Fin's Local Edinburgh Guidebook
Favourite Sunday walk
Modern Art Gallery 1 (the one on the right) for outdoors breakfast in the beautiful garden. Then walk down the steps in the grounds to the river. The statues will be there. Walk along the river (Water of Leith) through Dean Village then over to Stockbridge market (closes around 2pm. Then Inverleith Park and home through Stockbridge. You could even include the Botanic Gardens if you’re up for a longer walk. 3 cafes in there. The best is at the top of the hill with the fab panorama of the city
Quick walk away. Lots of river walks nearby. Lovely cafe where you can sit outside in the gorgeous gardens. Great food and coffee.
1010 locals recommend
Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art
75 Belford RdQuick walk away. Lots of river walks nearby. Lovely cafe where you can sit outside in the gorgeous gardens. Great food and coffee.
Home to Scotland’s outstanding collection of modern and contemporary art.
Open daily, 10am-5pm
Free admission | Charge for some exhibitions.
There's a free bus that goes between all the main galleries too. That means you can do either Modern Art One or Two then get a free bus ride into the centre of the city! Bonus!
https://www.nationalgalleries.org/visit/scottish-national-gallery-modern-art
1010 locals recommend
Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art
75 Belford RdHome to Scotland’s outstanding collection of modern and contemporary art.
Open daily, 10am-5pm
Free admission | Charge for some exhibitions.
There's a free bus that goes between all the main galleries too. That means you can do either Modern Art One or Two then get a free bus ride into the centre of the city! Bonus!
https://www.nationalgalleries.org/visit/scottish-national-gallery-modern-art
Drinks & Nightlife
Lovely space. Good food. Great outdoors environment. In Stockbridge - most desirable place to live in Scotland
162 locals recommend
The Raeburn
112 Raeburn PlLovely space. Good food. Great outdoors environment. In Stockbridge - most desirable place to live in Scotland
Scottish real ale, poker, quiz and folk music in a snug cellar bar with stone walls and wood panels.
49 locals recommend
The Antiquary Bar
72-78 St Stephen StScottish real ale, poker, quiz and folk music in a snug cellar bar with stone walls and wood panels.
Perfect for the ya life and to mingle with the upper middles classes of Edinburgh. Relaxed, cosy, old-school gastropub with real ales, a British menu, Sunday roasts and beer garden.
125 locals recommend
The Cumberland Bar
1-3 Cumberland StPerfect for the ya life and to mingle with the upper middles classes of Edinburgh. Relaxed, cosy, old-school gastropub with real ales, a British menu, Sunday roasts and beer garden.
If you love to salsa, this is definitely the place to be. As with all latino venues, all ages welcome. Over 18 obviously.
19 locals recommend
El Barrio Latino
47 Hanover StIf you love to salsa, this is definitely the place to be. As with all latino venues, all ages welcome. Over 18 obviously.
Food Scene
Artisan Roast Stockbridge
100A Raeburn PlGreat coffee, cakes, wifi and chilled vibe
Light-filled, basement cocktail bar / cafe / all-day Scottish restaurant with floral fabrics and wicker.
72 locals recommend
Copper Blossom
107 George StLight-filled, basement cocktail bar / cafe / all-day Scottish restaurant with floral fabrics and wicker.
Tea lover's paradise with a massive range of leaf tea, brewing equipment, tea infused candles, unique gift ideas ...
16 locals recommend
eteaket Tea Room
41 Frederick StTea lover's paradise with a massive range of leaf tea, brewing equipment, tea infused candles, unique gift ideas ...
Impossible to get to without a car. On the outskirts of Edinburgh by IKEA. A specialist Herb Nursery nestled at the foot of the Pentland hills with delicious home-grown soup, lunch (quiche) and cakes. Sit in the divine and rustic greenhouse with vintage seats and tables surrounded by sprouting vines, plums, herbs and flowers
20 locals recommend
Secret Herb Garden
32A 32A Old Pentland Road, LothianburnImpossible to get to without a car. On the outskirts of Edinburgh by IKEA. A specialist Herb Nursery nestled at the foot of the Pentland hills with delicious home-grown soup, lunch (quiche) and cakes. Sit in the divine and rustic greenhouse with vintage seats and tables surrounded by sprouting vines, plums, herbs and flowers
Tray-bakes, scones and cakes galore at friendly cafe with camp 40s decor, lunches and teas
205 locals recommend
Mimi's Bakehouse
63 ShoreTray-bakes, scones and cakes galore at friendly cafe with camp 40s decor, lunches and teas
Rustic-chic gastropub with a Modern Scottish menu, draught and bottled beers, and whiskies galore
378 locals recommend
The Scran and Scallie
1 Comely Bank RdRustic-chic gastropub with a Modern Scottish menu, draught and bottled beers, and whiskies galore
Take away - Cheap and cheerful fish and chips with all the bits and bobs
12 locals recommend
Francos of Stockbridge
7 Comely Bank RdTake away - Cheap and cheerful fish and chips with all the bits and bobs
Very small intimate restaurant with a street presence. Quite cosy and atmospheric. Great food
162 locals recommend
Rollo Restaurant & Wine Bar
108 Raeburn PlVery small intimate restaurant with a street presence. Quite cosy and atmospheric. Great food
Scottish Vegetarian Friendly Vegan Options Gluten Free Options
6 locals recommend
Pibroch Scottish Restaurant
240 CanongateScottish Vegetarian Friendly Vegan Options Gluten Free Options
Top class, 5 star resto with celebrity chef, Tom Kitchin. French European British Scottish Contemporary Vegetarian Friendly
278 locals recommend
The Kitchin
Top class, 5 star resto with celebrity chef, Tom Kitchin. French European British Scottish Contemporary Vegetarian Friendly
Usquabae Whisky Bar And Larder
2-4 Hope StreetQuaint whisky bar with fine dining haggis!
Scottish, locally sourced, outstanding resto and whisky bar run by young Scottish chef of the year. Main courses around £20 and menu consists of Garlic roast rump of Borders lamb with skirlie mashed potatoes, savoy cabbage and pancetta | Aberdeen Angus sirloin steak with dauphinoise potatoes, green beans and cherry tomatoes| Venison saddle wrapped in bacon with carrot and lavender puree and Glenmorangie Nectar d’Or | Sea trout fillet with braised pak choi on chilli and ginger soba noodles | Wild mushroom, spinach and truffle gnocchi | Roast butternut squash, cranberry and Greek feta wellington, mmmmm
30 locals recommend
Michael Neave Kitchen And Whisky Bar
21 Old Fishmarket ClScottish, locally sourced, outstanding resto and whisky bar run by young Scottish chef of the year. Main courses around £20 and menu consists of Garlic roast rump of Borders lamb with skirlie mashed potatoes, savoy cabbage and pancetta | Aberdeen Angus sirloin steak with dauphinoise potatoes, green beans and cherry tomatoes| Venison saddle wrapped in bacon with carrot and lavender puree and Glenmorangie Nectar d’Or | Sea trout fillet with braised pak choi on chilli and ginger soba noodles | Wild mushroom, spinach and truffle gnocchi | Roast butternut squash, cranberry and Greek feta wellington, mmmmm
17th-century manor hotel offering romantic fine dining using locally-sourced Scottish ingredients. Outstanding setting with Scottish cows, pheasants, golf course and views. Not to mention the insanely beautiful interior design. You MUST have coffee and liqueurs in the upstairs room. Memories are made of this.
21 locals recommend
Rhubarb
Priestfield Road17th-century manor hotel offering romantic fine dining using locally-sourced Scottish ingredients. Outstanding setting with Scottish cows, pheasants, golf course and views. Not to mention the insanely beautiful interior design. You MUST have coffee and liqueurs in the upstairs room. Memories are made of this.
Beautiful views over the estuary (Firth of Forth) and decent pub food with great Cullen Skink (Scottish fish soup)
94 locals recommend
The Old Chain Pier
32 Trinity CresBeautiful views over the estuary (Firth of Forth) and decent pub food with great Cullen Skink (Scottish fish soup)
Parks & Nature
Walks around the wee loch, jogging, stunning views of the city and the skyline, toy yachts on Sundays, rugby, picnics, table tennis, tennis courts, children's play park, army fitness circuit around the outside, flower garden, Water of Leith walkway
256 locals recommend
Inverleith Park
Walks around the wee loch, jogging, stunning views of the city and the skyline, toy yachts on Sundays, rugby, picnics, table tennis, tennis courts, children's play park, army fitness circuit around the outside, flower garden, Water of Leith walkway
Stunning large cultivated gardens with different 'rooms' for each area - from the Japanese area to the rockery and from the arboretum to the green houses, loads to see and enjoy. Three cafes in the gardens. All good coffee. The one up on the hill has the best views. Free entry but green houses take contributions
1227 locals recommend
Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh
Arboretum PlaceStunning large cultivated gardens with different 'rooms' for each area - from the Japanese area to the rockery and from the arboretum to the green houses, loads to see and enjoy. Three cafes in the gardens. All good coffee. The one up on the hill has the best views. Free entry but green houses take contributions
Gorgeous pathway that snakes through the centre of the city. Lots of cyclists, runners, families, dog walkers and commuters walk different parts of this walkway that goes throughout the whole city
147 locals recommend
Water of Leith Walkway
Water of Leith WalkwayGorgeous pathway that snakes through the centre of the city. Lots of cyclists, runners, families, dog walkers and commuters walk different parts of this walkway that goes throughout the whole city
Arthur's Seat is one of four hill forts, dating from around 2,000 years ago. Great views of the city just above the Scottish Parliament and Holyrood House
1859 locals recommend
Arthur's Seat
Arthur's Seat is one of four hill forts, dating from around 2,000 years ago. Great views of the city just above the Scottish Parliament and Holyrood House
Stunning views right over the centre of Princes St with our bonkers unfinished Athenian acropolis. Great for photos and vistas
1098 locals recommend
Calton Hill
Calton HillStunning views right over the centre of Princes St with our bonkers unfinished Athenian acropolis. Great for photos and vistas
Dean Village
Dean PathJust a hop, skip and a jump across the road from our flat
Shopping
Supermarket for everything from snacks to wine and from pizza to gourmet food. Delivery available. 8am - 9pm weekdays and closes 8pm weekends.
92 locals recommend
Waitrose & Partners Comely Bank
38 Comely Bank RdSupermarket for everything from snacks to wine and from pizza to gourmet food. Delivery available. 8am - 9pm weekdays and closes 8pm weekends.
Buy everything from deckchairs to rainproofs and from birthday cakes to fresh fruit
211 locals recommend
Sainsbury's
Unit 9-10 Moray Park TerraceBuy everything from deckchairs to rainproofs and from birthday cakes to fresh fruit
Sightseeing
The castle is in the centre of the city high above the main streets so it's a great place to start your tour of the city with a bird's eye view of the city. There are plenty of military museums and things to see and do within the castle so it can take you a few hours to get around. Not cheap but you can get discount cards to see a range of sights
1961 locals recommend
Edinburgh Castle
CastlehillThe castle is in the centre of the city high above the main streets so it's a great place to start your tour of the city with a bird's eye view of the city. There are plenty of military museums and things to see and do within the castle so it can take you a few hours to get around. Not cheap but you can get discount cards to see a range of sights
Great history of whisky and a huge range of whiskies from around the world. There are various levels of tours. I recommend the most expensive one that gives you a tasting experience too so that you can taste the different regional whiskies and decide which type of whisky you like.
149 locals recommend
The Scotch Whisky Experience
354 CastlehillGreat history of whisky and a huge range of whiskies from around the world. There are various levels of tours. I recommend the most expensive one that gives you a tasting experience too so that you can taste the different regional whiskies and decide which type of whisky you like.
Surprisingly interesting. It takes about 3 hours to go round the audio guided yacht. Nice cafe with lovely old fashioned table service
630 locals recommend
Royal Yacht Britannia
Ocean DriveSurprisingly interesting. It takes about 3 hours to go round the audio guided yacht. Nice cafe with lovely old fashioned table service
It’s about 3 hours away but everyone rates the trip. Especially if you go with any of the tour companies who give you a full day guided tour around the highlands from Edinburgh and back. They give you all the history, politics, culture and jokes. Everyone enjoys the experience
61 locals recommend
Loch Ness Centre & Exhibition
It’s about 3 hours away but everyone rates the trip. Especially if you go with any of the tour companies who give you a full day guided tour around the highlands from Edinburgh and back. They give you all the history, politics, culture and jokes. Everyone enjoys the experience
You can only access this wee island when the tide is out. Check the tides on Google. You can see seals and sometimes dolphins by the island. Wear waterproof shoes
124 locals recommend
Cramond Island
You can only access this wee island when the tide is out. Check the tides on Google. You can see seals and sometimes dolphins by the island. Wear waterproof shoes