CITY GUIDE
CITY GUIDE
The 11th-century Edinburgh Castle overlooking Princes Street Gardens cuts an imposing figure on Edinburgh’s city skyline. See the Crown Jewels (no photography permitted), visit the National War Museum of Scotland and make sure to witness the firing of the One O’Clock gun, a tradition that dates back to 1861. Guided tours are included in your ticket price and audio guides are available for an additional fee.
If you want to get the blood pumping and feel the wind in your hair, we suggest waking early to catch the sunrise from the top of Arthur’s Seat. You’ll be rewarded with a 360° view of Edinburgh city as well as the port of Leith. Make sure to wear comfortable walking shoes as the paths will be slippery if it has been raining. Pack a windbreaker too so you’re not blown off the rocky summit. The hike will take approximately 40 – 70 minutes one-way depending on which part of town you start from.
Following the worldwide success of the Harry Potter series, this tea and coffee shop shot to fame when it was discovered that J.K. Rowling sat at this particular cafe whilst writing about The Boy Who Lived. A visit to the bathroom is quite unorthodox but will leave visitors bemused with “Potterheads” graffiti scrawled on almost every surface.
Unlike Arthur’s Seat, you don’t need to venture too far from the city centre to reach the top of Calton Hill. Visit for panoramic views of Edinburgh city up the paved walkways. The hill contains a collection of monuments including the unfinished acropolis, iconic to Edinburgh’s skyline.
Escape the hustle and bustle of the Royal Mile or Princes Street to take in some of the best collections of fine art from Scotland and worldwide. Open daily, admission is free with seasonal exhibitions.
This popular late night restaurant on Cowgate serves up food from a wood-fire grill, complimented by a wide range of craft beers from local and international breweries. If beer isn’t for you then you’re in luck. Ask for a wee dram of whisky from the extensive menu.
The tiny restaurant feels like it would be right at home in Tokyo. If you’re brave enough, try the Hell Ramen (the chilli rating doesn’t lie) and wash it down with a bottle of Asahi. The walls are decorated with post-it-notes which add a personal and curious touch to the dining experience. Keep an eye out for their 3 other branches around town.
For a true Scottish culinary experience, sample haggis and a whisky at the Whiski Rooms. The restaurant serves haggis spring rolls and run whisky tasting sessions throughout the day.
This homely shop feels more like a family kitchen than a busy bakery. If we could add a smell to this post, we’d insert the warm sweet aroma of freshly baked shortbread. The Classic All Butter is a popular choice but anything with Chocolate Chip is a winner in our eyes.
The name of this restaurant sums up the cuisine in one mouthful. On a cold, rainy day, fill your belly up with a hearty stew or some old British favourites including macaroni & cheese or fish and chips. Known for its sausages & mash, MUM’S spoils you by offering 11 choices of mash.
Start your day with a coffee in the New Town from our favourite little specialty coffee bar in Edinburgh. Their filter coffees are hand brewed using a Kalita wave pour-over with the menu featuring two single origin beans. All food is delivered fresh from local Edinburgh bakeries and kitchens with some vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options available.
Join the queue of locals and travellers for hot chocolate or ice cream at one of Edinburgh’s most popular institutions. Can’t decide? Then just have both! Take a seat at one of the speckled stools underneath the charming ice cream shaped lamps. Products are made fresh daily and will sell out, so make sure to get in early to avoid disappointment!
When you descend into the depths of Whistlebinkies, you’re heading towards live music in a cave and a sweaty dance floor. Belt out old school rock and 90s classics or duck into one of the hidey holes for a drink. Opposite the Tron, Whistlebinkies is open until the wee hours of the morning.
Ambient lighting and plush booth seats make for a cosy setting for some drinks from Bar Tonic’s award-winning cocktail list. Suitable for date night or for groups, resident DJs feature on the weekends to get you in the dancing mood once you’ve knocked back a few cocktails.
Bursting with botanical decor, Copper Blossom offers an elegant and classic venue for after work drinks or weekend frivolity. Lavish booths make you feel nostalgic while the exposed brickwork feels like the outside was brought inside. Select from the extensive fruity cocktail menu which will make you feel like it’s summer all year round.
If you’re looking for a classic, signature piece for your wardrobe, stop by Walker Slater, Tweed Jacket, Suit and Tailoring Specialists. Stylish, contemporary tweed items, knitwear and formal shirts are in stock with tailoring services available for both men and women.
Luxurious coats, sweaters and tunics produced in the finest cashmere means that you’ll be both stylish and warm. Garments are available for women and men or create your own custom-made piece from one of 49 unique Hawico paintbox colours. Enquire in-store.
Make sure not to miss this unique collection of homewares, gifts, cards and quality souvenirs. You’ll step back in time with quirky vintage-esque pieces before being thrown forward into modern eccentricity. This is the place to find something you won’t find on the high street.
Stretching from Waverley Station to the end of Princes Street Gardens, the main thoroughfare of the New Town houses branches of well-known British retailers including Debenhams, River Island and Primark.
Two streets back from Princes Street, George Street houses a mix of American and British retailers as well as local boutiques. Keep an eye out for the home-grown stores such as Cruise, Hamilton & Inches and ANTA Scotland.
You won’t be able to rent a room in Edinburgh Castle. But if the medieval vibe is what you’re after, stay in the Old Town. With the cobblestoned Royal Mile and sneaky alleyways, a piece of Scottish and Edinburgh’s history will only be a stone’s throw away.
Built to expand the overcrowded Old Town, the elegant Georgian New Town is now a modern day hub. The neoclassical buildings line wider streets, dotted with shops and cafes giving the area an inner city vibe.
This affluent area north of the city centre possesses a village vibe on the Water of Leith. Locals shop in posh delis and stylish boutiques. They dine in cute cafes and upmarket gastropubs and live in elegant Victorian terraced houses. Visit the weekly Stockbridge market and the mews of Circus Lane, which rival those of London. The Royal Botanic Garden is also close by.
A perfect place to be located during the Fringe Festival as the university district is only a short walk away. With plenty of pubs and restaurants in this vibrant area, you’re also walking distance to Arthur’s Seat.
One of the largest performing arts festivals in the world is hosted annually in Edinburgh. The Fringe takes place over three weeks in August.
If your visit to Edinburgh Festival Fringe coincides with a greater Scotland trip, check out some of these Scotland travel budget tips to help you stretch your pounds a wee bit further.
One of Europe’s biggest New Year’s Eve parties, Hogmanay, takes place in Edinburgh on December 31. Join in as thousands of people take to the streets to enjoy the street parties, live bands and fireworks from the Castle.
There are many other festivals which take place in Edinburgh throughout the year. To stay up to date, visit this useful website.
In every season, there is almost always drizzle. To be on the safe side, pack both.
This is Scotland after all and even in summertime, a beanie will come in good use.
Whether you plan on hiking to the top of Arthur’s Seat or walking around town, Edinburgh is not flat. Bring a comfortable pair of walking shoes, preferably non-slip. Be prepared to climb up and down hills and stairs, often on uneven cobblestoned streets.
