Carly’s guidebook
Sightseeing
This is a great place for picnics with great views of the city and Arthur's Seat. There is a great restaurant called the Lookout up on the hill where you can have dinner/drinks on the terrace overlooking the city. They also have picnic baskets you can order for pickup or enjoy a coffee and picnic goods from the kiosk at the observatory.
1098 locals recommend
Calton Hill
Calton HillThis is a great place for picnics with great views of the city and Arthur's Seat. There is a great restaurant called the Lookout up on the hill where you can have dinner/drinks on the terrace overlooking the city. They also have picnic baskets you can order for pickup or enjoy a coffee and picnic goods from the kiosk at the observatory.
Beautiful building and exhibits with cafe. Due to Covid you will need to book a time slot in advance.
523 locals recommend
Scottish National Portrait Gallery
1 Queen StBeautiful building and exhibits with cafe. Due to Covid you will need to book a time slot in advance.
You can walk here along the Water of Leith, worth a visit just to see the amazing garden. You will need to book ahead due to Covid.
1010 locals recommend
Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art
75 Belford RdYou can walk here along the Water of Leith, worth a visit just to see the amazing garden. You will need to book ahead due to Covid.
Water of Leith Walkway
Water of Leith WalkwayGreat walking and biking path along the water.
Definitely worth a visit! Due to Covid you will need to book a time slot.
1227 locals recommend
Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh
Arboretum PlaceDefinitely worth a visit! Due to Covid you will need to book a time slot.
Arthur's Seat
This is a great easy-moderate hike with many spots for a picnic.
Palace of Holyroodhouse
CanongateGreat gallery right on Princes Street. (They also have a very clean public toilet is you ever find yourself in need while out and about).
114 locals recommend
National Galleries of Scotland
The MoundGreat gallery right on Princes Street. (They also have a very clean public toilet is you ever find yourself in need while out and about).
This is a great museum, you could easily spend hours in! No entry fee, but you will need to book a slot ahead due to Covid.
1378 locals recommend
National Museum of Scotland
This is a great museum, you could easily spend hours in! No entry fee, but you will need to book a slot ahead due to Covid.
Princes Street
Princes StreetReally beautiful gardens, a must see while in Edinburgh.
Nice street for a walk, parallel to Princes Street. Lots of high street shops, beautiful around Christmas time.
309 locals recommend
George Street
George StreetNice street for a walk, parallel to Princes Street. Lots of high street shops, beautiful around Christmas time.
This is a must visit bookshop, they even serve you tea :)
13 locals recommend
Topping & Company Booksellers of Edinburgh
2 Blenheim PlThis is a must visit bookshop, they even serve you tea :)
Neighbourhoods
Quaint part of Edinburgh with lots of great restaurants, excellent charity shops, and farmers market on Sunday.
350 locals recommend
Stockbridge
Quaint part of Edinburgh with lots of great restaurants, excellent charity shops, and farmers market on Sunday.
This is the heart of Edinburgh with cobble streets, cafes, restaurants, shops. Walk up the Royal Mile to the castle.
195 locals recommend
Edinburgh Old Town
This is the heart of Edinburgh with cobble streets, cafes, restaurants, shops. Walk up the Royal Mile to the castle.
Food scene
Fhior
36 Broughton StTwelve Triangles
90 Brunswick StTIMBERYARD
10 Lady Lawson StSpry Wines
1 Haddington PlExcellent coffee and a great place to hangout (although they do not have any outdoor seating)
236 locals recommend
Artisan Roast
57 Broughton StExcellent coffee and a great place to hangout (although they do not have any outdoor seating)
Real Foods
37 Broughton StGood organic/specialty food shop
Excellent vegan grocery - there is small one on Easter Road and a large main shop in Morningside.
11 locals recommend
Easter Greens
4 Easter RdExcellent vegan grocery - there is small one on Easter Road and a large main shop in Morningside.
Excellent coffee and baked goods (great vegan options - especially their cinnamon rolls)
49 locals recommend
The Bearded Baker
46 Rodney StExcellent coffee and baked goods (great vegan options - especially their cinnamon rolls)
The Milkman
7 Cockburn StGreat coffee with outdoor seating.
The Neighbourgood Market
5 Portgower PlGreat outdoor food market from May 19th - July 25th
Little Fitzroy Coffee
46 Easter RdPolentoni
38 Easter RdOrigano pizzeria
236 Leith WalkValvona Crolla
19 Elm RowCafé Royal
City advice
Getting around
The buses are excellent - fast, reliable, easy to navigate
Edinburgh is super walkable you can walk almost anywhere in under 30 min although the public transport is excellent.
You can pay for a SINGLEticket (£1.80) and DAYticket (£4.50) when you get on the bus. Just tell the driver what ticket you want and you can pay by cash (exact change) or contactless card.
For more info see https://www.lothianbuses.com/using-the-bus/visitor-guide/
What to pack
Bring waterproof clothing and dress in layers
The weather changes quickly here - always carry an umbrella with you and a sweater (even it is warm and sunny when you leave the house). In winter waterproof shoes and jacket are must (waterproof trousers are also helpful).