Curator’s statement
A UNESCO World Heritage site, the stunning city of Edinburgh is a must-see for history buffs, complete with a Gothic castle overlooking the city center. Step back in time as you stroll around the medieval old town and peruse the many beautiful gardens scattered throughout the city. In Edinburgh, I came across some of the friendliest people I’ve ever met during my travels. From welcoming cafe owners to funny tour guides, everyone was so inviting and proud to share the unique foods, history and traditions that make Edinburgh one of Time Out’s Top Cities in the World.
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Things to do in Edinburgh
Edinburgh Castle: Perched atop Castle Rock, this historic fortress offers breathtaking city views and houses the Crown Jewels of Scotland.
Holyrood House: Visit this spectacular palace, the former home to Mary Queen of Scots and the current site of many state ceremonies hosted by the modern royal family.
Royal Mile: Explore this bustling street filled with shops, restaurants and historic landmarks like St. Giles' Cathedral and the Palace of Holyroodhouse.
Arthur's Seat: Hike up this extinct volcano for panoramic views of Edinburgh and its surrounding landscape. If you’re a fan of the recent Netflix series based on David Nicholls’ book "One Day" (I’ve seen it three times and counting), discover where it all started for Dex and Em.
Calton Hill: Another excellent viewpoint offering stunning vistas of the city and its iconic landmarks.
The Scotch Whisky Experience: Learn about Scotland's national drink and sample some of the finest whiskies in the world.
The Royal Yacht Britannia: A royal residence for over 40 years, The Royal Yacht Britannia sailed over 1,000,000 nautical miles on 968 state visits with the royal family, where they entertained prime ministers and presidents. As an Anglophile and corgi owner, this was one of my favorite tours. I loved seeing where the queen (and her beloved corgis) and the rest of the royal family ventured aboard this spectacular vessel.
Day Trips
No trip to Scotland is complete without trying to catch a glimpse of the legendary Loch Ness Monster. Book a private or small group tour that takes you through the rolling Scottish Highlands spotted with adorable “hairy coos.” Be sure to stop at Glencoe, Cairngorms National Park and Fort Augustus before taking a cruise along the scenic Loch Ness.
Places to eat & drink in Edinburgh
Foodies will find something for everyone in Edinburgh, from hearty pub fare to melt-in-your-mouth pastries. While I was not a fan of the local specialty, haggis, the variety and freshness of the dishes we tried were incredible.
Here are a few of my recommended spots:
Copper Blossom Cocktail Bar: Awash in flowers both inside and outside, this quaint spot is an Instagram star. Copper Blossom features fun craft cocktails along with delicious small bites, making it a perfect choice for a romantic dinner or girls’ night out.
Scott’s on Princes Street: Located inside the Mercure Edinburgh Hotel, this eatery serves local fare including fresh Scotch salmon and crispy fish and chips. Don’t miss their afternoon tea!
Afternoon Tea at The Dome: Enjoy the luxurious tea time tradition in this beautifully restored former bank building, renowned for its dazzling Christmas decor.
Mary’s Milk Bar: Rain or shine, this adorable ice cream shop attracts lines of locals and tourists alike. The menu features handmade gelato and ice cream made with the freshest local ingredients.
The Scran and Scallie: Known as Edinburgh’s leading gastropub, this cozy spot offers an upscale twist on traditional pub food.
Makars Gourmet Mash Bar: This is comfort food at its best — Makars takes mash (potatoes) to new levels offering countless combinations along with traditional Scottish favorites.
Contini George Street: Nestled in New Town, this family-run Italian restaurant crafts dishes using the freshest ingredients from both Scotland and Italy.
Cairngorm, Fortitude, Artisan Roast and The Milkman are all winners when it comes to finding world-class coffee.
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Leslie Birch
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This guide is part of our ongoing series on travel to Edinburgh. Looking for more travel inspiration? Check out my guide, A Foodie’s Guide to Brussels and Bruges, Belgium.