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Scotland v Ireland: While You’re There

11 Jan 2017 author-icon

Posted by Adrian Harmon

Compiled by Adrian Harmon and Noel Byrne, AA Roadwatch

Buses, Trams and Taxis
Accomodation
Things to Do
Places to Eat
Useful Contacts
Discounts

Buses, Trams and Taxis

If you’re staying in the city centre, you’ll probably make your way around Edinburgh on foot but you could also get a bus, tram or taxi.

Image Credit: Matt Davis. Used under CC licence.

FYI: Make sure you have the correct change when getting on the bus as the drivers can’t give you change. Also, don’t bin your ticket until after your journey as an inspector could ask to see your ticket while you’re on the bus.

The main bus service operator throughout Edinburgh is Lothian Buses who run the various bus routes around the city.

If you know you’re going to be hopping on and off the trams and buses, you could get a DAYticket (Adult: £4 / Child: £2) which allows for unlimited travel on day buses and Edinburgh Trams (City Fare zone only) for one day. Like single tickets, these can be purchased from the bus driver of the first bus you board (remember the correct change), the travel shops at Hanover St or Waverley Bridge, from the ticket machines at each tram stop or online.

The NIGHT ticket (£3) is perfect after a night out or for getting somewhere (very) early. NIGHT tickets are available from the bus driver.

Image Credit: Daniel/Flickr. Used under CC licence.

The DAY&NIGHT ticket (£3.50) is like the DAY ticket but is valid after 6pm and on day & NightBus services until 4.30am. A DAY&NIGHT ticket can be used on Lothian Buses day services and NightBus network as well as Edinburgh Trams (City Fare zone only).

The Family DAY ticket costs £8.50 and allows for unlimited travel for up to 2 adults and up to 3 children on Lothian Buses day services, all day, as well as on Edinburgh Trams (City Fare zone only).

There are plenty of taxis around Edinburgh so it shouldn’t be a problem hailing one on the street, although it can be harder to flag one down later in the night when it’s busier.

City Cabs – (0131) 228 1211
Radio Cabs – (0131) 225 9000
Central Taxis – (0131) 229 2468

Accommodation

If you’re looking for somewhere to rest your head over the match weekend, you’ll find a list of approved AA Hotels at our website here.

Alternatively, the following accommodation comes highly recommended on Tripadvisor:

If you’re looking for somewhere to stay in Edinburgh other than a hotel, Airbnb has plenty of options no matter your price range. Just be sure to get in there fast as prices go up the closer it gets to the date.

Things to Do

A city very much steeped in history, you’ll be hard pressed not to find something that tickles your fancy. Awash with things to do for all ages, from the physically taxing (but well worth it) walks up Arthur’s Seat and Calton Hill, to the entertaining Camera Obscura and the spooky Real Mary King’s Close. Just make sure you fit in time to catch the match! Have a quick look below and you’ll find the best that Edinburgh has to offer.

Image Credit: Noel Byrne

Edinburgh Castle is famous around the world and has become a well-known symbol of Scotland. To say it’s impressive the first time you see it, is an understatement. If you are going for a visit, make sure to wrap up well. If you think it’s cold walking through the city, walking around a medieval castle on top of a hill isn’t much better! Opening times and ticket prices can be found on the website.

Just next to the Castle on the Royal Mile you’ll find Camera Obscura and World of Illusions which definitely doesn’t disappoint. A highly entertaining tour for all ages which gives you a unique view of the city. Just be sure to bring your camera!

If you’re into your malts (or even if you’re not), The Scotch Whisky Experience is a great way to find out more about this age old tipple. Led on an interactive barrel ride of how whisky is made, you also get a chance to taste some of the end product. There are different tours available so it’s something that caters for everyone.

Image Credit: Laura Loughrey.

A walk is a great way to clear the head (especially after a few too many on the whisky tour), and there is no better in Edinburgh than to make your way up Arthur’s Seat and check out the incredible view. The walk is a lot shorter that you might think, but just like anything outdoors during your stay, wrap up well. Alternatively if that’s too much of a challenge, Calton Hill is closer to the city centre and the views are still mind-blowing.

If you’re looking for something a bit on the spooky side then look no further than the Real Mary King’s Close. You will head underground, and throughout your tour, get a glimpse of what life was like in the city back in the 1600’s.

Also, something for Harry Potter fans (be that a secret fan or not) is to check out the Elephant House Café on George IV Bridge. It’s been made famous as the place where JK Rowling spent some of her time writing the early parts of the series. The Malteser Cake is also great and the view of the castle isn’t bad either.

Don’t think though that these are the only things worth seeing on your trip. The city is full of other wonderful sights including the National Museum of Scotland, the Scottish Nation Gallery, the Royal Yacht Britannia, Edinburgh Dungeons and of course Murrayfield stadium itself (restrictions apply to stadium tours on match weekends)

Places to Eat

Edinburgh is jam-packed with great cafés and restaurants serving food from all over the world. We recommend trying haggis which is a traditional Scottish dish (if you’re brave enough). Top that off with the all famous Scottish treat, a deep fried Mars Bar, and you’re well on your way to nationalisation.

In all seriousness though, check out the list below of restaurants which have all received AA Rosettes for the quality of their food. Your taste buds and wallet will thank you.

Hadrian’s – Scottish
Ondine Restaurant – Seafood
Kanpai Sushi – Japanese
Café Royal – Modern Scottish
Calistoga – Modern American

Alternatively, check out a few of the places below which come highly rated by the users of Tripadvisor:

Tupiniquim – Brazilian
Social Bite – Café, Scottish
Locanda De Gusti – Italian, Mediterranean, Seafood
Reekie’s Smokehouse – Barbecue, Café, Scottish, Fast food
Indaba – Tapas

Useful Contacts

Remember to bring your AA membership card with you and if you’re unlucky enough to break down while driving in Edinburgh, our AA colleagues in the UK will give you a local tow. Their number is 0800 88 77 66.

If you have travel insurance with the AA, you should contact +353 1 431 1205 for claims relating to Emergency Medical Expenses overseas. It’s also advised you have your travel insurance policy number available in the event of a claim or emergency as well as all medical and claims emergency numbers should you need to contact AA.

Here are some numbers which may come in handy if something goes awry during your trip to Edinburgh:

Police: Call 999 for emergencies. For other incidents, call 101.

Ambulance or Fire Brigade: 999

Accident and Emergency departments:

Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh: 0131-536-1000
Royal Hospital for Sick Children: 0131-536-0000
Western General Hospital: 0131-537-1000

Discounts

Don’t forget that if you’re an AA member, you should bring your AA Membership Card as it’s your key to 25,000 discounts across Europe, including hotels and accommodation, car rental, ferries, tourist attractions, museums, theme parks, parking and lots more.