Elise

I'm considering a solo trip to Edinburgh in December. Any suggestions on a safe and convenient neighborhood? Hotels or dining spots for a solo traveler? Is the public transit system adequate for getting around town or would I need to rent a car? I'm also concerned that many many places are closed during that month...is it worth going in December or should I choose another destination? Thanks for any advice.

Robin

Edinburgh is a wonderful city, but the weather, which is potentially awful even in July, is likely to be very cold with a mix of sleet/snow/rain, so dress warmly and waterproofed. We stayed at the Point last year and liked it--it's "modern" decor, but nice, good sized rooms and a decent neighborhood; you can walk about anywhere. The bus system is good and easy to use. Driving is tricky unless you have a good navigator to help.

Sheila

Elise

Stay in the city centre. It's certainly convenient and, with the exception of a couple of the "sink" estates on the outskirts, nowhere in Edinburgh is unsafe. Hotels depends on your budget, but there are a couple of budget hotels (by our standards-remember we pay more in the UK, than you guys)which cost about $65 per night in the centre- sort of Howard Johnstons standard. The Point will be about $120, I think

My favourite dining places include:-
The Marque on Causewayside; The Witchery, Stac Polly, Tuscan Square, Café Hub, Browns, Le Sept, Est Est Est, Bann’s, Henderson’s, the Kalpna, Viva Mexico, Shamiana, the Siam Erewan, the Loon Fung.

It's a great city for single people. Public transport is pretty good; but the sites are fairly compact, and everywhere will be open...it's not a seasonal city. Everything will be close the 25th, 26th, 31st and 1st.

Please feel free to come back if I can be of any further help

Annie

Hi Elise:
Try the Acorn Lodge on Leith Walk a 15 minute walk from Princess Street. Single Roon 50 pounds with private facilities and breakfast. Run by a friendly couple who are full of helpful information.
E-mail [email protected].
Have wonderful time!
p

AC

For lots of helpful information for solo traveling visit www.journeywoman.com
Edinburgh is a great city, but I was there in October and it was chilly. dress in lots of layers. Have fun! The people in Edinburgh are helpful and very friendly!

kimberly

Edinburgh is pretty safe. As a poster mentioned. Stay near the city center...there are plenty of flats and hotels off Princes Street. I recommend the Ritz Hotel. The staff is very nice and the rooms are soo cozy and Victorian...very beautiful and affordable...I can forward the info to you at another time (as I have to get i from home)...I definitely recommend this place as it's 10 minutes by foot to the Castle and up and down Princes street.

Rose

Hi Elise, the Portrait Gallery on Queen's Street has a wonderful little cafe on the main floor (or lower level) that sold wonderful salads, hot food etc. for reasonable prices (at least in 1997). I was solo in Edinbough and felt more comfortable eating in cafes than restaurants. Have a great trip!

Danna

Elise,

Unlike the earlier respondent I can't say all of Edinburgh is safe. We were just there and a rash of rapes were reported in the newspaper (not the tourist guide) they recommended that women not be out alone at night. Stay close into the downtown area, keep your safety skills intact! Just like everywhere.

Have fun, but don't just stay in Edinburgh, Kircudbright is my recommendation!

cali

Hi Kimberly,
Could you post the info on The Ritz? Like Elise, I'm a single woman who is planning on staying in Edinburgh in the next few months and am looking for a safe and reasonable lodging facility. Thanks!

Beth Anderson

I always felt completely safe in Edinburgh. It is a beautiful city. You should try to take a walk up King Arthur's Seat (did I get that right?) if you can.

have fun! I can't remember the name of the B&B I stayed in but there are tons...

stacey

Elise -

If you do go, please post your opinions when you get back. I have to be in England on business in April or May and have always wanted to go to Scotland. I would only be able to add on a few days and I'm considering staying in Edinburgh and exploring just the city, seeing I'd be on my own as well and have no love for driving over there. Thanks.

Sheila

Strongly recommend that's what you do; although for shopping and art you would do worse than a day trip to Glasgow by train- only 45 minutes.

Tony Hughes

It's Arthur's Seat.

Edinburgh is not any safer or less safe than any other city of similar size I can think of. Not sure if staying in 'downtown' area is correct advice seeing as thats where all the violence kicks off, if it does at all. Up tp ypu I suppose.

Taxis everywhere, take them when it's dark. Bigger-roomed hotels (unless we're talking megabucks) located out of city centre.

Mail me if you have any questions.

topper

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