Guidebook for Edinburgh
Drinks & Nightlife
If you want to stay out late with loud music afoot then Jam House provides..
18 locals recommend
The Jam House
5 Queen StreetIf you want to stay out late with loud music afoot then Jam House provides..
Hectors
47-49 Deanhaugh StPopular, busy bar in the heart of Stockbridge
The Stockbridge Tap
2-6 Raeburn PlOld fashioned pub with pub grub
Wetherspoons is a UK national family friendly franchise which offers bar food and drink at budget prices and value for money to its customers. There are a few Wetherspoons in Edinburgh but the Caley Picture House is the latest. Bar menus are cheap and cheerful and although not nouveau cuisine, calorie indicators against each dish on the menu will remind you of the healthier options (if you care...) Note Fish Friday when a special price for fish and chips with free drink is usually on offer.
17 locals recommend
Caley Picture House
31 Lothian RdWetherspoons is a UK national family friendly franchise which offers bar food and drink at budget prices and value for money to its customers. There are a few Wetherspoons in Edinburgh but the Caley Picture House is the latest. Bar menus are cheap and cheerful and although not nouveau cuisine, calorie indicators against each dish on the menu will remind you of the healthier options (if you care...) Note Fish Friday when a special price for fish and chips with free drink is usually on offer.
One of the oldest bars in Stockbridge and even my 87 year old father tells tales of when his uncles used to frequent it.
This is a no frills traditional bar where you should be prepared to chat with the regulars. PS the foods quite good too.
82 locals recommend
The Bailie Bar
2-4 St Stephen StOne of the oldest bars in Stockbridge and even my 87 year old father tells tales of when his uncles used to frequent it.
This is a no frills traditional bar where you should be prepared to chat with the regulars. PS the foods quite good too.
A MUST for visitors. This absolutely stunning bar set in 1930s decor will WOW you. Be sure to pop in for a cocktail, a vino or a coffee and prepare to take some pics to show your friends back home. Note there is also covered courtyard area to the rear in Rose Street. From November, the Dome is noted to be the first i the city to dec the bar in festive decorations. Spectacularly festive.
285 locals recommend
The Dome
14 George StA MUST for visitors. This absolutely stunning bar set in 1930s decor will WOW you. Be sure to pop in for a cocktail, a vino or a coffee and prepare to take some pics to show your friends back home. Note there is also covered courtyard area to the rear in Rose Street. From November, the Dome is noted to be the first i the city to dec the bar in festive decorations. Spectacularly festive.
Ceilidh's are usually run every Friday but perhaps additional sessions at peak season.Great fun to participate in a Ceilidh and learn some Scottish dance 'moves'
80 locals recommend
Ghillie Dhu
1A Rutland StreetCeilidh's are usually run every Friday but perhaps additional sessions at peak season.Great fun to participate in a Ceilidh and learn some Scottish dance 'moves'
Hamiltons
16-18 Hamilton PlPopular bar in Stockbridge, frequented by locals of all ages.
Food Scene
Upmarket and trendy with beautiful decor. A bit pricey Tigerlily is worth at least one visit, even just for a drink. Because it's a boutique hotel, the food quality is very good. Note there is often special early supper deals or set menus so check out their website.
205 locals recommend
Tigerlilly
125 George StUpmarket and trendy with beautiful decor. A bit pricey Tigerlily is worth at least one visit, even just for a drink. Because it's a boutique hotel, the food quality is very good. Note there is often special early supper deals or set menus so check out their website.
Parks & Nature
A relaxing park with a sizeable swan and duck pond where you can jog, skate or rest your weary feet should weather permit. You can pick up some snacks and drinks from Stockbridge village before you go and have a wee picnic.
256 locals recommend
Inverleith Park
A relaxing park with a sizeable swan and duck pond where you can jog, skate or rest your weary feet should weather permit. You can pick up some snacks and drinks from Stockbridge village before you go and have a wee picnic.
The RBG is a must destinations for those with garden or horticultural interest. It has well signed walk ways and you could if you wished walk for miles. Free entry. The Victorian Glass House, a mega green house growing every plant imaginable, however charges entry and should you choose to visit then make sure you have plenty time because it's massive.
1227 locals recommend
Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh
Arboretum PlaceThe RBG is a must destinations for those with garden or horticultural interest. It has well signed walk ways and you could if you wished walk for miles. Free entry. The Victorian Glass House, a mega green house growing every plant imaginable, however charges entry and should you choose to visit then make sure you have plenty time because it's massive.
Bang in the middle of Edinburgh's city centre, you can take a break on the grass or a park bench to relax, people watch, feed the pigeons and squirrels or have a snack. A good place to ditch the husband and family while you escape to the shops across the road for retail therapy.
957 locals recommend
Princes Street
Princes StreetBang in the middle of Edinburgh's city centre, you can take a break on the grass or a park bench to relax, people watch, feed the pigeons and squirrels or have a snack. A good place to ditch the husband and family while you escape to the shops across the road for retail therapy.
Entertainment & Activities
Edinburgh Zoo is a fun destination where you can witness all the fascinating wonders of the animal kingdom. EZ is now home to the only giant pandas in the UK. The female is called Tian Tian (Sweetie) and the male is Yang Guang (Sunshine). Although there have been a few pregnancy alerts, unfortunately no cubs available as yet. Please do note that the pandas are unpredictable and may hide for the duration of visitor visits so please don't be too disappointed if this happens. Check out their website for ticket prices so that there are no unexpected surprises for you at the door. Bus services from Princes Street Nos 12, 26 and 31.
308 locals recommend
Edinburgh Zoo
134 Corstorphine RdEdinburgh Zoo is a fun destination where you can witness all the fascinating wonders of the animal kingdom. EZ is now home to the only giant pandas in the UK. The female is called Tian Tian (Sweetie) and the male is Yang Guang (Sunshine). Although there have been a few pregnancy alerts, unfortunately no cubs available as yet. Please do note that the pandas are unpredictable and may hide for the duration of visitor visits so please don't be too disappointed if this happens. Check out their website for ticket prices so that there are no unexpected surprises for you at the door. Bus services from Princes Street Nos 12, 26 and 31.
A MUST to see for visitors to Edinburgh International Festival. This beautiful fantastically colourful military show which is held in the grounds of Edinburgh Castle annually emits a great ambience from tourist spectators worldwide. A definite recommend. However, beware that this is Scotland and weather can be unpredictable so be prepared for this evening show with a warm blanket, a cosy hat, waterproof clothes and one or two black bin liners to protect you should it be wet. A comfy cushion or coat to sit on too maybe welcome if you find the seats too hard. But please DO GO.
26 locals recommend
The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo
1-3 Cockburn StA MUST to see for visitors to Edinburgh International Festival. This beautiful fantastically colourful military show which is held in the grounds of Edinburgh Castle annually emits a great ambience from tourist spectators worldwide. A definite recommend. However, beware that this is Scotland and weather can be unpredictable so be prepared for this evening show with a warm blanket, a cosy hat, waterproof clothes and one or two black bin liners to protect you should it be wet. A comfy cushion or coat to sit on too maybe welcome if you find the seats too hard. But please DO GO.
Sightseeing
TRYB is my favourite recommendation for visitors to Edinburgh. The 'luxury' Royal Yacht was HRH The Queen's ultimate floating holiday home for fifty years and it has been well documented that she 'broke her heart' when it was decommissioned. However her sad loss is Edinburgh's gain because it provides an insight into Royal life, interior design from the fifties (not now very regal) and also the daily life and living quarters for the crew. This tour is very well run, extremely informative and customer friendly. There's an old fashioned tea room on board where tourists may stop for home made cakes, scones - well worth it. No 22 bus to Leith Ocean Terminal from Princes Street.
630 locals recommend
Royal Yacht Britannia
Ocean DriveTRYB is my favourite recommendation for visitors to Edinburgh. The 'luxury' Royal Yacht was HRH The Queen's ultimate floating holiday home for fifty years and it has been well documented that she 'broke her heart' when it was decommissioned. However her sad loss is Edinburgh's gain because it provides an insight into Royal life, interior design from the fifties (not now very regal) and also the daily life and living quarters for the crew. This tour is very well run, extremely informative and customer friendly. There's an old fashioned tea room on board where tourists may stop for home made cakes, scones - well worth it. No 22 bus to Leith Ocean Terminal from Princes Street.
Edinburgh's Princes Street must be one of the most beautiful city centre streets in the world and ths is not least because of it's prominent view of Edinburgh Castle. Be sure to bring your camera... The castle itself provides fabulous panoramic views of the courtyard and is definitely worth a visit. I will say this though that for me (and this is only personal), the outsideis more interesting that the inside which is mainly military history.
1961 locals recommend
Edinburgh Castle
CastlehillEdinburgh's Princes Street must be one of the most beautiful city centre streets in the world and ths is not least because of it's prominent view of Edinburgh Castle. Be sure to bring your camera... The castle itself provides fabulous panoramic views of the courtyard and is definitely worth a visit. I will say this though that for me (and this is only personal), the outsideis more interesting that the inside which is mainly military history.
Arts & Culture
TNG always presents fascinating collections from all over the world - be sure to check out their programme
1010 locals recommend
Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art
75 Belford RdTNG always presents fascinating collections from all over the world - be sure to check out their programme
Not many tourist attractions are FREE but this charming museum of five floors is free of charge. The museum coves 1800s hand made toys like peg dolls through to present day toy trend. Also clothes, hobbies and way of life and if you were ever a brownie or a boy scout then there's a floor dedicated to that too.
61 locals recommend
Museum of Childhood station
Not many tourist attractions are FREE but this charming museum of five floors is free of charge. The museum coves 1800s hand made toys like peg dolls through to present day toy trend. Also clothes, hobbies and way of life and if you were ever a brownie or a boy scout then there's a floor dedicated to that too.
Shopping
Harvey Nicols is the place to go to window shop or purchase wonderfully expensive designer brand clothes. The St Andrews Square Edinburgh store is not stuffy and so a browse is recommended. On the top floor is the cocktail bar and restaurant and hosts lovely views. Sushi restaurant also located there.
84 locals recommend
Harvey Nichols Forth Floor Brasserie and Bar
30-34 St Andrew SquareHarvey Nicols is the place to go to window shop or purchase wonderfully expensive designer brand clothes. The St Andrews Square Edinburgh store is not stuffy and so a browse is recommended. On the top floor is the cocktail bar and restaurant and hosts lovely views. Sushi restaurant also located there.