and the cash. There is a charge for that one isn't there?
I always found the forest cafe was a good place to kill a couple of hours without spending much, but I don't know what it's like these days.
The Modern art Gallery is definitely worth checking out too though if you have the time and the cash. There is a charge for that one isn't there?
I always found the forest cafe was a good place to kill a couple of hours without spending much, but I don't know what it's like these days.
vince noir
maximum impact tagline
As far as cafes go, the Elephant House on George IV Bridge has a fantastic view out the back over Greyfriars, the Grassmarket and the castle. Hendersons on Hanover St is brilliant, really good veggie food and fairly cheap.
editor
hiraethified
You might find some ideas here:
http://www.urban75.org/photos/edinburgh/index.html
http://www.urban75.org/photos/edinburgh/index.html
vince noir said:
Blimey, is that still there? I remember it being a bit like Cranks - worthy food. Hope it's improved.
I'd recommend the National Gallery of Modern Art in Belfort Place - if only for the piece that's on that web page
And you have to get lost on Arthur's Seat.
pogofish
Testicle Hairstyle
laptop said:
IME, Edinburgh veggie places do tend towards the very worthy. Indeed, non-veggies in mixed company can be treated in a very patronising manner or like a bad smell by many of them - not just the obvious assholes either.
Luckilly there are plenty of nicer cafes etc who manage to cater for either preference without the edge.
Not eaten in one for a while but it is true the museum/gallery cafes used to be quite good value.
For veggie curry Kalpna on St Patrick's Square is really good. Was there last week.
Loads of good suggestions on this thread. Forgot how much free stuff there is to do here.. I'm not big into galleries/ museums though.
The oracle is a good site for what's on.
Leith Festival is on from 2nd June - 11th.
Enjoy!
Loads of good suggestions on this thread. Forgot how much free stuff there is to do here.. I'm not big into galleries/ museums though.
The oracle is a good site for what's on.
Leith Festival is on from 2nd June - 11th.
Enjoy!
vince noir
maximum impact tagline
editor said:
Editor: the orange bloke in your photos is Jimmy Reid, who led the Upper Clyde Shipbuilders strike in the early 70s (since you ask on there like).
vince noir
maximum impact tagline
pogofish said:
Started off in the CP, then became rightwing Labour. Now in the SNP.
pogofish
Testicle Hairstyle
vince noir said:
Thought that was Jim Sillars for some reason?
IIRC, Jimmy Reid has only advocated either the SNP or SSP, as an alternative to New Labour, not actively supported them.
Seems he mostly works as a journalist these days.
edit - Hang-on, I see he joined the SNP in 2005.
laptop said:
Former-USSR countries mainly.
Lucky JACKSON
Exile On Princes St.
Be sure to drop in The Forest Cafe
www.theforest.org.uk
on Bristo Place
all events there are free.
Food is good and they operate a BYOB
Plus a gallery.
The Stand Comedy is a pound on Mondays with 10 comedians showcasing new material.
Join a casino and make the most of their introductory offer.
www.theforest.org.uk
on Bristo Place
all events there are free.
Food is good and they operate a BYOB
Plus a gallery.
The Stand Comedy is a pound on Mondays with 10 comedians showcasing new material.
Join a casino and make the most of their introductory offer.
gaijingirl
Well-Known Member
pogofish said:
OMG.. I found Edinburgh to be the best city in the UK for veggie food - so much so that I went on a vegetarian "meet up" there for a weekend... David Bann's could not be described in any way "worthy". Henderson's was just divine. And we also went to Urban Angel (which has non-veggie food too), which was gorgeous!
I would say that David Bann's is the best vegetarian restaurant I've been to.
Thai fritters
Aromatic, spicy fritters of smoked tofu, peas, ginger, green chilli, lime, sesame and potato. Served with fresh mango chutney and a roast garlic tomato sauce. (vegan)
Mushroom medley with tarragon
A variety of mushrooms including shiitake and oyster lightly cooked with white wine, butter, garlic and tarragon. Served on a creamy mash and braised leek with a raspberry vinaigrette.
*drools*
pogofish
Testicle Hairstyle
gaijingirl said:
Yes, there is an excellent choice but IME it helps if you have reccomendations/know where you are going. Especialy if you are in mixed company.
Not been in Bann's since it moved there but its predecessor on that site was stuffy as fuck!
Not been in Hendersons for a while either but it certainly used to be OK. Probably the first veggie restraunt I was ever in.
yall forgettin the best (i do work there tho) susies whole food diner. we got a good selection of veggies bringin there meat eating mates along. We do a good selection of cheesy/creamy stuff to satisfy the omnivores all the way to vegan and gluten free stuff. anyway enuf of the blantent plug.
sambo
sambo
sambo said:
Only been in susie's diner once. Decent food, and a nice place to eat.
Bann's is good as well - went there for my gf birthday and she loved being able to pick stuff off the menu knowing it was vegan, not thinking she was baing a nuisance etc.
I have to mention the cornerstone cafe. Been in a few times in the past couple of weeks. Nice to sit outside in the sun, eating the crispy, chocolatey slice things they do.
Decent ale as wlel though they only sell that with hot food (which ain't to shabby).
pagan
Guerilla Gardener
gaijingirl said:
Yeah, don't agree at all about the 'worthy' tag. Hendersons and Susies are 70's retro palaces but David Banns, Urban Angel (not totally veggie but organic) and Black Bo's are top notch.
(Gaijingirl, you must get down to Terre a Terre in Brighton which is without doubt the best veggie restaraunt in Europe).
For chippies try Rapido or Cafe Piccante on Broughton St (CP's sells alcohol until 2am and has DJ's spining tunes at the weekends!) but the best are the two in Stockbridge, L'alba Doro and L'aquilia Bianca.
And don't forget to get a Macsweens Veggie Haggis to take home with you!
