Edinburgh Castle
You can't miss Edinburgh Castle, standing proudly above the city centre. If you time your tour correctly, you might get to see the one o'clock gun in action!
National Museum of Scotland
There's something for everyone at the National Museum of Scotland – you can learn about history, explore the natural world, or admire the design innovation.
Royal Mile
The Royal Mile is (almost) a mile long and runs from the Castle down to Holyrood Palace. Take a walk to explore the streets of Edinburgh's historic Old Town.
The Real Mary King's Close
Learn about some of Edinburgh's darker history at Mary King's Close - a now underground street bricked up during the plague in the 17th century.
St Giles' Cathedral
It's hard to miss the spiky, gothic grandeur of St Giles Cathedral. Visit to admire the building's history, attend a service, or listen to a concert.
Greyfriars Kirkyard
You'll find Reformation history, graves of Enlightenment thinkers and stories of dogs at Greyfriars Kirk and Kirkyard. They host fantastic concerts too.
Greyfriars Bobby Statue
Meet Edinburgh's most famous dog, Greyfriars Bobby. A legend for his loyalty, he guarded his master's grave for 14 years and now has a statue to commerate him.
The Meadows
The Meadows is a park to the south of the city centre. Enjoy the magnificent cherry blossoms in spring or have a game of pitch and putt on the Links!
Arthur's Seat
The distinctively shaped Arthur's Seat is an extinct volcano to the east of the city centre. Take a walk to the top for fantastic views over the city.
Calton Hill
There's an intriguing selection of monuments on Calton Hill, including the Robert Burns and Duguld Stewart Monuments, and City Observatory.
Scottish National Gallery
The Scottish National Gallery is home to a collection of fine art from the Renaissance to the late 19th Century. The annual Turner show is a must-see.
National Galleries of Scotland: Portrait
Not only is the National Portrait Gallery full of Scotland's famous faces, the iconic red sandstone Gothic Revival building is an artwork itself.
National Galleries of Scotland: Modern One
At the Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art you'll find two galleries and a sculpture park showcasing the national collection of modern and contemporary art.
City Art Centre
City Art Centre is home to Edinburgh's own art collection. You'll find all the major Scottish names here, from Allan Ramsey to JD Fergusson and Joan Eardley.
Princes Street Gardens
On the rare days the sun does shine, Princes Street Gardens is a great picnic spot. You'll also find the Christmas market and many concerts happening here.
Edinburgh Farmers' Market
Stock up on the very best local produce every Saturday morning at the Castle Terrace Farmers Market.
TIMBERYARD
Industrial vibes and rustic interiors meet fresh, locally sourced produce at Timberyard. The food looks and tastes like an artwork too!
The Lookout by Gardener's Cottage
The Lookout sits at the top of Calton Hill – you'll be rewarded for the climb with fantastic views and daily changing menus full of locally sourced delights.
The Gardener's Cottage
The vegetable gardens outside give a hint as to the food you'll find inside The Gardener's Cottage – local, sustainable, and deliciously fresh.
The Outsider Restaurant
Great for a relaxed lunch or dinner, The Outsider also has unbeatable views of the Castle. The Chunky Healthy Lines are a particular favourite here!
Valvona & Crolla
Valvona & Crolla, a family-run Italian deli, is a real treat – it's stuffed full of high-quality produce, looks beautiful, and there's a cafe to enjoy.
Topping & Company Booksellers of Edinburgh
Not surprisingly for the world's first UNESCO City of Literature, Edinburgh has quite a few bookshops – Topping & Company is one of the best.
Walker Slater Menswear
Walker Slater mixes Harris Tweed with fantastic contemporary design and tailoring. With collections for men and women, you're sure to find something special.
The Little Chartroom
The Little Chartroom is a small restaurant with small plates, but it's big on character, charm and flavour.
Edinburgh Filmhouse
Filmhouse is the home of the Edinburgh International Film Festival and it screens arthouse, foreign language, mainstream, and classic films all year round.
The Stand Comedy Club
Edinburgh may be famed for the Fringe Festival in August, but you'll find comedy all year round at The Stand Comedy Club.
David Bann Restaurant
David Bann is one of the best vegetarian restaurants in the city, serving innovative dishes in a modern setting.
Dynamic Earth
The field of modern geology was founded by James Hutton – an Edinburgh man – so it's no surprise to find a musuem dedicated to earth sciences in the city.
Palace of Holyroodhouse
The Palace of Holyroodhouse is the Queen's official residence in Scotland. It's also a museum, so you can take a tour and discover Scotland's royal history.
The Usher Hall
The Usher Hall is the main concert venue in Edinburgh with a mostly classical programme – it's loved by performers for its fabulous acoustics.
Whiski Rooms
Whiski Rooms is dedicated to serving the best traditional Scottish dishes, from haggis to cranachan, along with a truly fantastic selection of whiskies.
The Grain Store
With its exposed stone walls and antique furniture, The Grain Store is definitely an Old Town dining experience, and a great place to break from sightseeing.
Dovecot Studios
Dovecot Studios is a leading contemporary tapestry studio. It has a gallery, shop, cafe and if you time your visit right, you'll can watch the weavers at work.
Harvey Nichols Edinburgh
Step inside the luxury department store Harvey Nichols for a feast of fashion, fragrance and indulgence. The bar and restaurant also has fantastic city views!
Dishoom Edinburgh
A relatively new addition to the city, London-based chain Dishoom has brought its classic Bombay cafe style to Scotland. The breakfast is particularly great.
The Ivy On The Square Edinburgh
The Ivy is well known in London and has recently brought its classic brasserie style to Edinburgh. It's perfect for a long lunch after a morning of shopping.
The Dome
Bar, restaurant, afternoon tea spot, and eternal winner of prizes for its Christmas decorations, The Dome is one of the best known eateries in the city.
The Bon Vivant
With unfussy food, great wine, a relaxed atmosphere, and an interior decorated like a gentleman's parlour, The Bon Vivant is a cosy gem to spend an evening in.
Fishers In The City
Scotland is renowned for its seafood, and it doesn't get fresher than Fishers in the City. With daily specials and set menus, this is a favourite among locals.
Hendersons Salad Table Restaurant
Hendersons has been doing vegetarian and vegan since long before they became trendy. Grab a salad to go, or sit in at the vegan restaurant.
The Wally Dug
The Wally Dug is a real locals' pub in the heart of the New Town. It's been here since 1811, so they definitely know what they're doing!
Le Di-Vin
It's all about the wine at Le Di-Vin – relax and enjoy a few glasses along with some classic French food.
Dean Village
Walk down through the quaint cottages of Dean Village to reach the Water of Leith – the perfect place for a stroll away from the bustle of the city.
Ondine Restaurant
Ondine is one of the best seafood restaurants in the city and it's also in one of the most central locations. Make sure not to miss their Oyster Happy Hour.
The Royal Yacht Britannia
The Royal Yacht Britannia was the Queen's official yacht for over 40 years. Now, its a floating museum and one of the city's most popular attractions.
The Kitchin
The freshest Scottish produce meets French cuisine at Michelin-starred The Kitchin. Its been one of the city's best restaurants for years.
Restaurant Martin Wishart
Martin Wishart has had a Michelin star for nearly twenty years – which is no easy task. His modern European cuisine using local ingredients is a true delight.
Loch Fyne Restaurant and Bar
Although a chain-restaurant, Loch Fyne's offering is a cut above – it's reasonably priced, excellent quality seafood with great views across the water.
The Fishmarket
The Fishmarket is possibly the best fish & chip shop in the world – it's on a harbour and the fishmonger is next door, so the fish could not be fresher.
Borough
With a relaxed, friendly atmosphere and locally sourced seasonal produce at reasonable prices, Borough Leith is a real treat.
