Shelagh’s Edinburgh guidebook
Sightseeing
Holyrood Park and the foot of Arthur's Seat is 15-20 minutes walk from our home. The view from the top is magnificent and there are plenty of routes to the top - steep and not so steep.
1859 habitants recommandent
Arthur's Seat
Holyrood Park and the foot of Arthur's Seat is 15-20 minutes walk from our home. The view from the top is magnificent and there are plenty of routes to the top - steep and not so steep.
15 minutes walk from here. Interesting glimpse into Scottish and royal history & lovely gardens.
462 habitants recommandent
Palais de Holyroodhouse
Canongate15 minutes walk from here. Interesting glimpse into Scottish and royal history & lovely gardens.
See how the other half sail. Leith is a really interesting area and if you are into modern Royal history a visit to the yacht is a real treat.
630 habitants recommandent
Royal Yacht Britannia
Ocean DriveSee how the other half sail. Leith is a really interesting area and if you are into modern Royal history a visit to the yacht is a real treat.
Ancient and modern history of Scotland spanning nature to politics. Vast collection - start at the top and work your way down if you prefer recent history (as I do) as you will need a lot of time to enjoy it all. 30 minutes walk from here.
1378 habitants recommandent
National Museum of Scotland
Ancient and modern history of Scotland spanning nature to politics. Vast collection - start at the top and work your way down if you prefer recent history (as I do) as you will need a lot of time to enjoy it all. 30 minutes walk from here.
The Royal Mile starts just 15 minutes walk from our home and leads you right up to the craggy rocks which form the dramatic setting for Edinburgh Castle. You can walk the whole route in 40 minutes except during the Edinburgh Festival when the crowds and street performers will definitely slow you down.
1961 habitants recommandent
Château d'Édimbourg
CastlehillThe Royal Mile starts just 15 minutes walk from our home and leads you right up to the craggy rocks which form the dramatic setting for Edinburgh Castle. You can walk the whole route in 40 minutes except during the Edinburgh Festival when the crowds and street performers will definitely slow you down.
Find out how people could watch the world go by before CCTV. The old camera obscura is a fascinating experience enjoyable for children and adults.
437 habitants recommandent
Camera Obscura et Monde des Illusions
549 CastlehillFind out how people could watch the world go by before CCTV. The old camera obscura is a fascinating experience enjoyable for children and adults.
Shorter climb than Arthur's Seat but offer great views across Edinburgh and some interesting buildings/monuments.
1098 habitants recommandent
Colline Calton
Calton HillShorter climb than Arthur's Seat but offer great views across Edinburgh and some interesting buildings/monuments.
Free to visit . A lovely walk on a sunny day with warm tropical glasshouses when the weather is more typically Scottish. Regular special exhibitions, indoor and outdoor cafes and a must if you love trees and plants.
1227 habitants recommandent
Jardin botanique royal d'Édimbourg
Arboretum PlaceFree to visit . A lovely walk on a sunny day with warm tropical glasshouses when the weather is more typically Scottish. Regular special exhibitions, indoor and outdoor cafes and a must if you love trees and plants.
Great for families. Interesting geological themed exhibitions and only 20 minutes from our home. Handy cafe if you are in the area.
303 habitants recommandent
Dynamic Earth
Holyrood RoadGreat for families. Interesting geological themed exhibitions and only 20 minutes from our home. Handy cafe if you are in the area.
This is on the Royal Mile (also called High Street) and just 20 minutes away from our home. Very interesting displays - the toys are both historically interesting and nostalgic for older adults! Check opening times as things have changed since covid-19. https://www.edinburghmuseums.org.uk/venue/museum-childhood
79 habitants recommandent
Museum of Childhood
42 High StThis is on the Royal Mile (also called High Street) and just 20 minutes away from our home. Very interesting displays - the toys are both historically interesting and nostalgic for older adults! Check opening times as things have changed since covid-19. https://www.edinburghmuseums.org.uk/venue/museum-childhood
The gardens are a lovely green space alongside our busiest and least exciting shopping street. Has been a bit spoiled by overuse during the Christmas Market but still a great place to relax and have a city centre picnic.
957 habitants recommandent
Princes Street
Princes StreetThe gardens are a lovely green space alongside our busiest and least exciting shopping street. Has been a bit spoiled by overuse during the Christmas Market but still a great place to relax and have a city centre picnic.
You can have a great time just wandering around the streets of Edinburgh's Old Town - keep an eye open for the many ancient narrow streets (often called "close" or "wynd") and steps which take you past many ancient buildings and secret gardens. Edinburgh's Old Town is still very much a residential area. There are guided tours but if you are on a budget just get a free map from the Tourist Information Office and walk around. It feels a little intimidating at night but is a very safe area. Personal favourites are Dunbar's Close Gardens off Canongate, Sandeman Garden (owned by the Scottish Book trust) in Trunk's Close off the Royal Mile and the Miss Jean Brodie Steps which lead up from Grassmarket and offer a fantastic view of the Castle.
195 habitants recommandent
Edinburgh Old Town
You can have a great time just wandering around the streets of Edinburgh's Old Town - keep an eye open for the many ancient narrow streets (often called "close" or "wynd") and steps which take you past many ancient buildings and secret gardens. Edinburgh's Old Town is still very much a residential area. There are guided tours but if you are on a budget just get a free map from the Tourist Information Office and walk around. It feels a little intimidating at night but is a very safe area. Personal favourites are Dunbar's Close Gardens off Canongate, Sandeman Garden (owned by the Scottish Book trust) in Trunk's Close off the Royal Mile and the Miss Jean Brodie Steps which lead up from Grassmarket and offer a fantastic view of the Castle.
Guided tours starting here offer a really interesting way to spend a couple of hours finding out about the Old Town's fascinating history.
373 habitants recommandent
The Real Mary King's Close
2 High StGuided tours starting here offer a really interesting way to spend a couple of hours finding out about the Old Town's fascinating history.
Maison géorgienne
7 Charlotte SquareLovely house highlighting Edinburgh's New Town history.
You can reach the Eastern part of the Water of Leith within 15 minutes from our house and walk all the way along through the city or take a bus to the West End and access the walk from Dean Village or the Gallery of Modern Art . A circular walk crossing this river can offer you a glimpse of kingfishers, otters and many small birds. See if you can spot the Anthony Gormley statue close to the bridge at Powderhall. The Water of Leith runs through Stockbridge which is a lovely part of Edinburgh with lots of independent shops and cafes and a Sunday market.
147 habitants recommandent
Water of Leith Walkway
Water of Leith WalkwayYou can reach the Eastern part of the Water of Leith within 15 minutes from our house and walk all the way along through the city or take a bus to the West End and access the walk from Dean Village or the Gallery of Modern Art . A circular walk crossing this river can offer you a glimpse of kingfishers, otters and many small birds. See if you can spot the Anthony Gormley statue close to the bridge at Powderhall. The Water of Leith runs through Stockbridge which is a lovely part of Edinburgh with lots of independent shops and cafes and a Sunday market.
Arts & Culture
Great temporary exhibitions and a vast collection.
114 habitants recommandent
Galleries nationales d'Écosse
The MoundGreat temporary exhibitions and a vast collection.
We love this place. Great cafe and excellent collection. Lots of well-known Scottish public figures are captured in the portraits on display and the special exhibitions are always worth a view.
523 habitants recommandent
Scottish National Portrait Gallery
1 Queen StWe love this place. Great cafe and excellent collection. Lots of well-known Scottish public figures are captured in the portraits on display and the special exhibitions are always worth a view.
Controversial building in many ways but I love the architecture. Tours can be booked and there is easy access to the public gallery to watch parliamentarians at work when Parliament is sitting. You can walk there in 20 minutes but look at the Scottish Parliament website first for up to date advice on opening hours and arrangements for visits and tours.
314 habitants recommandent
Scottish Parliament Building
Controversial building in many ways but I love the architecture. Tours can be booked and there is easy access to the public gallery to watch parliamentarians at work when Parliament is sitting. You can walk there in 20 minutes but look at the Scottish Parliament website first for up to date advice on opening hours and arrangements for visits and tours.
Fantastic location near the Water of Leith. Easily accessible by bus from our home and near the lovely West End which has great independent shops and cafes. Good collection and great temporary exhibitions. Cafe has a gorgeous garden and is often praised for its food.
1010 habitants recommandent
Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art
75 Belford RdFantastic location near the Water of Leith. Easily accessible by bus from our home and near the lovely West End which has great independent shops and cafes. Good collection and great temporary exhibitions. Cafe has a gorgeous garden and is often praised for its food.
Edinburgh has a strong tradition of invention and medical education. This museum tells that story and offers some grisly evidence of what healthcare was like before we had great drugs and the NHS.
114 habitants recommandent
Musées de la Surgeons' Hall
Nicolson StreetEdinburgh has a strong tradition of invention and medical education. This museum tells that story and offers some grisly evidence of what healthcare was like before we had great drugs and the NHS.
An Old Town gem tucked away near the Parliament building. Bookshop and exhibitions and, before covid-19, poetry performances and readings. Perfect if you want to know more about Scotland's poets or buy a special gift for a poetry loving friend.
11 habitants recommandent
Scottish Poetry Library
5 Crichton's ClAn Old Town gem tucked away near the Parliament building. Bookshop and exhibitions and, before covid-19, poetry performances and readings. Perfect if you want to know more about Scotland's poets or buy a special gift for a poetry loving friend.
Beautiful textiles focused exhibitions and great cafe. Good for buying handcrafted gifts. You can also watch tapestry makers at work from the gallery around lunchtime each day. There is no entry fee for that.
39 habitants recommandent
Dovecot Studios
10 Infirmary StBeautiful textiles focused exhibitions and great cafe. Good for buying handcrafted gifts. You can also watch tapestry makers at work from the gallery around lunchtime each day. There is no entry fee for that.
Food scene
Great for brunch/lunch/dinner - seats inside and outdoors in lovely garden. Not sure if bookings needed under new post-lockdown rules so take a look at gardenerscottage.co.uk
339 habitants recommandent
The Gardener's Cottage
1 London RoadGreat for brunch/lunch/dinner - seats inside and outdoors in lovely garden. Not sure if bookings needed under new post-lockdown rules so take a look at gardenerscottage.co.uk
Great for breakfast/lunch/brunch. About 20 minutes walk from our house. Booking might be necessary: edinburghlarder.co.uk
I really love their food and they do local and sustainable food very well.
55 habitants recommandent
The Edinburgh Larder
15 Blackfriars StGreat for breakfast/lunch/brunch. About 20 minutes walk from our house. Booking might be necessary: edinburghlarder.co.uk
I really love their food and they do local and sustainable food very well.
The Mash Tun Bier House & Kitchen
154 Easter RdGood for basic pub food and local beers.
Busy pub with vast range of beers and wines. Good pub food - burgers are a speciality, has always offered table service, Can be very busy but always a good buzzy place.
146 habitants recommandent
The Holyrood 9A
9a Holyrood RdBusy pub with vast range of beers and wines. Good pub food - burgers are a speciality, has always offered table service, Can be very busy but always a good buzzy place.
Modern Mexican food like the Wahaca chain but better. Good for a light meal or a big blow out andserves great cocktails too.
32 habitants recommandent
Bodega - Leith
14-15 Albert PlModern Mexican food like the Wahaca chain but better. Good for a light meal or a big blow out andserves great cocktails too.
Always delicious but booking necessary. Modern food and great cocktails.
36 habitants recommandent
Forage & Chatter
1A Alva StAlways delicious but booking necessary. Modern food and great cocktails.
Lovely cafe with a sister branch in Morrison Street near Haymarket station. Good fresh soups, salads and sandwiches with great ingredients.
41 habitants recommandent
Edinburgh Sculpture Workshop
21 HawthornvaleLovely cafe with a sister branch in Morrison Street near Haymarket station. Good fresh soups, salads and sandwiches with great ingredients.
High end eating in some style. Not sure how chef Tom Kitchin is handling this part of his restaurant business since lockdown but it is open and we absolutely love his food. The set lunch is a huge bargain compared with the a la carte evening menu. The quality is unbeatable so book ahead if you want to enjoy a very special experience here.
278 habitants recommandent
The Kitchin
High end eating in some style. Not sure how chef Tom Kitchin is handling this part of his restaurant business since lockdown but it is open and we absolutely love his food. The set lunch is a huge bargain compared with the a la carte evening menu. The quality is unbeatable so book ahead if you want to enjoy a very special experience here.
Reliable quality in a nearby location - this is always a great place for lunch and dinner. Good quality, feels special but not as expensive as many of the top name, Michelin starred places. Small rooms so check booking system as social distancing will have changed things here.
132 habitants recommandent
Wedgwood The Restaurant
267 Royal MileReliable quality in a nearby location - this is always a great place for lunch and dinner. Good quality, feels special but not as expensive as many of the top name, Michelin starred places. Small rooms so check booking system as social distancing will have changed things here.
Not a great atmosphere but there are some really good food places on the upper floors - personal favourites are Pho (Vietnamese) and Ka Pao which does brilliant SE Asian food. There is also a food court, burger places and the Everyman Cinema which also serves food.
St James Quarter
Not a great atmosphere but there are some really good food places on the upper floors - personal favourites are Pho (Vietnamese) and Ka Pao which does brilliant SE Asian food. There is also a food court, burger places and the Everyman Cinema which also serves food.
The Olive Branch
91 Broughton StMediterranean style menu. Good for lunch or dinner.
Dusit
49A Thistle StDelicious Thai food. Booking advisable.
Fine dining (currently approx £65 for three courses or £95 for tasting menu). Very highly recommended. Unusual cocktails. Very friendly staff and the food is wonderful. Booking usually necessary. They also offer a very good value lunch menu. Recently awarded a Michelin star.
Heron
Fine dining (currently approx £65 for three courses or £95 for tasting menu). Very highly recommended. Unusual cocktails. Very friendly staff and the food is wonderful. Booking usually necessary. They also offer a very good value lunch menu. Recently awarded a Michelin star.
Polish cuisine which comes in big portions and has locals enthusing about the quality. I've not eaten there yet but never heard a bad word.
16 habitants recommandent
The Percy
398 Easter RdPolish cuisine which comes in big portions and has locals enthusing about the quality. I've not eaten there yet but never heard a bad word.
Solti
Nepalese and highly recommended although I've not tried it yet.
Highly recommended by friends and about 5 minutes from our house. Ashamed to say we have not tried this Nepalese place. Sister restaurant to Solti.
11 habitants recommandent
Gautam's
13-14 Dalziel PlHighly recommended by friends and about 5 minutes from our house. Ashamed to say we have not tried this Nepalese place. Sister restaurant to Solti.
Favourite vegan/veggie eating places
Food has varied over the years with different chefs but it is a stylish place offering reliable quality and usually very good service. Just 20 minutes walk from our house.
117 habitants recommandent
David Bann Restaurant
56-58 St Mary's StFood has varied over the years with different chefs but it is a stylish place offering reliable quality and usually very good service. Just 20 minutes walk from our house.
Lovely little cafe which is good for brunch/lunch or afternoon tea. Close to the bus station.
11 habitants recommandent
Holy Cow
34 Elder StLovely little cafe which is good for brunch/lunch or afternoon tea. Close to the bus station.
Reeser Str. 106, 46446 Emmerich am Rhein, Allemagne
Good vegan food and drinks.
Great coffee and vegan food. Has started opening some evenings but I've only visited for lunch.
Plant Bae
220 Haymarket TerraceGreat coffee and vegan food. Has started opening some evenings but I've only visited for lunch.
Never tried this but repeatedly well-reviewed. Friends tell me it is a really good place for veggie/vegan pizza and other Italian style food.
Novapizza
Never tried this but repeatedly well-reviewed. Friends tell me it is a really good place for veggie/vegan pizza and other Italian style food.
Good Scottish food
Modern version of traditional Scottish food. Affordable and good quality. Get your haggis and skirlie here - veggie haggis also served.
22 habitants recommandent
Makars Gourmet Mash Bar (Mound)
9-12 Bank StModern version of traditional Scottish food. Affordable and good quality. Get your haggis and skirlie here - veggie haggis also served.
A tiny place so it is wise to check how they are managing to stay open with social distancing rules. (arcadepub.co.uk) . Offers single malt whiskies from right across Scotland, haggis, neeps and tatties and all sorts of traditional Scottish foods.
28 habitants recommandent
Arcade Bar
48 Cockburn StA tiny place so it is wise to check how they are managing to stay open with social distancing rules. (arcadepub.co.uk) . Offers single malt whiskies from right across Scotland, haggis, neeps and tatties and all sorts of traditional Scottish foods.
More traditional food - but also haggis fritters. This places is famous for its traditional Scottish breakfast. I've never tried it but lots of visitors love it.
9 habitants recommandent
The Royal McGregor
154 High StMore traditional food - but also haggis fritters. This places is famous for its traditional Scottish breakfast. I've never tried it but lots of visitors love it.
Upmarket and fairly expensive but a lovely dining space and lots of whiskies on offer as well as a modern version of traditional Scottish food and local ingredients.
11 habitants recommandent
Amber Restaurant
354 CastlehillUpmarket and fairly expensive but a lovely dining space and lots of whiskies on offer as well as a modern version of traditional Scottish food and local ingredients.
Haven't eaten here for a long time but has a very good reputation for its Scottish themed menus.
23 habitants recommandent
Stac Polly
29-33 Dublin StHaven't eaten here for a long time but has a very good reputation for its Scottish themed menus.
Focuses on using Scottish produce and offers a modern take on traditional Scottish food. Sister branch in Victoria Street. Have eaten well at both branches.
Restaurant Howies
Focuses on using Scottish produce and offers a modern take on traditional Scottish food. Sister branch in Victoria Street. Have eaten well at both branches.
Breakfast/Brunch
Great bakery - pastries, cake, soups, sandwiches and coffee to takeaway.
126 habitants recommandent
Polentoni
38 Easter RdGreat bakery - pastries, cake, soups, sandwiches and coffee to takeaway.
Artisan bakers on Easter Road serving great takeaway coffee, bread and pastries and now has eat-in option.
14 habitants recommandent
Twelve Triangles bakery & provisions
22-24 Easter RdArtisan bakers on Easter Road serving great takeaway coffee, bread and pastries and now has eat-in option.
Queues in the morning indicate the popularity of their great coffee. Also takeaway pastries, cakes and savoury snacks.
24 habitants recommandent
Little Fitzroy Coffee
46 Easter RdQueues in the morning indicate the popularity of their great coffee. Also takeaway pastries, cakes and savoury snacks.
Good for breakfast/brunch/lunch. Great coffee, pastries and cakes. Homemade soups and salads are always delicious. 5 minutes walk from our home
107 habitants recommandent
Red Kite Cafe
7-8 Cadzow PlGood for breakfast/brunch/lunch. Great coffee, pastries and cakes. Homemade soups and salads are always delicious. 5 minutes walk from our home
Conseils sur la ville
Déplacements
Walk, cycle or take a bus to cross Edinburgh quickly
Edinburgh's narrow cobbled streets and new traffic-free neighbourhoods make driving the least good option. Our buses are brilliant - you can tap and pay using debit cards and prices are capped per day no matter how many journeys you make. Bus maps available on-line from Lothian Bus or from Tourist Information.
Cycle hire is possible but mind the hills - some of them are very challenging for the less fit cyclist.
Walking - it only takes 30 minutes to reach the city centre from our home and then 15 - 20 minutes to the West side of the city. Comfortable shoes are the ideal accessory!
Que faut-il apporter?
Bring warm clothes and comfortable shoes
Scottish weather is famous for bringing four seasons in one day. Layers of clothing are your guarantee of the best Edinburgh experience - bring a waterproof (umbrellas do not work well in our windy city), a warm top, a sun hat and comfortable shoes to cope with the cobbled streets and lovely open, grassy spaces.
Manières de faire des économises
Saving money on food and drink
Drinking and eating cheaply in Edinburgh is difficult. Buy from small shops/supermarkets or choose cafes away from the main tourist routes and seek out late afternoon and early evening deals on food and drink. The university area is not cheap, especially when street food outlets arrive to service the festival but smaller less stylish looking places such as some Asian restaurants in that area do offer good value.