Things to do in Edi...
 

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Things to do in Edinburgh with my teenage daughter...

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 scud
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I have daftly entered Edinburgh half marathon in May and the family have agreed to come with, AirBNB booked, but after some ideas of things to see and do with teenage daughter, who like most teenagers seems to find everything dull except shopping!

She does love music, all sorts, and anything fashion related though..

Any ideas for places to go and also to eat with family? 

 
Posted : 06/03/2025 4:23 pm
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St James' Quarter and Omni centre might fit the bill - food, shops - not sure about music.

 
Posted : 06/03/2025 5:53 pm
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Something for most in the National Museum. They have a fashion section:

https://www.nms.ac.uk/national-museum-of-scotland/see-and-do/explore-the-galleries/art-design-and-fashion

Lots of all sorts in there too. I think there is a stuffed Dodo in there somewhere.

 
Posted : 06/03/2025 10:29 pm
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Go for a wander away from the main drag princess st and walk down to Stockbridge, full of charity shops n cafes then a walk up towards Dean village. You may get the odd grumble but much better than stuck inside John Lewis and fellow trendy shops desperate for your card details

 
Posted : 06/03/2025 10:46 pm
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oh I know this one - originally from Edinburgh but raised my kids in the south.

When I take my kids to Edinburgh my daughter loves a rummage around Armstrongs and the shops on Cockburn street 

Possibly worth seeing if any of the unis or the art colllege have anything going on as just being around cool kids can be a bit of a hit 

 
Posted : 06/03/2025 10:58 pm
leffeboy reacted
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Oh and for the music lover there’s Vinyl Villains on elm row and a record shop for cooler kids at the bottom of Cockburn street too 

 
Posted : 06/03/2025 11:04 pm
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I think there is a stuffed Dodo in there somewhere.

I think its a replica. If memory serves me correctly someone through the actual real life stuffed dodo on a fire during a clearout.

Museum is a great shout.

There are about 4 Armstrongs so plenty mooching.

Marys milk bar for an icecream, its worth the queue.

Ghost tour.

Gallery of modern art?

Actually all the galleries are good, most people will find something that resonates in there.

 

 
Posted : 07/03/2025 6:46 am
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The Alpine Coaster should be a blast for her 

 
Posted : 07/03/2025 7:45 am
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The National Museum is great for all ages and interests. Depending on the weather and interest, the zoo is quite good.

There's quite a few quirky tours - history tours, Harry Potter tours, ghost tours. We did a fantastic "fake" history tour last summer when we went up for the Fringe.

Topping and Company is an amazing bookshop, if she's that way inclined.

TJ may not like to admit it but his presence has made the Leith end a bit cool and trendy. Quite a few independent shops and eateries if you hop on and off the tram down from Toppings.

 
Posted : 07/03/2025 7:57 am
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I've been to the zoo twice may 55 years ago 1st time and all I could remember was the smell from the penguins and walking up the hill

I've never been on one of those open air bus trips but like the royal mile I'd definitely avoid tacky touristy China made crap they sell

Scott's Monument definitely worth doing if it's still open to the public and if you do go to the museum you can get right up on to the roof

Would I recommend Leith for a teenager definitely not and expecting pelters from maybe one or two on here

Botanic gardens is an easy walk from Stockbridge if she enjoys nature, you will never see a red squirrel but lots of grey run around 

 
Posted : 07/03/2025 8:20 am
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Museum of surgery! Fun for all the family.

 
Posted : 07/03/2025 9:36 am
 scud
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Thank you all for the replies some great ideas in there that should keep us busy (she does love a charity clothes shop too!) 

 
Posted : 07/03/2025 10:11 am
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If I were showing a teenager around Edinburgh, I'd start with the museum, then go to Paradise Palms for lunch (it's really cool and a lot of fun), then head to Armstrongs down on the Grassmarket for a vintage mooch, up Victoria Street (Diagon Alley from Harry Potter, but I doubt teenagers are into that these days), down Cockburn Street and to the Fruitmarket Gallery of modern art by Waverley to finish. Can spur off up to the castle at the top of Victoria Street if you fancy too.

 
Posted : 07/03/2025 10:36 am
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Makars Mash Bar, Edinburgh Street Food, Oink.

 

There's probably things you could do without food being involved, but they were my favourites.

 

Castle is probably worth a look too. 

 
Posted : 07/03/2025 10:45 am
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Our 2 were a bit younger but we enjoyed

 The Camera obscura and illusions

 Arthurs Seat

The buried streets of Mary King

Bizare but compelling. I’ve nerve seen anything like it

 

https://www.realmarykingsclose.com/

 

 
Posted : 07/03/2025 4:38 pm
 scud
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Thanks Ampthill that looks ace, i may leave my wife and daughter to the fashion exhibition above and if they don't want to go, visit that on my own! 

 
Posted : 07/03/2025 5:18 pm
ampthill reacted
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I've just asked my daughter about Camera Obscura and she said she enjoyed it when we last went when she was about 14.

 
Posted : 07/03/2025 10:58 pm

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