Guidebook for Edinburgh
Drinks & Nightlife
Somehow they always get the music to fit my mood here. Cosy and quiet by day, a young professional crowd at night. The food is good.
106 locals recommend
Hamiltons
16-18 Hamilton PlSomehow they always get the music to fit my mood here. Cosy and quiet by day, a young professional crowd at night. The food is good.
Two tiny rooms and a New Town Institution. The genuine article - don't leave without having a pint here.
56 locals recommend
Kay’s Bar
39 Jamaica StTwo tiny rooms and a New Town Institution. The genuine article - don't leave without having a pint here.
They do good food here as well. Always busy at night, friendly, local crowd. Jazz brunches on Sunday.
103 locals recommend
Hectors
47-49 Deanhaugh StThey do good food here as well. Always busy at night, friendly, local crowd. Jazz brunches on Sunday.
Food Scene
Wonderful cosy basement for a coffee and chat. I've heard the breakfasts are unbeatable
94 locals recommend
Leo's Beanery
23A Howe StWonderful cosy basement for a coffee and chat. I've heard the breakfasts are unbeatable
Small and bustling, handy for a break if you're shopping in George Street. Sit by the window and do some people watching
57 locals recommend
Wellington Coffee
33A George StSmall and bustling, handy for a break if you're shopping in George Street. Sit by the window and do some people watching
Great atmosphere, very good coffee, right by the university so good studenty feel
61 locals recommend
Black Medicine Coffee Co
2 Nicolson StGreat atmosphere, very good coffee, right by the university so good studenty feel
Genuine local cafe run by Sicilians who make, in my view, the best machiato and most delicious panini in Edinburgh (cappuccino not quite so great). No airs and graces here, take it as you find it!
46 locals recommend
Gaia
32 Crighton PlGenuine local cafe run by Sicilians who make, in my view, the best machiato and most delicious panini in Edinburgh (cappuccino not quite so great). No airs and graces here, take it as you find it!
If you want to spoil yourself I've heard you can't go too far wrong here. Martin Wishart is much loved by Edinburgh foodies
49 locals recommend
The Honours Brasserie
58A N Castle StIf you want to spoil yourself I've heard you can't go too far wrong here. Martin Wishart is much loved by Edinburgh foodies
Look this isn't gourmet but if you need something satisfying and inexpensive, you can't go wrong. My favourite filling is vegetarian haggis.
16 locals recommend
The Baked Potato Shop
56 Cockburn StLook this isn't gourmet but if you need something satisfying and inexpensive, you can't go wrong. My favourite filling is vegetarian haggis.
Of all the fast food joints, I reckon Pret is among the best. Good quality, fresh and tasty sandwiches and wraps to eat in or take away. And the flat white is pretty good too.
8 locals recommend
Pret A Manger
56 Shandwick PlOf all the fast food joints, I reckon Pret is among the best. Good quality, fresh and tasty sandwiches and wraps to eat in or take away. And the flat white is pretty good too.
Shopping
Armstrongs Vintage
81-83 GrassmarketFantastic collection of second hand/vintage clothes
Interesting clothes shop that promotes young local designers. Stand out from the crowd without breaking the bank
11 locals recommend
Godiva
9 West PortInteresting clothes shop that promotes young local designers. Stand out from the crowd without breaking the bank
Lovely boutique with well chosen designers like Marilyn Moore, Samantha Sung and more. If someone kind gives me Christmas money, this is where I spend it
6 locals recommend
Frontiers Woman
16B Stafford StLovely boutique with well chosen designers like Marilyn Moore, Samantha Sung and more. If someone kind gives me Christmas money, this is where I spend it
George Bower Butchers
75 Raeburn PlBest game butcher in Edinburgh. But pricey.
Stunning jewelry from around the world, really worth a visit. Just off the main drag
8 locals recommend
Galerie Mirages
46A Raeburn PlStunning jewelry from around the world, really worth a visit. Just off the main drag
Essentials
Stockbridge Market
Saunders StreetAn alternative to the co-op
Scotmid Co-op
63 E Main StNot glamourous but you'll find most of what you need here
Arts & Culture
A hot favourite of ours, and you can walk there along the lovely Water of Leith for most of the way. The cafe is good too.
1010 locals recommend
Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art
75 Belford RdA hot favourite of ours, and you can walk there along the lovely Water of Leith for most of the way. The cafe is good too.
Filmhouse
88 Lothian RdIf you enjoy European and other art cinema, this is the place for you
A great pair of linked museums - my personal favourite is the older Victorian part with its soaring atrium and eclectic collection.
1378 locals recommend
National Museum of Scotland
A great pair of linked museums - my personal favourite is the older Victorian part with its soaring atrium and eclectic collection.
A good selection of Scottish painting, jewelry and ceramics. Check out the other galleries in Dundas Street while you're at it
10 locals recommend
The Scottish Gallery
16 Dundas StA good selection of Scottish painting, jewelry and ceramics. Check out the other galleries in Dundas Street while you're at it
Right by Holyrood Palace, where the Queen stays when she is in Edinburgh, this gallery puts on fascinating shows from her collection. Well worth the ticket price, in my experience.
45 locals recommend
The Queen's Gallery, Palace of Holyroodhouse
Right by Holyrood Palace, where the Queen stays when she is in Edinburgh, this gallery puts on fascinating shows from her collection. Well worth the ticket price, in my experience.
Sightseeing
Enchanting and beautiful, the RBG is favourite Edinburgh destination. Apart from taking a stroll and drinking in the atmosphere there's lots to do - exhibitions, cafes and even shopping.
1227 locals recommend
Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh
Arboretum PlaceEnchanting and beautiful, the RBG is favourite Edinburgh destination. Apart from taking a stroll and drinking in the atmosphere there's lots to do - exhibitions, cafes and even shopping.
It might seem the obvious thing to do, but it's worth it. For the views over the city apart from anything else.
1961 locals recommend
Edinburgh Castle
CastlehillIt might seem the obvious thing to do, but it's worth it. For the views over the city apart from anything else.