It’s that time of year again. The Markets are open and it’s time to get festive. If you’re looking for the best markets to visit up North and are based in the North East, then Edinburgh Christmas Markets are the best.
From Newcastle Upon Tyne, my hometown, it’s under 2 hours to get there by train and super easy by car too. Edinburgh has plenty of Park and Rides just outside of the city centre where you can stay for free up to 3 days. We paid £1.80 each way to get in and out of Edinburgh city centre.
Edinburgh Christmas Markets
The Edinburgh Christmas Markets are directly outside of Waverley Train station so perfect for one day trips but the whole town is decorated for the season so why not make the most of it and stay over.
I, However, would recommend to stay over in Edinburgh just like I did. It allows you plenty of time to explore the markets and the lovely city too.
The markets are here until 3rd of January 2023 and is split into two different sections so be sure not to miss either. On East Princess street you’ll see the Edinburgh wheel. You can’t miss it! We went on and I can tell you the views are stunning! Even though it was raining you could see for miles. For £10 per person, I think it can hold up to 4 people and you get to go around 3 times roughly. By the foot of the wheel there are plenty of food and drink stalls to enjoy a cold beer or a mulled cider. I had a baileys hot chocolate which was £8 and my partner had a Cold Town Beer for £7.
At this location you will find plenty of other stalls that sell quirky gifts and make great Christmas presents. There are a few rides here too however most of the rides are at the other location or the market. Located in Princess Street west gardens is the perfect family place to enjoy the markets. Lit up perfectly on an evening, it’s really pretty with the fountain and castle in the backdrop.
Here there are a few food stalls however there are lots of children’s rides, a tree maze and lots of photo opportunities.
The Moxy Fountainbridge
The city if a different place day and night and has lots to see and do. On our recent trip we decided to stay in the west end at the Moxy Fountainbridge Hotel. This isn’t my first time at a Moxy but it was my first time in the west end of Edinburgh.
The Moxy is a short walk from the Haymarket station and about a 10 minute walk from the city centre at the most. The West End is buzzing with students, concert goers, lively bars and independent restaurants and a great place for the trendy Moxy to be located.
Rooftop bar
On our arrival as always you get a free special Moxy Cocktail then we made our way up to the 6th floor to our room. The views are spectacular from this hotel and what makes THIS Moxy stand out is the rooftop bar! The views from the rooftop bar are incredible over the city and the canal below. I can imagine sitting out here in the summer drinking the day by! Don’t worry thought, the access to the rooms is safe and you can still access the bar without being a guest so pop along and have one for me.
Our room was lovely, perfect for a couple like us staying. As per my previous stay of the Moxy it was nice to see that this hotel was equally as clean and upheld the standard of the Marriott but with a fun style! On occasions where i have visited the same chain hotel in different cities I’m sometimes disappointed that they don’t all have the same standards but with the Moxy you know exactly what you are going to get. Excellent and friendly customer service, being Scottish helps with that if you ask me!
The lobby area had lots of space to relax and work if you have too. We visited on a Sunday, Monday so it was interesting to see the different of hungover group of friends ready to go home after an amazing weekend and then those having a working breakfast catch up on their laptops the next day.
Breakfast time
Breakfast is my favourite part of the day when staying at the Moxy. The buffet style breakfast really does has something for everyone. Fancy a full English? or Waffles and Nutella? Why not have it to go? I’m always super impressed, plus the staff are there to offer you anything else you might need too.
The hotel does offer a small menu available until 10pm however I have not sampled that yet as there are lots of indepdnet restaurants around the West End and some very affordable prices. But it’s good to know if you want to spend the night in. Why not, you’ve paid for it!
Why Moxy Fountainbridge?
So, why should you choose to stay at Moxy Fountainbridge when visiting Edinburgh Christmas Markets? For me, it’s about exploring an area, making the most out of youre trip but also budget. Although this stay was Gifted, I would choose to stay at a Moxy because they are so affordable and ideal for couples that are travelling on a short trip. The hotels are fun, clean and welcoming and you can grab a real bargain if you book in advance. Prices can start as low as £55 depending on the night you choose to go.
If you are looking at the markets, I’d recommend to go on a Sunday like we did or a weekday as the queues are quieter.
*gifted stay however all opinions and other spends were my own
Why not explore the Moxy Chester for youre next city break?
