Guidebook for Edinburgh
Drinks & Nightlife
A quaint Edwardian pub with a fantastic antique island bar and a great selection of whiskies and beers
8 locals recommend
The Abbotsford Bar & Restaurant
3-5 Rose StA quaint Edwardian pub with a fantastic antique island bar and a great selection of whiskies and beers
A lively traditional basement pub with pub grub and live folk music often
82 locals recommend
The Bailie Bar
2-4 St Stephen StA lively traditional basement pub with pub grub and live folk music often
A classic Victorian New Town bar with beer garden and gourmet food
125 locals recommend
The Cumberland Bar
1-3 Cumberland StA classic Victorian New Town bar with beer garden and gourmet food
A great wee pub if you are in the mood for some Scottish ‘craic’ and the chance of some live music
The Hebrides
17 Market StA great wee pub if you are in the mood for some Scottish ‘craic’ and the chance of some live music
Hectors
47-49 Deanhaugh StA good modern pub
A cosy Victorian pub specialising in real ales, fine whiskies and pub grub
56 locals recommend
Kay’s Bar
39 Jamaica StA cosy Victorian pub specialising in real ales, fine whiskies and pub grub
The ‘Ox’ has been made famous as the favourite watering hole of Ian Rankin’s Edinburgh cop, Inspector Rebus. Please note they only take cash
23 locals recommend
The Oxford Bar
8 Young StThe ‘Ox’ has been made famous as the favourite watering hole of Ian Rankin’s Edinburgh cop, Inspector Rebus. Please note they only take cash
If the sun is shining and you want a beer outside head here for its large beer garden
66 locals recommend
The Peartree
38 W Nicolson StIf the sun is shining and you want a beer outside head here for its large beer garden
Rollo Restaurant & Wine Bar
108 Raeburn PlAn intimate boutique wine bar and restaurant
Tigerlilly
125 George StA boutique hotel, bar and restaurant
Food Scene
The Blue Bear Cafe
9 Brandon TerraceRenowned for its great breakfasts and brunches
Burr & Co
20 George StA great coffee shop just round the corner from the apartment
An Edinburgh institution. A lofty ornate and tile-adorned Victorian bar and restaurant. Offers real ales, whiskies and seafood specialities
125 locals recommend
Cafe Royal
19 W Register StAn Edinburgh institution. A lofty ornate and tile-adorned Victorian bar and restaurant. Offers real ales, whiskies and seafood specialities
This Michelin star restaurant offers fine dining in the shadow of the Castle
86 locals recommend
Castle Terrace
33-35 Castle TerraceThis Michelin star restaurant offers fine dining in the shadow of the Castle
An absolute must if you love cake as much as we do! Won the Best Individual Cake in Scotland Award 2015 and 2016
118 locals recommend
Cuckoo's Bakery
150 Dundas StAn absolute must if you love cake as much as we do! Won the Best Individual Cake in Scotland Award 2015 and 2016
An Edinburgh institution. Resplendent with its Graeco-Roman façade and Corinthian Portico. A must for tea, coffee, lunch, dinner or cocktails
285 locals recommend
The Dome
14 George StAn Edinburgh institution. Resplendent with its Graeco-Roman façade and Corinthian Portico. A must for tea, coffee, lunch, dinner or cocktails
The coffee shop where J.K. Rowling wrote the early Potter books
163 locals recommend
The Elephant House
21 George IV BridgeThe coffee shop where J.K. Rowling wrote the early Potter books
An extensive menu of teas and tea inspired beverages and a host of tasty treats
16 locals recommend
eteaket Tea Room
41 Frederick StAn extensive menu of teas and tea inspired beverages and a host of tasty treats
Located in a 19th century gardener’s cottage this is a great location for a special occasion
339 locals recommend
The Gardener's Cottage
1 London RoadLocated in a 19th century gardener’s cottage this is a great location for a special occasion
A celebrity chef Michelin star restaurant which uses French techniques on Scottish produce in a converted whisky warehouse
278 locals recommend
The Kitchin
A celebrity chef Michelin star restaurant which uses French techniques on Scottish produce in a converted whisky warehouse
La Lanterna
83 Hanover StreetOld school family run Italian- retro and friendly
This chippy is an Edinburgh institution. Ranked No.1 Fish & Chip Shop in the UK by The Times in 2014. We think it serves the best Fish Supper ever
31 locals recommend
L'Alba D'Oro
7 Henderson RowThis chippy is an Edinburgh institution. Ranked No.1 Fish & Chip Shop in the UK by The Times in 2014. We think it serves the best Fish Supper ever
Loudons
94B FountainbridgeA simple tranquil café catering for every dietary requirement
A celebrity chef Michelin star restaurant serving French cuisine using seasonal Scottish produce
155 locals recommend
Restaurant Martin Wishart
54 ShoreA celebrity chef Michelin star restaurant serving French cuisine using seasonal Scottish produce
Ondine
2 George IV BridgeA Scottish seafood and shellfish restaurant
A celerity chef Michelin star restaurant offering fine dining in a Georgian townhouse
51 locals recommend
21212
3 Royal TerraceA celerity chef Michelin star restaurant offering fine dining in a Georgian townhouse
This gastro pub is a joint enterprise by two Scottish Michelin star chefs. Rustic-chic with a modern Scottish menu
378 locals recommend
The Scran and Scallie
1 Comely Bank RdThis gastro pub is a joint enterprise by two Scottish Michelin star chefs. Rustic-chic with a modern Scottish menu
The Ship On The Shore
ShoreSeafood restaurant and champagne bar by the waterfront
A local bistro emphasising fair trade, organic and locally sourced produce
68 locals recommend
Urban Angel
121 Hanover StA local bistro emphasising fair trade, organic and locally sourced produce
A great coffee shop on the corner of Hanover Street and George Street. The mochas and hot chocolates come highly recommended
57 locals recommend
Wellington Coffee
33A George StA great coffee shop on the corner of Hanover Street and George Street. The mochas and hot chocolates come highly recommended
A lavish Gothic-style dining room at the historic heart of Edinburgh's Old Town. It is a Scottish dining landmark
192 locals recommend
The Witchery by the Castle
352 CastlehillA lavish Gothic-style dining room at the historic heart of Edinburgh's Old Town. It is a Scottish dining landmark
Parks & Nature
It is a mile out into the Firth of Forth. The causeway to it stretches from Drum Sands beach, near Cramond Village, and is submerged by a few feet of water at high tide. It is recommended to only cross the path within two hours of low tide – please double check your timings on the board at the start of the causeway. On the island, there are abandoned military buildings to explore and views of other Forth islands to enjoy. Keep a close eye on young ones on the island as unfortunately there is often a lot of broken glass strewn around. (41 bus from Hanover Street)
124 locals recommend
Cramond Island
It is a mile out into the Firth of Forth. The causeway to it stretches from Drum Sands beach, near Cramond Village, and is submerged by a few feet of water at high tide. It is recommended to only cross the path within two hours of low tide – please double check your timings on the board at the start of the causeway. On the island, there are abandoned military buildings to explore and views of other Forth islands to enjoy. Keep a close eye on young ones on the island as unfortunately there is often a lot of broken glass strewn around. (41 bus from Hanover Street)
While Arthur’s Seat is always worth climbing, there is much more to the park. A cliff edge walk along Salisbury Crags, or the more genteel Radical Road further down, offer similarly expansive vistas across Edinburgh to Fife, the Ochils and the Pentlands. You can keep wee ones suitably spooked by telling them about the miniature “fairy coffins” found in one of the crags’ caves. Nearby, at Duddingston Loch, there are plenty of ducks to feed.
280 locals recommend
Holyrood Park
Queen's DriveWhile Arthur’s Seat is always worth climbing, there is much more to the park. A cliff edge walk along Salisbury Crags, or the more genteel Radical Road further down, offer similarly expansive vistas across Edinburgh to Fife, the Ochils and the Pentlands. You can keep wee ones suitably spooked by telling them about the miniature “fairy coffins” found in one of the crags’ caves. Nearby, at Duddingston Loch, there are plenty of ducks to feed.
When the weather is playing ball, it is hard to beat Portobello Promenade for a family stroll. The beach is clean, so kids might want to get a bucket and spade. There are plenty of places to eat. It is worth taking some swimming trunks – if the sea is a little too cold, warmer waters are available at the unique Turkish baths at Portobello Swim Centre. (26 bus from South St David Street)
447 locals recommend
Portobello Beach Promenade
1 PromenadeWhen the weather is playing ball, it is hard to beat Portobello Promenade for a family stroll. The beach is clean, so kids might want to get a bucket and spade. There are plenty of places to eat. It is worth taking some swimming trunks – if the sea is a little too cold, warmer waters are available at the unique Turkish baths at Portobello Swim Centre. (26 bus from South St David Street)
Seen from the apartment, and in the shadow of the Castle, this is Edinburgh’s best-known park. Once the site of a loch (Nor Loch), it now hosts many events throughout the year including the city’s Hogmanay celebrations, the Christmas Market and the Festival Fireworks Concert. It has a great playground for wee ones.
957 locals recommend
Princes Street
Princes StreetSeen from the apartment, and in the shadow of the Castle, this is Edinburgh’s best-known park. Once the site of a loch (Nor Loch), it now hosts many events throughout the year including the city’s Hogmanay celebrations, the Christmas Market and the Festival Fireworks Concert. It has a great playground for wee ones.
Sightseeing
Arthur's Seat, an extinct volcano in Holyrood Park, provides a fantastic vantage point.
1859 locals recommend
Arthur's Seat
Arthur's Seat, an extinct volcano in Holyrood Park, provides a fantastic vantage point.
Sitting on top of an extinct volcano, the Castle dominates the city and is home to Scotland's Crown Jewels. Every day at 13.00 hrs a gun is fired from the ramparts. Parts of the current building date from the 16th century, although there has been a royal castle on the rock since at least the 12th century. The Military Tattoo takes place on the Castle Esplanade each summer and, to conclude the International Festival, the fireworks display to which the Castle forms the backdrop, is breathtaking.
1961 locals recommend
Edinburgh Castle
CastlehillSitting on top of an extinct volcano, the Castle dominates the city and is home to Scotland's Crown Jewels. Every day at 13.00 hrs a gun is fired from the ramparts. Parts of the current building date from the 16th century, although there has been a royal castle on the rock since at least the 12th century. The Military Tattoo takes place on the Castle Esplanade each summer and, to conclude the International Festival, the fireworks display to which the Castle forms the backdrop, is breathtaking.
The famous red Forth (rail) Bridge is an amazing engineering feat extending 1.5 miles across the Firth of Forth between Edinburgh and Fife at South Queensferry. Alongside it is the road bridge and the (currently under construction) second road bridge. South Queensferry is a town on the south side of the Forth from where ferries used to cross and it now hosts cruising trips on the Forth.
49 locals recommend
Forth Bridge
The famous red Forth (rail) Bridge is an amazing engineering feat extending 1.5 miles across the Firth of Forth between Edinburgh and Fife at South Queensferry. Alongside it is the road bridge and the (currently under construction) second road bridge. South Queensferry is a town on the south side of the Forth from where ferries used to cross and it now hosts cruising trips on the Forth.
Founded as a monastery in 1128, the Palace of Holyrood House is the official residence of the British monarch in Scotland. The Palace as it stands today was built in the 17th century. It is closely associated with Scotland’s turbulent past and was home to Mary Queen of Scots. Today it is the setting for state ceremonies and the Queen spends one week in residence each summer. Great tours of the Palace are available.
462 locals recommend
Palace of Holyroodhouse
CanongateFounded as a monastery in 1128, the Palace of Holyrood House is the official residence of the British monarch in Scotland. The Palace as it stands today was built in the 17th century. It is closely associated with Scotland’s turbulent past and was home to Mary Queen of Scots. Today it is the setting for state ceremonies and the Queen spends one week in residence each summer. Great tours of the Palace are available.
This magnificent ship played host to some very famous people and was also home (from time to time) to the British Royal Family. Now moored in Leith (at Ocean Terminal) you can visit the ship and imagine life on board in the days when she was in service.
630 locals recommend
Royal Yacht Britannia
Ocean DriveThis magnificent ship played host to some very famous people and was also home (from time to time) to the British Royal Family. Now moored in Leith (at Ocean Terminal) you can visit the ship and imagine life on board in the days when she was in service.
This magnificent crown-spired cathedral on the High Street contains memorials to c. 200 distinguished Scots, and some incredible stained glass windows. Parts of the structure date back to the 12th century and it is home of Scotland’s chivalric company of Knights, the Chapel of the Order of the Thistle.
152 locals recommend
St Giles' Cathedral
High StreetThis magnificent crown-spired cathedral on the High Street contains memorials to c. 200 distinguished Scots, and some incredible stained glass windows. Parts of the structure date back to the 12th century and it is home of Scotland’s chivalric company of Knights, the Chapel of the Order of the Thistle.
This Gothic monument in East Princes Street Gardens was constructed in 1846 to commemorate Edinburgh born writer Sir Walter Scott. The views from its summit are well worth the climb of 287 steps.
302 locals recommend
Scott Monument
This Gothic monument in East Princes Street Gardens was constructed in 1846 to commemorate Edinburgh born writer Sir Walter Scott. The views from its summit are well worth the climb of 287 steps.
Opposite Holyrood Palace lies the recently constructed Scottish Parliament building (opened 2004), part of which is open to visitors.
314 locals recommend
Scottish Parliament Building
Opposite Holyrood Palace lies the recently constructed Scottish Parliament building (opened 2004), part of which is open to visitors.
Entertainment & Activities
Five floors packed with brilliant optical illusions, this is a great place to visit for adults and children alike. On the Royal Mile next to the Castle.
437 locals recommend
Camera Obscura and World of Illusions
549 CastlehillFive floors packed with brilliant optical illusions, this is a great place to visit for adults and children alike. On the Royal Mile next to the Castle.
Close to the Scottish Parliament building Dynamic Earth offers a series of interactive exhibits allowing you to feel the heat of a bubbling volcano, the chill of polar ice and the humidity of tropical rainforest. There is also a soft play area for babies and children.
303 locals recommend
Dynamic Earth
Holyrood RoadClose to the Scottish Parliament building Dynamic Earth offers a series of interactive exhibits allowing you to feel the heat of a bubbling volcano, the chill of polar ice and the humidity of tropical rainforest. There is also a soft play area for babies and children.
Situated 3 miles west of the city centre, it is home to thousands of rare and endangered animals. The most famous residents are the pandas and the penguins. The daily penguin parade is a highlight. (12, 26 or 31 bus from Princes Street)
308 locals recommend
Edinburgh Zoo
134 Corstorphine RdSituated 3 miles west of the city centre, it is home to thousands of rare and endangered animals. The most famous residents are the pandas and the penguins. The daily penguin parade is a highlight. (12, 26 or 31 bus from Princes Street)
Arts & Culture
This world-class museum on Chamber Street has great interactive exhibits ideal for adults and children alike. There is a galleried room with dinosaurs and part of the museum focuses on Scotland's history.
1378 locals recommend
National Museum of Scotland
This world-class museum on Chamber Street has great interactive exhibits ideal for adults and children alike. There is a galleried room with dinosaurs and part of the museum focuses on Scotland's history.
Moments from the apartment, and visible from the apartment, is the RSA building on the Mound. The organisation promotes contemporary Scottish art and architecture and many exhibitions and events are hosted in the beautiful neo-classical building.
39 locals recommend
Royal Scottish Academy
The MoundMoments from the apartment, and visible from the apartment, is the RSA building on the Mound. The organisation promotes contemporary Scottish art and architecture and many exhibitions and events are hosted in the beautiful neo-classical building.
Situated at the foot of the Mound on Princes Street this gallery is just moments from the apartment. It is home to some of Scotland's greatest collection of European paintings and sculptures from the Renaissance to Post Impressionist era.
1010 locals recommend
Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art
75 Belford RdSituated at the foot of the Mound on Princes Street this gallery is just moments from the apartment. It is home to some of Scotland's greatest collection of European paintings and sculptures from the Renaissance to Post Impressionist era.
Gallery holding the national collection of portraits, all of which are of, but not necessarily by, Scots.
523 locals recommend
Scottish National Portrait Gallery
1 Queen StGallery holding the national collection of portraits, all of which are of, but not necessarily by, Scots.
Essentials
Sainsbury's
Unit 9-10 Moray Park TerraceMarks & Spencer Edinburgh
54 Princes St