Possible Edinburgh weekend getaway or insanity?
 

Hello all! I really enjoy reading all the great advice that y'all give, and used quite a bit of it on my recent UK trip. I had an absolute blast, but unfortunately (I didn't plan that part of the trip) I didn't get to spend nearly enough time in Edinburgh (less than one full day). What I did see, I fell in love with though, and really want to make a trip back to see what I've missed. I know this has to sound outrageous and crazy, but I'm considering flying into Edinburgh for a weekend getaway, maybe in September, or if I can't then maybe April of next year - I went in April this year and the weather was perfect most of the time, but I was told that was a bit unusual. I'm considering flying out from home (Austin TX) on a Thursday, which means I'll land in Edinburgh early Friday morning, then taking a bus tour around the town until I can get checked in to a B&B or hotel. Maybe wander around old town a bit that afternoon, do a bit of shopping or sight seeing on Princes Street. I didn't have much trouble with jetlag on my last trip, but I wasn't exactly energetic either. :) Then I'd have all day Saturday and Sunday to explore the city like I really want to, and fly home Monday, back at work Tuesday. I know it's outrageously expensive for a weekend getaway, but I'm not going to be able to take an entire week off work. My main question at this point, other than am I completely insane :), is it worth it to stay an extra day to explore Edinburgh on a Sunday? Most likely I would spend most of Saturday at the castle, Royal Mile, and the palace/abbey. Are there any options open on a Sunday to make it worth staying for?

Any time I could just spend a weekend in Edinburgh I'd be a happy camper. I would suggest that you not limit yourself to any particular place. We've visited old town many times and STILL haven't made it as far as Holyrood. We did get the the End of the World pub however! Like Paris Edinburgh is a fine place to wander around.

I suggest that you get restaurant recommendations for Sheila and Janis, if it were I.

Cheers! Have a grand time!

Edinburgh is perfect for a three-day visit - it mostly depends on how well you are able to conquer the jetlag and how good your flight connections are.

I have to fly in from the west coast so I would want 4 or 5 days minimum due to the travel/hassle. But if you know you can deal w/ it - it isn't a crazy idea at all.

I'd want to go in September if I had the choice. The weather can be lovely or awful either month - but I'd think slightly better odds in September.

All of the sites are open on Sundays so that shouldn't limit you much at all.

sheila and caroline_edinburgh will have the latest info on what restaurants should not be missed. Hopefully one of them will see your thread.

oh - meant to add -- most B&Bs/hotels will hold your bags if your room isn't ready yet. But very often rooms are available much earlier than "check in" time.

If you handle jet lag well enough, I think it's a great plan! Definitely stay the Sunday; I'm sure there will be enough to fill your time. If you mention what your interests are, I'm sure you'll get some great suggestions. On my last visit to Edinburgh, I stopped in some museums that I had never seen: National Gallery of Scotland and the National Museum of Scotland.

Here are some previous Edinburgh restaurant threads that I've saved:
http://fodors.com/forums/threadselec...p;tid=34958959
http://fodors.com/forums/threadselec...p;tid=34893165
http://fodors.com/forums/threadselec...p;tid=34867466
http://fodors.com/forums/threadselec...p;tid=34819765
http://fodors.com/forums/threadselec...p;tid=34778019
caroline_edinburgh has given some wonderful restaurant guidance.

Sorry, posting at the same time as janisj :)

just shows brilliant minds on the same wave length :D

... or something!

Well, I'm struggling to get past teh "insane" bit, but if you were coming from London, I'd say "go for it", so....

Caroline's better on restaurants these days than I am:(

Thanks so much for the great encouragement and ideas! I really appreciate it. I'm a bit of a history and architecture nut, so I was really intrigued by Edinburgh, especially old town. The age of the buildings just amazes me...of course, being from TX, there's nothing here that old, and I just love trying to wrap my mind around it - especially the stone circles, Roman buildings, etc. that I got to see in April. And I love the cathedrals and abbeys. Just gorgeous. :) Now I'm going to have to start desperately saving money to make a Sept. trip! :)

Okay, since no one offered restaurants I can recommend Stac Polly, we ate at the one on Dublin Street but I think there is one in Old Town.

Also, the National Museum has amazing stuff. I would visit there again in a heartbeat. Although I should probably do the portrait gallery next. Then again there is Holyrood Castle.

Robbylea, I too will be in Edinburgh in September. Can't wait! I've been there once before for two days and fell in love with it. This time spending three weeks -- of course I'll be doing a lot of day trips. But, I plan on spending several days right there in Edinburgh. Hope you'll have a wonderful time -- I know I will!

Do you have any Texas state holidays that are 3 day weekends? If so, you might think about picking one of these weekends for travel. This would save you one vacation day. I'd probably check to see if there are any holidays in Scotland that might interfere with your plans as well. I think Edinburgh is a 3-day city, so if you don't have issues with jet lag, go.

I realise that Scotland to Texas is further, but it's very common for people here to go to New York for the weekend.

Almost everything is open on Sunday - nearly all shops plus all tourist attactions, museums & public galleries. The only places I can think of which are closed are a handful of shops & the commercial art galleries. And the cathedrals & churches during "business hours" :-)

The Museum of Scotland is quite good & there's a free bus which takes you round all the national galleries - www.nationalgalleries.org. If you come in September I think all the big summer shows will still be on.

I didn't notice you actually asking about restaurants ? But Amelie has kindly provided links to my recommendations.

Robbylea, regarding Edinburgh, I know how you feel. My husband and I just returned from a wonderful 14 days in Scotland, and the last 2 1/2 days were spent in Edinburgh. Last year we flew to Edinburgh only...and stayed 8 days, walked and gawked, visited most of the museums/galleries, dined at many restaurants, and generally had a memorable week, hence returning at the end the this trip.
This time we visited The Botanical Gardens. The little restaurant on the grounds is recommended for lunch. The gift shop is lovely also.
The only thing I could suggest is, try to tack on a few more days to your trip if you possibly can.

Maybe you can go Labor Day Weekend?

I will be in Edinburgh in two weekends and will post a trip report...