Guidebook for Edinburgh

John
Guidebook for Edinburgh

Food Scene

A buzzing wee cafe - this is where JK Rowling started writing the first Harry Potter book. It's just 2 minutes walk from the flat.
163 locals recommend
The Elephant House
21 George IV Bridge
163 locals recommend
A buzzing wee cafe - this is where JK Rowling started writing the first Harry Potter book. It's just 2 minutes walk from the flat.
The Grassmarket was originally an Edinburgh marketplace, as well as the site of Edinburgh's hangings. The name of the pub the Last Drop is nothing to do with drink, but refers to to the last hanging carried out in Edinburgh. There are numerous bars and pavement cafes, as well as a host of unusual shops here. The castle towers over the north west side of the Grassmarket, making for some stunning photos. This is an excellent area to browse around on a lazy day
317 locals recommend
Grassmarket
10 Grassmarket
317 locals recommend
The Grassmarket was originally an Edinburgh marketplace, as well as the site of Edinburgh's hangings. The name of the pub the Last Drop is nothing to do with drink, but refers to to the last hanging carried out in Edinburgh. There are numerous bars and pavement cafes, as well as a host of unusual shops here. The castle towers over the north west side of the Grassmarket, making for some stunning photos. This is an excellent area to browse around on a lazy day
Friendly and quirky - this cafe has a great range of fresh food and juices
36 locals recommend
Hula Juice Bar & Healthy Eatery
103-105 W Bow
36 locals recommend
Friendly and quirky - this cafe has a great range of fresh food and juices
Lovely view of the castle and good food
156 locals recommend
The Outsider Restaurant
15-16 George IV Bridge
156 locals recommend
Lovely view of the castle and good food

Parks & Nature

Arthur's seat is an extinct volcano, close to the centre of Edinburgh. Climb to the top for absolutely stunning views right over the city. To the north you can see the Forth estuary, and the Pentland hills to the south west of the city. On a clear day you can see 60 miles to Ben Ledi in the Trossachs
1859 locals recommend
Arthur's Seat
1859 locals recommend
Arthur's seat is an extinct volcano, close to the centre of Edinburgh. Climb to the top for absolutely stunning views right over the city. To the north you can see the Forth estuary, and the Pentland hills to the south west of the city. On a clear day you can see 60 miles to Ben Ledi in the Trossachs
A haven in the city with a wide selection of plants. Also events and good for families
1227 locals recommend
Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh
Arboretum Place
1227 locals recommend
A haven in the city with a wide selection of plants. Also events and good for families
Carlton hill is at the east end of Princes street, right in the heart of the city. It’s a very small hill with very big views. Climb up the steps from street level, and you’ll be welcomed with stunning views north across the Forth estuary to Fife, and south over the old town and Arthur’s Seat
1098 locals recommend
Calton Hill
Calton Hill
1098 locals recommend
Carlton hill is at the east end of Princes street, right in the heart of the city. It’s a very small hill with very big views. Climb up the steps from street level, and you’ll be welcomed with stunning views north across the Forth estuary to Fife, and south over the old town and Arthur’s Seat

Arts & Culture

The National Museum is very handy - just 2 minutes walk from the top of our street.
1378 locals recommend
National Museum of Scotland
1378 locals recommend
The National Museum is very handy - just 2 minutes walk from the top of our street.
Holyrood, the Scottish parliament building, sits at the foot of the Royal Mile (also called the High Street). Walking from the flat to Holyrood takes you through Edinburgh’s old town, where you can explore the many closes (alleyways) on either side of the HighStreet. Holyrood itself is a modern building with many unique features. It’s possible to enter the parliament and see around inside.
314 locals recommend
Scottish Parliament Building
314 locals recommend
Holyrood, the Scottish parliament building, sits at the foot of the Royal Mile (also called the High Street). Walking from the flat to Holyrood takes you through Edinburgh’s old town, where you can explore the many closes (alleyways) on either side of the HighStreet. Holyrood itself is a modern building with many unique features. It’s possible to enter the parliament and see around inside.

Drinks & Nightlife

Sandy Bells is renowned for its live informal folk music sessions. Drop in in the evening to catch local musicians gathering together to share their music and songs in the back of the bar. The bar is a short walk from the flat. And if you're a musician, bring an instrument, or a song, and join in the fun!
144 locals recommend
Sandy Bell's
25 Forrest Rd
144 locals recommend
Sandy Bells is renowned for its live informal folk music sessions. Drop in in the evening to catch local musicians gathering together to share their music and songs in the back of the bar. The bar is a short walk from the flat. And if you're a musician, bring an instrument, or a song, and join in the fun!
Great selection of whiskies and lovely interior
42 locals recommend
Whiski Bar & Restaurant
119 High St
42 locals recommend
Great selection of whiskies and lovely interior

Shopping

At the east end of the Grassmarket, just a minute's walk from the flat, this is a cracking shop full of an impressive array of vintage clothing.
88 locals recommend
Armstrongs Vintage
81-83 Grassmarket
88 locals recommend
At the east end of the Grassmarket, just a minute's walk from the flat, this is a cracking shop full of an impressive array of vintage clothing.

Sightseeing

Bobby was a wee terrier that famously sat by his beloved master's graveside every day until he died. There is a beautiful memorial to Bobby at the top of our street
Greyfriars Bobby Memorial
30-34 Candlemaker Row
Bobby was a wee terrier that famously sat by his beloved master's graveside every day until he died. There is a beautiful memorial to Bobby at the top of our street
Edinburgh castle stands on a volcanic rock in the heart of the city. It's one of Scotland's top tourist attractions. From the esplanade at the front of the castle there are views right across the city to the north and south. Visit in the middle of the day and see the famous one o'clock gun being fired. Climb up through the castle to St Margaret's Chapel, the oldest surviving building in Edinburgh. Wander down into the Grassmarket at the foot of our street, and you can see the castle. It's less than 10 minutes walk from the flat.
1962 locals recommend
Edinburgh Castle
Castlehill
1962 locals recommend
Edinburgh castle stands on a volcanic rock in the heart of the city. It's one of Scotland's top tourist attractions. From the esplanade at the front of the castle there are views right across the city to the north and south. Visit in the middle of the day and see the famous one o'clock gun being fired. Climb up through the castle to St Margaret's Chapel, the oldest surviving building in Edinburgh. Wander down into the Grassmarket at the foot of our street, and you can see the castle. It's less than 10 minutes walk from the flat.
Fascinating museum showing domestic life in Edinburgh's Old Town in 17th century
33 locals recommend
Gladstone's Land
477B Lawnmarket
33 locals recommend
Fascinating museum showing domestic life in Edinburgh's Old Town in 17th century
Interesting example of domestic life in 18th century New Town of Edinburgh
36 locals recommend
Georgian House
7 Charlotte Square
36 locals recommend
Interesting example of domestic life in 18th century New Town of Edinburgh

Entertainment & Activities

The camera Obscura is a fascinating collection of optical illusions. Definitely an attraction that will entertain the whole family. Don't miss the regular show in the camera obscura itself, right at the top of the building. You'll be given a time for this when you book your ticket. Go on a clear day, and you'll see some amazing views over Edinburgh and much further afield. The Camera Obscura is on the Royal Mile, about 5 minutes walk from the flat
437 locals recommend
Camera Obscura and World of Illusions
549 Castlehill
437 locals recommend
The camera Obscura is a fascinating collection of optical illusions. Definitely an attraction that will entertain the whole family. Don't miss the regular show in the camera obscura itself, right at the top of the building. You'll be given a time for this when you book your ticket. Go on a clear day, and you'll see some amazing views over Edinburgh and much further afield. The Camera Obscura is on the Royal Mile, about 5 minutes walk from the flat