Visiting Edinburgh
Normally, we’d have all sorts of things to say about this. This year, it’s simple. Unless you’re already in Edinburgh, please don’t visit us until it is safe and legal to do so. When it is, the stuff below all applies.
This is information for Con-goers traveling to Edinburgh for Conpulsion.
Conpulsion Venue
Conpulsion 2020 is being held in The Pleasance, a student union building in the centre of Edinburgh
Getting to Edinburgh
Edinburgh is Scotland’s capital city and there are many ways to get here.
By Train. There are frequent services to the Edinburgh Waverley train station, which is a 10 minute walk away from The Pleasance.
By Air. There are frequent services flying to Edinburgh Airport. To get into town from the airport there is an airport bus service run by Lothian Buses, with single tickets being £4.50 for an adult and £2.00 for a child. Alternatively, you can catch a taxi from the airport to the city centre for around £20.00.
By Bus. Megabus, CityLink and National Express can take you to and from Edinburgh’s St Andrews Square central bus station. More locally Lothian Buses have frequent buses across the city and a flat fee structure (£1.70 for an adult single, £0.80 for a child single), and they now accept contactless payments.
By Tram. Within the city itself, trams are the same price as buses. To and from the airport, a single is £6.00 for adults or £3.00 for children.
Driving and Parking in Edinburgh
First off, Edinburgh is not the most car friendly city, favouring public transport on its roads and with many confusing road layouts and junctions. Edinburgh City Council has controlled parking, and many parking wardens. Read signs carefully when parking your car, and be aware of Permit Holder Only zones/spaces.
Edinburgh City Council has a site dedicated to parking in Edinburgh.
Free parking spaces in Edinburgh can be hard to come by, but the bus fares are cheap and flat rate.
On Sundays, many pay and display areas are free, but Edinburgh Council is currently trialing closing off some roads on Sundays, including parts of the Royal Mile between Holyrood and North Bridge.
Food in Edinburgh
There are many great places to get fed in Edinburgh while you are visiting Conpulsion. Here’s a few if you want some ideas.
The Pleasance bar: The Conpulsion venue does have an onsite bar, which serves a selection of student union approved food and drinks.
Union of Genius. An award-winning soup cafe.
Palmyra: Fantastic and cheap Lebanese food, stays open very late.
City Restaurant: Selection of Italian and Chip Shop food. Does takeaway.
Paradise Palms: Easygoing vegan and gluten free comfort food.
Illegal Jack’s: Mexican food, would highly recommend their burritos.
Lian Pu: Chinese sit in and takeaway, specialises in hotpots.
Red Fort: Sit in Indian buffet. Gluten free safe.
Bonsai Bar: Japanese cuisine, particularly sushi. Gluten free safe.
David Bann: Specialises in vegetarian and vegan dishes. Gluten free safe.
The nearest Nando’s is on Chambers Street.