A Guidebook of some of our favourite places
Food scene
Amazing hidden gem on both the Royal Mile and a new one opened on Morningside Road for anyone a fan of tapas and cosy atmosphere.
Definitely one to book in advance as it is a small restaurant.
One for the wine lovers too. Absolutely delicious food and friendly staff.
7 locals recommend
PIGGS
276 CanongateAmazing hidden gem on both the Royal Mile and a new one opened on Morningside Road for anyone a fan of tapas and cosy atmosphere.
Definitely one to book in advance as it is a small restaurant.
One for the wine lovers too. Absolutely delicious food and friendly staff.
Delicious food.
Off the beaten track but a must visit.
Portion sizes are incredibly generous and just taste amazing. Ken the Chef and Jason his right hand man, take great pride in what they make.
The chocolate brownie with salted caramel ice cream to finish is my recommendation. The best I’ve ever tasted.
It can be quite busy with Locals at the weekend so I suggest booking ahead if you can. Or give it a go - you may be lucky!
24 locals recommend
Wee Buddha
2B Jamaica StDelicious food.
Off the beaten track but a must visit.
Portion sizes are incredibly generous and just taste amazing. Ken the Chef and Jason his right hand man, take great pride in what they make.
The chocolate brownie with salted caramel ice cream to finish is my recommendation. The best I’ve ever tasted.
It can be quite busy with Locals at the weekend so I suggest booking ahead if you can. Or give it a go - you may be lucky!
Exceptional food served tapas style. If you like to be adventurous and have a glass of an ice cold Margarita on the side then this place is for you.
El Cartel
Exceptional food served tapas style. If you like to be adventurous and have a glass of an ice cold Margarita on the side then this place is for you.
Amazing food! The menu changes frequently but is delicious and truly enjoyable. Thistle street is that hidden area you may not know to go to and there’s lots of places along there.
Also known as a cocktail bar due to their awesome choice in spectacular cocktails.
64 locals recommend
The Bon Vivant
55 Thistle StAmazing food! The menu changes frequently but is delicious and truly enjoyable. Thistle street is that hidden area you may not know to go to and there’s lots of places along there.
Also known as a cocktail bar due to their awesome choice in spectacular cocktails.
Also another Ting Thai on Lothian Road (which is slightly bigger). A go to for many locals as it is great value for money and incredible tasting Thai inspired food.
257 locals recommend
TING THAI CARAVAN Teviot Place
9 Teviot PlAlso another Ting Thai on Lothian Road (which is slightly bigger). A go to for many locals as it is great value for money and incredible tasting Thai inspired food.
One of the most popular restaurants in town, Six by Nico is an innovative, fine dining spot with a bold twist that delivers six-course tasting menus that change every six weeks.
The food here is straight out of a chef's wild imagination.
Themes include American diner, seaside, illusion, forest, and even quirkier menus included 'The Chippie', Disney films and Willy Wonka's Chocolate Factory.
Booking in advance is advised!
34 locals recommend
SIX by NICO EDINBURGH
97 Hanover StOne of the most popular restaurants in town, Six by Nico is an innovative, fine dining spot with a bold twist that delivers six-course tasting menus that change every six weeks.
The food here is straight out of a chef's wild imagination.
Themes include American diner, seaside, illusion, forest, and even quirkier menus included 'The Chippie', Disney films and Willy Wonka's Chocolate Factory.
Booking in advance is advised!
My regular go to after a busy day of work.
Great atmosphere always and the decor makes you feel like you’re both at home and away somewhere luxury.
Yummy food and super drinks.
238 locals recommend
Montpeliers
159-161 Bruntsfield PlMy regular go to after a busy day of work.
Great atmosphere always and the decor makes you feel like you’re both at home and away somewhere luxury.
Yummy food and super drinks.
Both food and drinks are great here. Always an awesome vibe too as locals love this place.
Their food is wide ranging and I recommend their burger for main, and waffles for desert!
Great variety of cocktails here too. They serve a super Espresso Martini.
Beer garden out the back for those lovely (rare) sunny warm days…!
92 locals recommend
The Blackbird
37-39 Leven StBoth food and drinks are great here. Always an awesome vibe too as locals love this place.
Their food is wide ranging and I recommend their burger for main, and waffles for desert!
Great variety of cocktails here too. They serve a super Espresso Martini.
Beer garden out the back for those lovely (rare) sunny warm days…!
Delicious Indian food. On the weekend expect to queue for a table out the door - but it’s worth it!
212 locals recommend
Dishoom Edinburgh
3a St Andrew SquareDelicious Indian food. On the weekend expect to queue for a table out the door - but it’s worth it!
Sister restaurant of Montpeliers restaurant - lovely decor and even better food and atmosphere. Great value for money too.
23 locals recommend
Rabble Taphouse and Grill
55A Frederick StSister restaurant of Montpeliers restaurant - lovely decor and even better food and atmosphere. Great value for money too.
Best to avoid Friday or Saturday as it can be very busy - worth booking an earlier seating if you want food. Or just go to the bar if you want drinks.
205 locals recommend
Tigerlilly
125 George StBest to avoid Friday or Saturday as it can be very busy - worth booking an earlier seating if you want food. Or just go to the bar if you want drinks.
This so-called ‘destination restaurant’ sits on top of Edinburgh's Calton Hill within the restored City Observatory and dome – a trendy art and restaurant complex.
Imagine a cantilevered glass box suspended over the hill’s slope.
To say the views are jaw-dropping here would be an understatement.
The daily changing menus match the vistas without a doubt. You must experience it to appreciate the uniqueness of this place.
31 locals recommend
The Lookout by Gardener's Cottage
38 Calton HillThis so-called ‘destination restaurant’ sits on top of Edinburgh's Calton Hill within the restored City Observatory and dome – a trendy art and restaurant complex.
Imagine a cantilevered glass box suspended over the hill’s slope.
To say the views are jaw-dropping here would be an understatement.
The daily changing menus match the vistas without a doubt. You must experience it to appreciate the uniqueness of this place.
Browns Edinburgh
131-133 George StSightseeing
These are some great places to explore during the day to fully experience the Old Town (and beyond) of Edinburgh.
Great views of the city and way to see some of the history of Edinburgh.
To avoid the crowds, arrive here just before opening time, so you will be one of the first inside of the castle. This makes for a much nicer experience, seeing the Crown Jewels and Royal chambers without queuing with lots of people.
Can see the Rolls of Honour of Scots servicemen and women from all the Armed Services, the Dominions, Merchant Navy, Women's Services, Nursing Services and civilian casualties of all wars from 1914 to date. Fascinating.
1961 locals recommend
Edinburgh Castle
CastlehillGreat views of the city and way to see some of the history of Edinburgh.
To avoid the crowds, arrive here just before opening time, so you will be one of the first inside of the castle. This makes for a much nicer experience, seeing the Crown Jewels and Royal chambers without queuing with lots of people.
Can see the Rolls of Honour of Scots servicemen and women from all the Armed Services, the Dominions, Merchant Navy, Women's Services, Nursing Services and civilian casualties of all wars from 1914 to date. Fascinating.
There’s a secret maze of alleyways and abandoned houses beneath the street of the Royal Mile.
Head to the Real Mary King’s Close for the truth behind this long forgotten underground city in the heart of Edinburgh.
Book ahead your tours or go and visit the Real Mary’s King Close meeting spot just down from the castle to find out the next availability.
373 locals recommend
The Real Mary King's Close
2 High StThere’s a secret maze of alleyways and abandoned houses beneath the street of the Royal Mile.
Head to the Real Mary King’s Close for the truth behind this long forgotten underground city in the heart of Edinburgh.
Book ahead your tours or go and visit the Real Mary’s King Close meeting spot just down from the castle to find out the next availability.
A memorable visit below the surface of the city to see the ‘Old City of Edinburgh’ underground. You’ll hear all about the history behind why Edinburgh was rebuilt on top and more interesting facts.
We recommend booking a tour in advanced.
Edinburgh Underground
A memorable visit below the surface of the city to see the ‘Old City of Edinburgh’ underground. You’ll hear all about the history behind why Edinburgh was rebuilt on top and more interesting facts.
We recommend booking a tour in advanced.
This is beautiful to visit! It is also close by to Arthur’s Seat which you can climb to get great views of the whole of Edinburgh and beyond.
462 locals recommend
Palace of Holyroodhouse
CanongateThis is beautiful to visit! It is also close by to Arthur’s Seat which you can climb to get great views of the whole of Edinburgh and beyond.
So close to the apartment and a must do if you like stunning views and some great picture moments.
The views are breathtaking for such a short climb. Different ways to get to the top depending on fitness levels. But totally worth the climb to get great views of the castle and whole city. On a clear day you can see across the Firth of Forth!
162 locals recommend
Blackford Hill and Pond
4 Charterhall RdSo close to the apartment and a must do if you like stunning views and some great picture moments.
The views are breathtaking for such a short climb. Different ways to get to the top depending on fitness levels. But totally worth the climb to get great views of the castle and whole city. On a clear day you can see across the Firth of Forth!
Bordering the Water of Leith and just a few minutes from the local favourite Stockbridge, Dean Village boasts some of the capital's most spectacular architecture.
Follow the peaceful path along the water's edge and towards the west of the city, admiring the distinctive sandstone mills and stylish Tudor revivals en route.
You're not far from the Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art either which you can always visit after!
268 locals recommend
Dean Village
Dean PathBordering the Water of Leith and just a few minutes from the local favourite Stockbridge, Dean Village boasts some of the capital's most spectacular architecture.
Follow the peaceful path along the water's edge and towards the west of the city, admiring the distinctive sandstone mills and stylish Tudor revivals en route.
You're not far from the Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art either which you can always visit after!
In a little courtyard, just metres from the Royal Mile, the Writers’ Museum is dedicated to all things related to the written word.
Of course, Edinburgh is well known for as the home of Harry Potter author JK Rowling, but the city was also once home to great writers such as Robert Burns, Walter Scott and Robert Louis Stevenson.
The Writers’ Museum is just one of the elements which contributed to Edinburgh being named as a UNESCO City of Literature in 2004
37 locals recommend
The Writers' Museum
Lady Stair's CloseIn a little courtyard, just metres from the Royal Mile, the Writers’ Museum is dedicated to all things related to the written word.
Of course, Edinburgh is well known for as the home of Harry Potter author JK Rowling, but the city was also once home to great writers such as Robert Burns, Walter Scott and Robert Louis Stevenson.
The Writers’ Museum is just one of the elements which contributed to Edinburgh being named as a UNESCO City of Literature in 2004
This 16th century tower house on the west side of Edinburgh, is just three miles from Princes Street, in the leafy suburb of Cramond.
Explore Lauriston Castle's beautiful grounds overlooking the sea. The grounds feature a stunning Japanese Friendship garden gifted by the prefecture of Kyoto.
43 locals recommend
Lauriston Castle
2 Cramond Rd SThis 16th century tower house on the west side of Edinburgh, is just three miles from Princes Street, in the leafy suburb of Cramond.
Explore Lauriston Castle's beautiful grounds overlooking the sea. The grounds feature a stunning Japanese Friendship garden gifted by the prefecture of Kyoto.
A place not only for sightseeing but for drinks and food.
A great view to the castle from below - lovely photo opportunities! Experience the cobbled streets of the Grassmarket, which lead you up to streets used in movies across the years.
As stated on Edinburgh org - ‘Nestled in the heart of Edinburgh's historic Old Town, with stunning views of Edinburgh Castle, the Grassmarket is one of the most picturesque and lively areas of the city. A paradise of independent merchants, designers and artisans, the area is home to an array of high-quality gift, clothing and homeware shops. And when hunger strikes, you’ll find an assortment of bars, restaurants and cafes to suit all tastes and budgets. By this vibrant neighbourhood is also a delight for lovers of history, as every area of this ancient part of Edinburgh has a story to tell’
Grassmarket, Edinburgh EH1, UK
A place not only for sightseeing but for drinks and food.
A great view to the castle from below - lovely photo opportunities! Experience the cobbled streets of the Grassmarket, which lead you up to streets used in movies across the years.
As stated on Edinburgh org - ‘Nestled in the heart of Edinburgh's historic Old Town, with stunning views of Edinburgh Castle, the Grassmarket is one of the most picturesque and lively areas of the city. A paradise of independent merchants, designers and artisans, the area is home to an array of high-quality gift, clothing and homeware shops. And when hunger strikes, you’ll find an assortment of bars, restaurants and cafes to suit all tastes and budgets. By this vibrant neighbourhood is also a delight for lovers of history, as every area of this ancient part of Edinburgh has a story to tell’
At Cramond, walk out along the tidal causeway to Cramond Island (be sure to check the tides and leave enough time to return to dry land!), stop for a cuppa at the Boardwalk Beach Club or sit down for fish and chips in the cosy Cramond Inn.
Lovely day trip out!
54 locals recommend
Cramond
At Cramond, walk out along the tidal causeway to Cramond Island (be sure to check the tides and leave enough time to return to dry land!), stop for a cuppa at the Boardwalk Beach Club or sit down for fish and chips in the cosy Cramond Inn.
Lovely day trip out!
There is a hidden roof terrace, tucked away at the very top of the building which has breathtaking 360 degree views of the castle and beyond
1378 locals recommend
National Museum of Scotland
There is a hidden roof terrace, tucked away at the very top of the building which has breathtaking 360 degree views of the castle and beyond
Sometimes referred to as Scotland's secret garden, Dr Neil's Garden is a little piece of haven.
Located beside Duddingston Kirk on the lower slopes of Arthur's Seat, it's a fabulous place for a little escape from the real world, with brightly-coloured plants to admire everywhere you look.
In one corner, there's Thomson's Tower, built in 1825 as a place for storing Duddingston Curling Society's stones, and whilst you're in the village, a stop to the Sheep's Heid Inn is a must for a hearty roast dinner.
This can be closed at points during the year for maintenance and protection of the wildlife and plants, so do check before going. Beautiful place to sit and be amongst nature.
57 locals recommend
Dr Neil's Garden
5 Old Church LnSometimes referred to as Scotland's secret garden, Dr Neil's Garden is a little piece of haven.
Located beside Duddingston Kirk on the lower slopes of Arthur's Seat, it's a fabulous place for a little escape from the real world, with brightly-coloured plants to admire everywhere you look.
In one corner, there's Thomson's Tower, built in 1825 as a place for storing Duddingston Curling Society's stones, and whilst you're in the village, a stop to the Sheep's Heid Inn is a must for a hearty roast dinner.
This can be closed at points during the year for maintenance and protection of the wildlife and plants, so do check before going. Beautiful place to sit and be amongst nature.
Arthur's Seat
Pentland Hills
Drinks
Quirky, Off the beaten track places to go for drinks.
Some ‘secret bars’ included
One of Edinburgh’s Secret Bars - hidden by the look of a Barbers Shop and a staircase that leads you to walk through a bookcase, this is a MUST! Fun way to start the evening with some fun and delicious cocktails/drinks.
297 locals recommend
Panda & Sons
79 Queen StOne of Edinburgh’s Secret Bars - hidden by the look of a Barbers Shop and a staircase that leads you to walk through a bookcase, this is a MUST! Fun way to start the evening with some fun and delicious cocktails/drinks.
Amazing views towards the castle and St Andrew’s Square. Try the Dolce Vita cocktail if you’re a coffee fan - delicious! A bonus 10% off if you join their Members club.
84 locals recommend
Harvey Nichols Forth Floor Brasserie and Bar
30-34 St Andrew SquareAmazing views towards the castle and St Andrew’s Square. Try the Dolce Vita cocktail if you’re a coffee fan - delicious! A bonus 10% off if you join their Members club.
All Bar One Exchange Edinburgh
50 Lothian RdGreat drinks and wide variety too.
Usually great vibe and busy due to location so nice place to soak up atmosphere.
Food is good too.
227 locals recommend
The Devil's Advocate
9 Advocate's ClGreat drinks and wide variety too.
Usually great vibe and busy due to location so nice place to soak up atmosphere.
Food is good too.
Small bar but another of the secret bars, a speakeasy that you could walk by every day and have no idea it existed.
A fun one to try and visit for a few drinks.
235 locals recommend
Bramble Bar & Lounge
16A Queen StSmall bar but another of the secret bars, a speakeasy that you could walk by every day and have no idea it existed.
A fun one to try and visit for a few drinks.
The best hot chocolate - hands down! Just on the edge of the Meadows it’s super easy to access. Dairy alternatives available. Expect queues!
Uplands Roast
The best hot chocolate - hands down! Just on the edge of the Meadows it’s super easy to access. Dairy alternatives available. Expect queues!
Decanter Winery and Dinery
Lovely place for cocktails, and great wine selection
This quirky parlour serves ice creams, sorbets and chocolates with daily changing flavours that are mixed up every morning.
Their reputation for soft and creamy delights has people returning many a time to try new flavours, which are often described as simply divine. Always a queue!
Think of whisky marmalade, almond and lemon curd or cherry amaretto. Packed full of vintage features, it’s one of those spots where you’ll be taking photos before you even order your goodies!
131 locals recommend
Mary's Milk Bar
19 GrassmarketThis quirky parlour serves ice creams, sorbets and chocolates with daily changing flavours that are mixed up every morning.
Their reputation for soft and creamy delights has people returning many a time to try new flavours, which are often described as simply divine. Always a queue!
Think of whisky marmalade, almond and lemon curd or cherry amaretto. Packed full of vintage features, it’s one of those spots where you’ll be taking photos before you even order your goodies!
Whisky Museum
Brunch
Places that offer up some scrumptious brunch options before you hit the city to explore.
Hidden down one of Edinburgh’s many cobbled streets off the main hub of the city, this offers excellent options and high quality, fresh food.
55 locals recommend
The Edinburgh Larder
15 Blackfriars StHidden down one of Edinburgh’s many cobbled streets off the main hub of the city, this offers excellent options and high quality, fresh food.
One of our favourites. This is great for anyone with dietary requirements as they offer amazing gluten free cakes and scones, as well as most brunch options with vegan or gf alternatives.
189 locals recommend
Loudons
94B FountainbridgeOne of our favourites. This is great for anyone with dietary requirements as they offer amazing gluten free cakes and scones, as well as most brunch options with vegan or gf alternatives.
May wish to book in advance as always quite busy due to popularity amongst locals and tourists alike.
Great food and atmosphere.
68 locals recommend
Urban Angel
121 Hanover StMay wish to book in advance as always quite busy due to popularity amongst locals and tourists alike.
Great food and atmosphere.
Great food! Perfect for those rare warm and sunny days to sit outside and soak up the atmosphere just off the royal mile.
Scran
7 North BridgeGreat food! Perfect for those rare warm and sunny days to sit outside and soak up the atmosphere just off the royal mile.
Great for brunch and cakes in the South side of the city centre. Just a short walk away from the apartment.
62 locals recommend
Salt Café & Bar
54-56 Morningside RdGreat for brunch and cakes in the South side of the city centre. Just a short walk away from the apartment.
Places to avoid
There are a few touristy places that we suggest avoiding as there are far nicer alternatives!
Very expensive and run down - there are far better places to get the whiski experience in!
59 locals recommend
Whiski Rooms
4-7 N Bank StVery expensive and run down - there are far better places to get the whiski experience in!