Tom’s guidebook
Sightseeing
The most popular tourist attraction in Scotland. Pure history but with amazing views across the city and beyond.
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Edinburgh Castle
CastlehillThe most popular tourist attraction in Scotland. Pure history but with amazing views across the city and beyond.
Located on the Royal Mile this is a beautiful cathedral. Free entry. There are conducted tours for a small fee that are worthwhile. Has regular music events in the main cathedral.
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St Giles' Cathedral
High StreetLocated on the Royal Mile this is a beautiful cathedral. Free entry. There are conducted tours for a small fee that are worthwhile. Has regular music events in the main cathedral.
The King’s residence in Edinburgh. Fantastic setting at the edge of Holyrood Park. A place of historical importance and interest.
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Palace of Holyrood
CanongateThe King’s residence in Edinburgh. Fantastic setting at the edge of Holyrood Park. A place of historical importance and interest.
This is not to be missed. Located in one of the most beautiful and spectacular parks anywhere, right in the middle of the city. The main entrance to the Queen's Park is located next to the Scottish Parliament and the Palace of Holyrood. Take a stroll to one of the 3 lochs in the park, climb to the top of Arthur's seat, an extinct volcano, for spectacular 360 degree views, walk along the top of Salisbury Crags and look down on the Scottish Parliament and Holyrood Palace.
For those less energetic and with transport , you can even drive round and get great views of Edinburgh Castle from high up on The Queen's Drive.
Truly, an unspoilt piece of heaven.
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Arthur's Seat
This is not to be missed. Located in one of the most beautiful and spectacular parks anywhere, right in the middle of the city. The main entrance to the Queen's Park is located next to the Scottish Parliament and the Palace of Holyrood. Take a stroll to one of the 3 lochs in the park, climb to the top of Arthur's seat, an extinct volcano, for spectacular 360 degree views, walk along the top of Salisbury Crags and look down on the Scottish Parliament and Holyrood Palace.
For those less energetic and with transport , you can even drive round and get great views of Edinburgh Castle from high up on The Queen's Drive.
Truly, an unspoilt piece of heaven.
We always recommend visitors go here when they are out exploring the city. It gives fantastic 360 degree views and helps you to get your bearings and understand the layout of the city. All the landmarks in the city and beyond can be seen. The Pentland Hills to the south west, the Queensferry Crossing and Forth Rail Bridge along the River Forth, Bass Rock to the east and the Kingdom of Fife to the north. You also get a great view along Princes Street and across to Arthur's Seat the highest landmark in the city.
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Calton Hill
Calton HillWe always recommend visitors go here when they are out exploring the city. It gives fantastic 360 degree views and helps you to get your bearings and understand the layout of the city. All the landmarks in the city and beyond can be seen. The Pentland Hills to the south west, the Queensferry Crossing and Forth Rail Bridge along the River Forth, Bass Rock to the east and the Kingdom of Fife to the north. You also get a great view along Princes Street and across to Arthur's Seat the highest landmark in the city.
Beautifully kept gardens right in the heart of the city. Great views of Edinburgh Castle from the gardens at the west end of Princes Street. Nice cafe/restaurant in the gardens at the east end located under the National Gallery and with views to the Scott Monument and the Balmoral Hotel.
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Princes Street
Princes StreetBeautifully kept gardens right in the heart of the city. Great views of Edinburgh Castle from the gardens at the west end of Princes Street. Nice cafe/restaurant in the gardens at the east end located under the National Gallery and with views to the Scott Monument and the Balmoral Hotel.
Just off the Royal Mile. Seems to be popular with Harry Potter fans. Quaint coloured shops. Leads into the Grassmarket which is full of history.
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Victoria Street
Victoria StreetJust off the Royal Mile. Seems to be popular with Harry Potter fans. Quaint coloured shops. Leads into the Grassmarket which is full of history.
Scale the Scott Monument
You can’t miss the striking Scott Monument at the east end of Princes Street (built in honour of Sir Walter Scott in the 1840s) but not everybody knows you can climb 287 stone steps to the top. The spiral staircase is narrow and can be tricky on a busy day, but the unusual view of Edinburgh and its surroundings is worth the extra effort.
East Princes Street Gardens, EH2 2EJ
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Scott Monument
Scale the Scott Monument
You can’t miss the striking Scott Monument at the east end of Princes Street (built in honour of Sir Walter Scott in the 1840s) but not everybody knows you can climb 287 stone steps to the top. The spiral staircase is narrow and can be tricky on a busy day, but the unusual view of Edinburgh and its surroundings is worth the extra effort.
East Princes Street Gardens, EH2 2EJ
Unearth an underground city
You haven’t thoroughly explored Scotland’s capital until you’ve discovered the bits that are literally hidden underground. Anyone can visit the spooky 18th century vaults built under the arches of South Bridge – reportedly used for everything from business to corpse storage – by way of a ghost tour. Not too far away lies Mary King’s Close – a street just off the Royal Mile shrouded in mystery after it was partly demolished and buried underground for many years. You can now tour the reopened close, although it’s probably not one for the faint of heart.
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The Real Mary King's Close
2 High StUnearth an underground city
You haven’t thoroughly explored Scotland’s capital until you’ve discovered the bits that are literally hidden underground. Anyone can visit the spooky 18th century vaults built under the arches of South Bridge – reportedly used for everything from business to corpse storage – by way of a ghost tour. Not too far away lies Mary King’s Close – a street just off the Royal Mile shrouded in mystery after it was partly demolished and buried underground for many years. You can now tour the reopened close, although it’s probably not one for the faint of heart.
Fancy a stroll along a promenade? Yes, Edinburgh also has a beach near to the city centre. Portobello is a great place to get away from the city, although it can be very busy with people strolling the prom or sipping coffee from one of the cafes situated there. It is just nice to see the sea and take in the air.
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Portobello Beach Promenade
1 PromenadeFancy a stroll along a promenade? Yes, Edinburgh also has a beach near to the city centre. Portobello is a great place to get away from the city, although it can be very busy with people strolling the prom or sipping coffee from one of the cafes situated there. It is just nice to see the sea and take in the air.
Museum
If you like history... Beautifully kept building. Can spend a whole day here. Love this place and it is FREE entry.
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National Museum of Scotland
If you like history... Beautifully kept building. Can spend a whole day here. Love this place and it is FREE entry.
Art Gallery
Great art, what can you say. Free unless there is a special exhibition on when there might be a small fee to enter that.
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National Galleries of Scotland
The MoundGreat art, what can you say. Free unless there is a special exhibition on when there might be a small fee to enter that.
Beautiful building a very short distance from our apartment. Located in Queen Street, opposite the top of Dublin Street, it is home to some great modern portrait paintings. Also has a cafe. Like all our galleries, it is FREE entry. The portrait of Nicola Benedetti was the subject of a recent SKY documentary which is worth a watch.
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Scottish National Portrait Gallery
1 Queen StBeautiful building a very short distance from our apartment. Located in Queen Street, opposite the top of Dublin Street, it is home to some great modern portrait paintings. Also has a cafe. Like all our galleries, it is FREE entry. The portrait of Nicola Benedetti was the subject of a recent SKY documentary which is worth a watch.
If you like your art modern. All housed in a beautiful building; which is far from modern.
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Gallery of Modern Art station
If you like your art modern. All housed in a beautiful building; which is far from modern.
Ceilidh's
Catch a ceilidh
As a nation, one of Scotland’s favourite pastimes has to be ceilidh dancing, yet you might find yourself waiting for Hogmanay, Burns Night or a wedding to roll around before you can slip on your dancing shoes and take part in a few reels. As well as being a quirky bar with a great atmosphere, Ghillie Dhu holds a ceilidh every Friday night in their stunning auditorium frequented by plenty of partygoers who enjoy a jig.
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Ghillie Dhu
1A Rutland StreetCatch a ceilidh
As a nation, one of Scotland’s favourite pastimes has to be ceilidh dancing, yet you might find yourself waiting for Hogmanay, Burns Night or a wedding to roll around before you can slip on your dancing shoes and take part in a few reels. As well as being a quirky bar with a great atmosphere, Ghillie Dhu holds a ceilidh every Friday night in their stunning auditorium frequented by plenty of partygoers who enjoy a jig.
Cocktails
Sip cocktails in a barbershop (sort of)
Thankfully prohibition was never an issue in the UK, yet we all seem to love the romanticised idea of secret speakeasy style bars. That being said, Panda and Sons is an undeniably cool cocktail bar hidden behind the facade of a retro hairdresser. Head down the stairs and through a secret bookcase doorway to find the bar itself, and even if you can only afford one or two of their more elaborate tipples you’ll still love this unique and charming experience. (You need to find it as it does not advertise outside as a bar)
79 Queen Street, EH2 4NF
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Panda & Sons
79 Queen StSip cocktails in a barbershop (sort of)
Thankfully prohibition was never an issue in the UK, yet we all seem to love the romanticised idea of secret speakeasy style bars. That being said, Panda and Sons is an undeniably cool cocktail bar hidden behind the facade of a retro hairdresser. Head down the stairs and through a secret bookcase doorway to find the bar itself, and even if you can only afford one or two of their more elaborate tipples you’ll still love this unique and charming experience. (You need to find it as it does not advertise outside as a bar)
79 Queen Street, EH2 4NF
Zoo
Fantastic place to see so many different species. Great for kids, with play areas and cafes once your legs become tired from all the walking. Be warned, it is a large area and hilly like everywhere else in Edinburgh! If you love our furry friends at Edinburgh Zoo but have grown tired of elbowing kids out of the way in order to observe them through glass, perhaps it’s time to consider investing in a personalised keeper experience. For a fairly substantial amount of money you can go behind the scenes at the zoo for a day and learn how to look after the various birds and beasts that live there. For slightly less cash you can experience a ‘magic moment’ (otherwise known as half an hour) getting to know a particular animal.
This could be a whole day out. The easiest way to get there is by bus. A number 26 from Princes Street going west will stop right outside the zoo.
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Edinburgh Zoo
134 Corstorphine Rd Fantastic place to see so many different species. Great for kids, with play areas and cafes once your legs become tired from all the walking. Be warned, it is a large area and hilly like everywhere else in Edinburgh! If you love our furry friends at Edinburgh Zoo but have grown tired of elbowing kids out of the way in order to observe them through glass, perhaps it’s time to consider investing in a personalised keeper experience. For a fairly substantial amount of money you can go behind the scenes at the zoo for a day and learn how to look after the various birds and beasts that live there. For slightly less cash you can experience a ‘magic moment’ (otherwise known as half an hour) getting to know a particular animal.
This could be a whole day out. The easiest way to get there is by bus. A number 26 from Princes Street going west will stop right outside the zoo.
Coastal areas
Cramond is a small village that has over time been consumed by the city but still keeps that village charm. A nice place to visit on a good day to get away from it all. Stroll along the promenade, or take a walk up the riverside beside the Almond. If you time it right, you can even walk out to Cramond Island when the tide is out. This is very popular at weekends. Just make sure you check the tide times for going and returning! You don't want to be stuck there! The easiest way to get there is by car and if you park at the Silverknowes end, it is easier and free. You can then walk along the shoreline to Cramond.
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Cramond
Cramond is a small village that has over time been consumed by the city but still keeps that village charm. A nice place to visit on a good day to get away from it all. Stroll along the promenade, or take a walk up the riverside beside the Almond. If you time it right, you can even walk out to Cramond Island when the tide is out. This is very popular at weekends. Just make sure you check the tide times for going and returning! You don't want to be stuck there! The easiest way to get there is by car and if you park at the Silverknowes end, it is easier and free. You can then walk along the shoreline to Cramond.
See Cramond. A little Island that can be accessed from Cramond Village by walkway when the tide is out. Popular with walkers.
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Cramond Island
See Cramond. A little Island that can be accessed from Cramond Village by walkway when the tide is out. Popular with walkers.
Great place to visit for a day or half day out. South Queensferry is a village/small town just outside Edinburgh. Sitting on the Firth of Forth, it is famous for the bridges (2 road and 1 rail) that cross the river joining the Lothians and the Kingdom of Fife. You can go by public transport, bus/train or drive if you have a car.
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Queensferry
Great place to visit for a day or half day out. South Queensferry is a village/small town just outside Edinburgh. Sitting on the Firth of Forth, it is famous for the bridges (2 road and 1 rail) that cross the river joining the Lothians and the Kingdom of Fife. You can go by public transport, bus/train or drive if you have a car.