What to do in Edinburgh
Sightseeing
Edinburgh boasts one of the world’s most famous castles, towering over the city. Built on 350-million year old volcanic rock, Edinburgh Castle easily rivals any castle from Game of Thrones with its amazing history and stunning views. With true stories of pirates, crowns, witches and espionage, this is a place you need to visit while in Edinburgh.
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Edinburgh Castle
CastlehillEdinburgh boasts one of the world’s most famous castles, towering over the city. Built on 350-million year old volcanic rock, Edinburgh Castle easily rivals any castle from Game of Thrones with its amazing history and stunning views. With true stories of pirates, crowns, witches and espionage, this is a place you need to visit while in Edinburgh.
An extinct volcano with a peak that sits 251m above sea level giving some sweet views of the city.
Top tip: Be sure to wear some comfortable shoes! Also, bring a hat as it tends to be very windy at the top!
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Arthur's Seat
An extinct volcano with a peak that sits 251m above sea level giving some sweet views of the city.
Top tip: Be sure to wear some comfortable shoes! Also, bring a hat as it tends to be very windy at the top!
Calton Hill is famous for its collection of historic monuments, which form some of the most important landmarks of the city.
The National Monument, inspired by the Parthenon in Athens, is also known as “Edinburgh’s Folly” or “Edinburgh’s Shame” as the funding for the building ran out and it was never completed.
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Calton Hill
Calton HillCalton Hill is famous for its collection of historic monuments, which form some of the most important landmarks of the city.
The National Monument, inspired by the Parthenon in Athens, is also known as “Edinburgh’s Folly” or “Edinburgh’s Shame” as the funding for the building ran out and it was never completed.
Dean Village is one of Edinburgh’s hidden treasures, located just outside of the city and besides the picturesque Water of Leith. Historically, Dean Village was a key player in Edinburgh’s milling industry, and you can still see signs of this heritage today. Explore the village to find millstones and stone advertisements for bakeries.
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Dean Village
Dean PathDean Village is one of Edinburgh’s hidden treasures, located just outside of the city and besides the picturesque Water of Leith. Historically, Dean Village was a key player in Edinburgh’s milling industry, and you can still see signs of this heritage today. Explore the village to find millstones and stone advertisements for bakeries.
An American style ghost town hides along a side street in Scotland’s capital city. It’s the type of place where you’d expect to hear cowboys’ spurs clanging against the pavement, or eavesdrop on conversations saturated with a slow, southern twang.
What was once an advertising gimmick for a South Western Furniture Company in the mid-‘90s is now a dilapidated and worn-out facade, something reminiscent of a Main Street of a southwestern American cowboy town.
Wild West Morningside
Morningside RoadAn American style ghost town hides along a side street in Scotland’s capital city. It’s the type of place where you’d expect to hear cowboys’ spurs clanging against the pavement, or eavesdrop on conversations saturated with a slow, southern twang.
What was once an advertising gimmick for a South Western Furniture Company in the mid-‘90s is now a dilapidated and worn-out facade, something reminiscent of a Main Street of a southwestern American cowboy town.
Park
The Lauriston Castle is an architectural gem, with the main tower build in the 16th century and many additions from the 19th century. It is now run as a museum, and can be visited by the public.
Our favourite part of the estate, though, is the Edinburgh-Kyoto Frienship Garden designed by the London-based Japanese designer Takashi Sawano and opened in August 2002. The main feature of the garden is a traditional Japanese rock garden, above which is a small shelter which looks out over the garden towards Cramond Island in the River Forth.
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Lauriston-höll
2 Cramond Rd SThe Lauriston Castle is an architectural gem, with the main tower build in the 16th century and many additions from the 19th century. It is now run as a museum, and can be visited by the public.
Our favourite part of the estate, though, is the Edinburgh-Kyoto Frienship Garden designed by the London-based Japanese designer Takashi Sawano and opened in August 2002. The main feature of the garden is a traditional Japanese rock garden, above which is a small shelter which looks out over the garden towards Cramond Island in the River Forth.
Museums
This museum of visual illusions seems like an odd fit for the Old Town with historic attractions such as Edinburgh Castle. However, everything becomes clear when you reach the top floor. There you find the camera obscura itself – a Victorian structure inside which the whole capital cityscape is projected (without a single bar of wi-fi needed) onto a broad viewing table. It’s a unique, exciting way to see the skyline. Other than that, there are five floors of interactive hands-on optical illusions, tricks and fun things to do including vortex tunnel, mirror maze and shrinking room.
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Camera Obscura og Heimur Illusjóna
549 CastlehillThis museum of visual illusions seems like an odd fit for the Old Town with historic attractions such as Edinburgh Castle. However, everything becomes clear when you reach the top floor. There you find the camera obscura itself – a Victorian structure inside which the whole capital cityscape is projected (without a single bar of wi-fi needed) onto a broad viewing table. It’s a unique, exciting way to see the skyline. Other than that, there are five floors of interactive hands-on optical illusions, tricks and fun things to do including vortex tunnel, mirror maze and shrinking room.
Set in the centre of Edinburgh, this very popular, informative museum is also free of cost to enter.
This is an all-encompassing museum, with collections ranging from artifacts from ancient Egypt and local archaeological finds, to the remains of the first cloned mammal, Dolly the sheep; art by Scottish artists like Andy Goldsworthy, and clothing that dates back centuries.
Check out what temporary exhibits are on, they tend to be very cool!
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National Museum of Scotland
Set in the centre of Edinburgh, this very popular, informative museum is also free of cost to enter.
This is an all-encompassing museum, with collections ranging from artifacts from ancient Egypt and local archaeological finds, to the remains of the first cloned mammal, Dolly the sheep; art by Scottish artists like Andy Goldsworthy, and clothing that dates back centuries.
Check out what temporary exhibits are on, they tend to be very cool!
Cheap Eats
The restaurant serves tasty Thai food in a funky space with a great atmosphere
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TING THAI CARAVAN Teviot Place
9 Teviot PlThe restaurant serves tasty Thai food in a funky space with a great atmosphere
The Outsider in Edinburgh runs a menu of delicious, seasonally inspired dishes at budget-friendly prices
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The Outsider Restaurant
15-16 George IV BridgeThe Outsider in Edinburgh runs a menu of delicious, seasonally inspired dishes at budget-friendly prices
Here you’ll find a range of authentic Neapolitan style pizzas made from slowly fermented, multi-cereal dough which are then baked hot and fast in clay ovens for charred, bubbled crusts.
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Pizza Posto Edinburgh
16 Nicolson StreetHere you’ll find a range of authentic Neapolitan style pizzas made from slowly fermented, multi-cereal dough which are then baked hot and fast in clay ovens for charred, bubbled crusts.
Healthy eatery and juice bar serving breakfast, brunch and lunch.
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Hula Juice Bar & Healthy Eatery
94A FountainbridgeHealthy eatery and juice bar serving breakfast, brunch and lunch.
Maki Ramen
13 W Richmond StGreat sushi and ramen, has multiple locations around Edinburgh.
Funky destination for imaginative vegetarian dining with an on-site record store, bar and hangout.
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Paradise Palms
41 Lothian StFunky destination for imaginative vegetarian dining with an on-site record store, bar and hangout.
At the top of Middle Meadow Walk sits a tiny, forest-green hut, with tables and chairs jumbled around and a makeshift-style sign fluttering in the Edinburgh wind, alerting passers-by that ‘BRASIL CREPES’ are sold here. Many would walk on by, but if you happen to pass between 1 and 3pm on weekdays, a queue snaking its way down the street hints at the quality of these South American pancakes. The crêpes are light and airy with crisp edges, made using a gluten-free batter from a blend of rice, tapioca starch, maize, buckwheat and potato flours, with eggs and milk (there’s also a dairy-free version available, made with almond milk). Toppings can be sweet or savoury.
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Tupiniquim
At the top of Middle Meadow Walk sits a tiny, forest-green hut, with tables and chairs jumbled around and a makeshift-style sign fluttering in the Edinburgh wind, alerting passers-by that ‘BRASIL CREPES’ are sold here. Many would walk on by, but if you happen to pass between 1 and 3pm on weekdays, a queue snaking its way down the street hints at the quality of these South American pancakes. The crêpes are light and airy with crisp edges, made using a gluten-free batter from a blend of rice, tapioca starch, maize, buckwheat and potato flours, with eggs and milk (there’s also a dairy-free version available, made with almond milk). Toppings can be sweet or savoury.
Nature
An island only accessible at low tide just outside Edinburgh? Cramond Island, only a 40 minute bus ride from the city centre, was fortified during the WWII to repel a potential invasion via the Forth River. Of course, the expected invasion never came, and the island was once again deserted. Its bunkers have since become a canvas for anyone who fancies themselves a graffiti artist, resulting in incongruous splashes of color in the otherwise drab Scottish estuary. The combination of wilderness, wartime relics, and present-day vandalism lends the island a unique atmosphere.
The island also offers incredible views of Forth Bridge, Fife and Edinburgh Skyline.
Check the tidal times before crossing!
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Cramond Island
An island only accessible at low tide just outside Edinburgh? Cramond Island, only a 40 minute bus ride from the city centre, was fortified during the WWII to repel a potential invasion via the Forth River. Of course, the expected invasion never came, and the island was once again deserted. Its bunkers have since become a canvas for anyone who fancies themselves a graffiti artist, resulting in incongruous splashes of color in the otherwise drab Scottish estuary. The combination of wilderness, wartime relics, and present-day vandalism lends the island a unique atmosphere.
The island also offers incredible views of Forth Bridge, Fife and Edinburgh Skyline.
Check the tidal times before crossing!
Pubs and bars
The Hanging Bat is situated on the Lothian Road, not too far from the apartment. It is perfect for beer lovers, as it boasts a variety of bottle and drought craft beers. Also, they have their own microbrewery so that you can try their own creations!
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The Hanging Bat
133 Lothian RdThe Hanging Bat is situated on the Lothian Road, not too far from the apartment. It is perfect for beer lovers, as it boasts a variety of bottle and drought craft beers. Also, they have their own microbrewery so that you can try their own creations!
Panda & Sons transports its guests to America's Prohibition era. Disguised as a barber shop, this secret speakeasy is decked out with quaint antiques, old school barber chairs and is home an impressive arsenal of syrups, spices and spirits.
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Panda & Sons
79 Queen StPanda & Sons transports its guests to America's Prohibition era. Disguised as a barber shop, this secret speakeasy is decked out with quaint antiques, old school barber chairs and is home an impressive arsenal of syrups, spices and spirits.
When it comes to weird and wonderful bars in Edinburgh, they don't come much quirkier than Frankenstein. This monster-themed venue boasts daily live shows, with ghoulish sights and spooky sounds.
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Frankenstein
26 George IV BridgeWhen it comes to weird and wonderful bars in Edinburgh, they don't come much quirkier than Frankenstein. This monster-themed venue boasts daily live shows, with ghoulish sights and spooky sounds.
Cold Town House, situated on Grassmarket, is literally a three minute walk from the city centre. It has three storeys, including a rooftop terrace that’s perfect for summertime drinking. They also have their own lager and pale, and you can watch the brewing process through floor-to-ceiling windows on the bar’s first floor.
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Cold Town House
4 GrassmarketCold Town House, situated on Grassmarket, is literally a three minute walk from the city centre. It has three storeys, including a rooftop terrace that’s perfect for summertime drinking. They also have their own lager and pale, and you can watch the brewing process through floor-to-ceiling windows on the bar’s first floor.
Hoot the Redeemer is a funfair-themed dive bar, with boozy ice cream, slushies, arcade games and the opportunity to create your own concoction using flavours acquired from a claw machine.
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Hoot The Redeemer
7 Hanover StreetHoot the Redeemer is a funfair-themed dive bar, with boozy ice cream, slushies, arcade games and the opportunity to create your own concoction using flavours acquired from a claw machine.
Fine dining
Every six weeks, chef Nico Simeone creates a new six-course menu, based on a place, theme or memory.
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SIX by NICO EDINBURGH
97 Hanover StEvery six weeks, chef Nico Simeone creates a new six-course menu, based on a place, theme or memory.
Minimalist Fhior, with its simple Nordic-style decor, is chef Scott Smith’s brand new venture. The Michelin Guide has already praised his creative, intricate cooking which is inventive but superbly gentle. So
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Fhior
36 Broughton StMinimalist Fhior, with its simple Nordic-style decor, is chef Scott Smith’s brand new venture. The Michelin Guide has already praised his creative, intricate cooking which is inventive but superbly gentle. So
This restaurant from one of Edinburgh’s old time favourites, Gardener’s Cottage, cantilevers off the north-west slope of Calton Hill. Complete with floor-to-ceiling views across the city and the Firth of Forth, it’s a collaboration between the restaurant group and Collective, who are responsible for the redevelopment of the hilltop observatory into a contemporary art gallery.
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The Lookout by Gardener's Cottage
38 Calton HillThis restaurant from one of Edinburgh’s old time favourites, Gardener’s Cottage, cantilevers off the north-west slope of Calton Hill. Complete with floor-to-ceiling views across the city and the Firth of Forth, it’s a collaboration between the restaurant group and Collective, who are responsible for the redevelopment of the hilltop observatory into a contemporary art gallery.
In a beautifully converted, Scandi-inspired and candlelit brick warehouse just a few minutes from the Grassmarket, you’ll find some of the most exciting food being cooked in Edinburgh. With a focus on ingredients from small, local growers and suppliers and a Nordic flavour, Timberyard’s menu is fresh, seasonal, simple and utterly delicious.
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TIMBERYARD
10 Lady Lawson StIn a beautifully converted, Scandi-inspired and candlelit brick warehouse just a few minutes from the Grassmarket, you’ll find some of the most exciting food being cooked in Edinburgh. With a focus on ingredients from small, local growers and suppliers and a Nordic flavour, Timberyard’s menu is fresh, seasonal, simple and utterly delicious.
Perhaps Scotland’s most famous restaurant, The Witchery by the Castle boasts a spellbinding dining experience marinated in plenty of atmospheric charm. Adorned with oak-panelling, historic tapestries and a sea of candles, the original baroque dining room is both lavish and decadent, serving as the perfect setting for an unforgettable meal as delicious as the décor.
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The Witchery by the Castle
352 CastlehillPerhaps Scotland’s most famous restaurant, The Witchery by the Castle boasts a spellbinding dining experience marinated in plenty of atmospheric charm. Adorned with oak-panelling, historic tapestries and a sea of candles, the original baroque dining room is both lavish and decadent, serving as the perfect setting for an unforgettable meal as delicious as the décor.
Tom Kitchin’s deep respect for seasonal produce when paired with his honed French cooking style, results in a desirable Michelin-starred menu overflowing with flavour.
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The Kitchin
Tom Kitchin’s deep respect for seasonal produce when paired with his honed French cooking style, results in a desirable Michelin-starred menu overflowing with flavour.
The Dome is adored by locals and visitors alike. Towering Corinthian pillars dance up its Graeco-Roman façade, but what awaits inside is a feast for the eyes — think flowers aplenty and grand décor. Menu wise, the traditional Scottish food stimulates the senses and the cocktails are expertly concocted
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The Dome
14 George StThe Dome is adored by locals and visitors alike. Towering Corinthian pillars dance up its Graeco-Roman façade, but what awaits inside is a feast for the eyes — think flowers aplenty and grand décor. Menu wise, the traditional Scottish food stimulates the senses and the cocktails are expertly concocted