{"id":19258,"date":"2016-09-04T16:01:42","date_gmt":"2016-09-04T20:01:42","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.tripcentral.ca\/blog\/?p=19258"},"modified":"2020-06-22T16:23:44","modified_gmt":"2020-06-22T20:23:44","slug":"edinburgh-musical-guide","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.tripcentral.ca\/blog\/edinburgh-musical-guide\/","title":{"rendered":"A Musical Guide of Britain \u2013 Edinburgh"},"content":{"rendered":"

Edinburgh Music\u00a0Scene<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Edinburgh is the second largest financial center in the UK and its healthy music scene is as vibrant and varied as the city itself. It ranks among the U.K.\u2019s top 10 \u2018most musical\u2019 cities. There\u2019s a venue to suit any mood, from wee sweatboxes to charming old concert halls; all in the shadow of the iconic Edinburgh Castle (a UNESCO World Heritage Site).<\/p>\n

Each August over 200,000 people gather at the Castle (100 million watch on TV) to take in The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo<\/a>. Performers, from all over the world, come together to celebrate the history, heritage and colour of Scotland. The 2017 Tattoo runs from August 4 \u2013 26th daily, except Sundays. Tickets go fast.<\/p>\n

Live Music Venues<\/strong><\/h2>\n
\"Electric<\/a>

Electric Circus. Photo Credit George Glen<\/p><\/div>\n

The Electric Circus<\/strong><\/a> is the place for contemporary music; it’s part club, part gig venue and part karaoke bar (with 7 little rooms you can book for a private karaoke party).\u00a0This venue is dark, decorated with street art (read, spray paint graffiti) and neon. The club attracts an eclectic crowd of students, indie kids and folkies.\u00a0Located at 36- 35 Market Street, seconds from the Waverley train station.<\/em><\/p>\n

\"Photo<\/a>

Photo Credit Bannersmans<\/p><\/div>\n

Bannermans<\/a><\/strong> in the heart of Edinburgh, is perfect for the underground rock fraternity, as it\u2019s beneath South Bridge in the catacombs of the Old Town and they\u2019ve preserved the original stonewall interior. With some of the best sound engineers in town, they attract world famous acts, rising stars and some of the best up-and-coming acts in the country.\u00a0They have one of the most regular programmes of live music in the city.\u00a0Their concert room, the band cavern, has a capacity of 175 and more than 100 malt whiskeys \u2013 for a little chill-time you can slip into a unique cave-like bar (the Jager Lounge) and relax in comfy leather seats.\u00a0Located at 212 Cowgate, Edinburgh<\/em><\/p>\n

\"Photo<\/a>

Photo Credit The Caves<\/p><\/div>\n

The Caves<\/strong><\/a> was at one time a stable for the French cavalry, as well as a storage cave for Whisky (called \u2018Whisky Row\u2019). This 18th century vaulted storage complex is now a venue for live music and parties. This unique venue makes up the sub-structure of the old South Bridge, which had been lost for years, but now shines as a playground for clubbers. They feature international and local acts, some weird and wonderful, like techno and indie rock and folk bands.\u00a0Located at 8 – 10 Niddry St., South Edinburgh EH1 1NS<\/em><\/p>\n

\"Photo<\/a>

Photo Credit Voodoo Rooms<\/p><\/div>\n

The Voodoo Rooms<\/a><\/strong> is an award winning venue\/cocktail bar restaurant, with a wide range of entertainment ranging from live music to concerts and cabaret. They have several rooms with different themes, all very opulent and ornate, with a range of live music, djs, cabaret & other entertainment. The place is off the beaten path, but has amazing architecture and a great buzz. Definitely worth a stop, but Friday nights can be overly busy, so book a table.\u00a0Located at 19a W Register St., Edinburgh EH2 2AA\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n

When You Go, Don\u2019t Miss<\/strong><\/h2>\n
\"Edinburgh<\/a>

Edinburgh Castle. Photo Credit traveldigg.com<\/p><\/div>\n

Edinburgh Castle<\/strong>‘s\u00a0strategic location atop Castle Rock has made it an ideal military stronghold and an intricate part of Scotland\u2019s defense system throughout history. The Castle was home to King Malcom Canmore and Queen Margaret in the 11th century, and an army base up to the 1920\u2019s. It\u2019s worth the climb up to this magnificent fortress. While there you can view the \u2018crown jewels\u2019, the \u2018stone of destiny\u2019, museums and even where the royal pets are laid to rest.<\/p>\n

\"Royal<\/a>

Royal Mile. Photo Credit A Man I Am in Amsterdam<\/p><\/div>\n

Royal Mile<\/strong>\u00a0runs through the heart of Old Town, from Edinburgh Castle to the Palace of Holyroodhouse. This is probably Edinburgh\u2019s oldest street; it\u2019s certainly the busiest. There are so many things to see, on either side street, far too many to mention, but they include \u2018The Hub\u2019 the Festival Centre and ticket office, the Scotch Whisky Heritage Centre and the Museum of Childhood (historical toys, books, dolls and more).<\/p>\n

\"Holyrood<\/a>

Holyrood Park. Photo Credit Man I Am in Amsterdam<\/p><\/div>\n

Holyrood Park<\/strong>,\u00a0about a mile to the east of the Edinburgh Castle, is a 263 hectare windswept bit of wilderness in the middle of the city. The highest point in the park is \u2018Arthur\u2019s Seat\u2019, the actual remains of a volcano. Here you will discover Iron Age forts, Bronze Age agricultural terraces and moorland. Parking is available and we suggest you wear sturdy footwear as the terrain can be quite rugged.<\/p>\n

Vinyl Shopping<\/strong><\/p>\n

Visit the Record Shak Record Shop<\/a> for pschycadelic, and blues to pop, funk rock and jazz,\u00a069 Clerk St., Edinburgh<\/em><\/p>\n

Unknown Pleasures<\/a> offers rare and collectible second-hand vinyl, lots of classic indie rock and genres from the 60\u2019s, 70\u2019s and 80\u2019s. 110 Canongate, Edinburgh<\/em><\/p>\n

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Browse tours that suit your interest:<\/strong><\/p>\n

Shows, Concerts & Sports<\/a><\/p><\/div><\/div>\n

Where to Stay<\/strong><\/h2>\n

The Scotsman Hotel<\/strong><\/a> is a 5 star Boutique Hotel on the city\u2019s North Bridge between the New Town and the historic Old Town. Built in 1905, it was once the home of the Scotsman Newspaper. This luxurious hotel is within walking distance of Edinburgh Castle, Princes Street, Carlton Hill and a 5 minute walk to train station. They have a luxury spa and health club, private cinema.
\nLocated at 20 NorthBridge, Edinburgh EH1 1TR<\/em><\/p>\n

The Grassmarket Hotel<\/strong><\/a> is close to The Caves and other venues as well as the \u2018grass market\u2019 itself. It’s such a fun place to walk around with lots of cafes, shops, and pubs. This hotel has a 4-star rating and is in the heart of Edinburgh\u2019s historic Old Town. Located at 94-96 Grassmarket, Edinburgh, U.K.<\/em><\/p>\n

Getting Around<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Walking:<\/strong>\u00a0The best way to get around Edinburgh is on foot. It\u2019s a very compact city and most sites can be reached within 20 \u2013 30 minutes from the city centre.<\/p>\n

Cycling:<\/strong> There are great bike paths \u2013 part of the National Cycle Network, and 75km of off-street paths for cycling and walking.\u00a0(Get path map at City of Edinburgh Council<\/a> webpage).<\/p>\n

Bus:<\/strong> There\u2019s an extensive bus service, you can purchase tickets as you board, but require exact change. For information visit lothianbuses.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Tram:<\/strong> The tram runs from Edinburgh Airport to York Place, east of the city centre and to Haymarket Station in the West End, with stops along the way. Get tickets at Tram platform.<\/p>\n

Rickshaw:<\/strong> This is a fun way to see the city, twice the price of a taxi, and can vary so agree on the fee in advance.<\/p>\n

Rail:<\/strong> International (and UK) visitors are serviced by two major rail stations<\/a>\u00a0and Edinburgh Airport, the busiest airport in Scotland. For getting to and from the airport, you have a choice of trains, buses and taxis. (Edinburgh is connected to Glasgow via train, the trip is 1 hour.)<\/p>\n

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Don’t miss these musical cities on your Scotland<\/a>,\u00a0England<\/a>, and Wales <\/a>musical tour:<\/strong><\/p>\n