SIGHTSEEING
Here are just a few of the may many sights to see in Edinburgh in no particular order!
Crammond Beach
Popular beach for dog walking, and if you time it right with low tide you can walk out to Crammond Island (don’t get your timings wrong though! Or you can get stuck out there)
Cockle Mill,
10 School Brae,
Edinburgh EH4 6JN
Calton Hill
A little walk up to the Scotland monument with beautiful views across Edinburgh. This is a must for your visit to Edinburgh! Wonderful views of the city.
Scottish Parliament
Only in existence since the late 1990s, this is a fantastic new building that is well worth seeing inside and out. You can watch proceedings from the public gallery and have a nice cup of tea in the café
Edinburgh
EH99 1SP
Arthur's Seat & Salisbury Crags
A hike up to Arthur’s Seat is highly worthwhile, especially on a nice day when you can see across to the Highlands. Approach is from the gentler eastern slope, which is accessible just beyond the Parliament building.
Surgeons Hall Museum
A little bit morbid, this museum has jars of oddities and specimens to the ceiling. Really fascinating but perhaps don’t have your lunch first.
Nicolson Street
Edinburgh EH8 9DW
Edinburgh Castle
Climb to the top of the Royal mile and explore the historic castle. It is built upon a volcanic plug, and has been royal castle since at least the reign of David I in the 12th century.
Castlehill,
Edinburgh EH1 2NG
The Meadows
This is a lovely park on the South part of town. On a good day there are glorious views across the city and further up north.
Royal Botanic Gardens
Famous gardens and an idyllic spot, just a short 25 min walk from the Apartment. Perfect for the green fingered garden lovers.
Arboretum Pl,
Edinburgh EH3 5NZ
Royal Yacht Britannia
The Shore is a small harbour at the foot of the Water of Leith and is a great spot for a stroll and something to eat and visit the Royal Yacht Britannia. Check out where Charles and Diane spent their honeymoon!).
Ocean Dr,
Edinburgh EH6 6JJ
Mary's King's Close
This particular street was the epicentre of the Black Death… and it was a cruel and gruesome existence for the inhabitants. This historic site provides guided tours of medieval life (and death) in Edinburgh
High Street,
2 Warriston's Close,
Edinburgh EH1 1PG
National Museum of Scotland
A museum with a range of natural science exhibits, local history and also hosts regular “night at the museum” events where you can explore demonstration stands and have a wee drink.
Chambers St,
Edinburgh EH1 1JF
FOR KIDS
Dynamic Earth
Right by the Scottish Parliament in the Holyrood area, this attraction is in a unique building , telling the story of the planet Earth in an engaging educational way. Our kids love it
Edinburgh Zoo
While the famous Pandas are a little sedate to cause exceptional excitement, it’s well worth timing your visit to see the penguin march, which draws crowds every day.
Edinburgh Dungeons
“Edinburgh Dungeons brings together an amazing cast of theatrical actors, special effects, stages, scenes and rides in a truly unique and exciting walk through experience that you will see, hear, touch, smell and feel.”
Princess Street Gardens
There is a great playground on the West side of Princess Street Gardens for kids of all ages
When it comes to restaurants, there are lots in Edinburgh and this recommendation page could go on for a while. What we have done is to simply recommend the restaurants that we love and frequent – nothing more, nothing less. There are plenty more out there… Edinburgh has some really great restaurants:
RESTAURANTS
Restaurants
83 Hanover Street (££)
83 Hanover Street
Edinburgh EH2 1EE
T: +44.131.225.4862
0.3 miles | 7 min walk
The first dining project from Gleneagles heavyweight Juan Castillo Castro sees him blend Scottish produce with flavours from his native Chile
Honours Brasserie (£££)
352 Castlehill,
Edinburgh EH1 2NF
T: +44.131.225.5613
W: www.thewitchery.com
0.7 miles (up) | 20min walk
Fine dining at the very top of the Royal Mile, set in a 16th century house, with a decadent oak-panelled interior. Great location and good food.
The Ivy (££)
6 St Andrews Square
Edinburgh EH2 2BD
T: +44.131.526.4777
W: the ivyedinburgh.com
0.5 miles | 12 min walk
Very good location it is casual dining. The only disadvantage is that the largest table they have sits 8 people. Good atmosphere inside.
Scran and Scallie (££)
1 Comely Bank Rd,
Edinburgh EH4 1DT
T: +44.131.332.6281
W: scranandscallie.com
0.7 miles | 12 min walk
A gastro bistro, linked to the renowned restaurant Kitchin. Heart warming but refined dishes. Great cocktails too.
The Kitchin (££££)
78 Commercial St,
Edinburgh EH6 6LX
T: +44. 131 555 1755
W: thekitchin.com
2.4 miles | 15 min taxi
Tom Kitchin is a Michelin Starred Chef. This is truly an excellent restaurant. Wow. Note it is in Leith area – but worth the taxi ride.
Browns (££)
131-133 George St,
Edinburgh EH2 4JS
T: + 44.131 225 4442
W: browns-restaurants.co.uk
0.4 miles | 9 min walk
Good British chain brasserie and bar. Nothing really special, but good and easy. Especially with family
Café St Honore (££)
34 NW Thistle Street Lane
Edinburgh EH2 1EA
T: +44.131.226.2211
0.2 miles | 5 min walk
French, white table cloths, smart Parisian brasserie décor, great food and service. Possibly not a location for a casual meal.
Angels with bagpipes (££)
343 High St,
Edinburgh EH1 1PW
angelswithbagpipes.co.uk
T: +44.131.220.111
0.8 miles | 20 min walk
Fresh local Scottish ingredients, mixing atmosphere of Old Town with contemporary looks. Very good.
Badger & Co (£)
32 Castle St,
Edinburgh EH2 3HT
T: +44.131.226.5430
W: badgerandco.com
0.4 miles | 8 min walk
The wind in the willows has an influence. Casual, good food and good atmosphere.
Themed Restaurants
Chaophraya [Thai] (££)
33 Castle Street,
Edinburgh EH2 3DN
W: chaophraya.co.uk
T: +44.131.226.7614
0.3 miles | 3 min walk
On Castle Street.. you need to get a lift. Spectacular views of the city. Great Thai food. Can get busy.
Cafe Andaluz [Spanish] (££)
77B George Street,
Edinburgh EH2 3EE
T: +44.131.220.9980
0.2 miles | 6 mins walk
Great tapas restaurant and just a short walk from the apartment. Love it!
Dishoom [Indian] (££)
3a St Andrew Square,
Edinburgh EH2 2BD
T: +44.131.202.6406
W: www.dishoom.com
0.6 miles | 12 min walk
Ok..I accept this is a chain, but by heck do they do Indian food well. Noisy, great food, great atmosphere – typical Bombay.
Nova Pizza [Veg] (£)
42 Howe Street
Edinburgh EH3 6TH
T: +44.131.237.5695
W: novapizza.co.uk
0.1 miles | 3 min walk
Very casual just around the corner.. a great place. Just don’t ask for bacon & eggs!
L'Escargot Blanc [French] (£)
17 Queensferry St,
Edinburgh EH2 4QW
T: +44.131.226.1890
0.6 miles | 13 mins walk
Traditional french restaurant. Great good. Small restaraunt
La Piazza [Italian] (££)
97-99 Shandwick Place
Edinburgh EH2 4SD
T: +44.131.221.1150
W:lapiazzaedinburgh.com
1.0 mile | 15 min walk
Great traditional Italian. Just off the end of Princess St. Family friendly with great food.
Fazenda [Brazilian] (££)
102 George St,
Edinburgh EH2 3DF
T: +44.131.215.1234
W: fazenda.co.uk
0.4 miles | 7 min walk
Having being born and lived in Brasil for 15 years, this is an excellent restaurant! Traditional rodizio.
Gaucho [Steak] (£££)
4a St Andrews Square
Edinburgh EH2 2BD
T: +44.131.278.3410
W: gauchorestaurants.com
0.5 miles | 12 min walk
Ok..a chain but by heck are the steaks good! Mixed with a great wine… I have spent a bob or two (or three) in this restaurant!
Hendersons [Vegan] (£)
94 Hanover Street
Edinburgh EH2 1DR
T: +44.131.225.2131
W: www.hendersonsofedinburgh.co.uk
0.3 miles | 7 mins walk
Established restaurant offering some great Vegan choices. Casual
Kweilin [Chinese] (££)
19-21 Dundas St
Edinburgh EH3 6QG
T: +44.131.557.1875
W: kweilin.net
0.2 miles | 2 min walk
Our local Chinese restaurant. Nothing fancy, just great service and food. Ask for the round table if you are 8 people.
El Carte [Mexican] (£)
64 Thistle St,
Edinburgh EH2 1EN
T: +44.131.226.7171
W: elcartelmexicana.co.uk
0.2 miles | 5 min walk
Mexican street food, this tiny restaurant is incredibly popular, with no bookings so expect to be sent to BOM Vivant whilst you wait.
Kanpai Sushi [Japanese] (££)
8-10 Grindlay St,
Edinburgh EH3 9AS
T: +44.131.228.1602
W: kanpaisushiedinburgh.co.uk
0.9 miles | 20 mins
Excellent Japanese restaurant... small and great food.
Bars... some with food
Whighams Wine Cellars
13 Hope Street
Edinburgh EH2 4EL
T: +44.131.225.8674
W: www.whighams.com
0.5 miles | 10 min walk
One of my favourite. Lovely wine bar and they serve food too.
The Rat Pack Piano Bar
9 Shandwick Pl,
Edinburgh EH2 4RG
T: +44.131.228.9147
W: ratpackpianobar.com
0.6 miles | 13 min walk
This is a cocktail and piano bar with live music, nightly and dancing until late. This together with Fingers Piano Bar is ideal if you are in for very late.
The Queens Arms
49 Frederick St
Edinburgh EH2 1EP
T: +44.131.225.1045
W: www.queensarmsedinburgh.com
0.2 miles | 4 min walk
Traditional pub with some great ales. The décor is spectacular..
Jolly Botanist
256-260 Morrison St,
Edinburgh EH3 8DT
T: +44.131.228.5596
W: thejollybotanist.co.uk
1.0 miles | 21 min walk
Choose from over 72 gins here, in the summer they open out the bar front for an outdoorsy feel.
Panda and Son's
Hipster, speakeasy style bar, at the end of Queen Street, this is a popular spot with an exciting cocktail menu
Kays Bar
My local. Not a tourist in side. Just around the corner from the apartment. Very small and traditional pub
Malt Whisky Society
28 Queen St,
Edinburgh EH2 1JX
T: +44.131.220.2044
W: www.smws.com
0.2 miles | 4 min walk
If you want to try Whisky and learn too.. go here. You will not be able to buy any bottles… but some truly great whisky on offer.
Pickles of Broughton
56A Broughton St,
Edinburgh EH1 3SA
T: +44.131 557 5005
W: getpickled.co.uk
0.7 miles | 13 min walk
French style cheese and wine bar. Absolutely excellent value for money and a wide range of wine, cheese and charcuterie.
Hoot the Redeemer
Hanover St,
Edinburgh EH2 1DJ
T: +44.131.220.0310
W: hoottheredeemer.com
0.4 miles | 9 min walk
Sister bar to panda, Hoot is a little more hipster and quirky, you go down some steps into this underground bar Try the Mixed Fortune... it sounds weird
Usquabae Whisky Bar
2-4 Hope Street
Edinburgh Eh2 4DB
T: +44.131.290.2284
W: www.usquabae.co.uk
0.5 miles | 11 min walk
A cosy bar in the west end, with a wide range of whiskeys, they host whiskey tasting too if you fancy it
The Devil’s Advocate
9 Advocates Cl,
Edinburgh EH1 1ND
T: +44.131.225.4465
W: devilsadvocateedinburgh.co.uk
0.8 miles | 18 min walk
Set in the old town this is a great bar. Can be a wee bit touristy but great. I love how they carve the ice for your drinks. They also serve good food.
Juniper
20 Princes St,
Edinburgh EH2 2AN
T: +44.131.652.7370
W: juniperedinburgh.co.uk
0.7 miles | 15 min walk
The cocktails are theatrical, if you pick the right ones, some in teapots, smoking away in cafetières. Their standard gin and tonics are stylish too
