Why Edinburgh is the easiest Scotland start for Indians
Edinburgh is compact, walkable, dramatic, and full of Indian restaurants (Scotland has the highest per-capita Indian restaurant density in the UK). The city splits cleanly into Old Town (medieval, around the Royal Mile and the Castle) and New Town (Georgian, around Princes Street). 2-3 days here pairs beautifully with Highlands road-trips or train journeys to the Scottish lochs.
Best areas to stay
- Old Town (Royal Mile, Grassmarket, Cowgate) — most atmospheric, medieval closes, walking to Castle and Holyrood Palace. Recommended: The Witchery by the Castle, Radisson Collection Royal Mile, Apex Grassmarket Hotel.
- New Town (Princes Street, George Street, Charlotte Square) — Georgian elegance, shopping, walking to Scottish National Gallery. Recommended: The Balmoral, Tigerlily, The Roxburghe.
- Leith — old port, gentrified, foodie hub (multiple Michelin restaurants), 15-min tram from city. Good if foodie + waterfront-curious.
- Stockbridge — boutique village within the city, Sunday market, leafy walks along Water of Leith. Quieter but well-connected.
- Haymarket — convenient for trains to Glasgow/Highlands, slightly cheaper hotels, 10-min walk to Princes Street.
Indian food in Edinburgh
Edinburgh punches above its weight. Standouts: Dishoom (St Andrew Square, the famous Bombay-cafe chain), Mother India's Café (Infirmary Street, tapas-style Indian), Tuk Tuk (Leven Street, Indian street food), Suruchi (Nicolson Street, oldest Indian fine-dining in the city), Howies (Indian-Scottish fusion). For pure-veg/Jain: Kalpna (St Patrick Square) is Edinburgh's most famous pure-veg Indian, run by Gujarati family since 1979.
Getting to/from EDI airport
Edinburgh Tram from EDI to St Andrew Square in 30 min, £6.50. Runs every 7 minutes. Airlink Bus 100 to Waverley Station in 25 min, £4.50. Taxi: £30-40, 20-30 min.
FAQs
- Best Edinburgh itinerary? Day 1: Edinburgh Castle + Royal Mile walk + Holyrood Palace + Arthur's Seat hike for sunset. Day 2: New Town walk + National Galleries + Calton Hill + Leith for dinner. Day 3: Day-trip to Stirling Castle or Rosslyn Chapel.
- Is Edinburgh expensive for Indians? Mid-range — hotels £100-200/night, restaurant meals £15-30/head. Cheaper than London, similar to Manchester or Bristol.
- Best time to visit Edinburgh? May-September for daylight + warm weather. August for the Edinburgh Festival/Fringe (best month for atmosphere but most expensive — book 6+ months ahead).
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