Excellent Edinburgh
Edinburgh is not just a festival destination. This city has so much life, culture, fun and excitement that it’s an ideal locale any time of the year.
Great location
Situated in the Old Town across the street from Edinburgh Dungeons and Waverly Bridge, mere minutes walk from Edinburgh Castle, this is where you’ll find St. Christopher’s Edinburgh hostel and the wild Belushi’s Bar. This is the ultimate base for your tour of the Scottish capital and beyond. Staffed by friendly, knowledgeable backpackers, St. Christopher’s youth hostels know exactly how to give you what you want: an unforgettably fun adventure where you’re making friends from every corner of the globe. Make your trip the best ever, start it off right with St. Christopher’s backpackers hostels.
Great bar
Edinburgh Belushi’s tops the entertainment charts every night of the week. The month of May will be hosting the return of La Poutine, Edinburgh’s FIRST and ONLY French Canadian Music night. We’re also holding a 999 Costume Theme party to raise money for Breast Cancer Charity. But we don’t need a great cause to have a good time. Every night of the week is jammed with all the excitement you can handle. Start the week off right by supporting the stars of tomorrow with Ned Goodwin’s Open Mic, Monday’s is Sexy Tony B’s Pub Quiz, Tuesday’s is Acoustic Night with Brett and Terrific Tuesdays Drink Specials. We start to kick things off for hump day. Wednesday is Hip Hop and Rn’ B for an all night backpacker/student night with DJ GoGo. Thursday’s is your night to shine with our karaoke night and then the weekend has finally arrived. Celebrate the end of the work week with Friday Night Madness with DJ Guy and keep it going for Saturday’s live sports on the big screen by day, and live rock with our resident band, Bleeker, by night.
When your out for the day with your map of the city and your walking shoes on, there are a couple of must see attractions you’ll have to stop off at. We’ve decided to get you started on your sightseeing adventure.
Things to do in Edinburgh
Edinburgh Dungeon
Scotland’s bloody history is alive and well at the Edinburgh Dungeon. Take a trip through to the 18th century, come face to face with the unforgiving justice system, mixed up in the middle of a clan feud, sailing down a river only to be attacked by vampires. These were dark times, you’re going to need every once of courage just to step inside. www.thedungeons.com
Edinburgh Castle
Edinburgh castle dominates the city of Edinburgh like no other castle in Scotland. From atop the volcanic rock which houses the castle you will be awestruck by the magnificent panoramic view. To the North on a clear day you’ll see straight to the Kingdom of Fife and immediately below you’ll see the famous Princes Street Gardens. Over a thousand years of history sits atop this famous Edinburgh rock. www.edinburghcastle.biz
Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art
Set in extensive parkland, the Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art lies west of Edinburgh’s city centre. Highlights of the collection include 20th century French paintings by Matisse, cubism by Picasso and a superb collection of Expressionist art. www.ngs.org.uk
Cadies & Witchery Tours: Murder & Mystery OR Ghosts & Gore Tour
The Cadies and Witchery Tours were formed in 1984 to provide walking tours around Edinburgh’s historic Royal Mile. The tours take a light-hearted look at Edinburgh’s darker history, including tales of witchcraft, plague and body snatching. The tours are best known for their ‘jumper ooters,’ ghostly characters who appear when you least expect it! www.witcherytours.com
Museum of Scotland
Discover the story of a country that has a unique place in the hearts of people throughout the world. A striking landmark in Edinburgh’s historic Old Town, this magnificent museum presents for the first time the story of Scotland - its land, its people and culture - through the rich national collections. Here you will discover everything from some of the nation's most precious treasures to everyday objects that throw light on Scotland through the ages. www.nms.ac.uk
When you’ve seen all the sights, sampled all the scotch and haggis you can handle, visited some of the cities best live music venues and you’re still looking for something more – we’ve put together a list of all the best events for the month of May.
Edinburgh Events in May
Children’s International Theatre Festival, May 23-30
Edinburgh hosts Britain’s biggest performing arts festival for children, a week of shows from leading international children’s theatre groups across six countries.
The Great Scottish Walk, June 18
The Great Scottish Walk, along a 12-mile route starting in Holyrood Park and finishing in Edinburgh’s Meadowbank stadium, attracts thousands of participants each year.
The Royal Highland Show, June 22-25
The Royal Highland Centre plays host to Scotland’s annual Royal Highland Show. Running since 1822, the event embraces every conceivable pastime and pursuit related to farming, the countryside and rural living.
Other events in Scotland in May
West End Festival, 9-25 June Glascow
The West End Festival brings over 200 music, film, art and performance events to the venues and communities that make up the West End of Glasgow. It all started in 1996, after the sad demise of Mayfest, but proves beyond a doubt that the arts are still alive and kicking in the city. Expect even more fun in 2006 as it’s the festivals 10th Anniversary.
Royal Bank Glasgow Jazz Festival, June 16-25 Glascow
The Glasgow Jazz Festival – established in 1987 – deserves its reputation as one of Europe’s finest jazz events. Performances take place at various venues around the city including a specially constructed open-air stage in George Square.
Psychic & Healing Fair, June 24-25, Glascow
Are your chakras wonky? Feeling disconnected with the world? This fair at Glasgow’s Royal Concert Hall offers many alternative ways to put such problems right – including complementary therapies, books, crystals, organic products and a whole lot more. Oh, and there’s also a chance to peep into the future with the help of psychics and their crystal balls, but perhaps you already knew that. ….
Music Events in Edinburgh & Glascow
Below are some of the top pop, rock and Rn’ B artists that will be visiting Edinburgh and Glasgow in the coming months.
Take That
SECC - May 01
Little Britain
SECC - May 01
The Kooks
Queens Margaret Union - May 04
Westlife
SECC - May 05
Richard Ashcroft
Carling Academy - May 08
Bic Runga
ABC2 - May 12
Josh Ritter
Oran Mor - May 15
Bon Jovi
Hapden Park - June 03
Toots and the Maytals
Arches - June 10
Black Eyed Peas
SECC - June 12
Bic Runga
King Tuts - June 16
