4 Things to Do on Your Next Trip to Edinburgh, Scotland
With nonstop flights to Edinburgh (EDI) now available thanks to a new Norwegian Air flight from the New York City area (SWF), Scotland is closer and more affordable than ever. One thing that keeps visitors coming to the city each year? Festivals. And while the Fringe and International Festivals, among others, are certainly worthy of your time and money, there's so much more to this vibrant part of the country. Here are four things to add to your Scotland bucket list the next time you're visiting Edinburgh.
1. Discover Edinburgh's 101 Objects
2017 marks Visit Scotland's Year of History, Heritage and Archaeology and in collaboration with the tourism board's theme, Edinburgh World Heritage (EWH) has created a self-guided list of 101 Objects so you can explore the city's literary, military, culinary (and sometimes colorful) past. Start at the EWH offices on Bakehouse Close, where you can learn about the Acheson House — what's now the EWH headquarters was once a brothel affectionately known as the Cock and Trumpet, named after the Acheson family's crest, of course. More than 75% of the 101 Objects are free to visit and city bus routes can be found on the website for planning purposes, with a few suggested itineraries listed here to get you started.
2. Visit a Nearby Classic Malt Distillery
After learning about Object 62 — the first-ever blended Scotch whisky — your palette will be well-prepped for your next adventure. And for the Scotch whisky drinker, there's no better way to discover Scotland than to visit the 12 classic malt distilleries that represent its unique whisky-producing regions. Even if you aren't a whisky drinker, a visit to a distillery or two will enlighten you as to how the 'water of life' has helped shape the history of the country.
While many distilleries can be quite a journey from the city center, Glenkinchie, a distillery celebrating its 180th anniversary this year, is just a 35-minute drive from Edinburgh. Here, you can explore the ground floor exhibition that details the history of the distillery and the surrounding Lowlands region, take a behind-the-scenes guided tour of the production area and end your visit with a flight in the bar. Prices vary depending on what you want to see, and if you're tight on time, make sure you at least splurge on the 5 pounds (~$6) it costs — yup, that's it! — for a sample of three generous pours of the local stuff.
3. Stroll (or Drive) the Fife Coastal Path
Across the River Forth from Edinburgh is the Kingdom of Fife, a beautiful region full of coastal towns where local artists thrive and fish 'n chip shops rule. Along its waterways, the Fife Coastal Path stretches 117 miles, with eight digestible sections for those who desire to walk it in its entirety. If driving the coast is more your speed, you can still discover all the path has to offer, including the small fishing villages of Saint Monans and Crail, known for their pastel-colored homes and art galleries, as well as the storied college and golf town of St. Andrews. Dine on fish 'n chips at the award-winning Anstruther Fish Bar in Ansrtuther — whether you sit-in or takeaway, don't forget to douse your meal in "chippy sauce," a special blend of vinegar and brown sauce that'll earn you a nod from the locals.
4. Road Trip Along the North Coast 500
Also known as Scotland's Route 66, the North Coast 500 is perfect for travelers who prefer the freedom to wander at their own pace. Established in 2015, the scenic route through the Highlands starts and ends in Inverness and covers 500 or so miles of northern Scotland. To explore the entirety of the trail takes between four and five days by car and whether you start by heading east or west, you're guaranteed to discover breathtaking views in either direction. Start by visiting this website to plot the ultimate Scottish road trip based on the attractions you want to see, reviewing the suggested itineraries, or downloading the NC500 app for access to its interactive map. What's ahead for those who discover the great Up North? White-sand beaches that rival the Caribbean, castles that aren't overrun with tourists, lighthouses that illuminate majestic cliffside towns and limestone caves that dwell deep underground.
What are some of your favorite things to do in and around Edinburgh? Tell us about them, below.
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There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
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- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
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- Terms Apply.
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| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
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You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
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Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.