Guidebook for Edinburgh
Food Scene
They have the best pastrami sandwich in town! Their deli salads are also perfect for a light lunch.
75 locals recommend
Victor Hugo Deli
26/27 Melville TerraceThey have the best pastrami sandwich in town! Their deli salads are also perfect for a light lunch.
Exquisite food for a reasonable price! Great for lunch and dinner.
48 locals recommend
The Grain Store
30 Victoria StExquisite food for a reasonable price! Great for lunch and dinner.
Another great restaurant hidden amongst more touristy venues. Reasonable prices and a seasonal menu.
156 locals recommend
The Outsider Restaurant
15-16 George IV BridgeAnother great restaurant hidden amongst more touristy venues. Reasonable prices and a seasonal menu.
The Mosque Kitchen
31-33 Nicolson SquareA huge plate of amazing food for a low price!
For those looking for more diversity in their Edinburgh eating experience, Kim's is an incredibly exclusive little joint just across the road from the university campus. Be sure to get there when they open at 5:30, or be prepared for a wait.
30 locals recommend
Kim's Mini Meals
5 Buccleuch StFor those looking for more diversity in their Edinburgh eating experience, Kim's is an incredibly exclusive little joint just across the road from the university campus. Be sure to get there when they open at 5:30, or be prepared for a wait.
Arguably one of the UK's most popular Indian restaurants, and with good reason. On the pricier side, but worth it in my opinion. Great for lunch if you're looking to save some money! Also equipped with a beautiful bar.
212 locals recommend
Dishoom Edinburgh
3a St Andrew SquareArguably one of the UK's most popular Indian restaurants, and with good reason. On the pricier side, but worth it in my opinion. Great for lunch if you're looking to save some money! Also equipped with a beautiful bar.
The best ice cream in Edinburgh. Grab a cone and sit on the hill in front of the castle.
131 locals recommend
Mary's Milk Bar
19 GrassmarketThe best ice cream in Edinburgh. Grab a cone and sit on the hill in front of the castle.
Drinks & Nightlife
Sandy Bell's
25 Forrest RdA great, quiet spot for a pint and some live music every day!
Some of the UK's best jazz and blues acts come through here, especially during the festival!
176 locals recommend
The Jazz Bar
1a Chambers StSome of the UK's best jazz and blues acts come through here, especially during the festival!
This nightclub/music venue plays many roles, and they're open late! Located on the famous Cowgate, Sneaky Pete's is just one of many late night spots in the area.
50 locals recommend
Sneaky Pete's
73 CowgateThis nightclub/music venue plays many roles, and they're open late! Located on the famous Cowgate, Sneaky Pete's is just one of many late night spots in the area.
Parks & Nature
A great hike for all levels with stunning views of the city. My favorite place to bring a picnic.
1859 locals recommend
Arthur's Seat
A great hike for all levels with stunning views of the city. My favorite place to bring a picnic.
The Meadows
Melville DriveSomething is always happening here! Also great for seeing dogs.
A bit of a walk away from the city centre, Blackford Hill is a great spot for runners and adventurers.
162 locals recommend
Blackford Hill and Pond
4 Charterhall RdA bit of a walk away from the city centre, Blackford Hill is a great spot for runners and adventurers.
Arts & Culture
One of Scotland's most iconic museums. Full of surprises, and free to enter!
1010 locals recommend
Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art
75 Belford RdOne of Scotland's most iconic museums. Full of surprises, and free to enter!
Augustine United Church
41 George IV BridgeOne of the most popular venues for smaller festival shows.
My favorite museum in Edinburgh—quite a way off the beaten path, but a stunning walk or bus ride and an even better museum. Would highly recommend to art enthusiasts!
1010 locals recommend
Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art
75 Belford RdMy favorite museum in Edinburgh—quite a way off the beaten path, but a stunning walk or bus ride and an even better museum. Would highly recommend to art enthusiasts!
Talbot Rice Gallery
South BridgeA smaller space that often hosts special exhibits.
Sightseeing
A great guided tour through an exclusive, preserved close. A bit pricey, but also a great, self-contained activity for a rainy day. A word of warning—the tour may be a little too spooky for younger guests!
373 locals recommend
The Real Mary King's Close
2 High StA great guided tour through an exclusive, preserved close. A bit pricey, but also a great, self-contained activity for a rainy day. A word of warning—the tour may be a little too spooky for younger guests!
A fascinating walk through the city highlighted by some of its grisliest stories. When you reach the end of the tour, you are asked to pay what you think it was worth to you. May be a little too spooky for younger guests!
18 locals recommend
Edinburgh Free Tour
101 Rose St S LnA fascinating walk through the city highlighted by some of its grisliest stories. When you reach the end of the tour, you are asked to pay what you think it was worth to you. May be a little too spooky for younger guests!
A no-brainer, must-see for any first-time visitor to Edinburgh. Full of relics and history!
1961 locals recommend
Edinburgh Castle
CastlehillA no-brainer, must-see for any first-time visitor to Edinburgh. Full of relics and history!
Shopping
This street and the streets beyond it house some of the most iconic UK stores, from Lush Cosmetics to the Apple Store.
957 locals recommend
Princes Street
Princes StreetThis street and the streets beyond it house some of the most iconic UK stores, from Lush Cosmetics to the Apple Store.
A stunning street between High Street and the Grassmarket, stuffed with little boutiques and places of interest, including a Harry Potter fan shop.
123 locals recommend
Victoria Street
Victoria StreetA stunning street between High Street and the Grassmarket, stuffed with little boutiques and places of interest, including a Harry Potter fan shop.
Often home to a farmer's market, as well as to Armstrong Vintage and several other great shops and pubs (as well as Mary's Milk Bar).
317 locals recommend
Grassmarket
10 GrassmarketOften home to a farmer's market, as well as to Armstrong Vintage and several other great shops and pubs (as well as Mary's Milk Bar).
Stockbridge Market
Saunders StreetGrab a paella or a juice and walk down the beautiful canal.
Leith Market
Commercial StreetA great recurring market, though somewhat off the beaten path.
A favourite spot of mine tucked away just off the Grassmarket. Full of rare books and interesting finds.
7 locals recommend
Armchair Books
72-74 West PortA favourite spot of mine tucked away just off the Grassmarket. Full of rare books and interesting finds.
Essentials
Co-op Food
114 Dalry RdThe closest general grocery store chain.
Sainsbury's Local
32-36 Shandwick PlAnother nearby grocery chain with a slightly larger selection.