Edinburgh City Guide
Food Scene
Arguably the best steaks in Edinburgh here. I say arguably because there is a large number of places to choose from! But this place is right up there. 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 waiters to bring out the meat board and talk you through the menu, it provides a great restaurant experience. (££)
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Kyloe
1-3 Rutland StreetArguably the best steaks in Edinburgh here. I say arguably because there is a large number of places to choose from! But this place is right up there. 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 waiters to bring out the meat board and talk you through the menu, it provides a great restaurant experience. (££)
A beautiful restaurant on The Royal Mile specialising in local produce and Scottish Cuisine. They can be pricy in the evening, but they do a reasonably priced 3 course lunch menu, so definitely worth a visit. Always quite busy so good to book ahead. (££)
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Angels with Bagpipes
343 High StA beautiful restaurant on The Royal Mile specialising in local produce and Scottish Cuisine. They can be pricy in the evening, but they do a reasonably priced 3 course lunch menu, so definitely worth a visit. Always quite busy so good to book ahead. (££)
Amazing Italian food and wines to die for!! A secret hideaway of a restaurant that not a lot of people in Edinburgh know about. Our favourite place in Edinburgh to go out for dinner and red wine!! We stumbled upon it completely by accident located under George IV Bridge. They do excellent Italian food and hundreds of delicious wines, all available by the glass. Its family run and the staff are lovely! (££)
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Divino Enoteca Italian Restaurant & Wine Bar
5 Merchant StAmazing Italian food and wines to die for!! A secret hideaway of a restaurant that not a lot of people in Edinburgh know about. Our favourite place in Edinburgh to go out for dinner and red wine!! We stumbled upon it completely by accident located under George IV Bridge. They do excellent Italian food and hundreds of delicious wines, all available by the glass. Its family run and the staff are lovely! (££)
Cracking little Italian restaurant. Great food and tasty wines. Service is excellent, very friendly, authentic Italian waiters with a sense of humour.
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Mia Italian Kitchen Dalry
96 Dalry RdCracking little Italian restaurant. Great food and tasty wines. Service is excellent, very friendly, authentic Italian waiters with a sense of humour.
Fun Mexican restaurant. All the classics. Small plates make it ideal for sharing food with friends and an unlimited supply of margaritas. Woo hoo! (££)
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Topolabamba
93 Lothian RdFun Mexican restaurant. All the classics. Small plates make it ideal for sharing food with friends and an unlimited supply of margaritas. Woo hoo! (££)
Located on Lothian Road, the restaurant/Bar is owned by Edinburgh brewery Innis and Gunn serves fantastic Scottish Pub food. As well as their own beers served by the bottle or on draft. The food is hearty and filling. Expect home comforts and a relaxed atmosphere. (££)
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Innis & Gunn Brewery Taproom
81-83 Lothian RdLocated on Lothian Road, the restaurant/Bar is owned by Edinburgh brewery Innis and Gunn serves fantastic Scottish Pub food. As well as their own beers served by the bottle or on draft. The food is hearty and filling. Expect home comforts and a relaxed atmosphere. (££)
Iconic, Stunning, atmospheric restaurant. Expect a fine dining experience, local produce and a magical setting. (£££)
It is quite expensive, but worth shelling out for the experience. Ideal for special occasions.
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The Witchery by the Castle
352 CastlehillIconic, Stunning, atmospheric restaurant. Expect a fine dining experience, local produce and a magical setting. (£££)
It is quite expensive, but worth shelling out for the experience. Ideal for special occasions.
Located on Thistle street, the small cobbled lane behind George Street, this tiny restaurant does amazing Thai food. (££)
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Dusit
49A Thistle StLocated on Thistle street, the small cobbled lane behind George Street, this tiny restaurant does amazing Thai food. (££)
Mediterranean inspired small plates and charcoal grilled dishes. Perfect for sharing. One of our favourite restaurants in Edinburgh. (££)
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BABA
130 George StMediterranean inspired small plates and charcoal grilled dishes. Perfect for sharing. One of our favourite restaurants in Edinburgh. (££)
French café that does the best steak and chips with a garlic butter sauce. Excellent lunch time menus with 3 course deals for less than £15. If you feel daring order the frogs legs and Snails Eeek! (£)
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Chez Jules
109 Hanover StFrench café that does the best steak and chips with a garlic butter sauce. Excellent lunch time menus with 3 course deals for less than £15. If you feel daring order the frogs legs and Snails Eeek! (£)
Dark and cosy surroundings, artisan cocktails and mouth-watering dishes. Feels like a step back in time to a Parisian style underground bar. Fantastic service with a smile. (££)
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Lady Libertine
25 W Register StDark and cosy surroundings, artisan cocktails and mouth-watering dishes. Feels like a step back in time to a Parisian style underground bar. Fantastic service with a smile. (££)
Vibrant diner-bar serving innovative South-East Asian street food and cocktails in an upbeat vibe.
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Bar Soba Edinburgh
104 Hanover StVibrant diner-bar serving innovative South-East Asian street food and cocktails in an upbeat vibe.
Rustic-chic gastropub with a Modern Scottish menu, draught and bottled beers, and whiskies galore.
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The Scran and Scallie
1 Comely Bank RdRustic-chic gastropub with a Modern Scottish menu, draught and bottled beers, and whiskies galore.
Traditional & modern Chinese cuisine served in an opulent restaurant festooned with cherry blossoms.
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Tattu Edinburgh
18 W Register StTraditional & modern Chinese cuisine served in an opulent restaurant festooned with cherry blossoms.
Relaxed Thai restaurant with a no reservation policy and a hip, vibrant dining room.
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tingthai-CARAVAN Lothian Road
55-57 Lothian RdRelaxed Thai restaurant with a no reservation policy and a hip, vibrant dining room.
Informal Indian dining with a tapas concept in a bustling, spacious two-level eatery with takeaway.
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Mother India's Cafe
3-5 Infirmary StInformal Indian dining with a tapas concept in a bustling, spacious two-level eatery with takeaway.
Funky destination for imaginative vegetarian dining with an on-site record store, bar & hangout.
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Paradise Palms
41 Lothian StFunky destination for imaginative vegetarian dining with an on-site record store, bar & hangout.
Heritage gastropub named after the 19th-century philanthropist, serving hearty European dishes and indulgent artisan cocktails
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The Voyage Of Buck
29-31 William StHeritage gastropub named after the 19th-century philanthropist, serving hearty European dishes and indulgent artisan cocktails
Bustling, richly-decorated corner brasserie/bar with a range of craft beers plus Sunday brunch.
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Montpeliers
159-161 Bruntsfield PlBustling, richly-decorated corner brasserie/bar with a range of craft beers plus Sunday brunch.
Drinks & Nightlife
Large selection of tasty beers served here. Always busy and lively.
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BrewDog Edinburgh
143 CowgateLarge selection of tasty beers served here. Always busy and lively.
Great little traditional pub tucked away off of the royal mile. It has an open fire and is a great place to warm up with a drink two with no frills.
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Jolly Judge
7 James CtGreat little traditional pub tucked away off of the royal mile. It has an open fire and is a great place to warm up with a drink two with no frills.
Great little bar for drinks. Busy most nights through the week and lively at weekends. Close to the Grassmarket
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Dragonfly
52 West PortGreat little bar for drinks. Busy most nights through the week and lively at weekends. Close to the Grassmarket
Big pub/restaurant right next to Haymarket which has a wide selection of beer and spirits. Ideal for a quick drink before/after getting train at Haymarket. Good for watching sporting events.
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Platform 5
8 Clifton TerraceBig pub/restaurant right next to Haymarket which has a wide selection of beer and spirits. Ideal for a quick drink before/after getting train at Haymarket. Good for watching sporting events.
Local pool hall. They have about 20 pool tables. Great beers on tap. Pizza's are good. Prices are fairly cheap.
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Marcos
79 Grove StLocal pool hall. They have about 20 pool tables. Great beers on tap. Pizza's are good. Prices are fairly cheap.
One of Edinburgh's finest cocktail bar's and restaurants. (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. Also ideal for larger groups, but do book ahead.
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Tigerlilly
125 George StOne of Edinburgh's finest cocktail bar's and restaurants. (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. Also ideal for larger groups, but do book ahead.
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!!
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Panda & Sons
79 Queen StCool 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!!
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!
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The Devil's Advocate
9 Advocate's ClLocated 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!
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.
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The Voodoo Rooms
19a W Register StIf 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.
Another George Street classic. Voted one of the best cocktail bars in Edinburgh countless years in a row.
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Tonic
34A N Castle StAnother George Street classic. Voted one of the best cocktail bars in Edinburgh countless years in a row.
A lovely cocktail bar near George Street with lovely floral interiors. An instagram worthy location for drinks.
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Copper Blossom
107 George StA lovely cocktail bar near George Street with lovely floral interiors. An instagram worthy location for drinks.
Beer bar in the Grassmarket with a roof terrace and a perfect view of the castle.
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Cold Town House
4 GrassmarketBeer bar in the Grassmarket with a roof terrace and a perfect view of the castle.
A classic Edinburgh pub located on William Street. Beers and ales on tap, good classic pub food and live sports.
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Teuchters
26 William StA classic Edinburgh pub located on William Street. Beers and ales on tap, good classic pub food and live sports.
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.
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The Jazz Bar
1a Chambers StLive 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.
Great bar which is ideal to visit through the day or in the evening too. Good food and great drinks. Open till 1am every night.
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Candy Bar & Diner
113 - 115 George StGreat bar which is ideal to visit through the day or in the evening too. Good food and great drinks. Open till 1am every night.
Entertainment & Activities
One of Edinburgh’s large green spaces. On a sunny day, the Meadow’s is the place to be and where the locals go. 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.
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The Meadows
Melville DriveOne of Edinburgh’s large green spaces. On a sunny day, the Meadow’s is the place to be and where the locals go. 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.
Shopping
If you are here over the weekend, going to the farmers market on a Saturday morning is a must. It runs from 9am to 2pm every Saturday. Loads of unique fresh food and drinks available to try and buy.
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Edinburgh Farmers' Market
Castle TerraceIf you are here over the weekend, going to the farmers market on a Saturday morning is a must. It runs from 9am to 2pm every Saturday. Loads of unique fresh food and drinks available to try and buy.
Nice boutique stores and plenty places to stop for a cocktail or coffee. If you love home accessories, then stop by Anthropologie. If you’re shopping for a special gift, then ROX jewellers is a must visit.
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George Street
George StreetNice boutique stores and plenty places to stop for a cocktail or coffee. If you love home accessories, then stop by Anthropologie. If you’re shopping for a special gift, then ROX jewellers is a must visit.
New, much anticipated shopping centre that’s opened near St Andrews Square with luxury and high street brands as well as a variety of European retailers.
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St James Shopping
St James CrescentNew, much anticipated shopping centre that’s opened near St Andrews Square with luxury and high street brands as well as a variety of European retailers.
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.
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Harvey Nichols
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.
Antique shops and posh art galleries rub shoulders with independent boutique jewellers and upholsters. Great for a rummage for everything from an original art piece to a set of antique door knobs or a shabby chic dresser.
Dundas Street
Dundas StreetAntique shops and posh art galleries rub shoulders with independent boutique jewellers and upholsters. Great for a rummage for everything from an original art piece to a set of antique door knobs or a shabby chic dresser.
The Eco Larder is Edinburgh’s first ZERO WASTE store. Recently opened by two of our friends, it’s located on Morrison Street and is a plastic free supermarket with a mission to reduce waste on a local level to help the planet on a global level. They are a social enterprise, not for profit aiming to help the local community, educate people about the harm that plastic is causing to our planet and also support local businesses. Please go visit them during your stay, they’ll be happy to welcome you.
The Howard
34 Great King StThe Eco Larder is Edinburgh’s first ZERO WASTE store. Recently opened by two of our friends, it’s located on Morrison Street and is a plastic free supermarket with a mission to reduce waste on a local level to help the planet on a global level. They are a social enterprise, not for profit aiming to help the local community, educate people about the harm that plastic is causing to our planet and also support local businesses. Please go visit them during your stay, they’ll be happy to welcome you.
Arts & Culture
Large concert hall that has a variety of performances nightly.
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The Usher Hall
Lothian RoadLarge concert hall that has a variety of performances nightly.
The Royal Lyceum Theatre is a 658-seat theatre, named after the Theatre Royal Lyceum and English Opera House. Drama performances regularly.
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The Lyceum
30b Grindlay StThe Royal Lyceum Theatre is a 658-seat theatre, named after the Theatre Royal Lyceum and English Opera House. Drama performances regularly.
Edinburgh's largest conference centre is 3 minute's walk away from our apartment. The location often hosts events and shows.
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Edinburgh International Conference Centre
150 Morrison StEdinburgh's largest conference centre is 3 minute's walk away from our apartment. The location often hosts events and shows.
Located at the far end of Queen Street, the portrait gallery houses the national collections of portraits, all of which are of, but not necessarily by, 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.
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Scottish National Portrait Gallery
1 Queen StLocated at the far end of Queen Street, the portrait gallery houses the national collections of portraits, all of which are of, but not necessarily by, 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.
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 a collection of more than 6000 paintings, sculptures, installations, video work, prints and drawings and also stages major exhibitions. The café is also worth a visit while you’re there with homemade cakes and good tea and coffee in a beautiful garden setting.
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Gallery of Modern Art station
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 a collection of more than 6000 paintings, sculptures, installations, video work, prints and drawings and also stages major exhibitions. The café is also worth a visit while you’re there with homemade cakes and good tea and coffee in a beautiful garden setting.
The official residence of the British monarch in Scotland. Located at the bottom of the Royal Mile in Edinburgh. The Historic Apartments of Mary, Queen of Scots and the State Apartments, used for official and state entertaining, are open to the public throughout the year. Pay a visit and keep an eye out for the Queen as she often visits in the summer months.
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Palace of Holyroodhouse
CanongateThe official residence of the British monarch in Scotland. Located at the bottom of the Royal Mile in Edinburgh. The Historic Apartments of Mary, Queen of Scots and the State Apartments, used for official and state entertaining, are open to the public throughout the year. Pay a visit and keep an eye out for the Queen as she often visits in the summer months.
For both an original and highly enjoyable experience in Edinburgh, I highly recommend a visit to Camera Obscura, locate at the top of the Royal Mile beside the castle. There is a museum full of illusions and optical tricks as well as breathtakingly beautiful views of the city from the tower.
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Camera Obscura and World of Illusions
549 CastlehillFor both an original and highly enjoyable experience in Edinburgh, I highly recommend a visit to Camera Obscura, locate at the top of the Royal Mile beside the castle. There is a museum full of illusions and optical tricks as well as breathtakingly beautiful views of the city from the tower.
Take in the beautiful surroundings of the Royal Botanic gardens. The perfect place to wander on a beautiful sunny day. From the Victorian style glass houses to the manicured gardens. It’s definitely worth a visit.
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Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh
Arboretum PlaceTake in the beautiful surroundings of the Royal Botanic gardens. The perfect place to wander on a beautiful sunny day. From the Victorian style glass houses to the manicured gardens. It’s definitely worth a visit.
Sightseeing
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!!
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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!!
Edinburgh has a world class museum which is free to visit! Well worth going to. Ideal for a rainy day.
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National Museum of Scotland
Edinburgh has a world class museum which is free to visit! Well worth going to. Ideal for a rainy day.
A must visit if you come to Edinburgh. Even if you don't go inside the castle you should walk up to the esplanade to catch a great view of Edinburgh!! 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 time, definitely take the tour around the castle. During peak summer season book tickets in advance to avoid disappointment.
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Edinburgh Castle
CastlehillA must visit if you come to Edinburgh. Even if you don't go inside the castle you should walk up to the esplanade to catch a great view of Edinburgh!! 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 time, definitely take the tour around the castle. During peak summer season book tickets in advance to avoid disappointment.
An easy climb from Regent Road, either by steps or by taking the roadway which winds round the back of the hill. Up there are 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 for photographers.
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Calton Hill
Calton HillAn easy climb from Regent Road, either by steps or by taking the roadway which winds round the back of the hill. Up there are 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 for photographers.