Edinburgh City Guide
Edinburgh, a magical city with winding cobblestone streets, medieval castles, and colorful shops that inspired the Harry Potter books, is a must visit for anyone interested in history, lovely architecture, and culture.
Here is our guide to make the most of Edinburgh, split up into 3 sections (See, Eat, Stay):
Table Of Contents
See
- Victoria Street
- National Museum of Scotland
- Edinburgh Castle
- Carlton Hill
- Greyfriars Kirkyard
- Palace of Holyroodhouse
- St Giles Cathedral
- Scott Monument
- Writers Museum
- Dean Village
- The Vennel
- Circus Lane
- Transreal Fiction
- Armstrongs Vintage
Eat
- Mary’s Milk Bar
- Let Me Eat Too
- 127 Coffee Shop
- Brew Lab Coffee
- Williams & Johnson Coffee
- Ting Thai Caravan
- Brasserie Prince
- Dishoom
- Bodega
- Kim’s Bulgogi
- Vietnam House
- Union of Genius
- Vennel
Stay
See
Victoria Street
One of Edinburgh’s most iconic landmarks, this cobblestoned street lined with brightly colored shops and buildings was one of the inspirations for Diagon Alley in the Harry Potter series.
National Museum of Scotland
An amazing museum with a wide variety of informative displays ranging from world culture, science, technology, and art - this is a great way to spend at least half a day, especially if it’s raining outside. On top of it all, the museum is completely free!
Edinburgh Castle
Edinburgh Castle is one of the most popular sites with over one million visitors per year.
It gets busy and crowded very quickly, so it’s best to purchase tickets in advance and arrive by 9 am to get in line. If you get there at 9:15 am, the line will already be quite long.
Once you enter, go right for the Crown Jewels as this will be one of the rare chances to see them without crowds.
Next visit the Royal Apartments, Great Hall, and the Scottish National War Memorial.
If you can’t get to the castle at 9 am and want to avoid crowds, go right at the end of the day.
Also, if you love castles like this, check out this guide to the best castles in Scotland!
Carlton Hill
For one of the best views of Edinburgh, walk up the gentle slope to the top of Carlton Hill.
There is a lovely Athenian Acropolis at the top along with stunning panoramic views from all sides once you reach the top.
We especially loved viewing sunset from the top of Carlton Hill.
This is also one of the easy stops if you’re doing a road trip through Scotland.
Greyfriars Kirkyard
Supposedly one of the most haunted graveyards in the world, I actually found this graveyard to be quite photogenic!
But watch out because since 1999, after the Black Mausoleum was broken into by a homeless man, there have been stories of tourists leaving the cemetery with unexplained bruises, scratches, bite marks, and burns! <cue the spooky ghost sounds and music>
Rest assured, we spent a couple hours here and escaped without any ghostly injuries!
Palace of Holyroodhouse
Previously the home of Mary, Queen of Scots, this beautiful palace is now Queen Elizabeth’s official residence in Scotland.
When the royals are there, it’s possible to take tour of the palace.
Some highlights include King James Tower, the Royal Dining Room, Throne Room, Kings Bedchamber, Great Picture Gallery, and Queens Gallery.
St Giles Cathedral
Located on the Royal Mile between Edinburgh Castle and Palace of Holyroodhouse, St. Giles Cathedral is a must visit if you’re in Edinburgh.
The moment you enter, make sure you look up to see the wondrous blue ceiling.
As you’re walking through, if you’re lucky enough to catch a choir singing, make sure to take it in - the acoustics in the cathedral are amazing.
Keep walking until you hit the Thistle Chapel which has intricate wooden and stone carvings.
Scott Monument
Standing tall in the skyline of the city, the gothic design of Scott Monument is hard to miss.
It’s set right in the middle of the Princes Street Gardens, next to modern clothing stores, which might seem like an odd pairing.
It’s still worth checking out this looming structure up close!
Writers Museum
One of the most Instagrammable buildings in Edinburgh, this spot is tucked away in a small alcove inside the Royal Mile. Inside, the museum celebrates three Scottish writers Robert Burns, Sir Walter Scott, and Robert Louis Stevenson.
It’s free to enter but we absolutely adored the exterior architecture of the museum.
Dean Village
Once considered to be an undesirable neighborhood, Dean Village has transformed into something out of a Victorian fairytale book.
Take a stroll amongst its cobblestone streets, bubbling river, and cute houses. You’ll feel like you’ve stepped into a time machine.
The Vennel
This historic and slightly hidden alleyway has a famous staircase with one of the best views of Edinburgh Castle.
The easiest way to find the Vennel is to head to Mary’s Milk Bar. Then look for the sign labeled “Vennel - leading to Brown’s Place”.
Circus Lane
A picturesque street that is a lovely place for a quiet walk and gorgeous photographs - Circus Lane has exploded in popularity in recent times.
To get it alone, visit during the early morning or late afternoon/sunset.
The history behind Circus Lane is that it used to be a service street for coaches and horses. You’ll see that many of the garages were once used as stables.
Transreal Fiction
If you’re a fan of bookstores and sci-fi/fantasy books - make sure you stop at this lovely, independent bookshop. The owner, Mike Calder, is obviously really into the genre so you’ll be able to find anything you want here including new books that he’s curated.
Armstrongs Vintage
One of the best vintage clothing shops in Edinburgh - I was able to find so many interesting Scottish tweed suits and other pieces of beautiful clothing that otherwise would have cost triple back in the States.
Eat
Mary’s Milk Bar
Not only is this place picture perfect cute, the gelato is some of the best I’ve had! Make sure you sample the flavors as they cycle them in and out as they run out. My personal favorite was the pistachio gelato.
Let Me Eat Too
One of favorite places to eat, we kept going back for their delicious and reasonably priced Roasted Vegetable Green Pesto Panini/Wraps and Soups of the Day.
127 Coffee Shop
Brew Lab
Williams & Johnson Coffee
Ting Thai Caravan
If you’re craving some authentic Thai food, make sure you stop by this cute eatery.
Highlights include Panang Beef Curry, Yam Moo Yang, Pad See Ew, and Moo Yang.
Brasserie Prince
Located in the iconic Balmoral Hotel, the Brasserie Prince is a marriage of Scottish and French cooking styles.
Alain Roux, of three Michelin starred fame, is one of the owners of the restaurant, so the food and service here is quite excellent.
You’ll end up paying higher than average here, but it’s worth it.
Dishoom
One of the best places to get Indian food in Edinburgh, this wonderfully decorated restaurant has breakfast, lunch, and dinner menus to satisfy any Indian food craving.
Some highlights include Bacon Naan and chili jam during breakfast, Black Dal, batura bread with chickpeas, Murgh Malai, chicken berry Brittania, and kulfi
Bodega
For some great Mexican food in lovely surroundings, Bodega didn’t disappoint with their spot on flavors.
Start off with chips with Guacamole, spicy black bean dip, and homemade salsa.
Then go with the Baja fish, tempura prawn, or pulled pork tacos.
End it with some delicious churros that you dip in soft melted chocolate.
Kim's Bulgogi
Hankering for some delicious Korean food? Kim’s Bulgogi serves up authentic fare with highlights including Bibimbap, Beef Bulgogil, and Koream Fried Chicken Wings.
Vietnam House
I’m always in for a delicious bowl of Pho, Rice Vermicelli, or Lemongrass Chicken! You find that and more here at Vietnam House!
Union of Genius
For exotic and interesting varieties of soup, look no further than Union of Genius! They have delicious choices like Coconut and Tamarind, Caldo Verdo, and Butternut/Bacon.
Stay
Eden Locke
One of the best values in town, this stylish hotel is located near one of the most happening parts of Edinburgh.
Sharing the lobby is one of the coolest coffee shops in town - aptly named ‘127’, since the address of Eden Locke is 127 George St.
The cute studio apartments are stylish and smartly compartmentalized so it seems like you have more space. There is a compact L shape couch, kitchen area, coffee, tea, milk, and cereal for breakfast.
Choose the front rooms for giant Georgian windows and beautiful lighting.
Prices range from $89 (low season) to $272 (high season) per night.
Princes Street Suites
Edinburgh Grand
If location is everything, the Edinburgh has you covered with their spot right at St Andrew Square, next to the train station. Stylistically, the whole place is so well decorated and would fit right in with any stylish Mad Men episode.
All the rooms here are large, luxurious apartments with beautifully appointed Art Deco showers and well equipped kitchenettes.
Make sure to stop by both the Register Club and the Hawksmoor. The Hawksmoor is a former banking hall that is a sight to behold.
Prices range from $324 (low season) to $519 (high season) a night.
The Balmoral
One of the architectural crown jewels of Edinburgh, The Balmoral was built as a railway hotel and is a great example of Victorian Rennaisance architecture. It's a perfectly located right next to Waverly Station.
I loved spending mornings and afternoons in the natural light filled Palm Court tearoom. During certain hours of the day there is a live harp player, adding to the ambiance of the place.
As it's a Rocco Forte Hotel, the spa facilities, service, and rooms are top notch. Make sure to get a Superior Deluxe for amazing views of Princes Street Gardens and the castle.
For a real culinary treat, make sure to try out Michelin Starred Number One or Brasserie Prince.
Prices range from $234 (low season) to $775 (high season) per night.
