Recommendations
Events
The Edinburgh Festival Fringe
The Edinburgh Festival Fringe is the world’s largest arts festival. Established in 1947, it takes place in Edinburgh every August. The Edinburgh Festival Fringe has become a real world-leading celebration of arts and culture, surpassed only by the Olympics and the World Cup in terms of global ticketed events. As an event it has done more to place Edinburgh in the forefront of world cities than anything else.
Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo
The event is an annual series of military tattoos performed by British Armed Forces, Commonwealth and international military bands, and artistic performance teams on the Esplanade of Edinburgh Castle in the capital of Scotland. The event is held each August as one of the Edinburgh Festivals.
Edinburgh Jazz and Blues Festival
Held over 10 days and with over 170 performances a year, the Edinburgh Jazz and Blues Festival is one of the largest jazz festivals in Europe and creates memorable experiences for the 70,000 people who attend each year.
Edinburgh’s Hogmanay
Edinburgh’s Hogmanay is the Scottish celebration of the New Year. It covers four days of processions, concerts and fireworks, with the street party beginning on Hogmanay. The Edinburgh Hogmanay celebrations are among the largest in the world. Celebrations in Edinburgh in 1996–97 were recognised by the Guinness Book of Records at the world’s largest New Year party, with approximately 400,000 people in attendance.
Edinburgh Christmas Market
World-renowned Edinburgh’s Christmas celebrations spread the festive cheer across the Scottish capital between the end of November and the beginning of January. From mulled Irn Bru to vegan pigs in blankets, from Harry Potter-themed gifts to local handmade produce, the stunning Christmas Market offers treats for all.
Places
Edinburgh Castle
Edinburgh Castle is a world famous icon of Scotland and part of Edinburgh’s World Heritage Site. A remarkable fortress, the defender of the nation and a world-famous visitor attraction – Edinburgh Castle has dominated the skyline for centuries.
Holyrood Palace
The Palace of Holyroodhouse is the official residence of the British monarch in Scotland. Located at the bottom of the Royal Mile in Edinburgh, at the opposite end to Edinburgh Castle, Holyroodhouse has served as the principal royal residence in Scotland since the 16th century. The Queen’s Gallery was built at the western entrance to the Palace of Holyroodhouse to exhibit works of art from the Royal Collection. The gardens of the palace are set within Holyrood Park.
Camera Obscura
Experience over 100 illusions as well as a breath of fresh air on the magnificent Rooftop Terrace, which offers the most spectacular 360 degree views of Edinburgh. At Camera Obscura & World of Illusions, experience five floors of interactive optical illusions, tricks and fun things to do including vortex tunnel, mirror maze and shrinking room.
Royal Jacht Britannia
The Britannia played host to some of the world’s most famous people, but above all was home for the British Royal Family for over 40 years. Now resting in Leith, Edinburgh, you can discover the heart and soul of this most special of Royal residences.
Royal Botanic Garden
The Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh is a scientific centre for the study of plants, their diversity and conservation, as well as a popular tourist attraction. The living collection consists of more than 13,302 plant species, whilst the herbarium contains in excess of 3 million preserved specimens.
Edinburgh Zoo
Edinburgh Zoo receives over 600,000 visitors a year, which makes it Scotland’s second most popular paid-for tourist attraction, after Edinburgh Castle. Besides catering to tourists and locals, the zoo is involved in many scientific pursuits, such as captive breeding of endangered animals, researching into animal behaviour, and active participation in various conservation programs around the world.
The Scotch Whisky Experience
Experience for yourself the regional whiskies and whether you like fruity, sweet or smoky flavours the experts will help you select your perfect dram. Enter the place containing the world’s largest collection of Scotch Whiskies and enjoy a special tutored nosing and tasting. Explore Scotland’s whisky history from the very beginnings through to the global success of current days.
Restaurants
Cold Town House
Cold Town House has multiple floors each with a really cool, chilled out vibe. The ground floor is home to a regular line up of live entertainment (sport, music, comedy and cabaret). On the first floor, you’ll find the pizza and prosecco bar where there are also floor to ceiling windows allowing a front row seat to the Cold Town Beer brewing process. The top floor is home to the rooftop terrace which boasts amazing views of Edinburgh Castle.
The Ivy on the Square
Located in the prestigious St. Andrew Square, in the heart of Edinburgh, The Ivy on the Square is an all-day British brasserie with an all-encompassing menu serving modern British and international Ivy-inspired classics.
Whiski Rooms
Award Winning Whiski Rooms is located just off the Royal Mile. The restaurant serves food all day which is freshly prepared using the best locally sourced produce. They have an extensive cocktail list, wine, and craft beer and a great whisky selection.
Whiski Rooms has a reputation as being one of the best restaurants in Edinburgh, one of the best Whisky Bars in the world, a whisky and gift shop, and a tasting room for daily whisky tastings.
Angels with Bagpipes
Having opened on the Royal Mile in 2010, Angels with Bagpipes has established itself as one of the best Scottish restaurants in Edinburgh. Pride in fresh, seasonal, Scottish ingredients is what defines Angels with Bagpipes and makes them one of the top Scottish restaurants in Edinburgh.
The Dome
The Dome is one of Edinburgh’s most famous landmarks. The award winning bar and restaurant is recognised as one of the best in the city. You have every option for a perfect day: private dining, grill bar, tea room and whisky experience too.
Pubs
Stramash
Stramash is a live music bar and late night diner open until 3am every night. Presenting the best bands from across Scotland and around the world. Stramach is located in the heart of Edinburgh’s Old Town in a converted church with a capacity of 900. Stramash also boasts the largest HD Screen in Scotland showing all top sports events.
Whistle Binkies
Open every night ‘til the wee small hours and providing quality live music for the city. Both locals and visitors congregate to sample the finest Scotland has to offer, from bands to beers! With an extensive drinks list and an eclectic line up there is always something for everyone. They present 4 live bands to keep your ears happy through the week. Friday’s and Saturday’s feature up to 6 bands.
Boteco
Located in the Old Town, Boteco serves tasty, traditional Brazilian tapas throughout the day and turns into a lively little underground club at night. Those looking to practice their salsa moves will be delighted to learn that the club hosts weekly Bachata and Salsa classes, running all the way from beginner to advanced levels throughout the night.
Frankenstein
It’s not everyday that you stumble across a pub hosting daily monster shows. As daylight fades and the twilight hour approaches, this famed Edinburgh venue’s spooky spectacle combines lights, music, sound effects and an animatronic Frankenstein monster, which descends slowly from the ceiling. There’s truly nothing like it in town.
The Three Sisters
Expect a fresh, welcoming atmosphere with mood lighting, a variety of booths with their own tv viewing area and a fully stocked bar with all your favourite drinks. The courtyard complete with artificial grass, wooden benches and floral displays is the perfect place to end a long days work with a refreshing bevy. You can also catch all your favourite sporting events outside on the extra large projector screen.
Royal Mile Tavern
The Royal Mile Tavern gives a sense of comfort and luxury. Live music, played every evening, contributes in the liveliness of the atmosphere. The menu has a good variety of Scottish delicacies like homemade haddock fish fingers, gourmet burgers and highland chicken fillets to soothe the hunger pangs of its customers. Any of these could be paired with a glass of malt, beer or more classic options like rosé or white wine.