Discover Edinburgh's Best

Restaurants

Discover Edinburgh’s dining scene, where classic culinary traditions meet modern flair. From iconic spots to innovative kitchens, each dish blends heritage and creativity for a truly unique gastronomic experience.

Pubs

Immerse yourself in the historic charm of Edinburgh’s pubs. The city’s old-world character is reflected in traditional décor, renowned ales, and lively conversation, all enjoyed by friendly locals and enthusiastic travellers, creating an inviting and warm atmosphere.

Cocktails | Winebar

Uncover Edinburgh’s top cocktail bars and wine lounges, where timeless charm meets contemporary style. From intimate, candlelit hideaways to modern, trendsetting spaces, each venue offers expertly crafted drinks that embody the city’s dynamic, vibrant character.

Coffee shops | Bakery

Embark on a delightful journey through Edinburgh’s coffee shops and bakeries, where brewing and baking shine. Enjoy freshly baked sourdough, scones, shortbread, and a perfect cup of tea alongside the city’s finest coffee creations.

Things to do | Tours

Whether you take a guided tour of the Royal Mile or enjoy a thrilling ghost walk through hidden closes, each journey reveals a new side of Scotland’s heritage. From iconic landmarks to hidden gems, Edinburgh offers unforgettable adventures.

Discover East Lothian's, North Berwick's & Tyninghame's Best

Restaurants​ | Pubs

Two plates of traditional Edinburgh self-catering holiday meals with meat, vegetables, and coleslaw served on a rustic table

Discover East Lothian’s finest restaurants—a true culinary journey in Scotland. Enjoy traditional Scottish dishes, modern bistro creations, and locally sourced delights amid scenic coastal views and historic charm. Whether seeking casual dining or an elegant meal.

Coffee shops | Bakery

Where cosy ambience harmoniously meets delectable treats. Indulge in artisan coffee, freshly baked pastries, and locally sourced delights in charming settings that foster friendly conversation and relaxed enjoyment. A warm taste of Scotland’s spirit.

 

Things to do | Tours

Experience East Lothian’s finest tours, where history, nature, and culture converge. Where ancient landmarks, scenic coastal vistas, and vibrant local traditions on guided excursions offer unforgettable experiences for both locals and visitors alike.

Edinburgh's Best

Things to do | Tours

Edinburgh Hop-on Hop-Off Bus Tours with City Sightseeing

Description: Get ready to uncover the wonders of the Scottish capital with our Hop-On Hop-Off Edinburgh bus tour. Departing from Waterloo Place, embark on a thrilling journey through the heart of Edinburgh, where you’ll discover iconic landmarks and soak in the city’s rich character and heritage. Purchase your ticket online today and begin planning your unforgettable sightseeing adventure!

Edinburgh Ghost Tour

Description: Step into Edinburgh’s haunted past with our award-winning storytellers, providing history walks and ghost tours since 1985. Delve into the city’s darkest secrets on tours such as Ghostly Underground, Evening of Ghosts & Ghouls, Doomed, Dead & Buried, Hidden & Haunted, and Gory Stories. Experience spine-chilling tales and uncover the hidden mysteries of Edinburgh’s eerie history.

Rabbie’s Scotland Tours

Description: Discover unforgettable journeys with Rabbie’s small group tours. Led by expert storytellers, we uncover hidden gems and fascinating tales, making every moment memorable. With guides who know their destinations inside out, you’ll experience authentic adventures like never before.

Johnnie Walker Experience

Description: Step into Johnnie Walker Princes Street for five-star tours, immersive tastings, rooftop bars, and astonishing views of Edinburgh Castle. Expertly crafted experiences await you at every turn.

Museum of Scotland

Description: National Museums Scotland’s story began in the 18th century, blending two aspirations: showcasing Scottish history and international cultures. From the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland’s founding in 1780 to the amalgamation with the Royal Scottish Museum in 1985, the institution has evolved into a multifaceted entity. Today, it encompasses various museums, including the Museum of Flight, the War Museum, and the Museum of Rural Life, housing millions of artifacts and treasures. Ongoing restoration projects and innovative exhibitions continue to captivate visitors, ensuring Scotland’s rich heritage endures for generations to come.

Edinburgh Castle

Description: Edinburgh Castle boasts a rich and storied past as one of Europe’s oldest fortified places. From its origins as a royal residence to its roles as a military stronghold, prison, and fortress, the castle is steeped in fascinating history. As you ascend Castle Hill, you’ll follow in the footsteps of soldiers, monarchs, and even pirates, each leaving their mark on this iconic landmark. Today, the castle stands as a world-famous visitor attraction and a cherished symbol of Edinburgh’s heritage, nestled within the UNESCO World Heritage Site encompassing the city’s Old and New Towns .

National Galleries of Scotland: Modern One

Description: Immerse yourself in Scotland’s seas with our marine conservation and education charity, nestled in the picturesque coastal town of North Berwick. Dive into our interactive Discovery Experience, unwind in our seabird café, peruse our gift shop, or embark on a seasonal boat trip around the local islands brimming with wildlife, including the magnificent Bass Rock gannet colony as seen on BBC1’s Wild Isles.

National Galleries of Scotland: Portrait

Description: Discover a hidden gem in the heart of Edinburgh. A neo-Gothic palace dedicated to unraveling the Scottish story through captivating imagery. At Café Portrait, gather with friends before exploring contemporary portraits of icons like Billy Connolly and Tilda Swinton, alongside historical figures like Mary Queen of Scots. Adorned with elaborate murals and sculptural embellishments, the gallery boasts a celestial marvel. The Zodiac ceiling in the Great Hall, adorned with 2,000 golden stars and 47 constellations. Truly bedazzling!

Museum of Childhood

Description: Step into history at the world’s first museum dedicated to childhood. From the 1800s to today, explore toys, games, clothes, and books that shaped generations. Encounter iconic relics like Muffin the Mule and Radio Rex, alongside timeless favorites like Buzz Lightyear and the Fisher-Price Chatter Telephone. Delve into a child’s world at home, school, and play, and don’t miss the interactive dress-up area and teepee for family fun. Since 1955, this museum has celebrated British childhoods, showcasing fascinating artifacts and cherished memories for all ages.

The Edinburgh Dungeon

Description: The Edinburgh Dungeon is a spine-chilling journey through the city’s darkest history, featuring live actors, theatrical sets, and thrilling rides. Dive into immersive 360-degree sets, witness live actor shows from a professional cast, and embark on an underground journey through Scottish history. With state-of-the-art theming, special effects, and even a thrilling drop ride, it’s scary fun for all ages. Get ready to be thrilled and captivated by the ultimate underground adventure!

Festival Theatre

Description: The Edinburgh Festival Theatre, formerly known as the Empire Palace Theatre, is a prominent performing arts venue situated on Nicolson Street in Edinburgh, Scotland. Renowned for its opera and ballet performances, large-scale musical events, and hosting touring groups, it serves as a vibrant hub for cultural performances in the city.

King’s Theatre

Description: The King’s Theatre, an architectural marvel and a vital part of Edinburgh’s cultural landscape, debuted in 1906 with the classic pantomime, Cinderella. Throughout its rich history, the theatre has been synonymous with Variety and pantomime, attracting renowned stars like Stanley Baxter, Rikki Fulton, and Jimmy Logan to grace its stage

The Royal Botanic Garden

Description: Embark on a botanical adventure at one of the world’s foremost gardens, where you’ll encounter an unparalleled array of plant species, offering a glimpse into the remarkable diversity of life on Earth.

Edinburgh Zoo

Description: Edinburgh Zoo serves as a vital gateway to the natural world, educating visitors about the pressing challenges confronting wildlife and empowering them to contribute to species conservation efforts. With a commitment to fostering deeper connections with nature, the zoo aims to inspire over a million individuals to become stewards of the environment.

Inverleith Park

Description: Inverleith Park, managed by the City of Edinburgh, offers a sprawling 54-acre expanse of greenery, providing a wealth of recreational opportunities including sports fields, a boating pond, and a children’s playground. Originally a farm, it now boasts allotments, a sundial garden, and an arts access center, serving as a cherished community resource for various activities. Purchased in 1889, the park’s rich history is marked by a memorial fountain dating back to 1899, honoring John Charles Dunlop, a former councilor.

Palace of Holyroodhouse

Description: Perched at the end of Edinburgh’s Royal Mile, the Palace of Holyroodhouse welcomes visitors year-round, offering insights into its storied past intertwined with Scotland’s historic figures like Mary, Queen of Scots and Bonnie Prince Charlie. Discover its contemporary role as a venue for official engagements by The King, bridging centuries of Scottish heritage with modern-day significance. Explore magnificent historic and State Apartments, the beautiful ruins of the 12th-century Holyrood Abbey, and remarkable royal gardens, all with a complimentary multimedia tour available in 10 languages.

Holyrood Park

Description: Explore Holyrood Park, an extraordinary city park with a history spanning millennia. Ascend Arthur’s Seat, the ancient volcano’s peak, for stunning panoramas of Edinburgh and beyond. Delve into the park’s rich archaeological heritage, from Iron Age forts to Bronze Age terraces. Don’t miss St Anthony’s Chapel, a captivating medieval ruin, or the serene waters of Duddingston Loch, teeming with waterfowl.

Arthur’s Seat

Description: Arthur’s Seat, an ancient volcano, reigns as the principal peak among the hills of Edinburgh, Scotland, shaping the landscape of Holyrood Park. Robert Louis Stevenson aptly described it as ‘a hill for magnitude, a mountain in virtue of its bold design.’

The Royal Yacht Britannia

Description: Launched from the John Brown & Company shipyard in Clydebank, Scotland, on 16 April 1953, Britannia served the Royal Family for over 44 years, voyaging more than a million nautical miles to become one of the world’s most renowned ships. Today, Britannia stands as a five-star visitor attraction and exclusive evening events venue in Edinburgh.

Lane7 | Bowling alley

Description: Step into our Edinburgh Activity Bar and prepare for the ultimate experience. Picture your favorite bar, then add all your beloved activities: bowling, darts, mini golf, arcades, pool, shuffleboard, and more. Dive into the excitement and explore everything we have to offer below!

Everyman Edinburgh | Cinema

Description: At Everyman cinema, a warm and friendly atmosphere awaits, complemented by an excellent food and drink selection and fantastic customer service. From mainstream, independent, and classic films to special events, launches, and a diverse calendar of live satellite broadcasts, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

St James Quarter | Shopping centre

Description: Discover a world of shopping, dining, entertainment, and more at the vibrant St James Quarter in the heart of Edinburgh’s city center. Come by and experience it all for yourself.

The Real Mary King’s Close

Description: Beneath the bustling streets of the Royal Mile lies Edinburgh’s deepest secret: a labyrinth of hidden ‘closes’ where real people once lived, worked, and perished. Mary King’s Close, named after a prominent merchant, was partially demolished during the construction of the Royal Exchange in 1760, leaving it buried beneath the new building’s foundations. Sealed off from the world, it became the subject of ghost stories and urban legends.

Camera Obscura & World of Illusions

Description: Explore five floors packed with over 100 illusions at Camera Obscura and World of Illusions Edinburgh, offering fun for all ages. Don’t miss the opportunity to enjoy the best rooftop views of Edinburgh, making it Britain’s most entertaining day out.

Calton Hill

Description: Calton Hill and the National Monument, located in Central Edinburgh, offer stunning views of the city and memorable sunrises if you rise early. This UNESCO World Heritage Site hosts iconic Scottish landmarks such as the Dugald Stewart Monument, Nelson’s Monument, and the City Observatory, making it a must-visit destination.

Museum on the Mound

Description: Step into the Museum on The Mound, located in the historic Bank of Scotland Head Office, for a captivating exploration of money and its diverse facets. From art and design to technology, our museum offers a unique perspective on the world of currency. Come discover the fascinating story of money and more.