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Travel
Visiting Edinburgh for Hogmanay
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| Edinburgh bagpiper |
If there’s one thing Scotland’s capital knows how to do well, it’s throw a party. Hogmanay - the Scottish celebration of the New Year - is the ideal time to visit Edinburgh and get a real taste of Scotland, or of its whisky and ales at any rate. There are few places I’ve had as much fun seeing in the bells as I had in Edinburgh.
Getting to Edinburgh
Getting to and from Edinburgh is nice and easy, and if you’re flying you’ll find there’s a cheap bus that will get you from Edinburgh Airport to the town in about half an hour. The price of flights to Edinburgh is likely to sky rocket the closer it gets to the big day though, so be sure to book your flight to Edinburgh as early as possible.
Finding somewhere to stay
Hogmanay isn’t the cheapest time to visit Edinburgh, and you’ll want to book early to avoid disappointment, but with a little planning you should be able to find hotels in Edinburgh to suit. You can cut the costs by staying outside the town center – while you’ll find it’s hard to get a taxi on New Year’s Eve, the local bus company does run extensive free services throughout the night.
The Street Party
I once said there was no way I’d ever enjoy spending New Year’s Eve standing outside in the cold, and then my friends persuaded me to buy a ticket to Edinburgh’s Street Party. Loud, a little chaotic and extremely friendly, the party swamps the whole of historic Princes Street. There are a number of stages with DJs and live musicians playing in the New Year, as well as plenty of outdoor bars, so be prepared to dance your way through the night.
Tickets are a very reasonable £15, and you’ll be well placed to join in a rendition of Auld Lang Syne, receive a kiss or ten on the cheek and enjoy the midnight firework display.
Concert in the Gardens
As an addition to the fun of the Street Party, Edinburgh also hosts a massive Concert in Princes Street Gardens on Hogmanay. Tickets for this are a little more expensive, but you are always guaranteed a show from top acts. I didn’t manage to get tickets for this before it sold out, but I’ve spoken to people who’ve been and they strongly recommended the experience – although it does depend on how much you like the headline act!
Watching the fireworks from a hillside
Edinburgh’s New Year’s fireworks display is always spectacular, and you get a great view of the Castle from the Street Party, but if you’re looking for a more natural spot to sit in, one of Edinburgh’s hillsides is sure to do the trick. Take a walk up Arthur’s Seat, Calton Hill or even Blackford Hill (although you may need a local to help you find the best spots on that one).
About the Author: James writes for Skyscanner.net, a flight comparison website based in Edinburgh.
Photo via Flickr Creative Commons
Photo via Flickr Creative Commons
- 3 Destinations To Fly To From Scotland’s Capital
Edinburgh is the most popular city in the UK with international visitors (outwith London), thanks to its many arresting tourist attractions, wonderful shopping opportunities and plenty of places to enjoy a wee dram. From the striking beauty of Edinburgh...
- Edinburgh To Aberdeen By Train. A Photo Essay
Edinburgh was love at first sight. Labyrinthine alleys and closes in the Old Town, grid-like streets in the New Town, a bustling shopping hub, incredibly beautiful green spaces, delicious cuisine ranging from traditional to Michelin-starred restaurants and...
- 10 Places You Must Visit In Edinburgh
Dreamy spires, gargoyles, hidden closes, atmospheric cemeteries, and a New Town that's considered a masterpiece of urban planning, make Edinburgh a city anyone can easily fall in love with. Edinburgh is compact and walkable. However, being built on...
- One Day In Glasgow
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- Top 10 Attractions In Scotland
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