I tested 5 TOURIST TRAPS in EDINBURGH - how bad are they really?
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- čas přidán 12. 05. 2024
- Hope you are going to enjoy this peak investigative journalism from yours truly: I tried five of Edinburgh's tourist traps as inspired by insights and tips from you, my community, and also my local buds!
Is it worth shelling out the pounds for an instagrammable lunch? Hop-on hop-off sightseeing bus? Celebrity chef restaurants?
Let's go find out and discuss!
ROYAL MILE GUIDE:
• Local's guide to BEST ...
OVERRATED THINGS IN EDINBURGH:
• Are these places in Sc...
#edinburgh #edinburghfood #visitedinburgh
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For those sticking around til the end, getting those time lapse shots was a bucket list item for me :)
That aurora was absolutely beautiful, and to get it in Edinburgh must have made it even better. We have sadly been cursed with an overcast sky the last few days so no aurora for us I guess. Thank you for the timelapse, now I can at least imagine what could have been.
Oh my gosh! 😲 You guys got lucky!!! 🎉 Incredible!
You filmed really good!! I regret I only filmed a few secs :(
Beautiful ❤❤❤
Thanks for saying it's a timelapse! Up until I saw the northern lights in Edinburgh that day, I always thought they moved like that in real-time (:
As a self-proclaimed tourist, I love the hop on/off buses. They go to all the sites, and I don’t have to figure out what public buses go where. The most disappointing meal we had was at Toll Booth Tavern. Interesting to see, but mediocre food and way overpriced scotch (which was really just a dribble). Enjoyed your video!
Loved it Kat!!😍
since discovering the Scottish Design Exchange Shop I always know where to go to for souvenirs! It’s great, full of so many different things, it’s just amazing!
Thank you for this fun and interesting video!! As always!❤️
….but the northern lights at the end…I mean🤯
I’ve seen them in northern Norway because I’ve lived there trough the entire winter season and I think it should be on everybody’s bucket list because it is magical! ❤
Seeing them in Edinburgh, my favorite place ever, would be a dream! A great night for sure!! It’s been seen also here in Switzerland and Italy as well that night! Mind blowing!! You’ve been very lucky🍀🥰
Thanks for this video! In my opinion, the Edinburgh Bus Tour hop on hop off bus, exactly the green line "Edinburgh tour" offers an excellent tourist service because there is a guide inside that tells all the secrets of Edinburgh or even the Royal package has an excellent price for 48 hours of hop on hop off bus plus access to the Castle, Holyrood Palace and Yacht Britannia. These are attractions that those who come to Edinburgh absolutely want to see!
We use hop on hop off busses in cities we are not familiar with to get around when we don't have a car and things are too far to walk. We always find something we were not aware of and want to visit or land in an area with lots of things to visit beyond "the stop".
I thought The Chocolatarium would be a total tourist trap and only booked day of when we had extra time, but it was actually one of my favourite things in Edinburgh lol. I was disappointed by the ghost walking tour we went on, but Mary King's Close was very cool in that sort of vein.
I was the same!! And then I found out everyone behind it is super excited to teach people about chocolate production and ethics, and it’s just SO MUCH FUN. Genuinely kick started my obsession with bean to bar chocolate 🍫
@@Kakibot btw I just wanted to say thank you so much for your videos! This time last year I was bingeing them to get ready for my trip. I ADORED Scotland and Edinburgh especially.
Great advice Kakibot...I've visited Edinburgh many times and know the city well and tend to visit the lesser known tourist spots and always have a great time away from the crowded areas
I love the royal mile. But some "tourist traps" for me are: 1)Bella Italia (restaurant) 2) Mary Kings Close (tour) 3) Camera obscura (tour). I think I have a hard time with Laila's because I loved it so much before the change and now its not the same (they had the best Halloumi and chips.) Although I do appreciate all the veggie options.
Camera obscura is always fun
Agreed with all
I'm back in Edinburgh tomorrow! Can't wait to be home again for a little while. You were sitting in the exact same seat my husband and I were in last year at Bread Street. Enjoyed the beef wellington there.
I thought, as always, you were very fair and balanced Kakibot 😊
I have been to Edinburgh a few times now and I don't think I have encountered any real tourist traps, the only thing I could think of is the tacky souvenirshops on the royal mile that sells the tam o shanter with fake red hair but those are thankfully quite easy to avoid.
Great video as always!
We need to meet the stag do’s costume demands!!!
Pretttie Nice Town Edingburg why you so frindly hate my brother just now Kim wistory Thom from Sweden hate really my brother
Thanks Kakibot! So much has changed since I lived there 20 years ago - and worked in a visitor attraction at that time. The Royal Mile hasn't changed with the proliferation of tourist-tat shops, so it was great that you were able to give options for people looking for something special. We re-visited with kids in 2018 and so much had changed, and it is clear that things have changed again post-covid. Your video was informative and clever. well done
I absolutely love visiting the Scottish Design Exchange whenever I come to Edinburgh. I’m so glad I found your videos mentioning it. I picked up several of your pins for my daughter’s collection. She has them on her school backpack. ;o)
I avoid the tourist shops on the royal Mile but my mom loved it for her touristy tchotchkes.
We also found a Makers Market with local artists in an old church. (I forget the name but we loved the products.)
I normally avoid the hop on/hop off buses but we brought my 72 year old mom this past trip and it saved us from paying for taxis and buses everywhere. She was struggling to walk the hills and stairs but wanted to see everything in a short trip. For that purpose it was great. Otherwise, my family likes to walk everywhere and get lost.
Just so you know, if Laila on Cockburn St. is very busy, there is another Laila on the corner of Union Street and Leith Walk...
Thank you so much for this video! I am coming to Scotland for the first time this August (I sure picked a busy time to come 😂), and honestly, your vlog has become a barometer of what is authentic. I am so chuffed for you to have seen the Aurora as well. It is my dream to one day witness this spectacular display 🤩
Thanks for sharing the tourist traps there in Edinburgh Scotland, one of my favourite cities here in the UK! Love watching your content & have a beautiful week! ❤️🇬🇧
So insightful and helpful since we'll be visiting at the end of July! I truly appreciate you Kakibot!
Great content. We will be making our first visit to Edinburgh in July.
Greetings from a fellow Slav who loves Scotland. Thank you for the informative video about Edinburgh. I also wanted to compliment your incredible accent. Until you mentioned you were from the Czech Republic, I hadn't considered the possibility that you might not be a native English speaker. Well done!
As a proud Scot it annoys me when I see visitors buying the cheap tat (Garbage) from those so called Scottish souvenir shops on The Royal Mile. Gives Scotland a bad name. If the shop has bins of its product on the pavement, you can almost guarantee that most of it is made in and comes from China, India or Pakistan. Before visiting Scotland do a little research on the internet. Remember you get what you pay for. And to those that think the price of a Whisky of Beer is high, you can blame Westminster for that NOT Scotland. They are the ones that set the tax.
Hello, I love your videos and have been watching many of them in preparation for my husband's trip to Scotland from June 26th - July 12th, 2024. We are doing a Rabbies 10-day tour of northern Scotland and Orkney, but we have 5 days in Edinburgh, and I'd like to know if you have a Google map of all the little places you have mentioned in your videos. I have tried to add as many as I can to my Google Maps as I watch, but if you have a consolidated online version available for purchase, I would love that.
I'm in Arizona, USA and many saw the Northern Lights, Friday night. I missed it, unfortunately. I'm hoping there will be solar storms in March when I visit Scotland. Please post something if you were able to film it. I love your videos and I am taking notes on different activities for our trip. Keep up the good work!
I should have watched to the end before commenting. Thanks! They look great!
Thank you for your videos. They have been very helpful in planning my week in Edinburgh. You saw the northern lights at the same time we are seeing the Aurora Australis
I would have included The Witchery on your list of tourist traps
Great vidéo and interesting, unbiased reviews 'K' 😃
Just want to thank you for all the excellent information you have shared with us on this channel. I just returned from a trip to Edinburgh and used so much of what I learned from you! For example, what the weather in May is like, where to buy sausage rolls, where to buy your pins and at which location of the Scottish Design Center, where to get breakfast (at Dishroom), to step off the Royal Mile and definately spend time in the Dunbar Close Garden... and so much more! I can't thank you enought for making me feel at home while away from home!
Always glad when I successfully educate people on access to sausage rolls!! So happy you had a great time .)
The tartan shops are definitely the biggest tourist traps in Edinburgh, but the hop-on hop-off buses are the second. Edinburgh city centre is quite small, and it's much better to walk around, stop, and see everything in detail. It's like watching a documentary on TV while being on that bus. These buses are certainly useful in Glasgow and in London or other cities where the top attractions are quite far from each other, but that's not the case in Edinburgh at all.
By the way, getting a pint for £3 in Edinburgh city centre is a thing of the far past, except at the Wetherspoons.
Wonderful timing as always. I am on vacation in a week and I just saw someone’s random post about how they can’t find anything that it’s not made in China. I will definitely recommend that they go to that shop you sell your buttons at. I liked Brewhemia, but yes pricey. Worlds End pup sticks me as a tourist trap.
We’re visiting Edinburgh for the first time in June. Thanks so much for your video, it’s super helpful.
When you travel on your own, lunches were my main meal, but loved Edinburgh.
Laila's is very pricey for a small portion. It's pretty though. I don't think you can mark out Bread St as a tourist trap simply for its location since Dishoom and Hawksmoor are close (and excellent) but, Jebus, I've heard some bad experiences.
Yet again, another amazing informative video from you. Thank you so much. My son and I visited April 2022 & we ate at that Gordan Ramsay restaurant. Yeah you’re probably right. It probably is a tourist trap….but I have to say it was an amazing meal with the best Customer Service in a restaurant I have ever had - anywhere - ever. We ate the beef Wellington dinner and it was fabulous. but restaurants are funny like that - everyone’s experiences can be different depending on the day. Anyway, this was an awesome topic. 🙋🏼♀️🤗
I am so enjoying your videos!! Just watch the sausage roll one and I am so hungry now. Wondering if you have any insight on getting to Edinburgh from Dublin. Train, ferry, bus?? I know a plane is probably the easiest but really want to see more. Thanks in advance.
Ooooh.... I would agree a plane is the easiest, quickest option. I always thought a ferry might be a bit of an adventure, I've definitely seen my share of friends ferrying themselves over to Ireland in some *interesting* weather. So it seems like it comes with a bit of a seasickness risk 😅
In defense of the tour buses, when you take into account the amount of drivers the companies employ as they have 6 or 7 buses operating on each route to maintain the 10 to 12 minute service, then you have the amount of fuel the buses will be using as each bus will do about 9 or 10 circuits each day. Then just the general upkeep of the buses, the extra engineers that the bus companies employ to upkeep those buses, the ticket sellers and with the company that's in direct competition with the bright buses their green route has a tour guide on rather than an audio guide so they have to be paid as well. Is £16 or £18 really overpriced for 24 hours access especially if you've never been in a city before and don't know which public transport gets you to the attractions you want to get to?
looks like you were able to see the aurora! live in alaska and it's so truly a joy to see the aurora!!
mehn, your video is clearrrr and niceee
We didn’t go to any of the restaurants you talked about. We did ask locals for recommendations and visited some lovely delish restaurants. We also used both Hop On Hop Off bus companies. We are in our 70s and not up to walking to all the places we went. It worked out well for us. We spent 3 weeks driving around the country and islands staying in small inns and B&Bs.
I'm a defender of the open top buses too. Yes - they're more expensive than regular buses but you're paying for the convenience, and I almost always meet lovely people on them...can't say the same for ordinary buses! I've done the buses in Edinburgh a few times and always enjoyed them. I've even done the bus in Glasgow a couple of times! I've been to Brewhemia a couple of times, but only because if it's proximity to the station. I really like the decor, but I've had two very different experiences in there - one time with my mum the place was jam packed, and I think they had some sort of event on. Despite the chaos the staff were all absolutely lovely and we hardly waited any time to be served. The last time was with a friend and it was pretty quiet...but it took me ages to flag down someone at the bar to serve us. A lot of the beers were off, and the staff we dealt with ranged from lovely to rude. The food was nice though! So glad you caught the northern lights! By far the best display I've ever seen! I went on one of the tours of the vaults once and it was pretty underwhelming, so much so that it put me off visiting Mary King's Close for years. Mary King's Close however was fascinating and well worth a visit.
By the way, I purchased what I thought was an authentic Scotland TBCo wool scarf and was VERY sorry I bought it because I paid $62, plus $15 shipping to USA only to find out it was MADE IN CHINA!!!!! I had hoped it would be made in Scotland!
Two weeks ago i was in Edinburgh. Walked the Mile and enjoyed it. Bought my tartans in Hawick so I didnt need to get anything there. Loved the pubs and food…had a good time there. We enjoyed The Ivy on the Square, met some friends there. Enjoy, Also Sheep Hied Inn.
The only 2 things I buy in those tourists shops (when I'm in town) are postcards (10 for 4.50£) and magnets (3 for 10£). And then I'm off in the not so touristy areas for shopping and having coffee. 😂
I would say it’s a good excuse to visit again to find a tourist trap 😁
Thank you ❤❤❤❤❤😊😊😊
I loved Dean Village!!! Not trappy ar all. Even in January freezing weather it was worth the walk!
Gordon Ramsays is definitely a treat. Most people will go for the Beef Wellington. We are locals and have been once. I would probably go back every 12 months? Maybe Xmas. I think they are trying to cater to the business people rather than tourists, in my opinion
The only one of these traps I fell into was the tartan shops on the Mile, to get little stuffed animals for my niece and nephew, lol! I was last in Edinburgh in 2015 and stuck to Old Town and New Town for my week there. There was more than enough to keep me occupied. If any of your viewers like the creepier side of things, I recommend NOT going to Mary King's Close. It's touristified and sanitized to within an inch of its life. The vault tours were cool, though. Still touristy, obviously, but much more atmospheric.
Food recommendation: I love the Mamma's American Pizza at Grassmarket. They actually serve the best pizza I have ever had, especially since I have special nutrition needs and am not allowed to eat dairy and wheat. They serve kick-ass gluten/wheat-free and dairy free pizza! I love this place so, so much!
Best gf pizza in Edinburgh by far!!! Such a great place used to go frequently
We will be coming over from Florida at the end of June and we’re looking for a couple of good pubs with great pub grub.
Many touristy areas in many cities can be experienced as tourist traps more by some people than others. If you get distracted by cheap souvenirs than any tourist attraction can be experienced as a tourist trap. If you are more discerning, then you can enjoy the genuine side of an attraction and cruise past the fake stuff.
Team beetroot 💓
£7 for a pint was obscene, buuut it was delicious and came in a glass with a handle. If anyone can let me know where I can get some authentic Czech beer in a good glass that doesn't empty the bank please let me know. Where else do you all think might be a tourist trap, or that people told you was but then surprised you? :)
Cornelius Beer And Wine (Easter Road also Leith Walk ) will sometimes stock Czech Beer :)
Also Leith Bottle Shop :)
You'll get a decent pint of Staropramen at Oz Bar on Candlemaker Row for about a fiver (from memory).
It's disgusting expensive to eat at the Royal Mile. At Wiski, I had a burger for £ 15.50 and it tasted shit 🤮. I regret not visiting McDonald's instead.
Royal Mile Taverne seems like a true tourist trap but to be honest, I just love it there. Might be expensive but food and atmosphere are great.
Get a buss pass and get around Edinburgh a lot cheaper! Botanical gardens are in Inverleith so take the 26 or 19 buss. Or if you are doing wonderful secondhand shopping in Stockbridge you can walk there. Take a picnic and eat it in the gardens and buss back to town. A great day! Edinburgers tend to try a new restaurant once and then tell their friends what they thought so it is not an easy city! Further afield there is the Lauriston Castle in Davidson Mains, again take a picnic or buy one from Tesco’s in the village. Be brave and venture outside old town!
Thanks!
Thank you so much!!! ❤️🥹
@Kakibot Thank you both so much! We are coming to Scotland in August and even if we weren't watching your channel makes me feel so much like a local!
Another great video, loved the idea :) thoroughly enjoyed it :)
As a local, don't get me started on Gordon Ramsay's Bread Street Kitchen! We also went once to try it out and had an awful time. We ordered and then about half an hour later they came to say that they actually couldn't make any of our meals and we had to order something else. Another hour later and it finally arrives and it was mediocre. I believe, like you, we got a free dessert though. At this rate I wonder if anybody's ever paid for a dessert there. Admittedly, the staff were very apologetic and understanding.
How did u find out the same company own them all that some research there kat well done and always great video oh BTW I paid 7.40 in the scotsman lounge for a pint last year it was 3 pound cheaper
We looked at those shops, but didn’t really buy anything, except magnets that my husband collects.
I’m coming to Edinburgh next Thursday. Did you say local designers are on George street?
Yesss the Scottish Design Exchange on George Street! .)
The royal mile is a tourist trap in that it’s crowded and overly expensive
I want to support local restaurants and designers
We need more visitors like you!
I missed the lights 😢. Even stayed out on Saturday night to see but no joy 😢
Hi
A dude from Glasgow did what dayum
What do you think about The Milkman?
I don’t have anything against it! It’s just always so very busy - when I’m in the area I usually go to Room & Rumours or the Hideout instead .)
Really expensive for nothing special unfortunately
I want to travel to your country. How can I travel to this country that is enjoyable in all aspects?
Hit like, now I watch
That’s what I like to see, unconditional love! ❤️
there are so many other places around there you can try and they are not all tourist traps
I found royal mile pretty much a tourist trap. Still interesting.
I like hop on - hop off buses because I can’t walk that far anymore.
This is an important point! They are definitely a great option for anyone with any sort of mobility needs.
Personally, I don't like Brewhemia, there are a lot better bars for cocktails and beers but the incoming masses on a weekend seem to fill it up. Pubs wise, pretty much all of the Grassmarket is overrated and over priced.
St Andrew's Square isn't so much a tourist trap as it is London Investors thinking Edinburgh is bigger than it is and justifies London prices and brands, don't think GR street burger in St James' is fairing much better. I think the places up around the mile, along Rose St and George IV bridge offering "traditional Scottish food" and charging £16 for poor haggis, neeps & tatties are more tourist trappy.
Buses are definitely a tourist trap, especially considering the daily cap, range and frequency of buses.
Tat shops without doubt, who needs to buy expensive cheap cr*p on Christmas day! As are those stupid Candy shops.
You could argue that the castle is too expensive but the big one missing for me is the abomination that is the Christmas market, and it costing £100 to access the center of town on Hogmanay....
I went a bit rant like there! Nice video, thanks🙂
Look like a store i was in
Leva it me alone what you wannt you are scottish Nice trid thom from sweden
❤❤❤❤❤
More Chinese tourist stores in Edinburgh than here in Toronto somehow
Did you take this video in The Meadows?
St Andrew Square and West End .)
Also! Gordon Ramsay’s restaurant is the ugliest building in the city
You have summer clothes, but they're still brown!
😂 oh my god I wasn't expecting coming into my comment section and getting such FASHION SHADE! (I left the house and immediately noticed that I look like I stepped out of a photograph someone had left to fade in the sun for 40 years)
Hello beautiful women and wenderful people and nice contry
People from Glasgow don’t speak dorik it’s more people from Aberdeenshire
That's actually a very good point 😅 maybe he was trying to say something about taking the train from or to Glasgow 😐
A love you very very very
Wait you’re from Czech and you just called yourself EASTERN European???? You’ve obviously been in Scotland too long, your Czech citizenship has been officially revoked!
Hahaha it just gave the beetroot joke a better ring 😉