Edinburgh, like any city, certainly has its differences.
Whether it is arguments over whether Leith is actually part of Edinburgh, or cycle lanes, the people in the capital are far from united on everything.
However, there remain some special, unique things to the city that unite every Edinburgh resident.
So here is our list of 18 things that everyone in Edinburgh has done at least once.
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Using the Meadows as your own personal bar
Whether you’re a student lounging in the Summer holidays or you're trying to relax on your weekend, every summer the Meadows transforms into a sea of cheap barbecues, blankets and people.
It makes sense, the huge public park has plenty of space to relax and it’s so central that it’s the perfect place for everyone to meet at. Just good luck finding a decent spot once it gets warmer than 20C.
Been stuck in tram-related traffic
The controversial trams project to add a new public transport service throughout the city has been the bane of commuters since 2014. Although the trams are now running from the airport to the city centre, the current extensions down to Leith are causing chaos along Leith Walk.
It seems like everyone has, at one time or another, found themselves stuck in a traffic jam, staring at the construction works as they become increasingly late for something.
Managed to survive Hive till Five
Maybe not everyone has managed to do this. For one thing, I haven’t but Hive till Five remains something of a rite of passage for plenty of students in Edinburgh. And if you are one of the few who manage to stay conscious until the end of the night, you even get a free “I survived Hive till Five” T-shirt to celebrate this dubious achievement.
Spat on the Heart of Midlothian
While it seems to be going out of fashion recently, whenever you are walking up the Royal Mile there always seems to be a few puddles of spit from people looking for luck from the Heart of Midlothian.
Checked your watch for the One o’Clock Gun
Any time you’re in Princes Street just after midday, you might start finding yourself checking your watch to see if the One o’Clock Gun has gone off. Wondering if they might, perhaps, be late today.
Nearly had a heart attack from the One o’Clock Gun
However, by the time 1pm actually rolls around, you’ll have probably forgotten about it again and nearly have a heart attack when the explosion rings out from the castle. Leaving you panicking that there’s been some terrible tragedy for a moment until you realise what’s going on.
Climbed Arthur’s Seat
If you moved here from somewhere else then you probably did this after not living here for very long. It doesn’t look that big. It’s just a big hill, really.
Next thing you know you’ve twisted your ankle, you’re desperate for a drink of water and you’re furious at all the runners who manage to somehow skip up the slope without breaking a sweat.
Walked into a tourists picture
Look, we have all been there. We don’t mean to but sometimes you’re in a rush or perhaps just distracted with your phone. You’re walking down the street and hardly even realise that you’re ruining someone’s attempts to immortalise their trip to Edinburgh by battering your way through the frame.
Ransacked Ali’s Cave for a bargain
Ali’s Cave is as much an Edinburgh institution as anything we can think of. A wonderful hub for all the peculiar things you didn’t realise you really needed until it became all too obvious. What do you mean we don’t have a plunger? How do we not have a plunger?
One quick trip to Ali’s Cave and you come out with a dozen different things you can’t believe you didn’t already own.
Been outraged at the price of entry to Edinburgh Castle
£18 for an adult ticket? Ouch.
Watched a film at the Dominion or the Cameo
Whether you want to enjoy the classic design of one of Scotland’s oldest cinemas or being able to spread out on an actual sofa, the Cameo and Dominion cinema are Edinburgh classics for a reason.
Given a tourist directions
You’re walking through the city centre and someone comes up to you with their phone open and an unsure smile on their face. You’ve been singled out as a beacon of help for a lost tourist.
As you try to describe directions to them you suddenly realise that it’s not as easy as you thought it would be to guide someone when they have no points of reference.
Told someone how Edinburgh is a “village”
It always seems to happen when you least want it to. You’ve a bit of a hangover and you nip out to the shops looking like death to try and get milk and paracetamol. Hoping that no one will spot you in the few moments you’re out in the world.
And yet that’s the day you run into someone you really don’t want to. It might be your boss or maybe your ex.
“Edinburgh is an absolute village” is all you can say to complain to someone when you get home.
Referred to Cameron Toll as the Savacentre
It may have gone defunct about 20 years ago but it’s the Savacentre and no-one will ever be able to tell you otherwise.
Had a moan about tourists rubbing Greyfriars Bobby’s nose
There always seems to be a crowd in front of Greyfriars Bobby taking pictures with the statue and rubbing its nose. They also happen to be blocking the way of people trying to get towards the Royal Mile.
Gone to a Fringe show
Certainly the most famous Edinburgh event, the Fringe takes over and transforms the city every August. With so many options for great theatre and comedy, you almost can’t help picking up a ticket for something and giving it a go.
Moaned about the Fringe nonetheless
However, that’s not going to stop you from having a moan about the glut of tourists that descend on the capital every year.
As the streets get increasingly crowded and pop-ups take over any open space in the city, the biggest theatre festival in the world doesn’t seem to matter. And you’re going to have a little moan at the inconvenience it causes.
Joined the Meadows Share
The allure of flat opportunities and random free stuff has proved too tempting for many of us. While it is a mad scramble to be the first to claim stuff off of the Facebook group, we know many of you are on there. Waiting for the chance to get your hands on something good.
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