Welcome to "My" Edinburgh.
Places to go and things to see
Sightseeing
Edinburgh is a fabulous city for sightseeing. There is something for all interests and ages. Most of the attractions are all within walking distance. And if you don't like walking - Edinburgh has a great bus service. Download the Lothian Bus and Tram app.
This is the ultimate day out experience if interested in sculpture, and art. There is a great cafe so you can really make a day of it.
107 locals recommend
Jupiter Artland
This is the ultimate day out experience if interested in sculpture, and art. There is a great cafe so you can really make a day of it.
Walk through the historic Dean Village to the Gallery of Modern Art. Excellent cafe.
1010 locals recommend
Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art
75 Belford RdWalk through the historic Dean Village to the Gallery of Modern Art. Excellent cafe.
The most fabulous views over Edinburgh. Get up early and watch the sun rise or set. Remember to take water with you. It is up hill.
1859 locals recommend
Arthur's Seat
The most fabulous views over Edinburgh. Get up early and watch the sun rise or set. Remember to take water with you. It is up hill.
An easy walk and with fabulous views to East Lothian. Pop in to Toppings books either before or after.
1098 locals recommend
Calton Hill
Calton HillAn easy walk and with fabulous views to East Lothian. Pop in to Toppings books either before or after.
Just the building in itself is worth visiting. There is also an excellent cafe.
523 locals recommend
Scottish National Portrait Gallery
1 Queen StJust the building in itself is worth visiting. There is also an excellent cafe.
Worth a visit if interested in the Royal Family and British History
462 locals recommend
Palace of Holyroodhouse
CanongateWorth a visit if interested in the Royal Family and British History
No visit to Edinburgh is complete without a visit to Edinburgh Castle. If you get there for 1pm you get to hear Mons Meg up close up.
Top tip is to book tickets in advance. They are cheaper and it can get very busy.
1961 locals recommend
Edinburgh Castle
CastlehillNo visit to Edinburgh is complete without a visit to Edinburgh Castle. If you get there for 1pm you get to hear Mons Meg up close up.
Top tip is to book tickets in advance. They are cheaper and it can get very busy.
Where Edinburgh's wild swimmers swim morning, noon and night and whatever the weather. Go and watch them.
Portobello also has great independent shops, and a fabulous book shop.
A favorite pastime of mine is to eat fish and chips on the sea wall.
447 locals recommend
Portobello Beach Promenade
1 PromenadeWhere Edinburgh's wild swimmers swim morning, noon and night and whatever the weather. Go and watch them.
Portobello also has great independent shops, and a fabulous book shop.
A favorite pastime of mine is to eat fish and chips on the sea wall.
Just a fabulous way to spend time. Places for coffee, lunch, take a picnic and view Edinburgh's skyline.
18 locals recommend
Botanical Garden's East Entrance
Just a fabulous way to spend time. Places for coffee, lunch, take a picnic and view Edinburgh's skyline.
A fabulous contrast to the broad, wide streets and large, grand houses of Edinburgh's New Town. Combine with a visit to the Castle
373 locals recommend
The Real Mary King's Close
2 High StA fabulous contrast to the broad, wide streets and large, grand houses of Edinburgh's New Town. Combine with a visit to the Castle
Stroll along the Water of Leith, beyond St Bernard's Well and you will come across Dean Village.
If you go beyond Dean Village, you will arrive at the Gallery of Modern Art.
Go early morning or late afternoon when the light is at its best.
268 locals recommend
Dean Village
Dean PathStroll along the Water of Leith, beyond St Bernard's Well and you will come across Dean Village.
If you go beyond Dean Village, you will arrive at the Gallery of Modern Art.
Go early morning or late afternoon when the light is at its best.
Opening date for the New Scottish Wing is still to be confirmed. But it is set to be a magical journey through Scotland's artistic history.
114 locals recommend
National Galleries of Scotland
The MoundOpening date for the New Scottish Wing is still to be confirmed. But it is set to be a magical journey through Scotland's artistic history.
Hours can be spent in this amazing museum. One of my favorite. Informative and interactive it can be combined with a trip to the castle and good for a rainy day excursion.
National Museum of Scotland
Hours can be spent in this amazing museum. One of my favorite. Informative and interactive it can be combined with a trip to the castle and good for a rainy day excursion.
You are staying in a piece of living history, so why not visit the Georgian House and see what the houses were like before being renovated. It is a 15 minute walk from India Street.
36 locals recommend
Georgian House
7 Charlotte SquareYou are staying in a piece of living history, so why not visit the Georgian House and see what the houses were like before being renovated. It is a 15 minute walk from India Street.
Stockbridge is just down the steps from the flat. A bustling, thriving local community filled with independent shops, cafes, bars, restaurants and the famous Stockbridge Market. This is where the Water of Leith Walkway starts and the path to the Botanical Gardens.
Stockbridge Market Arch
Stockbridge is just down the steps from the flat. A bustling, thriving local community filled with independent shops, cafes, bars, restaurants and the famous Stockbridge Market. This is where the Water of Leith Walkway starts and the path to the Botanical Gardens.
Neighbourhoods
Once was a separate city to Edinburgh. Lots of bars and restaurant by the water .
An easy walk along the cycle way - allow around 45 minutes.
If into Jazz there are some bars here that play jazz on a regular basis.
162 locals recommend
Leith
Once was a separate city to Edinburgh. Lots of bars and restaurant by the water .
An easy walk along the cycle way - allow around 45 minutes.
If into Jazz there are some bars here that play jazz on a regular basis.
The architecture is in such sharp contrast to Edinburgh's New Town. Delve and dive down the closes.
195 locals recommend
Edinburgh Old Town
The architecture is in such sharp contrast to Edinburgh's New Town. Delve and dive down the closes.
Just out of Edinburgh. If a keen walker you can actually walk there. Has amazing views of the three bridges going over the Firth of Forth. From here you can get sightseeing boats to Inchcolm Island to see the puffins. Insiders tip is that you can get a local bus there rather than going on a tour. Its much cheaper.
114 locals recommend
Queensferry
Just out of Edinburgh. If a keen walker you can actually walk there. Has amazing views of the three bridges going over the Firth of Forth. From here you can get sightseeing boats to Inchcolm Island to see the puffins. Insiders tip is that you can get a local bus there rather than going on a tour. Its much cheaper.
A place to watch the wild swimmers all year round, eat fish n'chips on the sea wall and browse the fabulous Portobello Book Shop
99 locals recommend
Portobello
A place to watch the wild swimmers all year round, eat fish n'chips on the sea wall and browse the fabulous Portobello Book Shop
Brunch, lunch and dinner
Rumour has it that Edinburgh has more eateries than any other city in Great Britain. This list is by no means exhaustive but includes some local favorites. Edinburgh gets busy so always best to book.
ROLLO
14 Broughton StEvening dinner - Cool, fun vibe with great food
Sunday Spot. It is just steps away. Its only open on a Sunday, all year round, from 10am - 4pm.
325 locals recommend
Stockbridge Market
Saunders StreetSunday Spot. It is just steps away. Its only open on a Sunday, all year round, from 10am - 4pm.
Evening spot - One of the most authentic Chinese in Edinburgh. You do need to book and they only serve hot pot!
23 locals recommend
Xiang Bala hotpot 香巴辣火锅
63 Dalry RdEvening spot - One of the most authentic Chinese in Edinburgh. You do need to book and they only serve hot pot!
Evening spot - Can get busy so do book . It's less than a five minute walk.
91 locals recommend
Smith & Gertrude
254 Hamilton PlEvening spot - Can get busy so do book . It's less than a five minute walk.
This place has a great outdoor eating/drinking area and is just a short 15 minute walk away. it's at the end of Stockbridge so when you have meandered along Raeburn Place, you can end up here.
162 locals recommend
The Raeburn
112 Raeburn PlThis place has a great outdoor eating/drinking area and is just a short 15 minute walk away. it's at the end of Stockbridge so when you have meandered along Raeburn Place, you can end up here.
Lunch spot - An Edinburgh Institution. It's a good pit stop if taking in Leith Walk/Calton Hill area.
189 locals recommend
Valvona Crolla
19 Elm RowLunch spot - An Edinburgh Institution. It's a good pit stop if taking in Leith Walk/Calton Hill area.
Can be busy but with a west facing patio a lovely sunny spot for coffee or a sandwich.
94 locals recommend
Leo's Beanery
23A Howe StCan be busy but with a west facing patio a lovely sunny spot for coffee or a sandwich.
An outdoor bar area and famous for appearing in The Alexander McCAll, Scotland Street Books.
125 locals recommend
The Cumberland Bar
1-3 Cumberland StAn outdoor bar area and famous for appearing in The Alexander McCAll, Scotland Street Books.
Famous for its Gin that changes colour. The eating area is in a glasshouse. My favourite ever is the Beetroot with Kale Pesto.
20 locals recommend
Secret Herb Garden
32A 32A Old Pentland Road, LothianburnFamous for its Gin that changes colour. The eating area is in a glasshouse. My favourite ever is the Beetroot with Kale Pesto.
Probably the best brunch in town. You cannot reserve but as so close, you can run over the road, add name to list and get back in time when they beep you.
140 locals recommend
The Pantry
1 N W Circus PlProbably the best brunch in town. You cannot reserve but as so close, you can run over the road, add name to list and get back in time when they beep you.
A brunch with a view. It is just perfect. Do book in advance
31 locals recommend
The Lookout by Gardener's Cottage
38 Calton HillA brunch with a view. It is just perfect. Do book in advance
Within 100 meters of the flat, this is a great local Thai restaurant. Do book as it can get busy.
75 locals recommend
Nok's Kitchen
8 Gloucester StWithin 100 meters of the flat, this is a great local Thai restaurant. Do book as it can get busy.
The decor hasn't changed since the 70's, its full of locals and is just a typical and fun Scottish pub. They serve old fashioned pub food so worth a visit and sometimes Haggis.
56 locals recommend
Kay’s Bar
39 Jamaica StThe decor hasn't changed since the 70's, its full of locals and is just a typical and fun Scottish pub. They serve old fashioned pub food so worth a visit and sometimes Haggis.
150 meters from the flat you will find the Bailie Bar. It has been located on this corner since the 1870's. Its decor is from the 80's, but its fun, local and a great place to try haggis without spending a fortune.
82 locals recommend
The Bailie Bar
2-4 St Stephen St150 meters from the flat you will find the Bailie Bar. It has been located on this corner since the 1870's. Its decor is from the 80's, but its fun, local and a great place to try haggis without spending a fortune.
The best value meal in town. French food with a fab atmosphere and one of my favorite places in Edinburgh. Definitely, definitely book for lunch or supper. Again only a short walk away.
100 locals recommend
Chez Jules
109 Hanover StThe best value meal in town. French food with a fab atmosphere and one of my favorite places in Edinburgh. Definitely, definitely book for lunch or supper. Again only a short walk away.
Queues extend into the street all year round. Booking is essential. But if you like Indian food in a fun atmosphere this is worth a visit.
212 locals recommend
Dishoom Edinburgh
3a St Andrew SquareQueues extend into the street all year round. Booking is essential. But if you like Indian food in a fun atmosphere this is worth a visit.
This is one of my favorite restaurants although more for special occasions than everyday dining. Intimate, tasty with cool, clean design.
21 locals recommend
Noto
47a Thistle StThis is one of my favorite restaurants although more for special occasions than everyday dining. Intimate, tasty with cool, clean design.
This is for special occasions, treats and dressing up but worth every penny. It may be a hotel restaurant but it does not feel like one. Formerly a bank, the building has been beautifully restored and is a work of art in itself. The service is impeccable and even just for a cocktail it is worth a visit.
The Spence
This is for special occasions, treats and dressing up but worth every penny. It may be a hotel restaurant but it does not feel like one. Formerly a bank, the building has been beautifully restored and is a work of art in itself. The service is impeccable and even just for a cocktail it is worth a visit.
Out of town suggestions
The home of Golf and the fabled University of St Andrews it is worth the bus ride to get there . The bus takes about 2.5 hours but is worth the journey or you can go by train to Leuchars and then catch a bus to St Andrews.
257 locals recommend
St Andrews
The home of Golf and the fabled University of St Andrews it is worth the bus ride to get there . The bus takes about 2.5 hours but is worth the journey or you can go by train to Leuchars and then catch a bus to St Andrews.
More urban and gritty than Edinburgh but culturally equally rich. Visit The Burrell Collection that has just reopened after a five year renovation.
203 locals recommend
Glasgow
More urban and gritty than Edinburgh but culturally equally rich. Visit The Burrell Collection that has just reopened after a five year renovation.
During the Victorian Era this was one of the leading holiday resorts for the smart families of Edinburgh
119 locals recommend
North Berwick
During the Victorian Era this was one of the leading holiday resorts for the smart families of Edinburgh
Experiences - Things to do
Capture some Scottish history, heritage and culture by enjoying one of these experiences.
You cannot come to Scotland without enjoying a whisky tasting. Explore, experience and enjoy
149 locals recommend
The Scotch Whisky Experience
354 CastlehillYou cannot come to Scotland without enjoying a whisky tasting. Explore, experience and enjoy
The bar on the rooftop provides amazing views over to the castle. You will need to book.
36 locals recommend
Johnnie Walker Princes Street
145 Princes StThe bar on the rooftop provides amazing views over to the castle. You will need to book.
Join Edinburgh Food Safari, and tuck into some of Scotland's foodie delicacies. Haggis, Cheeses, and smoked salmon with a dram or two of whisky. Edinburgh Food Safari's is run by one of my great friends.
82 locals recommend
The Bailie Bar
2-4 St Stephen StJoin Edinburgh Food Safari, and tuck into some of Scotland's foodie delicacies. Haggis, Cheeses, and smoked salmon with a dram or two of whisky. Edinburgh Food Safari's is run by one of my great friends.
Newly opened. The tours are informative and well done. What sets this distillery apart is the fact that it is vertical. There is also a great restaurant/bar up top with views overlooking The Royal Yacht Britannia. Why don't you make a day of it.
The Port of Leith Distillery
Newly opened. The tours are informative and well done. What sets this distillery apart is the fact that it is vertical. There is also a great restaurant/bar up top with views overlooking The Royal Yacht Britannia. Why don't you make a day of it.
G&T's are all the rage in the UK. One of Britain's finest Gin Distellery's is located a short bus or walk away. It is definitely worth a visit. You could compare and contrast it with a visit to the Leith Whisky Distillery. They are both in the same neighbourhood.
Lind and Lime Gin Distillery
G&T's are all the rage in the UK. One of Britain's finest Gin Distellery's is located a short bus or walk away. It is definitely worth a visit. You could compare and contrast it with a visit to the Leith Whisky Distillery. They are both in the same neighbourhood.
City advice
Getting around
Hilly but a great city for walking
Like Rome Edinburgh is surrounded by seven hills - you can walk them all in one day!!!
What with hills and cobbles bring flat shoes for walking.
Getting around
Buses and Walking
Edinburgh has a brilliant bus service. Download the Lothian Bus & Tram app and you can easily get around the city.
Don't miss
A hike up Arthur's Seat
Probably best not to do in heels and it is not just a wee stroll so make an experience of it and take a sandwich to eat at the top
What to pack
Flat shoes for walk, wet weather gear all year round.
It can get windy so Umbrella's have a tendency to blow inside out
Don't miss
Edinburgh Bus Tour
I love the Hop on and Hop off Edinburgh bus tours. They are a great way of getting to understand the lay of the city and the commentary is excellent. At least on the one I last went on.
Don't miss
Edinburgh Food Safari
Run by a great friend. An Edinburgh Food Safari is a great way to enjoy Scotland's best known delicacies including Haggis, Salmon. You will be taken off the beaten track and into areas where you would unlikely venture yourself.
Don't miss
Edinburgh Castle and the Old Town Itinerary
THE MYSTERIES AND WONDERS OF THE OLD TOWN
No trip to Edinburgh is complete without a visit to Edinburgh Castle, book tickets. Whilst up in the Old Town, you could also visit: -
• The Real Mary Kings Close
• Take in Victoria Street with its coloured shop frontages
• Enjoy the Grassmarket and a drink at the Beehive Pub
• Visit the fabled Grayfriars Bobby statue
• And if a Harry Potter fan drop into Greyfriars Churchyard
• A walk down the Royal Mile is also fun
Don't miss
Holyrood Palace and Arthur's Seat
ROYAL SIGHTS AND BEYOND
If you have a passion for the Royal Family, you might want to visit Holyrood Palace. This could be combined with a hike up Arthur’s Seat. Atop, you can take in views over Edinburgh, East Lothian and over to Fife. Arthur’s Seat is best early morning and watch the sunrise over the east.
Depending on your level of fitness it will take you about an hour to get up Arthur’s Seat. It can seem steep at times, but I have managed to get many people up by taking it ever so slowly.
Don't miss
Culture Vulture itinerary - Scott Monument and Calton Hill
CULTURE VULTURES
Edinburgh has a rich literary and architectural heritage. Enjoy it by strolling through the New Town, through Heriot Row, home of Robert Louis Stevenson; Charlotte Square, and a visit to the Scott Monument named after Sir Walter Scott.
Take in the Galleries at the foot of The Mound and visit the Scottish Royal Academy Scottish Wing to see the best of Scottish painters including the fabled Scottish Colourists.
Finish up Calton Hill, which is home to “Edinburgh’s disgrace” - the unfinished Greek influenced building.
Before heading up Calton Hill you could pop into Toppin
Don't miss
Shopping and Modern Art Itinerary
LOCAL HAUNTS - SHOPPING AND ART
Stockbridge, once separated from the New Town by a wooden bridge, is home to quirky independent shops, bookstores, and multiple thrift/charity shops. You can feast on delicacies from the many coffee shops and small restaurants. Then stroll along the Water of Leith Walkway to the Museum of Modern Art passing the picturesque Dean Village.
See how many of the Antony Gormley statues you can see as you walk to the Gallery of Modern Art.
Don't miss
City of Leith and Royal Yacht Britannia
THE CITY OF LEITH
Leith was once a separate city and even today “Leithers” are proud of their own identity. Leith is the home of The Royal Yacht Britannia and well worth a visit. You can also visit the Lind & Lime Gin Distillery and enjoy a guided tour and perhaps round off your visit to one of the many restaurants along The Shore.