Edinburgh City Break

Explore Edinburgh’s Top Attractions

Edinburgh Castle – Sitting on top of an extinct volcano, the Castle is the most iconic image of Edinburgh and a must see during your stay. Stand at the castle Esplanade for the best views around the city or if you have time the definitely take the tour around the castle. During peak summer season book tickets in advance to avoid disappointment.

Arthur’s Seat – Fantastic routed walks are highly recommended around Arthur’s seat. If the weather is nice, this is a must for your visit. Great views of Edinburgh from the top!!

Calton Hill – An easy climb from Regent Road, either by steps or by taking the road which winds round the back of the hill. There you’ll find the National Monument, Nelson Monument, Dugald Stewart Monument, the original Edinburgh Observatory and lots of great viewpoints to see the whole city. A great place to visit for photographers.

The Meadow’s – Another one of Edinburgh’s large green spaces. On a sunny day, the Meadow’s is the place to be and where the locals go. Only a 10-minute walk from our apartment. Many fun summers afternoons have been spent here with friends, having a few drinks on the grass or enjoying a BBQ. While you’re there, stop by The Blackbird bar for a drink in their beer garden. They also do really good food.

Broughton Street – Broughton Street is a vibrant & exciting Street on the edge of Edinburgh’s New Town district. The Street is full of character with innovative & award winning places to visit. Independent shops and cafes and boutiques can be found here. Artisan roast is the place to go for a coffee, or why not stop by Treacle for a cocktail. Narcissus Flowers is a beautiful florist, definitely worth a visit if you like unusual blooms.

Victoria Street – On the top 10 of the most beautiful streets in the UK and definitely one to snap a photo of for your Instagram feed. Quirky shops & great food. Look for Maison Bleue, a French restaurant with good lunch deals & lovely atmosphere in the evenings! Don’t forget to head up Victoria Terrace for a better view over The Grassmarket.

Available for Edinburgh Festival Let and Rugby Weekend Bookings

Art’s Culture and Sport

The National Museum of Scotland – Definitely put a visit here on your to-do-list. A great place to spend a few hours getting lost in. Everything from Dinosaurs to F1 cars, Egyptian mummy’s to Persian rugs and everything in between. The kids will love it, as will you!

The Portrait Gallery – Located at the far end of Queen Street, the portrait gallery houses the national collections of portraits, all of which happen to be of Scots. In addition, it also holds the Scottish National Photography Collection. The gothic sandstone building is a piece of art in itself and the building has a quiet, calm ambience.

The Gallery of Modern Art – If you love modern art then this is the place for you. Spread across two buildings which face each other: Modern One and Modern Two, the gallery has the largest modern art collection in Scotland. The café is also worth a visit while you’re there with homemade cakes and good tea and coffee in a beautiful garden setting.

Ghost Tour – If you aren’t easily spooked then book yourself on to one of Edinburgh’s many ghost tours and learn about the city’s terrifying past. From Burke and Hair to the Plague, you’ll visit graveyards, underground caves and might even see a ghost or two. If you’re really brave, go on one of the night tours!!

Murrayfield Stadium – If you love Rugby then don’t leave Edinburgh without stopping off at Murrayfield Stadium. Accessible easily via Edinburgh Trams, Murrayfield is Scotlands largest Rugby stadium.

Hearts & Hibs Football Stadiums – The two Edinburgh local football teams are Hearts and Hibs, why not catch a game at either Tynecastle or Easter Road stadium while you’re visiting. Soak up the atmosphere, sing some songs and enjoy a half-time scotch pie and Bovril.

Top Picks For Foodies – Eat, Drink and Be Merry

Let’s Do Brunch

Dishoom – A new Edinburgh restaurant with a middle eastern twist. Expect sausages served inside a freshly made nan bread with chilli jam and a side of masala beans. It sounds crazy but it’s delicious and will leave you wanting to return for more!

Montpellier’s – A perfect brunch restaurant with all the things you’d expect. Can’t go wrong with a classic Eggs benedict and a bloody mary! Why not come back for a mid-week dinner where they offer great 3-course deals.

But First…Coffee!

Starbucks on Princes Street – For the perfect view of the castle (£)

The Dome – A must visit during the festive season, just to see the Christmas decorations, it’s like a magical winter wonderland. (££)

Maison de Moggy – If you’re looking for something a bit different, enjoy a coffee surrounded by the dozen resident cats, and they have the most amazing cakes! (£££)

Artisan Roast – On the beautiful Broughton Street this place couldn’t be more hipster if it tried. Said to be the best coffee stop in Edinburgh, or if you love a Hot Chocolate like me, try the White Chocolate one, it’s a dream!

Afternoon Tea

The Tower – A Michelin-starred restaurant on the top floor of the National gallery, it hosts the best views of the castle. They do a fantastic afternoon tea!

The Printing Press (@ The George Hotel) – My personal favourite in Edinburgh, a beautiful setting and tasty food with the perfect balance of sweet and savoury and a great Tea selection!! If you love afternoon tea, visit here!

Mademoiselle Macaroon – Ok so not technically afternoon tea, but if you’d like a sweet bite, and you’re a sucker for a macaroon then this is the pace to go. Only a 5-minute walk from our apartment on Grindlay Street, the macaroons here are Paris-worthy! The owner trained at Laudure in Paris and makes all the classic flavours as well as some Scottish ones including Irn-Bru and Innis and Gunn!! They also do classes for groups if you fancy making your own!

Dinner in Edinburgh

The Witchery – Iconic, Stunning, atmospheric restaurant. Expect a fine dining experience, local produce and a magical setting. (£££)

Angels with Bagpipes – A beautiful restaurant on The Royal Mile specialising in local produce and Scottish Cuisine. They can be pricey in the evening but they do a reasonably priced 3-course lunch menu, so definitely worth a visit. (££)

Kyloe – If you love a good Steak then put here on your list of places to eat. If you’re unsure on what cut of meat to order, ask the knowledgeable waiter’s to bring out the meat board and talk you through the menu, it provides a great restaurant experience. (££)

Divino – Our favourite restaurant that we stumbled upon completely by accident located under George IV Bridge in a cosy wine cellar. They do excellent Italian food and hundreds of delicious wines, all available by the glass. It’s family run and the staff are lovely!  (££)

Topalabamba – Mexican Tapa’s located just 2 minutes’ walk from our apartment on Lothian road. Expect Mexican street food, small plates, margaritas and sombreros. Do I need to say anymore? (££)

The Beer Kitchen – Restaurant/Bar owned by Edinburgh brewery Innis and Gunn serve fantastic Scottish Pub food. As well as their own beers served by the bottle or on the draft they stock lots of other craft beers. The food is hearty and filling. If you go for lunch then have the Cullen Skink Soup, it’s a Scottish favourite and tastes amazing! If you aren’t into fish then you can’t go wrong with the burger and hand-cut chunky chips! Expect home comforts and a relaxed atmosphere. Oh and the Rum cask beer is a must try!  (£)

First Coast – Scottish Cuisine and a seasonal menu, located on Dalry Road (About a 15-minute walk from our apartment) The food is what you’d expect from a fine dining restaurant, but at a more reasonable price and a more relaxed atmosphere. The wine is great, too! (££)

Chez Jules – French café that does the best steak and chips with a garlic butter sauce. Excellent lunch time menus with 3-course deal for less than £15. If you feel daring order the frogs’ legs and Snails Eeek! (£)

Burgers and Beers Grill House – Located on the Royal Mile, if you’re looking for a burger this is the place to visit. They serve all the classics as well as the more experimental all at a decent price! Leave room for a freak-shake too, they’re amazing – like a milkshake and a dessert rolled into one!(£)

Chaoprya – A rooftop Thai restaurant with stunning views of Edinburgh Castle. (£££)

Drinks & Cocktails

Panda & Sons – Cool little cocktail bar found hidden down a secret stairway through the back of a bookcase – Seriously! Here’s the clue, look for the barber shop!!

Tigerlily – One of Edinburgh’s finest cocktail bars (which is also reflected in the price) with beautiful interiors and an amazing drinks selection. Good music on a Friday and Saturday night! Definitely worth a visit for drinks, although the food menu is also great! One of my personal faves!!

Devils Advocate – Located just off the Royal Mile down a staircase, this dark atmospheric little bar is cosy and enchanting. The Old Fashioned cocktail is delicious if you’re a fan. I hear the food is also really good!

Dragonfly – Great little bar close to our apartment for drinks on a weeknight or a weekend. Lively with a good drinks selection.

Lebowskis – Great burgers and cocktails inspired by the film The Big Lebowski. They have a large selection of White Russians – Try the salted caramel one, it’s a dream! 30 seconds walk from our flat. Very friendly staff.

Candybar – Great little bar, reasonably priced drinks and food. DJ’s on a Friday and Saturday night. Ideal for drinks before going out!

The Jolly Botanist – A new gin bar that opened up next to us this year. Great place to go to day or night. Always busy for lunch or dinner. And has a good atmosphere every night.

The Voodoo Rooms – If you like a bit of 1920s glamour then this is the bar for you. Like something out of The Great Gatsby with its gold and black art deco interior, it’s unlike any other bar and definitely worth a visit. Amazing cocktails and DJs on a weekend create a great atmosphere.

Dance All Night

LULU – The most glam club in Edinburgh if you’re looking to get dressed up and dance the night away. The downside is that it only has one room but the DJ’s are good although drinks are a bit more expensive. Oh, and did I mention they have a light up dance floor?!

Cabaret Voltaire (Cab Vol) – If you like house music and good DJ talent then this might be more up your street, located in caves above The Cowgate, the club’s located in the basement with a bar area upstairs.

Supercube – If you like a bit of Karaoke then there’s no better place to spend an evening. Why not book a private room if there’s a group of you. Pizza and drinks deals available and cocktails by the jug.

The Jazz Bar – Live jazz music most nights of the week with fantastic local and world renowned acts playing this cosy little venue which could be something straight out of Paris. Good wine. Great music. A good night is always guaranteed.

Shop till you Drop

The Royal Mile – The mile long cobbled street that starts from The Castle and ends at The Palace of Holyrood House is definitely a must visit if you’re looking to pick up some souvenirs or local crafts. Shops selling everything from cashmere and candles to kilts and whisky, The Royal Mile has it all. While you’re there see some of the iconic sights of Edinburgh including St Giles Cathedral, The Heart of Midlothian and a statue of the philosopher David Hume; who’s toe it’s said to be lucky to rub!

Princes Street & George Street – It’s not often that the main shopping street in the city is looked over by an ancient castle… On Princes Street you’ll find several department stores, I’d recommend Jenner’s as its Edinburgh’s oldest Department store, and can be found at the far end of Princes Street. There’s also flagships of top high street brands including Topshop, H&M and Zara. Personally, I enjoy a stroll along George Street as it has nicer, more boutique style stores. If you love home accessories then definitely stop by Anthropologie. If you’re shopping for a special gift then ROX jewellers is a must visit.

Harvey Nichols and Multree’s Walk – If you like the finer things in life, Harvey Nichols has four floors of the newest season designer fashion, accessories and food. While you’re there, take a stroll down Multrees walk for more high end shops including Burberry, Louis Vuitton, Sandro and Mulberry to name a few.

The Grassmarket and Victoria Street – Lot’s of quirky shops to stroll through. Definitely visit ‘A-ha-ha- Joke Shop’ for a giggle or if you have kids and Armstrongs Vintage Shop, as you might find a treasure. There’s also a market here on a Saturday selling local crafts and produce so worth a wander.

Edinburgh Farmers Market – Located on Castle Terrace, just a 5 minute walk from our apartment every Saturday morning from 10am, vendors sell local produce. I highly recommend picking up a venison burger for breakfast, they’re delicious!