#JeanPaul's guide to Edinburgh
Sightseeing
Simply a must! We visit here regularly. It takes only 20 mins walk from the flat. You have a wonderful bit of nature right there, waiting for you to explore. Top tip: avoid the highest peak and go up the crags (just ask) it's quieter and you will have the best views of the city and world-famous castle.
1859 locals recommend
Arthur's Seat
Simply a must! We visit here regularly. It takes only 20 mins walk from the flat. You have a wonderful bit of nature right there, waiting for you to explore. Top tip: avoid the highest peak and go up the crags (just ask) it's quieter and you will have the best views of the city and world-famous castle.
One of the most picturesque wee spots in Edinburgh. Go down for a wander sometime and you will be snap-happy!
268 locals recommend
Dean Village
Dean PathOne of the most picturesque wee spots in Edinburgh. Go down for a wander sometime and you will be snap-happy!
This is probably top of your list - we recommend taking time to explore the surrounding areas, even just walking up the Royal Mile cobbles towards the castle is worth slowing down and taking some time.
1961 locals recommend
Edinburgh Castle
CastlehillThis is probably top of your list - we recommend taking time to explore the surrounding areas, even just walking up the Royal Mile cobbles towards the castle is worth slowing down and taking some time.
If you have a car, this is worth it - we promise. A walk from the car park takes you through a nature reserve to one of the best (and quietest) beaches on the coast. Shhhhh! Keep it a secret for yourself!
8 locals recommend
Aberlady Local Nature Reserve
If you have a car, this is worth it - we promise. A walk from the car park takes you through a nature reserve to one of the best (and quietest) beaches on the coast. Shhhhh! Keep it a secret for yourself!
Wanna know a secret? There is an amazing roof terrace in this place... ask the guides to direct you - not a lot of people know about it!
1378 locals recommend
National Museum of Scotland
Wanna know a secret? There is an amazing roof terrace in this place... ask the guides to direct you - not a lot of people know about it!
The historic centre is atop everyone's list - go soak up the atmosphere, popping in and out of cafes, bars, restaurants and shops on the way.
195 locals recommend
Edinburgh Old Town
The historic centre is atop everyone's list - go soak up the atmosphere, popping in and out of cafes, bars, restaurants and shops on the way.
Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh
Arboretum PlaceWell worth a visit!
Right next to Arthur's seat and only 15/20 mins walk from the flat - go a wee wander and enjoy this beautiful wee spot.
280 locals recommend
Holyrood Park
Queen's DriveRight next to Arthur's seat and only 15/20 mins walk from the flat - go a wee wander and enjoy this beautiful wee spot.
This is a hidden gem for some beautiful nature right here in the city!
30 locals recommend
Hermitage of Braid
69 Hermitage of BraidThis is a hidden gem for some beautiful nature right here in the city!
Food scene
Our favourite spot for brunch! Only 10 minutes walk from the flat: head south, go along Easter Road to the very end, towards London Road then turn left. Online maps will keep you right!
107 locals recommend
Red Kite Cafe
7-8 Cadzow PlOur favourite spot for brunch! Only 10 minutes walk from the flat: head south, go along Easter Road to the very end, towards London Road then turn left. Online maps will keep you right!
Buzzing with pubs and places to eat. Crazy busy (in a good way) during the festival with lots of shows taking place here.
317 locals recommend
Grassmarket
10 GrassmarketBuzzing with pubs and places to eat. Crazy busy (in a good way) during the festival with lots of shows taking place here.
You are so lucky - this wee gem has the best coffee and cake in the locality... and it is a short walk from the flat on Easter Road. They open early 7am with fresh croissants - go grab them!
24 locals recommend
Little Fitzroy Coffee
46 Easter RdYou are so lucky - this wee gem has the best coffee and cake in the locality... and it is a short walk from the flat on Easter Road. They open early 7am with fresh croissants - go grab them!
WOW! If you like Thai this is a wee gem of a place run by a Thai lady and her husband from Edinburgh. It is on Leith walk but also delivers!
Thai Bowl on the Walk
12 Albert PlaceWOW! If you like Thai this is a wee gem of a place run by a Thai lady and her husband from Edinburgh. It is on Leith walk but also delivers!
Go here on a sunny day and sit outside with some amazing food. Sometimes, quite randomly, there is live music!
8 locals recommend
Pavilion Cafe
A700Go here on a sunny day and sit outside with some amazing food. Sometimes, quite randomly, there is live music!
Oriento
160 Dundas StreetFancy a Japanese delivery? We rate this place highly! Fresh sushi is simply superb!
Afternoon tea here is five-star! We have been a few times... pricey but we think it is just lovely!
35 locals recommend
The Balmoral
1 Princes StAfternoon tea here is five-star! We have been a few times... pricey but we think it is just lovely!
Afternoon tea here is amazing - book in advance though! If you are here at Christmas it has the best decorations of any place in the city... trust us, you'll want to see the tree!
285 locals recommend
The Dome
14 George StAfternoon tea here is amazing - book in advance though! If you are here at Christmas it has the best decorations of any place in the city... trust us, you'll want to see the tree!
You can get here in mere minutes for THE BEST pastries around!
14 locals recommend
Twelve Triangles bakery & provisions
22-24 Easter RdYou can get here in mere minutes for THE BEST pastries around!
We dislike brioche burger buns - pleased to say Leith Depot do a fantastic burger in a 'proper' burger bun!
96 locals recommend
Leith Depot
138-142 Leith WalkWe dislike brioche burger buns - pleased to say Leith Depot do a fantastic burger in a 'proper' burger bun!
Pho
Pho deliver to the flat!! We love Vietnamese - grab these on deliveroo (app).
WOW! The food here is exceptional and it is right at the castle. We were so impressed we booked our wedding here!
12 locals recommend
Cannonball Restaurant & Bar
356 CastlehillWOW! The food here is exceptional and it is right at the castle. We were so impressed we booked our wedding here!
Prestonfield House
Priestfield RoadAfternoon tea here is a delight!
THE BEST Italian deli and a little-known restaurant at the back, which has fabulous food! Of course, it's Italian!
189 locals recommend
Valvona Crolla
19 Elm RowTHE BEST Italian deli and a little-known restaurant at the back, which has fabulous food! Of course, it's Italian!
Neighbourhoods
Voted one of the 'coolest neighbourhoods' in Europe by TimeOut magazine. You'll find shops, cafes, bars and restaurants galore here. Only a 15-20 minute walk from the flat.
162 locals recommend
Leith
Voted one of the 'coolest neighbourhoods' in Europe by TimeOut magazine. You'll find shops, cafes, bars and restaurants galore here. Only a 15-20 minute walk from the flat.
Wander around and enjoy the grandeur that is Edinburgh's New Town - simply magical.
195 locals recommend
Edinburgh Old Town
Wander around and enjoy the grandeur that is Edinburgh's New Town - simply magical.
Trendy/Swanky/Upmarket/Cool - this area has all the adjectives and the cafes/restaurants to boot!
350 locals recommend
Stockbridge
Trendy/Swanky/Upmarket/Cool - this area has all the adjectives and the cafes/restaurants to boot!
City/town information
North Berwick Harbour
45 Victoria RdIf you can, head to North Berwick and enjoy a day by the sea.
Shopping/gifts
We love this place for gifts - go have a wee nosey and we bet you come out with something!
18 locals recommend
Cloud 9 Edinburgh
40 Easter RdWe love this place for gifts - go have a wee nosey and we bet you come out with something!
Most of the plants in the flat are from this amazing wee place. A local guy who set up shop during the pandemic. He also sells coffee and lite-bites too (hidden in the back of the shop)! Go visit and support him if you can!
Seb's Urban Jungle
101 Easter RdMost of the plants in the flat are from this amazing wee place. A local guy who set up shop during the pandemic. He also sells coffee and lite-bites too (hidden in the back of the shop)! Go visit and support him if you can!
This marmite shopping centre will either have you loving or hating it, however it is only 15-20 minutes walk from the flat so you can find out soon enough!
93 locals recommend
St James Shopping
St James CrescentThis marmite shopping centre will either have you loving or hating it, however it is only 15-20 minutes walk from the flat so you can find out soon enough!
Groceries
Vegan? You are in luck! This place sells only vegan products - it is at the top of Easter Road and you can easily walk to it from the flat.
11 locals recommend
Easter Greens
4 Easter RdVegan? You are in luck! This place sells only vegan products - it is at the top of Easter Road and you can easily walk to it from the flat.
It takes 2 mins walk (I timed it) to nip round to Lidl for groceries. It is a full-size supermarket.
229 locals recommend
Lidl
Dalry RoadIt takes 2 mins walk (I timed it) to nip round to Lidl for groceries. It is a full-size supermarket.
Fresh bread doesn't get better than what Twelve Triangles serve on a daily basis - get there early though as there is often a queue and they sell out quickly!
14 locals recommend
Twelve Triangles bakery & provisions
22-24 Easter RdFresh bread doesn't get better than what Twelve Triangles serve on a daily basis - get there early though as there is often a queue and they sell out quickly!
City advice
Getting around
Edinburgh is a small city, easily navigated on foot.
Alternatively, there is a tram system, bus network and taxis.
Book before you go
Major attractions like the castle need booked in advance
It's always worthwhile booking the big-hitters before you come as Edinburgh is a very popular international tourist destination.
What to pack
Comfortable shoes and a light rain jacket/umbrella
Even on the nicest day, you might get a wee shower of rain - always be prepared in Scotland for quick weather changes!