EDINBURGH: ENCHANTING| MYSTICAL | MEDIEVAL
 SEE & DO: MILITARY TATTOOAn international favorite, showcasing the talents of musicians and performers from every corner of the globe. |  SEE: THE PALACE OF HOLYROODHOUSEThe official residence of the British monarch in Scotland is open to the public at 9 30am daily with some closures in the summer. |  SEE & DO: ST. GILES' CATHEDRALSituated on the Royal Mile between Edinburgh Castle and the Palace of Holyroodhouse, is this historic church famed for its crown spire and the Chapel of the Order of the Thistle. |
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 SEE & DO: HOLYROOD ABBEYAdjacent to the palace, this ruined and roofless structure is an example of early English architecture, with some remains of the earlier Norman work. |  SEE & DO: CAMERA OBSCURARooftop access provides 360° panoramas of Edinburgh while telescopes and binoculars offer close-up views of the city and far beyond. |  SHOP: I.J. MELLIS CHEESEMONGERSavor high quality farmhouse cheese, and a traditional, old fashioned sense of service and style. |
 SHOP: THE CHOCOLATE TREEEnjoy handmade organic chocolates, plus gourmet hot chocolate and coffee in a specialist cafe and shop. |  SHOP: FUDGE HOUSEDevour twenty-seven fabulous flavors all made by hand using a traditional recipe. |  SHOP: CADENHEAD'S WHISKYPurchase the best bottles of whisky, rums and cognacs, all from an individually selected cask. |
 DRINKS: THE KING'S WARKA bar, nestled in the heart of Leith's Shore area, serving a wide selection of fine wines, malt whiskies, and traditional cask ales. |  DRINKS: JOSEPH PEARCE'SJoseph Pearce's is a landmark in Edinburgh and it has been a bar for 110 years. |  DRINKS: OPAL LOUNGEA subterranean bar and nightclub with a luxurious and intimate ambience, serving the best drinks. |
 EAT: THE TOWER RESTAURANTThis rooftop restaurant, located above the National Museum of Scotland, offers seasonal Scottish fare in a fine dining setting, with views of Edinburgh Castle. |  EAT: TIMBERYARDLocally-sourced artisanal produce featured in a trendy, industrial, warehouse. |  EAT: THE GARDENER'S COTTAGELocated in the heart of the Edinburgh World Heritage Site, this stone cottage with terraced gardens offers a communal set menu using sustainable local produce. |
 EAT: TRADITIONAL SCOTTISH BREAKFASTStart off the day with a robust meal of eggs, baked beans, sausage, grilled tomatoes and more. |  STAY:THE WITCHERYOpened in 1979 by Chef James Thompson, this establishment, located on the Royal Mile near Edinburgh Castle is a hotel and a restaurant. |  STAY: BALMORAL HOTELSituated at No. 1 Princes Street, where the Old Town stops and the New Town begins, this hotel’s majestic clock defines the city’s skyline and runs three minutes fast to ensure that train rides are never missed. |
 STAY: RADISSON BLU HOTELLocated on the renowned Royal mile, in the heart of the capital's historic district, this hotel, affords guests easy access to attractions as well as elegant, well-appointed rooms. |  STAY: GLASSHOUSEHidden behind the façade of the 160 year old Lady Glenorchy Church, many rooms within the hotel offer direct access to the 2-acre roof top garden, or balconies with views over Edinburgh City Center. |
Edinburgh is the capital city of Scotland, situated in Lothian on the southern shore of the Firth of Forth with largely preserved Old and New Towns. There are castles, a palace, tunnels with vaults, and streets named Princes, Queen, and Great King in this fairy tale town. One side of Princes Street is lined with fancy stores and the other side provides an unobstructed view of an enchanting castle, atop an extinct volcano. Come for the medieval attractions and stay for the festivals, Michelin starred restaurants, colorful street performers and kilt-wearing bagpipers.
Links take you directly to the establishment's site. For point-to-point directions, check out our custom Google Map.
BEFORE YOU GO
GETTING AROUND
Explore this charming little city on foot, bike, bus or tram. To gallivant beyond the town and into the wider Lothians region, use the train or bus.
STAY
Elegantly appointed rooms with luxurious amenities can be found in hotels small and stately, old and new. Some are architectural delights in their own right, with handsome views of the city while others are fancy bed and breakfasts.
Waldorf Astoria Edinburgh - The Caledonian
EAT
Indulge in the traditional hearty Scottish breakfast comprising of eggs, baked beans, sausage, grilled tomatoes and more. Be sure to sample fare that is infamous to this region such as fish and chips, scotch pie, cranachan, black pudding and haggis. Make room for the 5 Michelin-starred restaurants that proudly serve up innovative culinary delights. One of them conveniently doubles up as a bed and breakfast.
21212 - Michelin Starred
Castle Terrace Restaurant - Michelin Starred
Kilimanjaro - Coffee
Loudons Cafe and Bakery - Scottish Breakfast
Number One - Michelin Starred
Restaurant Martin Wishart – Michelin Starred
The Edinburgh Larder - Scottish Breakfast
The Kitchin - Michelin Starred
The Tailend Restaurant and Fish Bar - Fish and Chips
DRINKS
The City of Edinburgh has more pubs and liquor licenses than any other council area in Scotland, so it is not too difficult to locate a watering hole. Enjoy fancy cocktails, whiskey and wines in a variety of settings.
99 Hanover Street Bar Edinburgh
Dragonfly Cocktail Bar and Function Room
SEE & DO
Discover Edinburgh’s Old Towns which includes the medieval Royal Mile running from Edinburgh Castle to the Palace of Holyroodhouse. Then head to the neo-classical 18th century "New Town" which includes Princes Street. Both towns are listed as one UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Fringe Festival and Military Tattoo are not to be missed events, and if possible explore the greater Lothian region where underground passageways and chambers await the curious.
Maid of the Forth, Inchcolm Island
National Galleries of Scotland
Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh
SPA
There are several spas, located within luxury hotels that offer up some well-deserved pampering for weary travelers.
SHOP
There are a wide range of small specialty shops, a farmer’s market, and Jenner’s, which is now known as House of Fraser, all selling a wide array of Scottish products. Stroll down Princes St., George St. and Multrees Walk to pick up some art, crafts, toiletries and artisan cheese, confectionery and souvenir bottles of fine Scottish alcohol.