WELCOME TO...
This is your guide to some of the best places to visit in and around one of the most beautiful and vibrant cities in Europe.
Using this Guide...
We’ll give you the lowdown on some of the best things to see and do; shops, attractions, restaurants, bars and cafes, and plenty moreall you have to do is explore and enjoy them!
For simplicity, we’ve split the Guide into seven sections; getting around, attractions, tours, speciality shops, eating & drinking, museums & galleries.
To make sure you don’t get lost in Edinburgh’s warren of loans, wynds and closes, everything listed in the Guide is pinpointed on the maps on pages 6-9.
Salisbury CragsRobert Aldridge
The Right Honourable Lord Provost of the City of Edinburgh
Our city, Scotland’s ancient capital, is one of many names and stories. Welcome to Edinburgh, Edina, Dùn Èideann, Auld Reekie, the Athens of the North. All these capture different faces and snapshots in time of this wonderful city that we call home.
The celebrated 19th century painter Benjamin Haydon famously remarked that ‘Edinburgh is a dream of great genius’ and one need not look far to see his inspiration. From the majestic heights of Arthur’s Seat to the windswept cobblestone streets of the Old and New Towns, stretching down to sunny Leith and the arms of the Firth of Forth, it’s no wonder that we welcome millions of return and firsttime visitors every year. Ours is a city where rich historical heritage collides with modern, progressive and forward
thinking urban life, and which makes you question the foundations of what a city means.
Alongside our world-famous and year-round offering of festivals, we host the highest calibre cultural and sporting events, alongside a host of fantastic museums and galleries. Whenever you visit Edinburgh, there will be no shortage of inspiration for your choice of activities.
Our restaurants, bars and other hospitality services are some of the finest around with many offerings celebrating the very best of Scottish fare, and of course the extensive international influences that continue to shape Edinburgh.
Edinburgh is also regularly voted one of the very best places in the world to live, work and visit. Indeed as recently
as 2022, Time Out magazine awarded it the Best City in the World to visit. The Capital is an extremely walkable city and I’d highly recommend exploring it on foot. We also have one of the best transport networks in the country, with Lothian Buses and Edinburgh Trams offering round the clock accessible transport at an affordable price. The tram conveniently connects Newhaven in the north of the city to Edinburgh Airport, via the city centre.
I’m certain this guide will offer you plenty of ideas and I hope you enjoy this magical city.
Haste ye back!
Private vehicle access is restricted in some of the roads on this map, and one-way systems may apply. Please follow signage on the ground.
ARBORETUM PLACE
EAST FETTES AVE
COMELY STREETBANK
ORCHARDBRAEGDNS
ORCHARD BRAE AVE
LEARMONTH AVE LEARMONTH GROVE PLACELEARMONTH ORCHARD BRAE
NORTH PARK
LEARMONTH GDNS
ARBORETUM AVE
C
COMELY BANK AVENUE ANNSTREET
STREETDANUBE
LEARMONTH TERR.
RAVELSTONTERRACE
INVERLEITH TERRACE
GLENOGLE ROAD
Stockbridge
DEANPARKCRESC. DEAN PARK ST DEAN PARK MEWS DEANSTREET
WARRISTON CRESC
CANONLANE
DOUNETERR COBURGSAXEPL.
DEAN PATH
BELGRAVE CRES
INDIAPLACE
STREETCLARENCE
STREET
B E L F O RD ROAD
DRUMSHEUGH GARDENS
ROTHESAYPL.
BELFORD PLACE WAR RI
DEVON STANHOPE PL.
DOUGLASCRESC MAG
D A L A C R E S C E N T
EGLINTON CRESCENT
GLENCAIRNCRES
PALMERSTON PLACE
Royal Botanic Garden Dean Gardens Water o f Leith
GLOUCESTER PLACE DUNDAS ST
FETTES ROW
ROYALCRESCENT
CIRCUS LANE
SOUTH LEARMONTH GDNS CIRC U S P L A C E STSTEPHEN JAMAICA STREET
Inverleith Park West Princes St Gardens Queen StreetGardens
BELLS BRAE COATES GDNS GROSVENORCRES
HAYMARKETYARDS
EASTERDALRY DRIVE PL.
DUFF STREET
CATHCARTPL.
DOWNFIELDSPRINGWELLPL.
PL. DUFFSTLANE
MUR IESTON CRESC
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WESTSILVERMILLS LANE STSCOTLAND BELLEV
ST
CUMBERLAND STREET
MORAY ROYAL
INDIA STREET
CIR C US
GLOUCESTER LANE HERIOT ROW GREAT KING STREET NORTHUMBERLAND ST STREETHOWE
STNELSON STDUNDONALD
DRUMMOND
DEAN LESLIETERR. PL. PLACE
VINCENT ST
Comely Bank New Town
AINSLIE PLACE
RANDOLPHCR E S
CHESTERSTREET GARDENS
MELVILLE STREET
WILLIAMST
STAFFORDST
LANSDOWNECRES.
GROSVENOR STREET
CALEDONIAN PLACE
RICHMOND TERRACE
DALRYPL.
MANORPL.
ALVAST RUTLAND
CANNINGST WEST APPROACH ROAD
DUNDEE STREET
QUEEN STREET
CHARLOTTE SQUARE BELFORD ROAD N. CASTLE STREET FREDERICK STREET
YOUNG ST HILL ST
GEORGE STREET
ROSE STREET
ABERCROMBY PLACE
THISTLE STREET ROSE STREET
RRISONLINK RAMSAY GDN
UPPERGROVEPL.
BRANDFIELD STREET
STREET
SQUARE
MORRISON STREET RAEBURN PL.
SEMPLEST
FOUNTAINBRIDGE
UnionCanal
VIEWFORTH
GILMOREPK
KING’SSTABLES ROAD
GRINDLAYST
BREAD ST
FOUNTAINBRIDGERIGGS
LADYLAWSONST
WEST PORT
EastPrinces Gardens
LAWN MARKET
HANOVER STREET STANDREW DUBLIN THE MOUND RAMSAY LANE
CASTLE TERR. JOHNSTON TERRACE
VICTO WE
GRASSMARKET CA
Tollcross Old Town
W.TOLLCROSS
LOCHRIN PLACE
GILMORE PLACE
GILLESPIE CRESC
LAURISTO N P L A C E
PANMURE PLACE
TARVITST
LEVEN TERR.
LAURISTON GDS CH A
ML E RS ST
The Bruntsfield Links
WARRENDER PARK TERR
WARRENDER
MARCHMON
VUECRESC EAST CLAREMONT STREET
BELLEVUE ROAD BELLEVUE GARDENS
BELLEVUEPL. GREEN ST
MCDONALD ROAD
HOPETOUNST
ANNANDALE ST
LONDON ST EAST LONDON STREET
DRYDENSTREETPILRIGSTREET
H OPETOUNCRES
ELM ROW
WINDSORST ELM ROW
BRUNS WICK ST
ST GILES ST LAWN MARKET
ROW
TEVIOTPLACE ANDLEMAKER POTTER ROW
GEORGE SQ.
ELGIN STREET E LG I N T ERR. EASTER R O A D ION A STR E E T DICKSON ST RE E T ALMENY ST
CRESCENT
ROAD
HOLYROOD PARKRD ST LEONARD'S HILL ADAMST BROWN ST RICHMOND LANE SQUAREFORTHUNIONSTREET ST BROUGHTON PL.
R O Y A L T E R R A C E
CANONGATE HOLYROOD ROAD TERRACE
REGENT
SPRING GARDENS ST
WESTRICHMOND
BUCCLEUCH PL. WNICOLSON STREET RANKEILLOR ST
CHAPELST
BUCCLEUCHST MEADOW LANE
EAST CROSSCAUSEWAY
TERRACEGLADSTONE NT CRES ST
ARGYLE PL. SYLVAN PL. PL.LIVINGSTON
LEONARD’
MONTAGUE ST LUTTONPL.
BERNARD TERR.
E.PARKSIDE
Getting Around
Edinburgh has a great value, modern, reliable public transport network which makes getting around the City very easy. As the main bus operator, Lothian is dedicated to delivering an outstanding customer experience offering a City-wide network with regular travel 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Tickets for travel can be purchased on the bus using contactless payments. Adult passengers can benefit from discounted daily and weekly capping when using TapTapCap.
Please visit Lothianbuses.co.uk/contactless.
Alternatively, m-tickets are available via the free Lothian mobile travel app, please visit TfEapp.com, or you can pay using cash. (Please note: bus drivers can’t give change so it’s always a good idea to have the exact fare ready.)
Servicing Edinburgh Airport, Airlink 100 is an express service to and from the City centre and Skylink services offer local connections to other areas of the City.
Please visit Lothianbuses.co.uk/airport.
To see the City from a different view, take an open top bus tour with Edinburgh Bus Tours. The five star rated, hop-on, hop-off tours showcase the best of Edinburgh, with a choice of multi-lingual commentary or a specially trained live guide. For full information visit Edinburghtour.com.
Another great way of getting from one end of the City to the other is by tram. Edinburgh’s tram runs from Edinburgh Airport to York Place in the east end of the City centre, with regular stops on popular places such as Princes Street and Haymarket Train Station.
If you fancy travelling further afield, Glasgow, a lively, bustling city, distinctive and full of character, is less than an hour away from
Edinburgh Waverley with trains departing every 15 mins. Or take a ride on Scotland’s newest railway line, the Borders Railway. Stop off at Newtongrange for the nearby National Mining Museum, alight at Galashiels for bus and taxi connections to the surrounding Borders Towns, or stay on to the end of the line at Tweedbank and visit Abbotsford House.
The beautiful, historic City of Stirling (with its own castle to rival Edinburgh’s) is 50 mins away by rail, or visit Falkirk (for the Falkirk Wheel and The Kelpies). Alternatively, Linlithgow, North Berwick and Dunfermline are all within 30-35 mins.
Your Essential Edinburgh
Key Fortress
One of the strongest fortresses in the kingdom, Edinburgh Castle, has been at the centre of Scottish life for more than 900 years. It has served as a royal palace, arsenal, gun foundry, state prison, place of safekeeping for the Crown Jewels, and more recently as an infantry barracks.
Before you reach the Castle, pause on the esplanade, laid out in 1753 as a parade ground for troops. This was the spot where in the 16th and 17th centuries more than 300 women, accused of being witches, were burned to death at the stake.
The Medieval Town
Well established by 1100, Edinburgh was recognised as the capital of Scotland by 1350. The Old Town stretches, like a herringbone, down the ridge below the Castle with just one major street and a host of narrow closes (alleys) leading directly off it. Try walking down any of the closes and you’ll soon realise how steep this ridge is!
A New Town
The big improvement came in the late 1700s. The town council bought farmland to the north and announced a competition to build a new town there. This was won in 1766 by a 26 year old architect, James Craig. The Georgian New Town that you see today, with its wide straight streets, large open spaces and individual houses, is much as he designed it.
By the end of the 18th century most well off residents had moved north from the Old Town to the spacious New Town. Visit the Georgian House in Charlotte Square with its large drawing
room and dining room to get an excellent idea of how people once lived and entertained.
The Heart of Edinburgh
Stop outside St Giles’ Cathedral, Edinburgh’s principal church for over a thousand years. This is the heart of Edinburgh. Beside St Giles in Parliament Square is the original Scottish Parliament Building, completed in 1639 and in use until the Union with England in 1707, the Law Courts and the burgh’s Mercat or Market Cross.
Attractions
The Edinburgh area boasts a myriad of amazing attractions, so whether you’re aged 4 or 104, you’re in for a treat! Begin your journey with a visit to the iconic Edinburgh Castle, followed by endless enjoyment at nearby Camera Obscura and World of Illusions, where interactive experiences mesmerise visitors with mind-bending optical illusions and engaging exhibits.
Further along the Royal Mile lies Dynamic Earth, where Scotland’s geological wonders, including erupting volcanoes and icy glaciers, await exploration. Nearby, the Palace of Holyroodhouse offers insight into royal life.
For those seeking thrills, the Edinburgh Dungeon and the Real Mary King’s Close offer immersive journeys through Scotland’s intriguing history, complete with live actors and special effects. Rosslyn Chapel stands as a marvel of architecture and history, boasting intricate carvings and ties to the Knights Templar. The Royal Botanic Garden, offers a serene escape with its diverse botanical treasures from around the globe, providing tranquillity amidst the city bustle.
For a day of family fun near the city centre, Edinburgh Zoo awaits. It doesn’t matter if you’re here with family, friends, or on your own, you’ll soon discover that there’s plenty to entertain everyone.
“An absolute must see when visiting Edinburgh.”
TripAdvisor review
Dating from 1446, Rosslyn Chapel took over 40 years to build. The beauty of its setting and the mysterious symbolism of its ornate stonework have inspired, intrigued and attracted visitors ever since.
Just 7 miles south of central Edinburgh. Easy to reach by public transport. Take Lothian Bus 37 (for Penicuik/Deanburn) from City Centre.
Rosslyn Chapel, Chapel Loan, Roslin, Midlothian, EH25 9PU Tel 0131 440 2159
Open all year
Please book ahead to guarantee your visit
rosslynchapel.com
WALK THROUGH ROYAL HISTORY
At the end of the Royal Mile BOOK NOW
“The
Explore the architecture and design of this iconic Scottish landmark. Book a free guided tour, visit our exhibition and discover the Debating Chamber. Our café and shop are also open. For more information visit parliament.scot/visit
Tours
With so much to see and do in and around Edinburgh, taking a tour can be a terrific way to cram in as much sight-seeing as possible, especially if your time here is limited.
Guided tours are ideal for finding out more about the history of Scotland’s Capital, and the City serves as an ideal base from which to explore the rest of Scotland too. Let Edinburgh Bus Tours help you discover Edinburgh, on board its five star tours. Discover Edinburgh’s Old Town with your Mercat Tours guide, then explore the infamous Blair Street Underground Vaults.
EDINBURGH’S TOP FAMILY RUN BOATING ATTRACTION
SAIL UNDER ALL THREE FORTH BRIDGES. ACCLAIMED WILDLIFE SIGHTSEEING CRUISES. EXPLORE INCHCOLM ISLAND. EVENING CRUISES WITH LIVE MUSIC AND BBQ.
SIGHTSEEING CRUISES TO THE WORLDS LARGEST NORTHERN GANNET COLONY CLOSE
VIEWS OF THE NESTING PUFFINS GUILLEMOTS AND MANY OTHER SEABIRDS
DISCOVER MORE OF SCOTLAND
Pop in and let us inspire you to discover more of Scotland. We provide tourist information and top tips on things to see and do, places to visit and what’s on.
We are also proud to promote local artisans through our Shop Local initiative so we’re sure to help you find the perfect Scottish souvenir.
Find us at 249 High Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1JY
Check out when we’re open at visitscotland.com/icentre
SAVE 20 % off your booking!
Loch Ness, Glencoe & The Scottish Highlands Outlander 1 Day Experience
The Magical Highlands Tour, including Steam Train ride
Loch Lomond, The Highlands & Stirling Castle and so much more!
graylinescotland.com 0131 555 5558
Speciality Shops
Shopping in Edinburgh isn’t like most other cities, thanks to a mix of big brands, top designers and one-off boutiques.
For your favourite high street names, make tracks for the St James Quarter or Princes Street. Further along, George Street is home to a host of upmarket stores, and for designer labels the nearby Thistle Street and Multrees Walk are hard to beat.
If you’re after something unique or quirky, then your best bet is to try the Royal Mile, Grassmarket, the West End, Morningside or Stockbridge, where you’ll find a range of independent retailers.
Scottish Designer Knitwear
www.victoriaregalia.com | +44 (0) 131 225 3355 | enquiry@victoriaregalia.com
Just a 5 minute walk from Edinburgh Castle - 2b Johnston Terrace, Edinburgh, EH1 2PW
Victoria Regalia Limited have been manufacturing and supplying high quality Masonic regalia for over 33 years.
www.victoriaregalia.com | +44 (0) 131 225 3355 | enquiry@victoriaregalia.com
Just a 5 minute walk from Edinburgh Castle - 2b Johnston Terrace, Edinburgh, EH1 2PW
Victoria Regalia Limited have been manufacturing and supplying high quality Masonic regalia for over 38 years. SHOP for FREEMASONS
www.victoriaregalia.com
+44 (0) 131 225 3355 | enquiry@victoriaregalia.com
Just a 5 minute walk from Edinburgh Castle 2b Johnston Terrace, Edinburgh, EH1 2PW cd @MasonsRegalia
17 St. Mary’s Street | +44 (0) 557 39 69
WWW.MACKENZIELEATHEREDINBURGH.COM
Luxury leathergoods that last a lifetime, reflecting yours.
Victoria Regalia Limited have been manufacturing and supplying high quality Masonic regalia for over 33 years.Our Jewellery fuses Celtic heritage with contemporary designs and integrates gemstones and Scottish Marble for an extra sparkle. We use the finest quality hallmarked 925 sterling silver.
The Celts have left us with meaningful symbols, designs, and artwork which we honour with our jewellery. www.celticdesignscotland.com
Eating & Drinking
For something to eat, Edinburgh has it all, from fine dining to a casual bite to eat. Multiple Michelin-starred restaurants, loads more awardwinning eateries and countless cafes, bars and sandwich shops all serving up tasty treats, means you certainly won’t go hungry.
And with world cuisines in abundance and some great veggie places too, you’ll be spoiled for choice.
Can’t choose? We have put together a small selection for you here to help you choose.
BAR | CAFE | RESTAURANT
Looking for the perfect place for a date night, birthday celebration or a family get-together?
Whatever the occasion, The Esplanade welcomes you to their charming beach front establishment that flawlessly blends the warmth of a cozy cafe and the ambiance of an eclectic bar and restaurant!
DOG & KID FRIENDLY!
MONDAY TO SUNDAY 9.30AM TO LATE
Email us atthe.espy.porty@gmail.com or call 0131 669 0082 to reserve
62-64 Bath St, Portobello, Edinburgh EH15 1HF
www.facebook.com/The-Espy @espy_porty
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Vinyasa is a premier Indian restaurant and takeaway that’s only a short walk from Holyrood Palace. We serve up a tantalizing array of authentic Indian dishes that will transport your taste buds straight to the streets of India.
Museums & Galleries
It’s easy for the hours to fly past as you explore the wide variety of museums and galleries that Edinburgh has to offer.
Enjoy a world of discovery at the National Museum of Scotland, the UK’s most popular museum outside of London. The diverse collections take visitors on an inspirational journey through the history of Scotland, the wonders of nature and world cultures, science and decorative art and fashion – all under one roof.
Highlights include the world famous Dolly the sheep, jewellery belonging to Mary, Queen of Scots, the mysterious Lewis Chessmen, Vivienne Westwood’s iconic tartan suit and the towering skeleton cast of a Tyrannosaurus Rex.
Discover over 500 years of surgical history at one of Scotland’s oldest museums.
Open 10am-5pm 7 days a week
Nicolson Street, Edinburgh
EH8 9DW
https://museum.rcsed.ac.uk
Ever seen
£1 million?
So much art to discover
One world-class art collection in three stunning gallery sites across Edinburgh
National Modern Portrait
Explore the new Scottish galleries for the very best of Scottish art from 1800 to 1945. Then soak up works by Vermeer, Titian, Rembrandt, Velázquez and the Impressionists.
One site with two sculpture parks and two galleries. The best Scottish and international contemporary art is here, as is a re-creation of local hero Eduardo Paolozzi’s art studio.
Each of our galleries has incredible cafés to eat, drink and relax in. Our gallery shops are packed with art-inspired gifts and souvenirs.
Admission is free to all galleries
Open daily 10am-5pm
Find out more at nationalgalleries.org
*
Filled with famous faces and highlights from the photography collection which tell the story of Scotland’s past and present.
With thousands of amazing objects, special exhibitions and great places to eat and relax we are a must-see part of every visit to Edinburgh.
Find us in the heart of Edinburgh’s Old Town
Open daily 10:00–17:00
Part of the Edinburgh hop-on hop-off bus tour.
Useful Websites
www.wow247.co.uk/edinburgh/any
www.list.co.uk
www.travelinescotland.com
www.edinburghairport.com
www.citylink.co.uk
www.scotrail.co.uk
trafficscotland.org
www.metoffice.gov.uk
Quality Assurance
Tourism businesses are inspected by the national tourist board, VisitScotland, and are graded on the quality of service and standard of facilities provided.
Useful Telephone Numbers
Theatres
Many of the advertisers in this guide are members of
Maps by: Ashworth Maps & Interpretation Ltd.
Paper: Printed on paper from sustainable, managed, forests.
Every effort is made to ensure that the information in this publication is accurate. However, we do not accept liability if information is incorrect.
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