Top 20 Embra Experiences
1) Take a stroll along the Water of Leith Walkway- in particular the stretch from Canonmills to the Dean & Modern Art Galleries, by the famous ‘Colonies’, through Stockbridge and under the Dean Bridge. Some of the most beautiful architecture in Edinburgh.
2) Visit Robert Louis Stevenson’s childhood home in the New Town and try to pick the lock on the gate in the gardens opposite to see the pond where (it is claimed) he found inspiration for ‘Treasure Island’ (watch out for police).
3) Pop into the Canongate Kirk and behold the grave of Adam Smith- the chap who invented the concept of Economics. Look out for the grave of Clarinda- one of Rabbie Burns’ most famous bits of skirt.
4) Have a pint in the Port O' Leith pub on Constitution Street with the local Leithers, right in the heart of 'Trainspotting' territory. One of the main protagonists, 'Sickboy', was born in the 'Banana Flats' (as they're affectionately known) not far behind it.
5) Appreciate the very modest memorial on Leith Links to the actual place where the rules of golf were set down (forget St Andrews).
6) Get a haggis and cheese baked potato for the Tempting Tattie on Jeffrey Street.
7) Have a read of the many snippets of poetry and proverb on the Royal Mile side of the Scottish Parliament building for some inspiration.
8) Have an early morning pint with some local characters in the ‘Penny Black’ pub behind Burger King on Princes Street at 6am. Once watered and peckish, head downstairs to ‘Snax’ greasy spoon for an awesome (and awesomely cheap) fry-up.
9)Sleaze around the Western Bar in Edinburgh’s ‘pubic triangle’ (West Port) for an experience involving dancing.... and possibly your lap.
10) Try to block all of your arteries in one foul swoop at the Clamshell chip shop on the Royal Mile with deep-fried Haggis and Mars Bars washed down with Irn Bru- our real national food and drink.
11) Attempt the Rose Street (that runs parallel to Princes Street) pub crawl without ending up in A&E.
12) Take a few deep breaths and enter the Surgeon’s Museum on Nicolson Street for some gruesome artefacts. You'll find a pocket-book bound in the skin of William Burke, one half of Edinburgh's infamous serial-killing duo from the 18th Century.
13) Pop into Dunbar Garden, near bottom of Royal Mile just past Canongate Kirk, for some peace and quiet.
14) Climb Arthur's seat. It will take you about an hour to get up and down, but make sure you’re prepared and take something warm for the top (e.g. thermals/ whisky).
15) Go and while away the time at the Elephant House cafe on George IV Bridge - great tea/coffee and cakes and (how could we forget) the alleged place where J K Rowling wrote some of the first Harry Potter!
16) Climb the Scott Monument in Princes Street Gardens for a view of Arthur's Seat and Calton hill. A couple of pounds and a few hundred stairs but well worth it for the view!
17) Go to Whistle Binkies on South Bridge and sit in an underground hollow and revel in the randomness of the clientele. Also there is live music of varying genres every night.
18) Embrace your inner geek and chill out in the Museum of Scotland – free, and you’ll see the preserved sheep Dolly; the first ever clone.
19)Find the Scottish Heath Garden in the Royal Botanic Gardens and pretend you’re in the Highlands!
20) Go to Sandy Bells pub and sample some Scottish music sessions.