I tested 5 TOURIST TRAPS in EDINBURGH - how bad are they really?

[@simonmountney]

For those sticking around til the end, getting those time lapse shots was a bucket list item for me :)

[@annoyedwalrus7803]

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.

[@michelle_kahn]

Oh my gosh! 😲 You guys got lucky!!! 🎉 Incredible!

[@munchiyue]

You filmed really good!! I regret I only filmed a few secs :(

[@marielaurealicia6707]

Beautiful ❤❤❤

[@paulalago7425]

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 (:

[@raymondporter2094]

I should have watched this before my visit to Edinburgh last week. Two points: 1. I know people have their own views on Wetherspoons but The Standing Order - what a beautful building! And my Caledonian Burger with whisky sauce, onion rings, chips & salad, my wife's chicken, bacon & brie Panini and a few beers went down well at typical Wetherspoon's cheap prices! And if you are a tourist you can always be sure to find a decent & clean loo in Wetherspoons. 2. I know it has been said before (probably by me) but Kakibot/Kakiblogs makes EXCEEDINGLY GOOD VIDEOS. Amusing, well presented, well shot, well edited, good material... What's not to like (apart from the "lack of Doric")?

[@obragg1]

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!

[@killslay]

Alcohol is served in regulated measures in Scotland (and the rest of the UK). So if you feel like the alcohol was only a dribble, you'll probably have the same problem everywhere, because they can only legally sell in certain amounts. I know a lot of countries are a lot looser with the laws for these things

[@Everythingwithonehand]

I’m not an Edinburgh local exactly, but I’m close enough that I go for a day of shopping or the cinema. Many years ago a friend and I were lamenting that neither of us were going away that summer so we decided to be tourists locally and didn’t the hop on hop off buses in Glasgow, Edinburgh and Stirling as well as going to a lot of the places tourists go but locals never do. It was really fun seeing our area as an outsider would.

[@emmalynnerard4584]

i’m about to study for a year in edinburgh and all of your videos have been so wonderful and helpful! thank you so much for making me feel less scared and overwhelmed about visiting a new country ❤

[@gilbertmoyes2918]

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.

[@theresabradley4716]

Every time I go to Scotland and I want to buy a souvenir for a pal back home, I always go for locally made.

[@gilbertmoyes2918]

@@theresabradley4716, Thank You. A locally manufactured Scottish product may cost a little more. But it will last a lifetime. Years ago my mother bought a child's kilt for my daughter. She wore it all the time. Past it down to her younger sister, who also wore it. Now my youngest daughters daughter wears it. It is 38 years old and still looks as good as the day it was first bought. Quality over trash ever time. P.S. Still got a couple of hundred years wear left in it. 😁

[@summerm7975]

@@theresabradley4716 do you have any recommendations for local shops? Visiting soon and would appreciate some guidance! 😁

[@annoyedwalrus7803]

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!

[@Kakibot]

We need to meet the stag do’s costume demands!!!

[@maryanntaylor2179]

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!

[@Kakibot]

Always glad when I successfully educate people on access to sausage rolls!! So happy you had a great time .)

[@dmbalsam]

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.

[@alanco608]

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

[@NittynatStitches]

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

[@ucetnablbosti6422]

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.

[@thomasduff5482]

Unless you go to southsider 🤣

[@EmeraldDragon6952]

The Terry deary commentary is quite good for children though

[@EmeraldDragon6952]

Don’t ask how I know that

[@deborahsolimine5438]

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🍀🥰

[@MadeNCda]

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 🤩

[@ChinayDownUnder]

Just came back from Edinburgh! Love the friendly welcoming people. Should have watched this before our tour! But we will definitely go back! Thank you for sharing, it was very helpful ❤

[@ladyasriel7874]

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.

[@FalcomScott312]

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! ❤️🇬🇧

[@karenpiscopo6352]

So insightful and helpful since we'll be visiting at the end of July! I truly appreciate you Kakibot!

[@oshifish2]

If your trip bleeds into Aug just know the Old town will be very busy with Fringe Fest! The largest in the world! Lots to do but it can get quite crowded in some areas!

[@finkingdom5517]

I live in scotland and if I'm visiting a new city that has them I use the bright bus tours - it takes me to all the cool places easily and feeds me fun facts with the wind in my hair, I love them! I live so close to edinburgh i'd never really thought about doing the ones there, I might give them a go!

[@Zveebo]

I’d have to agree with you that Brewhemia is not a tourist trap. It’s a bit overpriced definitely, but it does serve a purpose for locals - I’ve ended up at multiple corporate parties and other events there, and I can totally understand why people choose it, given they have plenty of space and a reasonably nice atmosphere. There are better places for a pint, but it does serve a role.

[@JTCloud]

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!

[@rhondamaneely4796]

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!

[@rhondamaneely4796]

I should have watched to the end before commenting. Thanks! They look great!

[@danieladeamici7156]

You are so nice and funny, I enjoyed the video very much, I lived in Edinburgh during a while and totally agree with what you said

[@robojunker]

I got one of your coo pins today at Scottish design exchange. Ty for the tip for this Texan on holiday.

[@Celtic_Amy]

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.

[@chrissaltmarsh6777]

Interesting vid. Thanks. I got into a Scottish Tat shop on Princes Street. Not sure why (I am a local - curiosity?) but at the back I found some quite serviceable gouche paints for not very much. And decent paper. Lots of bears in kilts etc, but sometimes you find something.

[@Kakibot]

Was it The Works next to M&S by any chance? Cause I go there for discount craft supplies all the time! I’d categorise that more as a discount book shop, although they are smartly also selling souvenirs in the front!

[@chrissaltmarsh6777]

@@Kakibot Very possible. It was strange going past the tartenesque rubbish, but worth it. I shall wander over again; I need some more paint. And perhaps other good stuff

[@alanco608]

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...

[@betsy6046]

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".

[@ArtemLokhovitskiy]

The most important thing I learned from this video: 7£ for a pint is a lot. And it's a shocker for me coming from chicago where a pint of beer starts at around 7-8$ right at the brewery's taproom.

[@stephenking370]

Great content. We will be making our first visit to Edinburgh in July.

[@james6901]

guys of course there are tourist traps,,,but just ask the barman in your hotel,,or a taxi driver,,somebody you meet in a pub where to go what to do,,,,lm a tourist guide here,, you will find Scots a friendly bunch and helpful,,,follow your nose you will be fine,,,Enjoy ps bring some sunshine ,

[@nancyc1196]

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!

[@deborahstokes6159]

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

[@NorthernWayfarer-Alice]

Dean Village isn't a tourist trap... it has the potential to be one, but there isn't anything there selling stuff to tourists... plus it is a nice place on route to the Modern Art museums which are definitely not a tourist trap - free entry and great to visit, plus Dean cemetery is the most beautiful of all of Edinburgh's famous cemeteries. Ali's ice cream parlour is a tourist trap, £4 for a small single scoop of ice cream. All the jewelry places at the bottom of the Royal Mile are tourist traps. Mary's Close is a tourist trap. Unless you have Scottish Heritage/English Heritage membership, Edinburgh Castle is a tourist trap. I am split about Camera Obscura... it is very good but you do pay a lot to visit, and there is a similar attraction in Keswick that is half the price. Some places if visiting as a single person doesn't seem too bad but if you visit with a family and a lot of these places are set up as family attractions, then it is just too expensive. There are some incredible places in Edinburgh for free and it is worth exhausting these before paying out.

[@etiennesharp]

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.

[@LucaAnamaria]

Bad experiences with what exactly? I was thinking of checking out Dishoom.

[@rileysaplank]

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?

[@Fat_and_Funny]

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.

[@alvaropalomoh]

Camera obscura is always fun

[@Freeman-bt9od]

Agreed with all

[@davidcampbell4312]

I remember being in one of they "souvenir shops" the owner was talking about how William Wallace and Robert the Bruce fought side by side, lost him a sale when I burst out laughing at his story. He then went on to say he could get ww2 vehicles

[@nickelcobalt98]

Bella Italia is a chain restaurant, so not sure how its a tourist trap lol

[@swanchamp5136]

Is Mary Kings close really a tourist trap as it's more of a historical tour around actual history with a fun character guide, maybe a bit expensive but wasn't a bad experience.

[@hrw3mom103]

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.

[@alanfinlayson3274]

Tron Church on the High Street/South Bridge corner?

[@paolaramgren5757]

so instead of the hop on and hop off bus, would you take public transit or?

[@zorbara4u]

I will arrive in Edinburgh tomorrow. Thanks for the advice.

[@emilyk5510]

I used to work in one of the gold bros tartan shops, and they literally bought Harry Potter merch from primark and sold it on at a massive mark up. They also have zero consideration for the well-being of their staff (ie would insist on all the doors being wide open in the middle of winter, 12hr shifts with illegally short breaks etc). Avoid at all costs!

[@debbied9997]

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.

[@mollygooglejohnny]

My main pub tip is only order Guinness if you see someone else with one rule not from the pipe sitting for ages love your videos Wetherspoons prices increase during the Fringe

[@Dogdoc1000]

We stopped by in August during the festival. The castle was fantastic, but the entire city was so crowded with no hotel rooms. I had a hotel room in Glasgow and the train ride was not bad between the cities but the thought of having to do that everyday was daunting. I ended up traveling to York and staying there a few days then over to Stratford on Avon. I loved York and Stratford. I plan to go back to Edinburgh in the future but if I go during the festival, I will book a hotel well in advance or go another month. There were many sites that I missed.

[@andymaclellan4945]

Great vidéo and interesting, unbiased reviews 'K' 😃

[@Qantassimpilot]

at 18:48 this place is called the three sisters owned by the same company the scotsman i work in the grand cafe near by

[@themoley91]

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.

[@Kakibot]

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 🍫

[@themoley91]

@@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.

[@SlurpeeE]

I went to the Scottish Design Exchange based on an earlier video and it was way better than any of the souvenir shops on the royal mile.

[@Kakibot]

It so is!! There also just isn’t any middle ground between the awesomeness of all these independent makers and the dark pits of tartan tat shops so the contrast feels quite extreme 😅

[@thehobbitivy]

I’m an ExPat who has lived in and around Edinburgh for almost a decade! I loved the care you put into this video. ☺️ My favorite “tourist trap” I recommend to my friends and family is the Scotch Whiskey Experience. So much fun, but maaaaaybe on the pricy side. 😂

[@alexanderreacts]

ExPat?

[@lynnerodgers4461]

Pricy but amazing food, whiskey and entertainment if you go during Festival.

[@annamo9354]

I used to live in Edinburgh for some years, and as I am very much a whisky person I have to add "The Whisky Experience" on the Mile to the list... If you want to get educated on the uisge beatha then make your way to 28 Queen St. This is where the SMWS (scottish malt whisky society) is located. There is a bar called "the Kaleidoscope" and the staff there is super knowledgeable on all things whisky.

[@daledonaldson3672]

We’re visiting Edinburgh for the first time in June. Thanks so much for your video, it’s super helpful.

[@MrBeaker1158]

Loved your video. I am going to be in Edinburgh in early October.

[@chloeghormley2224]

Thanks!

[@Kakibot]

Thank you so much!!! ❤️🥹

[@chloeghormley2224]

@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!

[@MrPabb77]

looking foward to visit your store

[@buds8423]

Hop on hop off bus in Belfast was my last- in their case, I learned it is hop on, hop off, just don’t ever think can hop back on!! Sold ticketsat all sites, but wouldn’t let previous ticket holders on! If works the same way in Edinburgh -forget it!

[@discodisconicky]

Oh and loving that you confirmed Butta is one of the best burger places, cos for chicken burger, it's unrivalled

[@simonmountney]

£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? :)

[@ihatecrazyfrog]

Cornelius Beer And Wine (Easter Road also Leith Walk ) will sometimes stock Czech Beer :)

[@ihatecrazyfrog]

Also Leith Bottle Shop :)

[@etiennesharp]

You'll get a decent pint of Staropramen at Oz Bar on Candlemaker Row for about a fiver (from memory).

[@Tatia146]

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!

[@Rachiec2009]

Dean village is lovely 😍 especially with good weather. Royal mile can be nice too

[@FredrickThe3rdAndDerick]

As a Scottish person. DONT USE ANY TOURIST BUSES OR ANYTHING LIKE THAT!! EXPLORE EVERYTHING ON UR OWN!!

[@helenstewart2085]

When you travel on your own, lunches were my main meal, but loved Edinburgh.

[@furryrug5998]

I thought, as always, you were very fair and balanced Kakibot 😊

[@sueKay]

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.

[@turfterf6874]

HO/HO busses are the best when you are in a new city for a few days. It's a quick survey of the town, giving you a chance to see all the sites and decide where you might want to explore more.

[@panicwag81]

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.

[@Kakibot]

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 😅

[@wyaakk]

If you get a window view, the plane is actually a good option. Great display of the Dublin coast on your way out, and then a sight of the Forth bridges landing in Edinburgh.

[@s.9899]

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!

[@ingiefilms8327]

Best gf pizza in Edinburgh by far!!! Such a great place used to go frequently

[@mikea7429]

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.

[@jarrodsio]

what camera are u using? the quality of the shots is amazing.

[@apesara]

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!

[@Doooooooooooood]

Edinburgh itself is a tourist trap, the accommodation costs are insane. Look to stay outside of the city and make the most of public transport instead.

[@josh0g]

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.

[@Vic-Meow]

I didn't understand the place to go for local designers? What was it called? Thank you for the tips!

[@Kakibot]

Scottish Design Exchange! ♥️

[@stevenwilliamson6236]

When I was in Edinburgh, we refused to go to the bar between the Cally and Queensferry st because they charged £1.50 for a pint rather than £1.25, which was the standard.

[@kellywilson8235]

looks like you were able to see the aurora! live in alaska and it's so truly a joy to see the aurora!!

[@greenhowie]

Scotland's food hygiene regulations are surprisingly strict nowadays - all burgers have to be "well done" as standard and chicken has to be cooked and held at higher temperatures than most other countries, including England. I've seen tourists get a bit upset about burger quality but it's the law and even a fancy restaurant won't make a juicy burger or that's them getting shut down.

[@sandybutton243]

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. 😂

[@youredumb7938]

ALL souvenir shops are "tourist traps" by your definition, but no tourists should be surprised by that because it's true everywhere.

[@edinburghandbeyond]

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

[@amb163]

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.

[@jettfancy]

I'm gong to Edinburgh for the first time in August, so this is really helpful. Thanx a lot!

[@Kakibot]

Glad to hear it's helpful! .)

[@pumpkinpatch5]

Yeah, the Royal Mile is definitely something. I always joke when I talk to people about it that's it's a repeat of 'whisky, cashmere, tat, whisky, cashmere, tat, whisky...' 😅

[@MrsSunshine27]

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.

[@ihatecrazyfrog]

Another great video, loved the idea :) thoroughly enjoyed it :)

[@Fiascopia]

Sick, nice recommendations!

[@lloydstephens2135]

I would have included The Witchery on your list of tourist traps

[@Savagetechie]

Why the witchery? Its expensive but its fantastic, top class food, stunning rooms, gets a decent amount of local trade, both corporate and individual. Popular for weddings too.

[@Jamie_Mc_1982]

I'm from Dundee and the whole of Edinburgh is a tourist trap. The extortionate price of alcohol,the cheap tartan tourist shops on the Mile and let's not forget the price of staying in Edinburgh but The Inn On The Mile tops the lot,overly expensive,it's actually eye watering!

[@joannel5074]

no links to the places that you mentioned?

[@dmbalsam]

We looked at those shops, but didn’t really buy anything, except magnets that my husband collects.

[@swanchamp5136]

I went at the end of March, i always avoid those gift shops wherever i am, i don't think i hit any tourist trap places while there. Most of my meals cost about £18 without a drink, i tried Bucks Bar which was pretty good, huge tasty chicken burger, they couldn't fit me in first night but remembered me the next night. Worth a visit. Was a pretty good sandwich shop near Greyfriars, small shop but interesting selection of sandwiches for about £3 - £4 which they would toast as well. I dont think i had a bad meal in Edinburgh, i even had a pizza at Frankenstein, which was alright but the atmosphere was pretty good.

[@anickalucky13]

cool video. i was just surprised Brewhemia isn't a tourist trap 😃 There is a place which for me is a total tourist trap and that's Greyfriars bobby's bar. went there with pals who were here on holiday and my wallet was crying when i paid £8 for a pint 😅

[@h-Qalziel]

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.

[@joehowarth8093]

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.

[@DhiscoStu]

The beetroot slander :p Fun vid :)

[@GodTierComments]

How about the Tron Kirk Market?

[@Kakibot]

Good shout, Tron Kirk market is in fact also organised by the Scottish Design Exchange people (at least at this point in time, wasn’t always the case) so that probably makes it one of the best options immediately on Royal Mile! But of course myself and my friends being sellers at the George Street store, I am quite biased 😅

[@Spikeflossyollie]

Brewhemia treats their staff like garbage. The turnover for bar staff is insane, and I can’t count how many mental breakdowns I’ve witnessed firsthand while working at that place. I once sprained my wrist on shift and they told me I had to do the shift the next day, or find my own cover or they might not let me come back. They fired us all during covid. My personal fave - I signed my contract at the same time at the same damn table as a male colleague, and yet I got paid less than him for nearly a year (we were doing the same job and he was younger than me). I could go on and on and on. Their lack of care really shows in the food and atmosphere now. They charge nearly £20 for shitty cocktails, and the expensive food is really mediocre. Don’t waste your money here!!

[@BoogieDown1986]

A Glaswegian moaning aboot no speaking the Doric...is he originally fae Abirdeen likes! 😂

[@olap.8579]

Good to know about Laila! Never tried it, but was always tempted, more by their Leith walk location due to less crowds. Gordon Ramsay's was one of the worst restaurants I've been in Edinburgs, had their ribs and they felt like the full jar of cold, Lidl bought bbq sauce was just poured over it ... Also, ordered asparagus, which were served swimming in cold mayo 🤨 I had a huge indigestion and vomited all night... So a no- no from me.

[@danielleoliver1734]

The royal mile is a tourist trap in that it’s crowded and overly expensive

[@rossalexander2722]

20 mins in, where are we finding a pint for under a fiver anywhere in town😬

[@utsamaity2906]

What do you think about The Milkman?

[@Kakibot]

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 .)

[@ingiefilms8327]

Really expensive for nothing special unfortunately

[@adventuresofa9jaguy322]

mehn, your video is clearrrr and niceee