0131 221 2280 www.edinburgh-picturehouse.co.uk
A beautiful place to watch things get messy, the HMV Picture House sees the likes of Imogen Heap and Less Than Jake, plus other big names, on the reg. On Thursday nights they do the intense, “Octopussy Club night,” popular with students because of its £1 drinks. Who would have guessed?
Box office open M-F 12pm-2pm, Sa-Su 12pm-4pm.
THE BONGO CLUB
37 Holyrood Road
CANONGATE
0131 558 8844 www.thebongoclub.co.uk
Half club, half live music venue, half arts space...wait, how many halves is that? Bongo does it all, throwing raging parties on the weekends in their jungle-esque main room, with a stage for bands and live DJ set-up. Head upstairs during the day to check out the revolving art exhibitions in the café.
Prices vary. Cover entrance F-Sa £3-12 depending on the act. Cafe open 1pm-7pm. Club open 11pm-3am. Open 7pm-10pm when music gigs are on.
THE JAZZ BAR
1A Chambers St.
OLD TOWN
0131 220 4298 www.thejazzbar.co.uk
This is a perfect venue to hear blues, hip-hop, funk, and all that jazz. The Jazz Bar hosts not one, but three shows most nights: “Tea Time” (Tu-Sa 6-8:30pm) is acoustic, “The Early Gig” (daily 8:30-11:30pm) is jazzy and “Late ’N Live” (daily 11:30pm-3am) is funky and electric.
Off of South Bridge St. Cover cash only. Cover after Tea Time £1-5. No cover during Tea Time. Open M-F 5pm-3am, Sa 2:30pm-3am, Su 7:30pm-3am. Open until 5am during Fringe Festival in Aug.
Theater
THE BEDLAM THEATRE
116 Bristol Pl.
OLD TOWN
0131 225 9893 www.bedlamtheatre.co.uk
The oldest student-run theatre in Great Britain, the Bedlam (named after a nearby mental institution) is full of fun and crazy performances, several by the Edinburgh University Theatre Company (EUTC). The “Improverts,” the university improv group, who play every Friday at 10:30pm and every night at 12:30am during the festival, shouldn’t be missed.
Those requiring disabled access should provide advance notice. Tickets £3.50-5, students usually receive a £1 discount. Closed June-July. Aug-May, just knock and someone will be there to greet you.
EDINBURGH PLAYHOUSE
18-22 Greenside Pl.
OLD TOWN
0844 847 1660 www.edinburghplayhouse.org.uk
Originally built to be a cinema, which it remained for 40 years, the Edinburgh Playhouse underwent a massive renovation in 1993 and now revels in its status as one of the most popular theaters in the city.
Ticket prices vary. Box office open M-Sa noon-6pm, show days noon-8pm.
Film
THE CAMEO
38 Home St.
WEST END
0871 902 5723 www.picturehouses.co.uk
Scotland’s second oldest cinema and one of the last to show independent, foreign, and cult flicks, the Cameo is a great place to see something other than the next steaming pile of whatever James Cameron has whipped up. Check the calender to see when the monthly showing of the “so-bad-it’s-good” cult classic, “The Room” is playing, then head off to the bar after the movie gets out.
£6.80, matinee £5.80, student concession £4.50-5.20. Open M-Th 11am-midnight, F-Sa 11am-1am, Su 11am-midnight.
SHOPPING
Clothing
W.M. ARMSTONG AND SONS VINTAGE EMPORIUM
83 Grassmarket
OLD TOWN
0131 220 5557 www.armstrongsvintage.co.uk
The largest vintage store in Britain has three physical shops and an online store. Still, if you’re shopping online, you’re likely to miss the giant paper-mâché trapeze artist dangling upside down in one of the Grassmarket location’s crowded display rooms. You’ll probably also miss out on the £1 box, full of all sorts of fun odds and ends. And you miss out on the sunglasses, boots, dresses---hell, just go to the store already.
Student discounts available. Open M-Th 10am-5:30pm, F-Sa 10am-6pm, Su noon-6pm.
W.M. ARMSTONG& SONS VINTAGE EMPORIUM
64-66 Clark St.
STOCKBRIDGE
0131 667 3056 www.armstongsvintage.co.uk
Hey! You guys already did this one! Guess again: Armstong’s is so good they’ve got multiple stores, and their Clark street location is just as excellent as their Grassmarket spot. This one’s got WWI military helmets next to tiny pairs of leiderhosen, elevator shoes and pimpwear—you know the drill. Awesome.
Prices vary. Open M-W 10am-5:30pm, Th 10am-7pm, F-Su 10am-6pm.
ELAIN’E VINTAGE CLOTHING
55 St. Stephens St.
STOCKBRIDGE
0131 225 5783
A well-known and fun establishment down in Stockbridge, Elaine’s got herself a collection of vintage stuff ranging from the 1920s onward. A great selection of dresses and high-heels (we’re not saying they’re always there, but Prada shoes have been known to frequent this establishment) and a nice collection of men’s shirts and jackets.
Prices vary. Open T-Sa 1pm-6pm.
Books
THE OLD TOWN BOOKSHOP
8 Victoria St.
OLD TOWN
0131 225 9237 www.oldtownbookshop.com
Walking into the Old Town Bookshop, a wonderful little bookstore in the middle of Victoria St., is like walking into an well-tended study. A small space with books rising up to the ceiling, this shop carries an impressive collection of rare and vintage books as well as old paperback books you always wanted to read but never did (£1). Antique prints and maps are also available.
Prices vary. Open M-Sa 10:30am-5:45pm.
BLACKWELL BOOKS
53-62 South Bridge
OLD TOWN
0131 622 8222 www.blackwell.co.uk
A retail chain selling lots of titles at retail prices, there’s not a lot of character but you’re likely to find that book you couldn’t locate in the smaller local shops. Small sale section available.
Prices vary. Open M-F 9am-8pm, Sa 9am-6pm, Su noon-6pm.
ST. JOHN CHARITY BOOKS PLUS
20 Deanhaugh St.
STOCKBRIDGE
0131 332 4911 www.stjohnbookshop.co.uk
A secondhand bookshop with the best of both worlds, St. John’s has a collection of old penguin paperbacks (£1-2) or a large collection of antiquarian books for those looking to pick up the rare first edition of that Henry James book that you never actually finished.
Open M-Sa 10am-5pm, Su noon-4pm.
Electronics
LAPTOP REPAIR CENTRE
6 Greyfriars Pl.
OLD TOWN
A brand-new option for those seeking salvation for their slow or non-functioning computer, PC or Mac. they’ll add ram, clean out junk space, or reset your hard drive if necessary. If you’re in the market, they also usually have a few second-hand laptops for sale.
All repairs under £69. Open M-Sa 9am-6pm.
Furniture
HABITAT
32 Shandwick Pl.
OLD TOWN
0844 499 1114 habitat.co.uk
A classy but reasonably priced option, Habitat has everything from couches and chairs to wall decorations and kitsch. Think of it as IKEA, but not.
Open M-W 10am-6pm, Th 10am-7pm, F 10am-6pm, Sa 9:30am-6pm, Su 11am-6pm.
INHOUSE LIMITED
28 Howe St.
NEW TOWN
0131 225 2888 www.inhouse-uk.com
With a selection of the most Modern of the Modern in furniture pieces, you could make your flat look like a Samuel Beckett play—minimalist. It’ll cost you though.
Prices vary, but lean towards the high end. Open T-Sa 9am-5:30pm.
OMNI FURNISHING
6-10 Earl Grey St.
NEW TOWN
0131 221 1200 www.omnifurnishings.co.uk
Specializing in wooden pieces (and, from the lovely smell of fresh-cut wood inside the display rooms, newly-made pieces at that), OMNI has a wide selection of tables, chairs, and other furnishing
s.
Prices vary. Open M-F 10am-6pm, Sa 9:30am-5pm, Su noon-5pm.
ESSENTIALS
Practicalities
• TOURIST OFFICE: Visit Scotland Information Centre is the largest tourist information centre in Scotland. The friendly representatives from this Edinburgh branch will help you book accommodations, city tours, and coach and bus tours. The office also houses a souvenir shop and Internet center. (3 Princes Street. Across from Waverley Station. 08452 255 121. www.visitscotland.com. Credit cards accepted. Open Sept-June M-Sa 9am-5pm, Su 10am-5pm; July-Aug M-Sa 9am-7pm, Su 10am-7pm.)
• INTERNET CAFE: E-Corner Internet. (54 Blackfriars St. 0131 558 7858. [email protected] Internet £.50 per 10min., £1.80 per 1 hr. Printing £.29 per page. International calls £.10 per min. to landlines. Open M-F 9am-10pm, Sa-Su 10am-9pm.) PC Emergency Internet. (13 Frederick St. 0754 363 3242. [email protected]. Internet £2 per hr. Day pass 9am-9pm £6. Printing £.50 per page for first 5 pages, £.25 per page after that. Open M-F 9am-10pm, Sa-Su 10am-9pm.)
• PHARMACY: Boots Pharmacy. (32 West Maitlin St. 0131 225 7436. Credit cards accepted. Open M-F 8am-6pm, Sa 9am-6pm.) Royal Mile Pharmacy (67 High St. 0131 556 1971. [email protected]. Credit cards accepted. Open M-F 9am-6pm, Sa 9am-5pm.)
• BANK: Barclays. (1 St. Andrews Sq. 0845 755 5555. www.barclays.co.uk. Open M-F 9am-5pm, Sa 10am-2pm.)
• ATM: Barclays has 24hr. ATM out front (72 George St. 0131 470 6000. www.barclays.co.uk. Open M-F 9am-5pm, Sa 10am-2pm.)
• POST OFFICE : Newington Branch. (41 S. Clark St. 0131 667 1154. Open M-Sa 9am-5:30pm, Su 9am-12:30pm.) Forest Row Post Office (32 Forest Row. 0131 225 3957. Open M-F 8:30am-6pm, Sa 8:30am-5pm.) St. Mary’s Street Post Office (46 St. Mary’s St. 0131 556 6351. Open M-F 9am-5:30pm, Sa 9am-12:30pm.) Frederick St. Post Office. (40 Frederick St. 08457 740 740. Open M 9am-5:30pm, Tu 9:30am-5:30pm, W-F 9am-5:30pm, Sa 9am-12:30pm.
Getting There
By Train
Waverley Train Station (between Princes St., Market St. and Waverley Bridge. 08457 484 950. www.networkrail.co.uk. Open M-Sa 12:45am-4am, Su 12:45am-6am.) has trains to Aberdeen (£33.20. 2½hr. M-Sa every hr., Su 8 per day.); Glasgow ( £9.70. 1hr., 4 per hr.); Inverness ( £32. 3½hr., every 2hr.); London King’s Cross ( £103. 4¾hr., every hr.); Stirling. ( £6.10 50min., 2 per hr.) Haymarket Train Station is smaller, but has service to destinations throughout Scotland. (Haymarket Terrace.www.scotrail.com. Open M-Sa 5:10am-12:30am, Su 7:45am-12:45am. Ticket office open 7:45am-9:30pm.)
Getting Around
By Bus
Getting around in Edinburgh is always easiest on foot, so unless you’ve just completed your trip through the Himalayas, you shouldn’t find you’re too sore at the end of the day. However, for those who really dislike hoofin’ it, Lothian Buses have routes zig-zagging all over the city.
LOTHIAN BUSES
Lothian Buses Plc., Annandale Street,
0131 555 6363 www.lothianbuses.com
The first thing you should note about the bus system in Edinburgh is that most bus stops will have both an electronic screen alerting you to which lines are in service and the ETA of their arrival at the stop. The second is that there is a ticket machine at the stop, so buying your ticket in advance will save the bus driver a lot of chagrin (and perhaps save you from a telling off). Major lines for Lothian buses include the #24, 29 and 42 buses, running from Stockbridge, through city center all the way to Newington St. on the South End. The #24 Line heads off toward Mixto St. and Arthur’s Seat, the #42 bends west to end at Portobello by Dynamic Earth, and the #29 ends at the Royal Infirmary. The #12, 26 and 31 buses all come in from the Northwest and the Haymarket/Dalry area, the #12 bending off to the Northeast after passing through city center, the #26 heading south toward Newington and Mixto St. and the #31 pulling the same route but diverging to head Southwest into Liberton and Gracemount.
Daytime single £1.20, child £.70; day pass £3, child £2.40; city singles (detachable day passes) 20 for £24. All-night ticket for night buses £3.
By Taxi
Call Central Taxis to get a cab in Edinburgh.
CENTRAL TAXIS
8 St Peter’s Buildings, Gilmore Pl.
0131 229 2468 www.taxis-edinburgh.co.uk
With over 400 cabs and a 24/7 booking policy, Central cabs are by far the best taxi company to call when you need a lift. Book online if you’re lacking in the phone department, and they’ll arrive within 5-10min.
liverpool
0151
People hear Liverpool and they think Penny Lane, ports, and impossible-to-discern accents, but there’s a whole lot more to this young and thriving city. Named the European Capital of Culture in 2008, Liverpool in its prime and beginning to reap the full benefits of its ambitious reinvigoration projects of the ’80s and ’90s that began the redevelopment trend in Great Britain’s old industrial cities. With world-class museums, a legendary music scene, two major universities, and a fierce football rivalry, Liverpool challenges long-time cultural competitor Manchester in friendly opposition. A small tidal inlet with a big history, Liverpool oozes with an unwaveringly creative spirit. It is, after all, the hometown of John Lennon, Paul McCartney, and George Harrison. Today, outsiders flock to Liverpool en masse to soak up its creative juices and see who will be the next great to leave a mark on the city.
ORIENTATION
Liverpool’s central district is pedestrian-friendly. There are two main clusters of museums: one on William Brown Street, near Lime Street Station and the urban oasis of Saint John’s Garden, and the other at Albert Dock, right on the pier. These flank the central shopping district, which is enclosed within Bold, Church, and Lord Streets, and largely consists of walkways and plazas. The area of shops, cafes, and nightclubs between Bold St. and Duke St. is called the Ropewalks. The most tourist part of town, Cavern Quarter, located on famous Mathew Street, houses the major Beatles sites and gift shops. Liverpool One is a sparkling new shopping area, containing Peter Lane and Paradise Street (pedestrian shopping), South John Street, a road with over 160 shops, and a brand-new bus station. To the south of the city, over Nelson Street, a glittering arch—recently imported from Shanghai as a gift from the People’s Republic—marks the entrance to the oldest Chinatown in Europe.
For details on Liverpool map, click here
ACCOMMODATIONS
A wide selection of affordable hostels makes shackin’ up in Liverpool is easy to do. Beatles Week is especially popular, so if you’re stopping in when it takes place at the end of August, make sure to book in advance. The hostels in town often fill up on weekends and therefore charge higher rates on these nights. Additionally, nights before major football matches (Liverpool FC and Everton FC) See hordes of eager fans flood Liverpool hostels in groups larger than the teams themselves. If you forgot to book and are feeling panicked, the TIC’s Accommodation hotline (0844 870 0123) can help you find a bed just in the nick of time.
EMBASSIE BACKPACKERS
1 Falkner Sq.
HOSTEL
0151 708 7193 www.embassie.com
All you need is love, and this cozy hostel has lots of it to give. Located in the digs of the former Venezuelan Embassy (hence the name), this beautiful old Georgian house becomes a home away from home for its multinational guests. Embassie Backpackers combines warm, friendly service with excellent facilities—a large room area, an outdoor area for communal barbecues, a downstairs social area, and a self-catering kitchen fully equipped with all kinds of dishes, tea, coffee, and bread 24hr. daily.
Take the 80A, 86A, or 86N bus from Lime St. Station. Ask the driver to drop you off at the corner of Catharine St. and Canning St. If walking, exit station toward The Crown Pub. Turn left onto Lime St. and follow through Renshaw St. At St. Luke’s Church, turn right onto Berry St. and at the Chinatown arch, take a left onto Upper Duke St. Keep straight past the Liverpool Cathedral, crossing over Catharine St., continuing onto Canning St. until you reach Falkner Sq. The hostel is on your left, facing the park.
Laundry facilities. Free towels, linens. Lockers available in rooms for £5 deposit. Free coffee, tea, and toast with jam, peanut butter, and marmalade, daily 24hr. Self-catering kitchen. Satellite TV. Free Wi-Fi and free internet use. Scenic backyard with BBQ. Single-sex dorms available. Dorms M-Th £15, F £17.50, Sa £20, Su £15. Reception 24hr.
INTERNATIONAL INN
4 S. Hunter St.
HOSTEL
0151 709 8135 www.internationalinn.co.uk
This converted warehouse provides a friendly aura, 24hr. service, and guests from all of the world (your first hint are the 20+ flags hanging around reception). It’s also conveniently located near the cheap eats of Hardman St. and the city center. Rooms are bright, cheery, and very clean, with ensuite bathrooms. The attached storefront internet cafe (Sam Joe’s Cafe) offers breakfast (from £2.75), internet (£1.50 per ½hr.), and live music on some nights.
Let's Go Europe 2011: The Student Travel Guide Page 31