Now it’s my turn to ask you for help – I am lucky enough to say that vacation for me isn’t finished yet and I am heading to Paris/Edinburgh for a few days with my mother a joint birthday trip (mine’s a bit away yet, no happy birthdays, please!)
I’ve never been to Edinburgh, so any recommendations/advice you have, I’d love to hear! What to see, what to EAT :) or even a shop I should check out.
I’ve been to Paris before but not since 2002, and the city is so big I’m convinced it’s completely changed since I was there. What shouldn’t I miss?
Help me, please!!
I loved Scottish soups because they put butter in it and they are very creamy. yummy! Scotland is also famous for its marmelades, but I didn’t find them very different from the ones I buy in Italy. About the place, if you are a funny person you might enjoy the museum of the strange things (or something like that) in the very centre of Edinburgh: there are a lot of optical illusions games. If you like more classic places, there is the summer residence of Queen Liz II.
In Paris, dine at Robert et Louise, 64, rue Vieille-du-Temple. Tel.: 33 1 42 78 55 89. Lots of tourists but it is a gem of old world French food. I met people that came back every night they were in Paris.
The Musee d’Orsay is great for art lovers and I can never go past eating on the lawns in front of the Eiffel Tower with someone special.
Edinburgh is a lovely city that will keep you entertained whatever your interests are. My own favorite lunch was soups: they are offered about anywhere and often are delicious very dense and served with bread to mop up the leftovers with. The city is literally crowded with tiny shops: there are a few of big chain stores, especially in the New Town, but as soon as you move out of this area, and out of the violently touristy area of Old Town, you will have a bazilion off tiny shops, ranging from depressing to lovely, to shop in. Just walk a lot, all over Edinburgh, not 9only the the most central area, and you will certainly find several favorites. (Oh, I have a pocket sized guidebook in English that I can lend you is you are intrested.)
Would you like to read my account of Paris? The link takes you to part 1 of 4: http://hande.wordpress.com/2006/10/04/paris-the-pilgrimage/
Ooooh if you are in Edinburgh and you enjoy fish you should eat at Fishers by the Sea, 58 Thistle Street. They have fabulous contemporary dishes, and a sticky toffee pudding that is to die for.
Thank you for the suggestions, everyone! Keep them coming!
@Steve, @Coco, @Hande – Thanks for de-lurking to comment! :)
OMG I’M JEALOUS! :)
I can’t help much with where to eat “real” food in Paris, but for things baked and sweet, ohhh…so many possibilities. Here’s a roundup of favorite Paris eats and I have too many entries about Paris in my archives. Also read David Lebovitz’s top 10 things to eat in Paris
Food in Edinburgh has to be haggis, not to everyone’s taste, but I know you like to try new things!! Also shortbread biscuits are the best. The beer is good if you can find a pub with local brew – try the grassmarket area. Don’t forget your sweater!!!
Enjoy
Definitely have afternoon tea with shortbread when you’re in Edinburgh, and don’t forget the castle!
It depends who is paying…suggest your mom pays in Paris and you pay in Scotland when soups are ordered.
I hear the Musee D’Orsay is nice. I tried to go once and the line was CRAZY long. Get there 30 mins before opening or sooner. The Rodin museum is really nice and walkable from the above museum. There is also a great Picasso museum. You’ll have to look that one up on a map. Have a great time. I look forward to some photos. :)
Pastry fanatic chiming in…do please visit some patisseries for me – Pierre Herme, Sadaharu Aoki, Laduree.
For cute little bistros I adore Chez Michel, 10 Rue de Belzunce 75010, and L’Entredgeu, 83 Rue de Laugier 75017. Their prix fixe menus are affordable and delicious.
Have a fabulous time! I miss Paris.
Edinburgh – I like haggis, but it’s not for everyone. There are other “mystery meat” things you might see, too, especially if you’re staying in a B&B (they’re often served with a full Scottish breakfast) like blood sausage – I found them all really interesting and tasty. I never did get to try the deep-fried Mars bar, but I really wanted to. Perhaps you’ll do it so I can live vicariously through you?
Paris – I generally prefer Italian gelato, but when it comes to sorbet there’s no topping Bertillon on the Ile St-Louis. It’s even worthy of a stop on your Tour del Gelato, IMHO. :)
Hey!
Sorry I didn’t respond to this! I’m glad you found my post about Scotland though.
I wish my internet was more regular, I would have given you some Paris tips too! Love Paris!
Hope your trip was great!
Hi! My suggestion for Edinburgh is this: do a ghost tour! They leave every night outside St Giles Cathedral. There’s many to pick from, have a look in advance and choose one that ends at one of Edinburgh’s lovely (read SCARY at night-time) cemeteries.
Also, try a deep fried Mars-bar at one of the chip shops. It’s sort of a local speciality, although I never see anyone eat them.