EDINBURGH
One of my absolute favourite cities (and the place I constantly miss). With it’s stunning Georgian architecture, Edinburgh is often called the Bath of the North. Edinburgh is a city meant to get lost it—with it’s tall buildings and winding closes, explore and wander and bike to get to know this beauty. And of course, be sure to rent a car or take the train out into the Scottish countryside—let me assure you there’s nothing else like it.
To Drink
Caffeinated
Wellington Coffee
One of my favourite cafes, tucked into the basement along Princes Street. Not a ton of seating but heavenly coffee.
The Bearded Baker
Another personal favourite—divine coffee, vegan cinnamon rolls, sourdough donuts, and sandwiches made on local (Bross) bagels. Very small, with limited seating, but a beautiful spot. The cinnamon buns sell out early so make sure you don’t sleep in! It will be worth it, I promise.
Cairngorm Coffee
There’s two locations of this cafe. The first, just off George Street and Frederick, is in the basement—small but a great location. The second is in the West End—big will lots of seating and big, beautiful windows. Great coffee and great toasties.
Gordon Street Coffee
Originally from Glasgow (on Gordon Street, surprise!) Gordon Street is relatively new to Edinburgh; behind the train station.
Castello Coffee
A charming wee cafe on Castle Street in town serving Nanaimo bars just like home!
Boozy
The Queen’s Arms
My favourite pub, filled with books (surprise!).
Brewhemia
Enough room for dancing and craft beer on tap!
Rabble
Just off George Street, a nice spot for a drink.
Veeno
A great wine bar on Rose Street (just behind Princes Street); we did a tasting and a charcuterie board and it was as good as you can imagine.
To Eat
Mary’s Milk Bar
My favourite ice creamery in Edinburgh, right in he heart of Haymarket. It looks onto the castle, so grab your ice cream and settle in for the view. New and seasonal flavours rotate—I still dream about the hot cross bun ice cream I had at Easter. There will be a line on a hot day!
Dishoom
My favourite brunch spot, served until 12pm. Get bottomless chai and the egg naan roll.
El Cartel
Amazing Mexican food!
Franco Manca
A London-based pizzeria that’s newly opened! Highly recommend.
The Pakora Bar
I still think of the pakora I got here late one night with some friends; dreamy to say the least.
The Scran & Scrallie
Owned by a Michelin star chef (but without the prices!); amazing food and located in the dreamy Stockbridge.
Cafe Andaluz
The best tapas in Edinburgh in my opinion! The one on George Street is best.
Miller & Carter Steakhouse
A high-end steakhouse.
To See & Do
The Royal Mile
In old town; historic Edinburgh at it’s finest, leading up to the castle.
Edinburgh Castle
A must-do for the Edinburgh experience.
Princes Street Gardens
The best spot for a picnic, in my opinion, with bustling Princes street behind it and the Castle in front.
The National Museum of Scotland
A great museum and in THE most beautiful building; go sit in the atrium for ambiance if nothing else.
Portobello
Portobello is a lovely seaside spot outside of town; a lovely high street with some nice shops, and a beautiful promenade along the ocean. Stop for a coffee at Twelve Triangles, a browse at Portobello Books, and lunch from Bross Bagels.
Stockbridge Market
Open Sundays; a small market but with some lovely stalls. Stop off at Soderberg Stockbridge for a cinnamon roll (the best Scandinavian style-one in town!) and a coffee before or after, and then wander around the delightful Stockbridge.
Royal Botanic Gardens
Beautiful in every season.
Mary King’s Close
Closes are the narrow, winding alleys that snake through Edinburgh, dating back to when it was a walled city (that’s why it’s so tall! The old town built up instead of out because of the walls). This tour brings you down below the current-levels of the Edinburgh streets to one of the original closes. Definitely worth it!
The Whiskey Experience
What’s Scotland without Scotch! A great tour for everyone in your party (those who like and don’t like Scotch) that gives you a background on how it’s made, and a selection to try. We went to the dining room and it’s one of the best meals I’ve ever had!
Arthur’s Seat
The mountain/hill that overlooks Hollyrood Palace; well-worth the climb to the top, and if you don’t feel like climbing the whole way you can park at the bottom.
Hollyrood Palace
The Queen’s official residence in Scotland; it’s beautiful inside (no surprise) and has a stunning ruined church on the grounds. A must, in my books. Right up from the Palace, on the Royal Mile is Clarinda’s Tea House, which is a delicious spot for lunch or a wee pick-me-up.
TO DAY TRIP
(or not to day trip, as if!)
Loch Lomond
Unbelievably beautiful; a must while you’re here. There’s bus tours you can take here that will make other stops along the way like the Selkies.
Glasgow
About a 50 minute train ride. Glasgow is the working glass twin to Edinburgh. It’s graffiti and shipbuilding—a must-visit. My recommendations for Glasgow :)
North Berwick
North Berwick is the seaside town of the southeast Scottish coast. It is small and darling and one of my absolute favourite places in Scotland (!). Easily accessible for the day, take the train and wander the cobbles, get amazing gelato, and sit along the beach.
St. Andrews
Another day trip! Home of golf and royalty, St. Andrews is a lovely town to wander through—I wandered on my first birthday in Scotland. There’s some beautiful national heritage sites there (a castle and a church) and more beautiful cafes.
TO Festival
The Christmas Market
This sets up mid-November and goes through into January. Beautiful stalls and rides with a food market and endless amounts of mulled wine; magical.
The Edinburgh Book Festival
Two weeks in August! Book-lovers paradise.
The Edinburgh Fringe Festival
(Obviously).
To Shop
Golden Hare Books
My favourite bookshop in Edinburgh, as a bonus it’s in the delightful Stockbridge!
Curiouser & Curiouser
My favourite boutique in the city!
Lifestory
A boutique in Bonnington.
George Street
The main shopping street in the city.
Portobello Books
A newer and stunning addition to the literary scene of the city.