Places to eat, drink, visit & shop
Sightseeing
Arthur's Seat
A volcano in the middle of the city!
Great views of the city and smaller than Arthurs seat, easier to climb!
1098 locals recommend
Calton Hill
Calton HillGreat views of the city and smaller than Arthurs seat, easier to climb!
Large free art gallery in a beautiful setting. You can walk to or from Stockbridge along the water of Leith and take in a bit of nature along the way.
Modern Two is just across the road, usually with a paid exhibition on.
1010 locals recommend
Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art
75 Belford RdLarge free art gallery in a beautiful setting. You can walk to or from Stockbridge along the water of Leith and take in a bit of nature along the way.
Modern Two is just across the road, usually with a paid exhibition on.
Visit the writer's museum in this stunning building, just off the Royal Mile.
37 locals recommend
The Writers' Museum
Lady Stair's CloseVisit the writer's museum in this stunning building, just off the Royal Mile.
Amazing museum, it's free and perfect for bad weather days
1378 locals recommend
National Museum of Scotland
Amazing museum, it's free and perfect for bad weather days
Go say hello to Bobby! Across the street from the National Museum.
119 locals recommend
Greyfriars Bobby Statue
Go say hello to Bobby! Across the street from the National Museum.
Lovely tree lined park good for a short stroll. The coffee cabin (Uplands Roast) do amazing hot chocolates with marshmallows! They also have tennis courts (which are currently free of charge) check the Edinburgh Leisure website if you need to hire equipment. Over the road on Bruntsfiled links you can also have a free game of golf! Club hire and score cards are available to rent from The Golf Tavern. Very close to the flat
615 locals recommend
The Meadows
Melville DriveLovely tree lined park good for a short stroll. The coffee cabin (Uplands Roast) do amazing hot chocolates with marshmallows! They also have tennis courts (which are currently free of charge) check the Edinburgh Leisure website if you need to hire equipment. Over the road on Bruntsfiled links you can also have a free game of golf! Club hire and score cards are available to rent from The Golf Tavern. Very close to the flat
Portobello Beach Promenade
1 PromenadeEdinburgh's beach, with lots of cafes around.
Cramond beach, lovely for a stroll and you can visit Cramond Island but don't get stuck out there - check the tide times!
54 locals recommend
Cramond
Cramond beach, lovely for a stroll and you can visit Cramond Island but don't get stuck out there - check the tide times!
Water of Leith Walkway
Water of Leith WalkwayLeafy walks & cycle paths from central Edinburgh
A 20 minute bus journey from Home Street will take you to the Pentland Hills! If you fancy a hike and getting out of the city for a few hours.
121 locals recommend
Pentland Hills Regional Park
A 20 minute bus journey from Home Street will take you to the Pentland Hills! If you fancy a hike and getting out of the city for a few hours.
BobCat Alpacas
Bonaly RoadTake an alpaca for a walk in the Pentalnd Hills.
Amazing outdoor Sculpture park just on the outskirts of the city. Closed during the winter months.
107 locals recommend
Jupiter Artland
Amazing outdoor Sculpture park just on the outskirts of the city. Closed during the winter months.
Lovely garden in Duddingston village, free of charge. Pay a visit to the Sheep's Heid Inn while you're there for a wee dram or some lunch.
57 locals recommend
Dr Neil's Garden
5 Old Church LnLovely garden in Duddingston village, free of charge. Pay a visit to the Sheep's Heid Inn while you're there for a wee dram or some lunch.
Beautifully kept gardens, you can enjoy most of it for free and pay to visit the glass houses. They also put on light shows at Christmas time. You need to book tickets for the light show but it's worth seeing.
1227 locals recommend
Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh
Arboretum PlaceBeautifully kept gardens, you can enjoy most of it for free and pay to visit the glass houses. They also put on light shows at Christmas time. You need to book tickets for the light show but it's worth seeing.
Union Canal
Take a walk or cycle along the union canal.
Photography gallery with free exhibitions. They also run courses and weekend workshops, including analogue photography. Equipment hire available. On Cockburn Street.
31 locals recommend
Tills
1 Hope Park CresPhotography gallery with free exhibitions. They also run courses and weekend workshops, including analogue photography. Equipment hire available. On Cockburn Street.
Coffee Shops
Good coffee and Portuguese custard tarts. Very close to the flat.
7 locals recommend
The Colony Gourmet
58 Home StGood coffee and Portuguese custard tarts. Very close to the flat.
Great breakfasts and brunch with nice veggie options. It has changed it's name and is now called Seven. Very close to the flat.
21 locals recommend
Cafe Class
7 Home StGreat breakfasts and brunch with nice veggie options. It has changed it's name and is now called Seven. Very close to the flat.
Cute and quirky. The original Artisan Roast coffee shop. They roast their own beans, on Broughton Street.
236 locals recommend
Artisan Roast
57 Broughton StCute and quirky. The original Artisan Roast coffee shop. They roast their own beans, on Broughton Street.
Lovecrumbs West Port
155 West PortGreat cake & coffee in West Port
Maison de Moggy
17 West PortEdinburgh's cat cafe - a cat lovers dream! Book in advance.
For the dog people! Spend time with some tiny cute lapdogs while you enjoy a latte! Book in advance.
Edinburgh Chihuahua Cafe
15 Frederick StFor the dog people! Spend time with some tiny cute lapdogs while you enjoy a latte! Book in advance.
If you are out in South Queensferry this is a great place for coffe & cake.
8 locals recommend
Manna House Bakery & Patisserie
45-46 High StIf you are out in South Queensferry this is a great place for coffe & cake.
Food scene
Edinburgh has lots of great restaurants, cafes and take aways! Here are some that I've tried and enjoyed.
TING THAI CARAVAN Teviot Place
9 Teviot PlNice Thai food, casual setting
Amazing Lebanese food in a funky outdoor/heated/covered patio garden area. The food is very reasonably priced too. There is also one in Fountainbridge area.
Sofia’s Lounge
43-45 Salisbury RoadAmazing Lebanese food in a funky outdoor/heated/covered patio garden area. The food is very reasonably priced too. There is also one in Fountainbridge area.
Taxidi Greek Bistro
6 Brougham StGood Greek food - very close to the flat
Good French food, the lunch deal is really good value. In the Grassmarket
51 locals recommend
Petit Paris
38-40 GrassmarketGood French food, the lunch deal is really good value. In the Grassmarket
SEN Vietnamese Dining
41 West Nicolson StreetNew restaurant with great Vietnamese food and vegan options.
Fantastic vegan restaurant & bar with a twist! It’s at the very bottom of Broughton Street. Also suitable for carnivores! Book in advance.
35 locals recommend
Harmonium
60 Henderson StFantastic vegan restaurant & bar with a twist! It’s at the very bottom of Broughton Street. Also suitable for carnivores! Book in advance.
El Cartel
64 Thistle StCool Mexican restaurant serving very good food, relaxed atmosphere.
Bonnie & Wild
415-417 St James SquareFood court with a bar on the top floor of St James Quarter.
Maki and Ramen
97-101 FountainbridgeLovely suhsi - they have several spots across town
Indian canteen, serving smaller tapas type portions - very close to the flat
112 locals recommend
Tuk Tuk Indian Street Food
1 Leven StIndian canteen, serving smaller tapas type portions - very close to the flat
The Mussel and Steak Bar
110 GrassmarketSurf n turf in the Grassmarket.
Kalpna
2-3 St Patrick SquareVegetarian Indian restaurant
Mother India's Cafe
3-5 Infirmary StTapas style Indian dishes
I recommend their Indian style breakfasts! Close to Waverly station.
212 locals recommend
Dishoom Edinburgh
3a St Andrew SquareI recommend their Indian style breakfasts! Close to Waverly station.
Nilgiri Spice
Brougham StreetSouth Indian food with nice vegetarian options - very close to the flat
Kanpai Sushi
8-10 Grindlay StGreat sushi
Tasty and reasonably priced - very close to the flat. I recommend the Tom Yum Soup, Pad Thai and the Tempura Battered prawns. Good veggie options too.
14 locals recommend
The Thailander
25 Brougham StreetTasty and reasonably priced - very close to the flat. I recommend the Tom Yum Soup, Pad Thai and the Tempura Battered prawns. Good veggie options too.
Karen’s Unicorn
8B Abercromby PlLovely Chinese restaurant in the New Town.
Kweilin
19-21 Dundas StreetVery good Cantonese food in a traditional setting.
Wing Sing Inn
147 Dundee StVery good authentic Chinese food in the Fountainbridge area.
Ikigai Ramen
13 West CrosscausewayTheir vegetarian ramen is the best
Dumplings of China (彩来中餐厅)
60 Home StreetGreat dumplings made on the premises, very close to the flat.
If you are visiting The Shore area this is nice place to grab lunch, beer or a cocktail.
281 locals recommend
Roseleaf bar cafe
23-24 Sandport PlaceIf you are visiting The Shore area this is nice place to grab lunch, beer or a cocktail.
Urban Angel
121 Hanover StGreat for brunch, can get very busy at times. In the New Town.
It's All Good
127 Easter RdReally nice cafe for brunch & lunch on Easter Road, near Leith.
Great little vegan & vegetarian pizza place in the New Town
22 locals recommend
Novapizza Vegan and Vegetarian Kitchen
42 Howe StGreat little vegan & vegetarian pizza place in the New Town
Origano pizzeria
236 Leith WalkGreat pizza on Leith Walk.
City Restaurant
35 Nicolson StGood fish & chips, sit in or take away.
Really good vegan and vegetarian cafe with a local artist\makers market on every Sunday. You'll find the Tiny Treasures market just round the side of the building, on from 11am - 4pm
8 locals recommend
Beetroot Sauvage - Vegan Café, Restaurant, Yoga Studio
33-41 Ratcliffe TerraceReally good vegan and vegetarian cafe with a local artist\makers market on every Sunday. You'll find the Tiny Treasures market just round the side of the building, on from 11am - 4pm
Seeds For The Soul Ltd
167 Bruntsfield PlVegan cafe in Bruntsfield.
Susie's Vegetarian Kitchen
27A Marchmont RdTasty home cooked vegetarian food - close to the flat
I like the Bhat Dhal, reasonably priced, on South Clerk Street.
10 locals recommend
Himalaya Centre, Tibetan Cafe
20 S Clerk StI like the Bhat Dhal, reasonably priced, on South Clerk Street.
This has been here for decades! They do great vegetarian fillings. They only have a couple of seats inside so it's mainly take away. In the old town on Cockburn Street.
16 locals recommend
The Baked Potato Shop
56 Cockburn StThis has been here for decades! They do great vegetarian fillings. They only have a couple of seats inside so it's mainly take away. In the old town on Cockburn Street.
Very good savory pastries to take away. They have one shop on Bread Street, not far from the flat and another down in Portobello.
18 locals recommend
Greek Artisan Pastries
32-34 Portobello High StVery good savory pastries to take away. They have one shop on Bread Street, not far from the flat and another down in Portobello.
If it's a bit too cold outside for their home made ice-cream, they also make lovely chocolates. In the Grassmarket.
131 locals recommend
Mary's Milk Bar
19 GrassmarketIf it's a bit too cold outside for their home made ice-cream, they also make lovely chocolates. In the Grassmarket.
You can book a table in their Cheese Lounge in Morningside and enjoy some fantastic cheese & wine!
56 locals recommend
IJ Mellis Cheesemongers
6 Bakers PlaceYou can book a table in their Cheese Lounge in Morningside and enjoy some fantastic cheese & wine!
Lovley cafe/bistro (with a bar) to visit if you happen to be in Portobello.
47 locals recommend
Skylark
243 Portobello High StLovley cafe/bistro (with a bar) to visit if you happen to be in Portobello.
Stone cottage at the bottom of Calton Hill, serving seasonal local food in a communal setting.
Great aunt Lizzie's
Stone cottage at the bottom of Calton Hill, serving seasonal local food in a communal setting.
David Bann Restaurant
56-58 St Mary's StGood vegetarian restaurant in the Old Town.
Forage & Chatter
1A Alva StSeasonal, local Scottish food. Book at least 3 weeks in advance.
Excellent fine dining French restaurant, with very friendly and efficient service in the New Town.
173 locals recommend
L'Escargot Bleu Restaurant
56 Broughton StExcellent fine dining French restaurant, with very friendly and efficient service in the New Town.
Fine dining Scottish cuisine in a beautiful gothic setting.
Next to Edinburgh Castle
192 locals recommend
The Witchery by the Castle
352 CastlehillFine dining Scottish cuisine in a beautiful gothic setting.
Next to Edinburgh Castle
Wedgwood The Restaurant
267 Royal MileFine dining Scottish cuisine, in the Canongate
Ondine
2 George IV BridgeFine dining seafood restaurant just off the Royal Mile
Angels with Bagpipes
343 High StScottish cuisine on the Royal Mile
Bars
Tiny pub with excellent beers - very close to the flat. They also have a nice selection of wine & beer to take away.
19 locals recommend
Brauhaus
105 Lauriston PlTiny pub with excellent beers - very close to the flat. They also have a nice selection of wine & beer to take away.
Cosy traditional pub with a good selection of bottled beers - very close to the flat.
19 locals recommend
The Ventoux
2 Brougham StCosy traditional pub with a good selection of bottled beers - very close to the flat.
Cosy traditional pub with a cinema lounge through the back!
34 locals recommend
Brass Monkey Drummond Street
14 Drummond StCosy traditional pub with a cinema lounge through the back!
Traditional pub with a selection of cask ales and whiskeys on Victoria Street.
79 locals recommend
The Bow Bar
80 W BowTraditional pub with a selection of cask ales and whiskeys on Victoria Street.
Paradise Palms
41 Lothian StQuirky, cosy, LGBTQ+ friendly bar, with cocktails and good food.
Bramble Bar & Lounge
16A Queen StSmall basement cocktail bar in the New Town
Atmospheric bar with a good cocktail menu and plenty of whiskeys. Their Scottish pub food is good too. Off the Royal Mile.
227 locals recommend
The Devil's Advocate
9 Advocate's ClAtmospheric bar with a good cocktail menu and plenty of whiskeys. Their Scottish pub food is good too. Off the Royal Mile.
Lovely bar - very cosy with good cocktails. Can get very busy on Friday & Saturday nights, book a table if you can.
104 locals recommend
The Voodoo Rooms
19a W Register StLovely bar - very cosy with good cocktails. Can get very busy on Friday & Saturday nights, book a table if you can.
Abode Bar
229 Leith WalkCool little bar in Leith with local beers and good vibes
Victoria Bar
265 Leith WalkFriendly Swedish pub on Leith Walk.
Lovely traditional bar in Leith with great pub food.
199 locals recommend
Nobles Café Bar & Restaurant
44A Constitution StLovely traditional bar in Leith with great pub food.
Small and fun, with many locals drinking here. You can expect a bit of dancing and plenty of drinking. If it gets a bit rowdy for your liking, hop next door to Nobles bar.
57 locals recommend
Port O' Leith
58 Constitution StSmall and fun, with many locals drinking here. You can expect a bit of dancing and plenty of drinking. If it gets a bit rowdy for your liking, hop next door to Nobles bar.
The Espy
62-64 Bath StCosy pub in Portobello by the beach, they also do nice pub grub.
Smith & Gertrude
254 Hamilton PlGreat wine bar in Stockbridge
Good Brothers Wine Bar
34 Dean StGood wine, beer and pub food in Stockbridge.
A small bar in Stockbridge with a speakeasy and cocktail bar upstairs. The speakeasy isn't always open so phone ahead to check.
St Bernard's Bar
10 Raeburn PlaceA small bar in Stockbridge with a speakeasy and cocktail bar upstairs. The speakeasy isn't always open so phone ahead to check.
Kay’s Bar
39 Jamaica StQuirky and cosy little bar in the New Town.
Cosy old fashioned pub in Duddingston village good for food, coffee, a pint of ale and a wee dram. Dr Neil's Garden is very close by and worth a visit if you're in the area.
167 locals recommend
The Sheep Heid Inn
43-45 The CausewayCosy old fashioned pub in Duddingston village good for food, coffee, a pint of ale and a wee dram. Dr Neil's Garden is very close by and worth a visit if you're in the area.
Entertainment
Cameo Picturehouse
38 Home StVery local cinema!
Comfortable arthouse cinema showing British and foreign releases with cafe-bar.
184 locals recommend
Filmhouse
88 Lothian RdComfortable arthouse cinema showing British and foreign releases with cafe-bar.
Dominion Cinema
Newbattle TerraceIndependent cinema open since 1938, in Morningside.
If it's a rainy day and you prefer to stay indoors, you can visit this complex for a fun game of crazy golf, catch a film, go bowling and more! Grab a drink and some food while you're at it. Probably a 10 minute walk from the flat.
130 locals recommend
Fountain Park
130 Dundee StIf it's a rainy day and you prefer to stay indoors, you can visit this complex for a fun game of crazy golf, catch a film, go bowling and more! Grab a drink and some food while you're at it. Probably a 10 minute walk from the flat.
The Stand Comedy Club
5 York PlaceEdinburgh's comedy club in the centre of town.
The Usher Hall
Lothian RoadGreat venue for gigs just ten minutes walk from the flat.
Cool theatre slowly coming back to life after the pandemic. Check the Traverse website to find out what is currently showing and coming up at the Theatre. They have a great basement bar too! Monday music nights are organised by Soundhouse and make for an excellent evening of live music in the bar. For Soundhouse music nights check their website/social media.
87 locals recommend
Traverse Theatre
10 Cambridge StCool theatre slowly coming back to life after the pandemic. Check the Traverse website to find out what is currently showing and coming up at the Theatre. They have a great basement bar too! Monday music nights are organised by Soundhouse and make for an excellent evening of live music in the bar. For Soundhouse music nights check their website/social media.
The Lyceum
30b Grindlay StTheatre next to the Usher Hall & Traverse Theatre.
King's Theatre
2 Leven StA minute away from the flat!
Edinburgh Playhouse
18-22 Greenside PlTheatre, musicals & gigs
Festival Theatre
13-29 Nicolson StThe Queen's Hall
85-89 Clerk StVenue for regular gigs.
Shops
If you fancy cooking Mexican food - this is the place to go buy your ingredients. Very close to the flat.
15 locals recommend
Lupe Pinto's Deli
24 Leven StIf you fancy cooking Mexican food - this is the place to go buy your ingredients. Very close to the flat.
BABA
130 George StThey make good sourdough bread, very close to the flat.
Lovely little bakery with small sit in area. Leith & Bruntsfield areas.
171 locals recommend
Twelve Triangles
90 Brunswick StLovely little bakery with small sit in area. Leith & Bruntsfield areas.
Cheesemonger on Victoria Street, a few doors up from the Red Door Gallery. There is also one in Stockbridge.
35 locals recommend
I.J Mellis Cheesemonger
30 Victoria StCheesemonger on Victoria Street, a few doors up from the Red Door Gallery. There is also one in Stockbridge.
Good local produce, just off Lothian Road every Saturday morning.
88 locals recommend
Edinburgh Farmers' Market
Castle TerraceGood local produce, just off Lothian Road every Saturday morning.
Edinburgh's newest and nicest shopping center, with plenty of places to eat and drink.
93 locals recommend
St James Shopping
St James CrescentEdinburgh's newest and nicest shopping center, with plenty of places to eat and drink.
Bath bombs, soaps, lotions & potions - vegan products and cruelty free. Probably the only decent shop left on Princes Street!
Lush Spa Edinburgh
115 Princes StBath bombs, soaps, lotions & potions - vegan products and cruelty free. Probably the only decent shop left on Princes Street!
Cool shop on a cool street, cards, handmade prints & jewellery & gifts.
24 locals recommend
The Red Door Gallery
42 Victoria StCool shop on a cool street, cards, handmade prints & jewellery & gifts.
Armstrongs Vintage
81-83 GrassmarketVintage clothing shop in the Grassmarket & Cockburn Street.
Fabhatrix
13 CowgateheadNeed a new hat? Look no further, in the Grassmarket.
Cookie
29A Cockburn StWomen's fashion shop selling vintage inspired and quirky items.
Eden
37 Cockburn StFunky gifts & homeware on Cockburn Street.
The Edinburgh Natural Skincare Company
57 Cockburn StReally good handmade skincare products on Cockburn Street.
Two Skies
5 High StTake home a gemstone stone from Scotland, on the Royal Mile.
The Wyrd Shop
154 CanongateOccult shop in the Canongate selling crystals, gemstones, books, jewellery & more.
Unique prints, candles, jewellery and more, created by local artists and makers. Close to the flat.
Flamingosaurus Rex
22 Bruntsfield PlUnique prints, candles, jewellery and more, created by local artists and makers. Close to the flat.
If you are a pottery fan, you can find this shop/studio at the other side of The Meadows. The potters opened this shop in the late ‘80’s.
6 locals recommend
The Meadows Pottery
11A Summerhall PlIf you are a pottery fan, you can find this shop/studio at the other side of The Meadows. The potters opened this shop in the late ‘80’s.
Paper Tiger
6a Stafford StGreat local card & gift shop on Lothian Road.
Caoba
56 Raeburn PlQuirky & fun Mexican shop in Stockbridge.
Lifestory
53 London StLovely lifestyle & gift shop at the very bottom of Broughton Street.
Fair trade shop at the very bottom of Lothian Road below the Church. They sell a wide range of handmade crafts, jewellery, textiles, toys, clothing, ceramics, cards and books.
One World Shop
25 Nicolson SquareFair trade shop at the very bottom of Lothian Road below the Church. They sell a wide range of handmade crafts, jewellery, textiles, toys, clothing, ceramics, cards and books.
Shop, gallery and vegan cafe open free to the public. This is now on Dundee Street in Fountainbridge, the map shows the old premises.
14 locals recommend
Edinburgh Printmakers
1 Dundee StShop, gallery and vegan cafe open free to the public. This is now on Dundee Street in Fountainbridge, the map shows the old premises.
Book Shops
Armchair Books
72-74 West PortSecond hand books at West Port
Tills
1 Hope Park CresSecond hand book shop at the other end of The Meadows.
Small independent book shop, worth popping into if you are in Stockbridge.
21 locals recommend
Golden Hare Books
68 St Stephen StSmall independent book shop, worth popping into if you are in Stockbridge.
Deadhead Comics
47 W Nicolson StComics & specialist book store.
LIGHTHOUSE - Edinburgh's Radical Bookshop
43-45 W Nicolson StNext to Deadhead Comics.
Quaint little basement book shop - across the road from Toppings book shop.
9 locals recommend
Typewronger Books
4a Haddington PlQuaint little basement book shop - across the road from Toppings book shop.
Cool new bookshop at the very top of Leith walk.
13 locals recommend
Topping & Company Booksellers of Edinburgh
2 Blenheim PlCool new bookshop at the very top of Leith walk.
Elvis Shakespeare
347 Leith WalkCool little music & book shop on Leith Walk
Lovely independent bookshop, worth popping into if you are in Portobello.
11 locals recommend
The Portobello Bookshop
46 Portobello High StLovely independent bookshop, worth popping into if you are in Portobello.
Quite large, with a good selection of books and new releases.
10 locals recommend
Blackwell's Bookshop
53-62 South BridgeQuite large, with a good selection of books and new releases.
Huge multi-level book shop on Princes street, with a Starbucks cafe on the top floor.
8 locals recommend
Waterstones
Ocean DriveHuge multi-level book shop on Princes street, with a Starbucks cafe on the top floor.
Enjoy poetry? We have a Scottish Poetry Library! Just off the Canongate.
11 locals recommend
Scottish Poetry Library
5 Crichton's ClEnjoy poetry? We have a Scottish Poetry Library! Just off the Canongate.