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So, you've got one day...
Maybe you are having a stop off in this beautiful city on your way to check out other bits of Scotland, or you've got the day off from the office.. what to do with that one day? We have a couple of suggestions.
The book worm
Perhaps you would like to start your day with breakfast at the supposed birth place of Harry Potter - The Elephant House. You might even spot Ian Rankin (Rebus novels) or Alexander McCall-Smith (The No.1 Ladies Detective Agency) having a cuppa here! After this we suggest a trip up on to the Royal Mile to The Writer's Museum (check out Robert Burns' writing desk and a plaster cast of his skull). Now it's time to pick up some books - there are many book shops in Edinburgh but we recommend Armchair Books on West Port for a good bargain. Then head up to Love Crumbs for a good reading spot in the window seats and amazing cakes! As evening falls there is no better way to end your literary day than The Edinburgh Literary Pub Tour (if you are over 18!). Meet outside The Beehive Inn on the Grassmarket at 7.30pm - beer and books, what more do you need?
The shop-a-holic
We suggest starting your day in a cafe in Stocksbridge, which is home to some of Edinburgh's best charity shops containing big brands for tiny prices and a wonderful farmers market at the weekend. Then walk (or get the number 36 bus) up to George Street for the big names and onto Princes Street for your highstreet classics with a stop off for lunch in the middle on Rose Street. It's now time to check out the independent stores (that's what Unlock Edinburgh likes best!) so head up Cockburn Street for some treats such as Pie in the Sky and Old Town Context. Then on to the Royal Mile to check out the Royal Mile Market and to get some gloriously tacky memorabilia. Chuck on your new finds and head out for the night.
The active type
Kick start your day with a swim in the Royal Commonwealth Pool, maybe even jump off the diving board that Tom Daley did at the Commonwealth Games 2014! There are plenty of cafes near by to grab some food after. Then we suggest a walk up the extinct volcanoe, Arthur's seat - there are some glorious views of the whole city from up there and a chance to get out of the busy city! After all this excercise you should fill up on a £5 curry at Mosque Kitchen on Potterrow. You might want to end your day with a cycle (there are many places to hire in the city) as Edinburgh has 75km of off-street cycling paths - many being old railways lines!
The true tourist
Although we are all about celebrating the local businesses, if you are here for one day we understand if you decide to see the sights that make Edinburgh so famous. Start your day on the Grassmarket eating a full Scottish breakfast at Cafe Jacques to get you prepared for your busy day ahead. Walk up Victoria Street and head into some of the independent shops on your way up to the Castle. If you don't want to pay the price in, we recommend a trip up here anyway for the views! After a walk down the Royal Mile, head to Princes Street Gardens and maybe climb the 287 steps to the top of the Scott Monument. Now it's time to get a whisky (or 5) down you, get yourself along to the The Scotch Whisky Experience. After fine dining at one of Edinburgh's many restaurants, Unlock Edinburgh suggests you experience the city by night by going on a ghost tour!
The culture craver
The Fruitmarket Gallery might take your fancy if you are craving a bit of culture but want to avoid the busy tourists at the National Gallery! If you've just got off the train at Waverley then this is particularly handy. Afterwards, wander up to the Stills gallery on Cockburn Street to check out which ever exciting photography exhibition they have on. Just up the road from here is The Southern Cross Cafe which we definitely recommend for a cake and a coffee. Edinburgh then has some wonderful cinemas and theatres - The Playhouse for a something extravagant or maybe the Traverse if you fancy something a bit unusual. There are many deals on pre theatre dinners, we suggest Zucca next to the Lyceum Theatre!
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