Edinburgh

Attractions I Shopping I Eating Out I Nightlife I Gardens

Scotland’s capital city is known for its rich history, grand architecture, and huge festival. It is a popular tourist destination internationally and thrives economically due to having one of the most productive work forces in the country. As a capital city Edinburgh has a vast range of things to see and do, hopefully this guide will help you out when you next visit:

 

Attractions

Edinburgh Castle 

The city’s most recognisable landmark, Edinburgh Castle site atop an extinct volcano and truly defines the skyline of the city. The castle has a rich history and is open for tours throughout the year, it also regularly plays host to several concerts as well as the city’s Military Tattoo.

Edinburgh Fringe Festival

Every year people flood to Edinburgh for the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, the world’s largest arts festival. Be sure to make the journey for the best in theatre, comedy, music and dance from around the UK every August. The festival runs for four weeks and has something for everybody. 

National Museum of Scotland 

The National Museum of Scotland has a wide variety of exhibitions that range both human and natural history. Learn about the history of our world, from Iron-Age to the Egyptians, by seeing the artifacts that are stored here. A great day out and in the heart of Edinburgh, it also happens to be free!

Camera Obscura 

The Camera Obscura was set up in 1835 and has lost none of its ability to attract a crowd. The unusual lens allows you to view the whole city on the surface of a dish and manipulate aspects of it for comedy value. A guide to illusions as well as the city, Camera Obscura is definitely worth a visit.

City of the Dead Tours 

Edinburgh has a lot of creepy aspects to its history, from the murderers Burke and Hare and the underground city that used to be their hunting grounds, to The Mackenzie Poltergeist that is considered the best example of supernatural existence on record. The City of the Dead Tours are the best way to explore the darker sides of the city’s past and learn about these things and more.

The Scotch Whiskey Experience

Scotland’s most famous export can be explored here in all of its glory, take a tour through a replica distillery and learn about the craft that goes into creating the perfect single malt whiskey. The tour is run by whiskey experts who will help you recognise with each sip where the quality lies. 

 

Shopping

Princes Street

This is the city’s main shopping street and hosts many of the high street brands you would expect from any large UK city. If you want a familiar shopping experience then this is the place to go.

 

George Street

George Street has been called the Bond Street of Edinburgh. It is the part of the city where you can find designer stores and the latest fashions, if you are a person who is impartial to paying for quality then this is the street for you. The area is also known for its nice bars and restaurants; you may need to relax in one after a long shopping session! 

St James’ Shopping Centre 

If you’re unfortunate to visit Edinburgh whilst it’s raining then St James’ can help assure that your retail therapy doesn’t need to stop. The indoor shopping centre holds a wide variety of high street brands as well as places to eat. 

 

Eating Out

Dubh Prais Restaurant  

This restaurant is operated by James McWilliams and deals primarily with traditional Scottish fare. If you want to taste fantastic Scottish cuisine cooked well then this is the place to go. The head chef prides himself on the clientele he has cooked for, which includes celebrities, other chefs, and even royalty.

The Plumed Horse 

This Michelin Star restaurant was voted ‘Restaurant of the Year; 2010-2011’ by Catering in Scotland and, with its impressive menu of largely British meals cooked to perfection, is incredibly popular. Despite its popularity, the restaurant is relatively small so reserving in advance is advised.

Martin Wishart

Martin Wishart was nominated UK Chef’s Chef of the Year in 2010 and his restaurant can be found in the Leith district of the city. Enjoy great food close to the estuary and find out why he is worthy of such accolades.

The Witchery 

A restaurant that is as much about the venue as it is the food. Enjoy dining in the opulent surroundings of The Witchery, with its intricately carved oak panels and antique furniture that make it both unique and beautiful. The food is pretty good too!

 

Nightlife

The Sheep Heid Inn 

Whilst perhaps not strictly a venue that belongs under ‘nightlife’, The Sheep Heid is Scotland’s oldest pub and as such is perhaps worth a visit. A pub has been licensed at The Sheep Heid since 1360 and itplays host to a large range of real ales, hearty food, and a skittle alley! 

Royal Oak 

Another traditional pub, but perhaps a bit livelier; The Royal Oak is known for its live music, which is usually of the Folk variety and can be heard almost every night.

 

The King’s Theatre

Being the location of the world’s largest arts festival means that Edinburgh is not short on theatres to choose from. One that we would pick out however, particularly for the regular theatre-goer would be The King’s Theatre for its wide variety of new theatre and drama. 

Whistle Binkies 

For a more contemporary night out Whistle Binkies has gigs on every night from a range of different music genres, it also has live comedy occasionally. A great option  for a lively night out with good music. 

 

Gardens

Royal Botanic Garden 

The Royal Botanic Garden represents one of the world’s largest plant collections and is open to the public all year round for no charge (unless you wish to enter the glass house). The garden is a short walk from the city centre and is spread out over 70 acres. Enjoy the peace and serenity of these gardens that hold both traditional Scottish plants and those of Asia and the tropics, and everything in between. 

Princes Street Gardens 

This park that lies in the shadow of the castle is not only a great place to relax in the city centre, but also a location for many of the city’s events, such as concerts and the annual Hogmanay celebrations. The park is filled with many monuments and fountains and in the winter is turned into a winter wonderland, complete with a Christmas market.

Holyrood Park 

This 650 acre park in Edinburgh is the highest point in the city and is an area of untamed British wilderness. Lochs, glens and cliffs all make a part of this park that is filled with rolling hills and fantastic views. There are several cultural landmarks within the park also, like the ruins of Holyrood Abbey and the Holyrood palace, which is the official residence of the monarch in Scotland. 

Water of Leith 

The river that runs through Edinburgh is a treasure trove of wildlife. Fish for brown trout or look out for birds that range from kingfishers to woodpeckers, you might spot the occasional otter too!