Edinburgh’s chicest outpost

CHICEST OUTPOST EDINBURGH’S

Home to divine food, uproarious nightlife, world-renowned art, and the iconic Old Town, make the most of your time in the Scottish capital with a stay at Edinburgh’s most exciting hotel, Market Street W ith rugged hills and sleek glass architecture punctuating its skyline, Edinburgh is a city where old meets new, and the past overlaps with the present. As such, it makes for an incredibly diverse itinerary. By day, there are museums and galleries to see, not to mention the castle to explore up close. By night, you can taste the true nature-toplate dining experience in one of its many restaurants, and sip on crisp champagne while taking in the glorious panoramic views. With so much to do, it’s daunting to know where to start. Fret not, for we’ve found the perfect base in the heart of Edinburgh: Market Street hotel.

Whether you’re in the capital for 24 hours or 24 days, you need only step out of Market Street hotel’s sleek lobby to find yourself surrounded by Edinburgh’s must-see sights and experiences. A favourite with both temporary residents and Edinburghers by birth, we’ve whittled down exactly how to occupy your time during your stay at Market Street hotel. Indeed, you’ll be forgiven for never wanting to leave. GORDON STREET COFFEE The area is busting with countless bean purveyors, with Gordon Street Coffee proving to be a hit with even the most discerning coffee drinkers. Handily, you’ll find its newest roastery directly below Market Street hotel, where you can fuel up on a caffeine fix ahead of a busy day exploring. FRUITMARKET GALLERY While there’s a bounty of beautiful museums and galleries on offer, culture seekers will delight at the fact that mere seconds away from Market Street hotel, is Fruitmarket Gallery. A dynamic space exhibiting works by the best Scottish and international artists, installations change regularly, so there’s always something new and captivating to see. OLD TOWN Directly behind Market Street hotel, you’ll find yourself immersed in Edinburgh’s Old Town, home to the capital’s iconic castle, as well as a labyrinth of curiosities. Some of the city’s most beautiful boutiques are hidden down side-streets, so it’s worth setting aside an afternoon to explore on foot. Admittedly it gets very crowded, so escape the bustle and pull up a chair at local favourites Mary’s Milk Bar, Hula Juice Bar or, Lovecrumbs (who make their bakes fresh daily). After dark, we recommend a pit-stop at famed bar, The Devil’s Advocate, for one of its expertly-mixed whisky cocktails. Market Street hotel, 6 Market St, Edinburgh EH1 1DE Marketstreethotel.co.uk Refuel at Gordon Street Coffee ST ANDREW SQUARE A stroll across the gardens is all you need do to find yourself in Edinburgh’s gastro district, St Andrew Square, boasting sophisticated eateries The Ivy, Tattu, Lady Libertine, and Dishoom, to name but a few. NOR’ LOFT Aside from having some of the most lavish rooms in the Scottish capital, another jewel in the Market Street hotel’s crown is Nor’ Loft, a luxe champagne bar set against a backdrop of breathtaking views. We can’t think of a better way to end a day than with a glass of crisp bubbles in hand, looking out at the twinkling city lights. Actually, we can—with one of Nor’ Loft’s delicious desserts on the side.

On the doorstep of the Palace of Holyroodhouse, in the Royal heart of Edinburgh, this collection of nine, utterly-original serviced apartments share an unrivalled pedigree. Crafted from a courtier’s house with 500-years of history, these studio, one and two bedroom apartments bring together ancient provenance and contemporary lifestyle and amazing views across the Palace of Holyroodhouse and Arthur’s Seat.

Abbey Strand Apartments are the perfect place for culture seekers who thrive on staying somewhere truly special.

THE NEW STYLE DESTINATIONS

Like clockwork, as soon as March rolls around, the new collections start dropping in all our favourite stores. Over the last month, Instagram has been full of front row types strutting their stuff in the fashion capitals of New York, London, Milan, and Paris. But those cities have hogged the sartorial spotlight for long enough. Enter a new wave of European chic city-breaks. Set your sights on a weekend in one of the emerging and achingly cool style destinations this spring.

REYKJAVIK Iceland’s capital city (and the world’s northernmost capital city) may be renowned for its architectural beauty, fresh air and excellent food, but in the last few years it’s become something of a haven for fashionistas. With a number of designers opening independent boutiques and launching labels across the city, all with their own distinctive brand of Nordic noir, Reykjavik is rapidly becoming one of the world’s fashion hotspots.

WHERE TO STAY… Typically Icelandic (and therefore, seriously cool) is the Eyja Guldsmeden Hotel, situated on the edge of hip downtown Reykjavik, surrounded by cosy cafes and shops, with breathtaking views across to Mount Esja. This eco-friendly hotel offers a chic take on sustainability at every turn. Think carefully-selected furnishings, using natural sheepskins and cowhide, environmentallyfriendly products in the bathroom, and organic food in the restaurant. Ideal for those looking for a sophisticated stay. Guldsmedenhotels.com/eyja, rates starting from £134 per night

WHERE TO EAT… Grillmarkaðurinn’s menu is packed with the finest local, seasonal produce; the chefs work closely with local farmers. With ingredients such as lamb, beef, trout, quail, skyr and honey, and cooked specially to highlight each product’s origin, the result is an exciting meeting of Icelandic heritage, and contemporary cuisine. Grillmarkadurinn.is

WHERE TO SHOP… To really flex your credit card, head to Laugavegur, Reykjavik’s main shopping street. You’ll find a selection of Iceland’s most exciting emerging brands, spanning fashion, homewares and lifestyle - our favourites include KronKron, Hrim and My Concept Store. WHAT TO SEE… It’s located just outside of the city, but no trip to Iceland is complete without a trip to the world-famous Blue Lagoon. Located just 20 minutes from Keflavik airport, you can visit on your way to Reykjavik. A dip in the superbly picturesque geothermal waters is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and there’s no mud mask like the natural mud mask you can slather on here - expect baby-soft skin for days! Bluelagoon.com

BRANDS WE LOVE… GEYSIR A utilitarian aesthetic blends with luxurious fabrics; Geysir’s pieces are functional but feminine, and will take you from season to season with ease. Geysir.com HILDUR YEOMAN After dressing the likes of Taylor Swift and scooping awards for her unique designs, Hildur Yeoman has seen her brand evolve into one of Iceland’s most in-demand, specialising in enchanting and unique pieces that have a story to tell – and all with a sustainable background, too. Hilduryeoman.com

COPENHAGEN Copenhagen Fashion Week is Scandinavia’s hottest ticket during fashion season – Stand, Gestuz, Ganni and By Malene Birger all choose to show here and the street style is always ultimate fashion goals.

WHERE TO STAY… If you’re craving classic Scandi style with five-star service then head straight to the Nobis Hotel. You’re right in the heart of the city and gorgeous boutiques, galleries and restaurants are on your super-chic doorstep. But with delicious cocktails in the Marble Bar and a hot stone hamam piece to relax on, we’re not sure you’ll want to venture out. Nobishotel.dk, rates starting from around £200 per night WHERE TO EAT… If you try and fail to book the eponymous Noma, then don’t hesitate to try its sibling restaurant, 108. With a more low-key vibe than its older brother, you can settle in for several courses or just opt for a couple of small plates with a large helping of peoplewatching. 108.dk

WHERE TO SHOP… A trip to Copenhagen wouldn’t be complete without a visit to the original ‘concept store’ Illums Bolighus. With such gorgeous furniture and homeware, it’s little wonder it’s been given the Danish Royal seal of approval. Illumsbolighus.com WHAT TO SEE… Once a hippy paradise and commune, Christiania is now an Instagrammer’s paradise. The vibrant artwork and unique homes of its long-standing residents are a sight to behold – make sure you cross the river to dodge the tourists and soak up the atmosphere.

BRANDS WE LOVE… AND LESS Clean lines and refined textiles - exactly what you’d expect from a classically Copenhagen brand. Andless.dk

GANNI Delightfully self-assured, GANNI manages to marry fun fashion with effortless cool, as only the Scandis can. Ganni.com

ROME Rome has launched its own luxury fashion week, taking place in June. Gowns, glitz and glamour are order of the day - not all that surprising in the city that spawned Giambattista Valli and Elsa Schiaparelli.

WHERE TO STAY… With a sultry bar, renowned for the best negronis Rome has to offer, Chapter Roma is edgily glamorous. Sumptuous velvet details and splashes of contemporary design draws in the coolest guests. Chapter-roma.com, rates starting from £127 per night

WHERE TO EAT… Often dubbed Rome’s best restaurant, Pierluigi strikes the right balance between traditional Italian and innovative European cuisine. Situated in the picture perfect Piazza de Ricci, Mark Zuckerberg and Priscilla Chan enjoyed a honeymoon dinner here and, if you go on the right night, you may well catch the Obamas perusing the exquisite wine list. Pierluigi.it

WHERE TO SHOP… Dodge the tourists at the Trevi and head to Monti to feel like a real Roman. Vintage stores and independent designers fill the shops that line the narrow cobbled streets.

WHAT TO SEE… Designed by the legendary Zaha Hadid, the MAXXI NATIONAL MUSEUM OF 21ST CENTURY ARTS showcases the best of modern Italian arts and architecture and not a Caravaggio in sight. Maxxi.art

BRANDS WE LOVE… AGNONA A more understated brand than you’d expect from the glamorous Italians, but no less luxurious (or expensive). A favourite of Instagram icon, Eleonora Carisi specialises in spendy cashmere and tailoring in neutral shades. Agnona.com THE ATTICO The brainchild of Italian street style superstars – Giorgi Tordini and Gilda Ambrosio, The Attico screams more is more. Feather mini dresses, zebra print jeans, and leather trench coats are the kind of statement pieces you can expect from this dynamic duo. Theattico.com

BARCELONA Barcelona’s laidback style and bohemian inspired fashion has long made it an alternative fashion destination. It hosts a grassroots Fashion Week every June, celebrating local and up and coming designers.

WHERE TO STAY… Looking to sip cocktails on a stylish roof top, relax in a luxurious spa or let your hair down in a fun lobby bar? Look no further than Sir Victor Hotel in Barcelona’s Eixample district. The comfiest bed in Spain may lose its allure thanks to amazing views and delicious drinks that await at the rooftop bar. Sirhotels.com/en/victor, rates starting at £144 per night WHERE TO EAT… Like most cities, the Nobu restaurant is where those who want to see and be seen hang out. On the 23rd floor of Nobu hotel, you’ll find Chef Nobu Matsuhisa’s iconic menu and bold cocktails served alongside spectacular views of the city. Barcelona.nobuhotels.com WHERE TO SHOP… Strolling down the historic Passeig de Gracia, you’d be forgiven for missing some of the iconic stores thanks to the stunning architecture. Chanel, Louis Vuitton and Prada are nestled in with high street stores like Mango, H&M and Zara, making it the ultimate shopping destination.

WHAT TO SEE… A former military bunker may not sound like the first port of call on a stylish city break, but the Carmel Bunkers is one of Barcelona’s most noteworthy attraction. With gorgeous 360 views of the whole city, we recommend taking them in at sunset. Bottle of blush Rioja optional but also recommended. BRANDS WE LOVE… TEN TWELVE A boho luxe brand specialising in ethically sourced garments made from high quality fabrics. Embroidered kimonos, oversized blouses and slinky midi dresses are some of the highlights of this collection, perfect for the beachside city that never sleeps. Tentwelvecollection.com ZARA A trip to a Spanish city just isn’t complete without venturing to Zara, which is ever so slightly cheaper and with a few extra styles you might not see at home. The Passeig de Gracia store is one of the biggest in Spain, just so you know... Zara.com