Edinburgh Walks: Uncover the City's Hidden Gems!
Alright, buckle up, because we're diving headfirst into the cobbled streets and hidden alleyways of Edinburgh, all thanks to Edinburgh Walks: Uncover the City's Hidden Gems! Let's be honest, planning a trip to a historic city like Edinburgh can be a chaotic mess of websites and expectations – especially when you're a travel reviewer who's seen it all. So, here's the real, unfiltered lowdown on what Edinburgh Walks offers, sprinkled with my own brand of rambling, slightly sarcastic, and ultimately, hopefully helpful, commentary.
First Impressions (and Accessibility – a crucial part these days!)
Okay, getting around is key. Edinburgh's a city of hills, y'know? If you have any mobility issues, accessibility is paramount. While I'm physically able, I'm always looking at accommodation for others because it's just the right thing to do. Edinburgh Walks, thankfully, seems to GET it. I found information confirming that they are actively trying to make their tours wheelchair accessible. And that is important. While I didn't see the actual tours firsthand, any investment into this area is already a major point in their favor. But, it's important to call them directly to confirm specifics, as some spots in the city are still a challenge.
The Nuts and Bolts: What "Edinburgh Walks" Actually Has
Let's get the boring stuff out of the way first. Because, let's face it, nobody wants to wade through bullet points all day. But the information in the request is quite extensive, so bear with me here.
- Internet & Tech: Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! Hallelujah! I can Instagram my haggis and neeps in peace. Internet [LAN] and Internet services are mentioned, which is good if you're a digital nomad or need a secure connection. Good range!
- Cleanliness & Peace of Mind: Okay, in the post-pandemic world, this is HUGE. Anti-viral cleaning products? Check. Rooms sanitized between stays? Check. Hand sanitizer? Check. Staff trained in safety protocol? Thank goodness. The emphasis on hygiene is reassuring, and I appreciated the cashless payment service, because, c'mon, who still carries cash? Especially if you're visiting from another country.
- Dining: From Haggis to Happy Hours! Alright, this is where things get interesting. They mention a wide range of dining options, but most of these aren't in-house. A la carte in restaurant? Buffet in restaurant? Yep. Asian breakfast, International cuisine in restaurant, Vegetarian restaurant, Western cuisine in restaurant? Sounds good too. You'd typically expect to find a bar, coffee shop, and snack bar available at or nearby the hotel, which is often the case in most hotels. I would like to know a lot more about these options though because eating is so important.
- Services & Conveniences: Concierge, Daily housekeeping, Laundry service, Luggage storage. Standard stuff, but essential. Meeting/banquet facilities. Shine? Well, it also mentions a shrine which is a bit surprising. Gift/souvenir shop (gotta bring back something for Aunt Mildred). Sounds like a reasonable amount of Services and conveniences.
- For the Kids (and the Kid in You): Babysitting service, Family/child friendly, Kids meal. Good for families.
- Getting Around: Airport transfer. Huzzah! Car park [free of charge]. Love it! Car park [on-site]. Bonus! Taxi service. Essential.
Now, Let's Talk About the Experience (and my opinion!):
Okay, enough of the checklist. Let's get real. I’ve been to Edinburgh before. I know the city. And the best way to really experience it is on foot. Which is exactly what Edinburgh Walks is all about.
It's a Marathon, Not a Sprint (Unless You’re on a Short Tour) - The Walk Itself
Forget your pre-conceived notions of a boring lecture. These aren't just dry recitations of dates and names. The guides, supposedly, are passionate with a genuine love for the city. They aren't just reciting Wikipedia entries. They're engaging with the group, adapting to questions, and really bringing the stories to life. I had expectations – and I'm picky. I'm looking for the soul of Edinburgh, and that starts with, hopefully a witty, knowledgeable guide.
The Places You'll Go (and the Feelings You'll Feel)
The hidden gems aspect is REAL, from what I heard. The tour supposedly takes you down those little alleyways, the ones you'd probably walk right past. It's about uncovering the secrets, the things that make Edinburgh Edinburgh. So I will trust this, but of course, as I haven't taken it, I'm speaking from a place of general trust. But maybe, I am wrong.
A Potential Pitfall (or Two) and a Plea to the Edinburgh Walks Team
I've done this gig long enough to know that even the best experiences can have their flaws. One tiny niggle: the variety of walks. It’s a good idea they're all walks. But I'd like to know the length of the walks! Some people can do 5 hours, some cannot.
So, Should You Book with Edinburgh Walks?
YES.
Here’s MY Offer for YOU: The "Uncover Edinburgh’s Secrets" Package.
I'll make this sweet and simple. Since I don't have the power to make deals with the Hotel itself, here's what I would like to offer YOU, the savvy traveler, based on what I think Edinburgh Walks could offer.
The "Uncover Edinburgh's Secrets" Package:
- The Essentials: A walking tour (at least 2 to 3 locations, per the tour provider).
- The Extras:
- A voucher for 10% off at a local Edinburgh pub or restaurant, offering authentic Scottish cuisine.
- A "Top Secret" map detailing the most Instagrammable locations.
- Insider Tips – a list of lesser-known, local eateries.
- The Dealbreaker – I’m asking Edinburgh Walks to provide an accessible walking tour for the price of whatever they usually charge.
Edinburgh Walks: Uncover the City's Hidden Gems! is a solid base for exploring Edinburgh. With a focus on the hidden gems and a supposed commitment to accessibility and local flavor, it has the potential to be an excellent pick. The main thing is that you have to, like me, make sure the accessibility is in place.
Because, at the end of the day, the best travel experiences are the authentic ones. And this, from what I've heard, is what Edinburgh Walks aims to deliver. Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm off to book my own trip. Edinburgh, here I come!
Escape to Paradise: Grand Hotel San Michele, Cetraro, Italy
Okay, buckle up, because this ain't your sanitized, polished travel brochure. This is Edinburgh, ON THE WALK, baby, and it's gonna be… well, it's gonna be me. Prepare for a rollercoaster fueled by shortbread, cobblestones, and the existential dread of accidentally wandering into a graveyard at dusk.
Edinburgh: A Messy, Glorious Walkabout (with a Side of Existential Crisis)
Day 1: Holyrood to Hysteria (and a Pub)
Morning (Slightly Hungover): Okay, the flight was brutal. Delayed. Crabby flight attendant. I’m blaming jet lag, but let’s be honest, it’s probably just my inherent grumpiness. I finally arrive (after a hilariously inefficient bus ride from the airport – seriously, who designed THIS route?!) and dump my bag in some overpriced, yet charming, B&B. Right. First mission: Holyrood Palace. Expectations were raised. (Maybe I had too many expectations?) And then I get there… it’s… a palace. Looked like a castle from afar. A regal palace. The audio tour makes me yawn and I think I might fall alseep, but I will keep going, after all I have a schedule.
Mid-Morning (Holyrood Park Pilgrimage): I’m thinking, “I SHOULD climb Arthur's Seat.” I did! At the top! The view is stunning, breathtaking, yadda yadda. BUT, let's be real, that climb nearly killed me. I have the lungs of a smoker and the fitness level of a sloth. I'm pretty sure I saw a hawk judging me. Worth it for the photos though, even if my face looks like I’m about to burst a blood vessel.
Lunch (Disaster in a Tea Room): Okay, I needed a bite after that trek. Found a cute little tea room promising scones and charm. "Sounds perfect!" I thought. Wrong. The scone? Dry as the Sahara. The clotted cream tasted suspiciously like… well, nothing. I’m convinced I paid mainly for the ambiance, which, in fairness, was quite lovely. But, you know, expectations again. I'm a sucker for a good scone.
Afternoon (Royal Mile Ramble, AKA Tourist Hell): The Royal Mile is a beautiful, chaotic, tourist-infested mess. So many bagpipers! So many tartan shops! I feel a vague urge to buy a kilt, then remember I have zero legs for one. Walked into a whisky shop (obligatory) and had a tasting. Let's just say I'm now an expert (according to me). Also, almost got trampled by a flock of people headed to Edinburgh Castle. I felt like a salmon, fighting the current.
Evening (Pub Perfection): Finally! Found a proper pub called "Sandy Bell's" with genuine, authentic pub vibes. The pint of Guinness was perfect. The live music was fantastic. I actually talked to a local, a lovely old chap named Angus, who regaled me with tales of Edinburgh's history. He also gave me some solid advice on where NOT to go. (Turns out, some of those "haunted" tours are just cheesy tourist traps.) This is what I live for. This is why I travel. This is why I've wasted a huge portion of my income in exchange for a good time.
Day 2: Ghosts, Graveyards, and Existential Dread (with a Side of Coffee)
Morning (Coffee, Coffee, Coffee): Need. Caffeine. NOW. Found a tiny coffee shop on Victoria Street (the most Instagrammable street, apparently). The coffee was strong, the pastries were delicious, and the people-watching was top-notch. Watched a guy try to take a photo of his croissant for, like, ten minutes. We've all been there, haven't we?
Mid-Morning (Greyfriars Kirkyard… and a Ghost Tour): Okay, I'll admit it. I'm a sucker for spooky stuff. Went to Greyfriars. The ghosts, though, seemed slightly… bored. I did learn a lot about the history, and I spent a lot of time wondering about history, our lives, etc.. Feeling introspective. Definitely felt a chill, though whether that was from spectral activity or the Scottish wind, I'm not sure. The tomb of Tom Riddle (as in, Voldemort) was surprisingly underwhelming.
Lunch (Gastropub Glory): After Greyfriars, I earned a hearty meal. Found a gastropub called "Salt Horse" and devoured a burger and some chips. Proper, satisfying food. This is the thing.
Afternoon (Castle Contemplations and the National Museum of Scotland): Edinburgh Castle… I can see it from just about anywhere now! I opted for a walk around the outside (the line to get in looked insane). And then to the National Museum of Scotland. Everything from dinosaurs to fashion exhibits. I did try to understand some engineering exhibit there, I still have no clue how it worked but I managed to take some good photos.
Evening (The Aftermath of a Theater Performance): I went to see a play, and it was… well, let’s just say the acting left something to be desired. But, I was amazed by the theater, which was awesome!
Day 3: Goodbye, Edinburgh! (With a Tear in My Eye)
Morning (Last-Minute Wanderings): One last stroll through a park. One last scone (this time, a good one!). One last look at Arthur's Seat. Realizing how much I will miss this place.
Mid-Morning (Souvenir Shopping): "Oh, I should get presents for my friends and family," I thought. This would be a lie. I will buy something for myself… and maybe a tiny gift for my roommate.
Lunch (A Quick Bite): Found a bakery for a final bite.
Afternoon (Airport Angst): The flight is late. Of course. It’s probably all those ghosts making sure I don't leave. I am leaving. Goodbye Edinburgh.
Ugh, what *is* it, exactly? Like, give it to me straight, no sugarcoating.
Alright, alright, fine. Let me put it this way: it's like... imagine you're baking a cake. You *think* you know the recipe, you're all confident, whisking away, and then BAM! You realize you're missing a key ingredient (like, I don't know, flour? Common sense?). And you're surrounded by cake batter, probably on yourself, and you have to somehow make it work. That *ish* is the process.
Still confused? Don't worry, I'm often confused too. It's like... a series of events, some glorious, some utterly horrifying, all leading to... well, whatever the heck it leads to. Embrace the chaos, my friend. That's my best advice. Seriously.
So, what's the hardest part? Genuinely. Really hit me with it.
Oh, man. The hardest part? That's easy. It's the second-guessing. That constant voice in your head whispering things like, "Are you sure you're doing this right?" or "Maybe you should just give up and eat ice cream." (That last one is usually me, to be honest).
I remember this ONE time, it was a Friday, and I felt so confident I was doing it right! Well, the next day I woke up to a disaster so massive, it took a week of tears and therapy to fix. Let's just say, the second-guessing kept me up at night. Turns out, I forgot a *massive* detail. So... yeah. Second-guessing? Killer.
Okay, okay, enough doom and gloom. What *does* make it worth it? What's the payoff?
Payoff? Oh, the payoff, my friends. It's HUGE. It’s like... getting to the top of a mountain *without* dying of altitude sickness (which, let’s be honest, is a very real fear for me). It's the feeling of "Wow, I actually did that!" It's the satisfaction of seeing your creation, your work, come to life.
I once worked on a project that felt impossible. I seriously considered quitting at least a dozen times. But when it was finally done, and I saw the reactions of other people? That feeling, that pride? It was intoxicating. Pure, unadulterated, 'I can conquer the world!' kind of joy. Seriously, folks, it's worth the fight. Even the mountain of self-doubt! (Although, if you can get a little less mountain, that's fine by me.)
Seriously, what does it involve? Get into the nitty-gritty.
Okay, nitty-gritty time. Buckle up! It involves a LOT of things. Research (ugh, the bane of my existence, sometimes), planning (if I'm feeling ambitious), making mistakes (guaranteed), learning from those mistakes (optimistically), problem-solving (hiding from problems when you're alone), more mistakes (yup), celebrating small victories (a must!), and, last but certainly not least, sheer stubbornness.
Oh, and let's not forget the caffeine. LOTS of caffeine. Coffee, tea, energy drinks... you name it. I once ran on pure willpower and instant coffee for three days straight. Don't recommend it. You'll see things. I'm not kidding. Avoid the voices in your head.
What are some common misconceptions or myths about this whole thing?
Oh, there are SO many! The biggest one? That it's glamorous. Spoiler alert: It's not. Most of the time, you're in sweatpants, surrounded by chaos, and fueled by questionable snacks. Another one is that you need to be a genius to get into it. Nope. You need to be persistent, and a bit of a masochist. (kidding... kinda).
And the idea that success comes overnight? Please. It took me *years* to get to even a somewhat-decent level. It's slow, it's often frustrating, and it's a hell of a lot of hard work. This all seems a bit negative, but I swear, it's going to be worth it in the end.
Okay, you keep talking about "it". Can you give me a specific example?
Alright, alright! Let's say... painting a wall. Seems simple, right? *Wrong.* First, you have to choose the color. You spend hours staring at those tiny paint chips, agonizing over the perfect shade, second guessing every single decision. Then, you need to prep the wall - patching holes, sanding, priming. This is where you realize how utterly incapable you are of being a handyman. Messes will happen.
I remember the first time I painted a wall. I didn't use drop cloths, I didn't tape anything, and I wore my favorite white shirt, thinking, "How bad can it be?" Reader, it was BAD. The paint was everywhere. My cat had blue paws. I ended up having to repaint the entire room. The whole experience was a total disaster. But hey, I learned something! Always use drop cloths, and maybe change out of that white shirt. And for the love of all that is holy, don't let the cat walk into it.
What mistakes should be avoided at all costs?
Okay, this is the important part. Avoid these at all costs or face the wrath of a thousand regrets. Number one: Procrastination. It's the enemy of everything good. Two: Perfectionism. It's a thief, taking everything away. Three: Not asking for help. I'm incredibly stubborn, and I have learned, the hard way, that there are some things I am just *not* good at. Ask the experts. It's easier.
The BIGGEST mistake is giving up when it gets tough. Believe me, there will be times when you want to throw your hands up and walk away. Don't. Remind yourself why you started in the first place, and keep going. Even when you’re covered in paint, or whatever other mess you have made. It's a test. Take the test. And maybe grab another coffee. You'll need it.
