A city steeped in history that remains one of the most popular tourist destinations in Europe, Edinburgh is the heart and home of Scottish rugby.
BT Murrayfield may be located three miles from Edinburgh’s centre, but it remains a key pillar of the city, with travelling rugby fans able to reach the stadium in as little as six minutes from Princes Street.
There is always something to do in this fabled city and with BT Murrayfield playing host to another eye-catching set of Guinness Six Nations fixtures, here we take a look at what the city can offer you.
The main attractions
Besides the rip-roaring rugby, Edinburgh can offer marvellous museums and charming old castles, with a little something for everyone in the hilly capital.
The city is perhaps best recognised for its castle, built in 1103, which remains one of the most popular tourist sites in the whole of Scotland.
From there, why not dig a little deeper into the cultural influences that make Edinburgh what it is today at the National Museum or National Gallery.
Edinburgh Zoo is a popular destination amongst children, or if it’s a quieter spot you’re after, check out the Royal Botanic Gardens which offer 72 acres of peace and tranquillity.
Once you’ve tackled all that, you are bound to have worked up quite the appetite, so for a real taste of Edinburgh, try out haggis in a local restaurant and experience Scotland’s true delicacy and national prize.
The food and drink
Scotland has given the world some of its finest chefs, from Gordon Ramsay to Tom Kitchin, and that is reflected in the wide array of exciting dining options around BT Murrayfield.
Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, so thank your lucky stars that Roseburn Cafe is less than a ten-minute walk from the ground.
It is one of the best cafes in Edinburgh and is an incredible value with all their set breakfasts coming in at under five pounds.
If you are prepared to spend a little bit more on your pre-match meal, visit Dine Murrayfield.
It has an exciting selection of cocktails on offer and serves breakfast lunch and dinner so, no matter what time kick-off is, you can enjoy a top-quality meal.
Again, it is just a ten-minute walk away from BT Murrayfield, so sit back, relax and enjoy your food.
The Three Sisters has one of the best atmospheres of any rugby pub in Europe, so be sure to stop by to watch a game and have a drink during your trip to Edinburgh.
The venue
Come 2025, the Scottish Rugby Union will be celebrating its centenary year at glorious BT Murrayfield.
The Union purchased the land for the stadium from Edinburgh Polo Club in 1925 and later that year the stadium opened its doors in style as 70,000 spectators watched Scotland defeat England to win their first Five Nations Grand Slam.
The 50th anniversary of the stadium was one to savour too, as 104,000 fans attended Scotland’s win over Wales which remained a world record attendance until 1999.
Edinburgh Rugby have had the honour of playing on the hallowed turf and the stadium has also played host to football – both the Association and American versions – since its renovation in 2003.
Some of music’s finest have also graced BT Murrayfield, from David Bowie and The Rolling Stones to Oasis and One Direction.
How do I get there?
There are a number of ways to get to BT Murrayfield and you can even walk from the city centre should you wish to stretch your legs before the action unfolds.
For those coming from further afield, Waverley Station, situated in the heart of the city, is Edinburgh’s main railway station and the second biggest in Scotland, with trams, buses and taxis available from there.
Should you wish to really soak up the atmosphere in the city pre kick-off, the stadium is a 45-minute walk from Waverley Station. From Princes Street, head onto Shandwick Place and continue on the A8 until Roseburn Street. Make sure to leave yourself enough time to enjoy all the shops, bars and restaurants enroute.
There are numerous bus routes that service BT Murrayfield, including from Hermiston Park and Ride, Livingston and Edinburgh Airport.
Alternatively, you can catch a tram to take you right up to the stadium gates, from Edinburgh Airport, Ingliston Park & Ride, Edinburgh Gateway, Edinburgh Park Station, Haymarket Station and St Andrew Square tram stop, just a short walk from Waverley Station.
Fun facts
Residents of the city will be grateful that it’s BT Murrayfield rather than Castle Rock that is prone to erupting every weekend during the Guinness Six Nations.
Edinburgh Castle sits on Castle Rock, a 700-million-year-old extinct volcano. You can watch the ‘One O’Clock Gun’ fires shot from the castle every day except Sundays at 1pm.
Any Harry Potter fanatics will love their stay in the city, with much of JK Rowling’s inspiration for the Harry Potter books deriving from Edinburgh and you can even visit film locations at Greyfriars Kirkyard and Victoria Street, or take the Potter Trail, a tour that takes you to the relevant sites.
Or fancy something a little quirkier? The world’s one and only knighted penguin, Sir Nils Olav, can be found at Edinburgh Zoo.
