What to do in Edinburgh around New Year...

Hi all,

I've been looking to do the Edinburgh Hogmanay Festival for years now, and this year, the girlfriend and I booked it.
The hotel, the trains, the festival, the spending money, it's all sorted.

All I need now, is some things to do in Edinburgh over the course of the 3 days.

I'd rather avoid all of the "tourist" things, as a whole, and try to form our own path, which is why I'm here to ask advice from people who have been or maybe even live there.
I'm booked to stay in the Tune Hotel at Haymarket. Arriving at 11:00 on the 31st and leaving around 18:00 on the 2nd.

So.. Hexites, what can you recommend?

http://www.anatomy.mvm.ed.ac.uk/museum/

Open one day a month..

Unfortunately, I'm not there at the right time to visit there. Although, I would've loved to!

Dependent on the weather (it will be raining) a trip up Arthur's Seat is always a great way to walk off the excesses of the previous day/night. Failing that: I love The Stand comedy club (Jo Caulfield is hosting a decent looking Hogmanay - http://www.thestand.co.uk/show/22657/hootfest), the castle is always good (take the walk from there down the Royal Mile to Holyrood), there's ice skating in St Andrew Square & there's a pretty interesting looking exhibition at the National Museum of Scotland (http://www.nms.ac.uk/national-museum.../game-masters/)

Most of all: don't try to cram too much in. One of my favourite things about Edinburgh is just mooching around with no real intentions, indulging in a few drinks and watching the world go by.



One warning: be ready to feel Edinburgh in your legs. It's a city designed by MC Escher, where somehow everything is uphill ((C) Marcus Brigstocke).

You could also try climbing the Scott Monument. That's the one that looks like Thunderbird 5. You can get all the way upto the top and it's an amazing view.

try the local ales, they are awesome
also look for shows in and around St Andrews Square, caught Limbo there last year, utterly amazing
visit the Dome on George St, its pretty

what to do in Edinburgh? Get cold. Very cold. Standing in a "street party" where there isn't much to do for ages, then gets lively, then involves more shuffling around to get out of the medley at the end. Find a bar, a warm one, hunker down and enjoy the atmosphere. Far better than the "party" outside IMO.

Some nice foody places down Leith Walk. Take a coat - the place is freezing and windy in winter.

If you're up late, lots of Italian bakeries will sell you fresh bread a 2am on the way back from the pub :)

Dont forget your 'almost, but you are still england's byatch' t-shirt.

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Originally Posted by abaxas

Dont forget your 'almost, but you are still england's byatch' t-shirt.

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And don't worry. You'll be safe as no locals go to the street party!

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Originally Posted by Bluecube

And don't worry. You'll be safe as no locals go to the street party!

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that's not true. The local pickpockets go.

Some excellent ideas in here guys, thanks very much!

I've already purchased tickets for Hogmanay, and am extremely excited to see Lily Allen and Twin Atlantic.. Just hoping that it's not raining!

Out of interest, how many have been for NYE?

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Bluecube

You could also try climbing the Scott Monument. That's the one that looks like Thunderbird 5. You can get all the way upto the top and it's an amazing view.

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Ahem, <cough> Thunderbird 3.

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Originally Posted by rox0r

Ahem, <cough> Thunderbird 3.

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<cough>typo<cough> ;)

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Originally Posted by Hoonigan

Some excellent ideas in here guys, thanks very much!

I've already purchased tickets for Hogmanay, and am extremely excited to see Lily Allen and Twin Atlantic.. Just hoping that it's not raining!

Out of interest, how many have been for NYE?

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och aye!

http://i.imgur.com/KmDgQu5.jpg

Happens I'm in EDI, thought I'd share a view from my hotel room.

Lovely clear day up there!

Buy adult heelies, roll down hills.