http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/ Welcome to Been there. Your tips on the places you know - that you love, live in or have just visited - are what make this guide. http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/34276 We had two mains, one Coke, two bottles of beer for £12.80. It should have cost £15 or so but there was an automatic 20% discount (which seems to occur frequently).
This place serves decent Asian food and not surprisingly given the student population in the area is always busy.
It is quick and cheap and while it will not be garnering any Michelin stars it is somewhere we often go back to when in the area.
Don't believe they do reservations and you can always get a table though you might have to wait a few minutes.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/34276 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/34275 The pork is served on rolls (three different sizes) with the choice of stuffing and apple or chilli sauce for extra flavour. That is in essence the menu!
The pork is absolutely amazing!
Some seats on the premises though a lot of people just take away.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/34275 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/29597 Though small, the food is superb and great value.
Run by a young woman from Saigon so you can be sure of its authenticity.
No drink licence yet but its BYOB with only £1.50 corkage fee.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/29597 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/27424 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/27424 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/27378 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/27378 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/26528
Most hotels cost around £100 per night but you can book three-four star apartments for around £90 per night and some of these can sleep up to four people.

This means it works out around £23pppn compared to the £50pppn at a hotel! Add to that the fact you get your own kitchen and lounge area and it can actually be quite a bargain!

Worth thinking about if you are going to be staying in Edinburgh.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/26528 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/23835 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/23835 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/23618
Housed in a charming 19th century building, the comfortable private rooms mean this is a great alternative to a souless hotel - the rooms have antique furnishings and bags of character, as well as amazing views of the castle. Loved all the art on the walls as well.

The location is unbeatable (a minute from the Castle, Royal Mile, Grassmarket), and there's a huge lounge and movie screening room.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/23618 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/23617
Right on the Royal Mile, this hostel goes all out for the Fringe, with a Festival Pub crawl and competitions to win show tickets.

The arty decor chimes with the Fringe's 'alternative' vibe, and the lively, social atmosphere make it the perfect place to crash post-party.

There's also a bargain breakfast for under £2, the rooms are comfortable and smarter than your average backpacker's hostel, and the staff will give you a guided tour of the Royal Mile.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/23617 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/23616
Aimed at a higher clientele than cash-strapped backpackers, the Smart City Hostel is a 'boutique' hostel– all rooms are private with ensuite bathrooms, and there are special family rooms with a TV.

The free linen and towels, washing machines and self-catering facilities are a great way to keep costs down (you can make large family meals or prepare a packed lunch for the daytime).

Very comfortable rooms, and a central location in the heart of the old town, so it was easy to cart the whole family to the main venues!]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/23616 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/23615
Here are some tips for eating on a budget:

- Carry a bottle of water, a few snacks and a packed lunch with you during the day - you can munch during during long queues for tickets, and avoid the premium prices at cafes and sandwich shops in the city center.

- Head to the Edinburgh Farmer's Market on Saturdays for some budget-friendly food. Held between 9am and 2pm at Castle Terrace, it's stalls sell filling hot takeaway food, such as venison burgers and a hog roast!

- Some of the venues have great cafes, but they can get crowded in between shows. Instead, try the street stalls around the main venues such as Johnston Terrace and Bristo Square. The Traverse Theatre Bar and Café has a decent selection of reasonably priced food, and the courtyards inside the Pleasance Dome Theatre are home to stalls selling huge hot dogs and burgers.

- With some shows, food actually comes as part of your ticket. Early risers can catch Shakespeare for breakfast at C Venue at 10am, and watch the Bard’s best plays with a croissant and a cup of tea or coffee.


- For a cheap meal out, check out the Mosque Kitchen (officially called The Lunch Box) where you can pick up huge portions of halal curries for just a few pounds.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/23615 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/23614
Set up by a group of ethnic minorities in Edinburgh, Mela means ‘gathering’ in Sanskrit and is a celebration of cultural diversity in Scotland.

The festival has a laid-back vibe, with food stalls and a craft market alongside the main line-up of theatre, music, film, and visual art from around the world, from Zimbabwean Theatre to Bollywood Dance.

It's only £2 for an all day pass, but some single events are free.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/23614 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/22682 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/22682 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/21304 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/21304 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/19231 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/19231 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/19230 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/19230 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/19228 With free entry to 30 places and airport transfer included, it saves a packet.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/19228 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/19227 In addition, it’s a funky and fun place – I especially enjoyed the random art covering the walls!]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/19227 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/17691 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/17691 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/17690 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/17690