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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 six 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.

Robert Aldridge

The Right Honourable Lord Provost of the City of Edinburgh

One of Edinburgh’s most famous sons, the world renowned author Robert Louis Stevenson, once observed of his birthplace that ‘this dream in masonry and living rock is not a drop scene in the theatre, but a city in the world of reality’. Here in the capital city of Scotland, a touch of the ethereal, dramatic and surreal is never far away. Nestled in the shadow of an extinct volcano, Arthur’s Seat, you’ll find everything from winding cobblestone streets to imposing gothic architecture, modern urban spaces and beyond.

Every August you’ll also find one of the world’s truly unique cultural kaleidoscopes taking place, which brings performers, artists, thinkers and speakers from over 70 countries together in our world famous summer festivals programme. Edinburgh though is a city for all seasons with high calibre cultural and sporting events taking place year round, alongside a range of fantastic museums and galleries to explore and enjoy.

Our city has a rich and varied gastronomical culture, with this year’s Good Food Guide naming Edinburgh as the Most Exciting Food Destination in the UK. From Michelin starred establishments all the way to street food, the Guide praised our ‘great restaurants at every level’. Adding to this a thriving bar and wider

hospitality sector, being well fed and watered in Edinburgh is a near certainty.

Getting around the Capital couldn’t be easier, whether on foot or on our stellar public transport network. Lothian Buses and Edinburgh Trams were both awarded Operator of the Year by the National Transport Awards in 2024, showcasing their quality, affordability and general experience. The tram conveniently connects Newhaven in the north of the city to Edinburgh Airport, stopping in the city centre.

Whether you are one of our many return visitors or if this is your first time here, I’m sure that this guide will offer you plenty of inspiration.

Yours aye,

Calton Hill

Salisbury Crags

Attractions

1 Johnnie Walker Princes Street

2 Escape The Past Edinburgh

3 Royal Yacht Britannia

4 Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh

5 The Real Mary King’s Close

6 Camera Obscura & World of Illusions

7 Edinburgh Gin Distillery

8 Scottish Parliament

9 Palace of Holyroodhouse

10 Edinburgh Zoo

11 Port of Leith Distillery

12 Rosslyn Chapel

13 Glenkinchie Distillery

14 Lost Shore Surf Resort

Tours

15 Maid of the Forth

Speciality Shops

16 Celtic Design

17 Mackenzie Leather

18 Bagpipes Galore

19 Bill Baber Knitwear

20 Mr Wood’s Fossils

21 Victoria Regalia

22 Royal Mile Whiskies

23 Brora 24 Sheila Fleet

Eating & Drinking

25 Gurkha Cafe & Restaurant 26 Arcade Bar 27 Sushiya

28 Indian Lounge

29 The Lost Close

Museums & Galleries

30 St Cecilia's Hall Music Museum

31 Surgeons’ Hall Museums

32 Museum on the Mound

33 National Galleries of Scotland: National

34 National Galleries of Scotland: Modern

35 National Galleries of Scotland: Portrait

36 National Museum of Scotland

Dunbar

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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 Buses 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 ours showcase the best of Edinburgh, with a choice of multi-lingual commentary or a specially trained live guide. For full information visit Edinburghtour.com.

Edinburgh Trams

Princes Street

The Three Bridges

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 Newhaven 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 t 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.

City Sightseeing Edinburgh

Citylink Edinburgh

Edinburgh Tram & Buses

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 safe-keeping 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 esidents 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.

John Knox House

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.

For a true taste of Scotland why not try Port of Leith Distillery? Explore the incredible architecture of this vertical distillery and understand whisky production like never before. 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.

Edinburgh Zoo with two Chinese pandas, a daily penguin parade and a host of other animals, is a star attraction.

If you are looking for space, try the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh – a tranquil haven no distance from the city centre. With 70 acres of landscaped grounds, superb glasshouses, and some very tame grey squirrels, this is a family favourite. For more of an adventure try climbing to the top of Arthur’s Seat for panoramic views over the City.

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.

Port of Leith Distillery

Lost Shore Surf Resort

Edinburgh Zoo's Pygmy Hippo Calf - Haggis

1 hour guided tour

Camera Obscura

Discover the Scottish Parliament

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

At the end of the Royal Mile

Rosslyn Chapel

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.

Open all year

Please book ahead to guarantee your visit rosslynchapel.com

Rosslyn Chapel is managed by Rosslyn Chapel Trust, a charity registered in Scotland, number SC024324.

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.

Bus tours, with commentary in many different languages, depart regularly from Waverley Bridge, with many offering a hop-on hop-offservice.

For something more intimate, sit back and relax in one of Rabbie’s glass roof, convertible mini coaches and enjoy a tour as they show offEdinburgh from a local’s perspective.

Discover Edinburgh’s Old Town with your Mercat Tours guide and then, for the brave, dare to take one of Edinburgh’s ghost tours! There’s lots to thrill and unnerve you on these spooky tours, and that’s all before you delve deep in to Edinburgh’s underground city.

Maid of the Forth

Scottish Parliament Tour

Speciality Shops

Shopping in Edinburgh isn’t like most other cities, thanks to a mix of big brands, top designers and one-off boutiques.

Start on Princes Street, no other street can offer such a wide range of shops with stunning views of Edinburgh Castle. You'll find many department stores here too.

Running parallel to Princes Street is George Street. Although it does not have as many shops, it is a chic fashion hub, with stylish and on-trend brands as well as charity shops and vintage shops.

For luxury fashion brands try Multrees Walk, just off St Andrew Square - The definition of luxury shopping in Edinburgh with countless designer labels on offer such as Louis Vitton, Burberry, Boss & Johnstons of Elgin to name just a few!

The Royal Mile is packed with souvenir shops and traditional fashion stores, including Scottish crafts, cashmere and whisky. You can even find a store that makes kilts and accessories.

One of the most attractive streets in Edinburgh is Victoria Street. With it's cobbled and winding appearance, it is said that Diagon Alley from Harry Potter was based on this street by author J.K Rowling. Brimming with Scottish designers, artisans and independents selling world crafts, vintage clothing and antiques.

Mackenzie Leather

Sheila Fleet

Shopping, St Steven's St

VICTORIA REGALIA

sheilafleet.com/shells

Eating & Drinking

Edinburgh has a culinar y melting pot of different cuisines on offer, but if you have travelled all the way to Scotland then you can’t leave without tasting some hearty Scottish favourites!

No Scottish food is as iconic as haggis - called the “Great Chieftain o’ the puddin’-race!” by Robert Burns - and you’ll usually find it on menus as the taditional trio of haggis, neeps and tatties. Scottish game such as venison or grouse can make for heavenly main courses, and for dessert try a traditional cranachan: a mixture of raspberries, cream, honey, whisky and oatmeal.

Multiple Michelin-starred restaurants, loads more award-winning eateries and countless cafes, bars and sandwich shops all serving up tasty treats, means you certainly won’t go hungry.

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 decide.

Indian Lounge

Fresh Lobster, The Lobster Shack

Arcade Haggis & Whisky House

cafegurkha gurkhacafe

Museums & Galleries

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 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.

A great way of finding out more about the collections and exploring the museum is by taking a free hour long tour given by one of the museum’s volunteer guides. Tours take place every day and there are three to choose from - Discover the National Museum of Scotland (11:00), Scotland Galleries Highlights (13:00) and a special Themed Tour (15:00). There are also special events and exhibitions throughout the year, find out more at nms.ac.uk

Young or old, you’ll find a range of fascinating exhibitions and art collections to pique your curiosity. In the heart of Edinburgh, the Scottish National Gallery houses one of the world’s best collections of fine art.

See some of Scotland’s most famous faces, including Jacobite leader Bonnie Prince Charlie and beloved national poet Robert Burns, at the Scottish National Portrait Gallery. For more modern and contemporary art, a visit to the Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art is unmissable.

Stare wide-eyed at a million pounds in cash or crack open a safe at the Museum on the Mound, situated on the Royal Mile. Marvel at something more unusual at Surgeons’ Hall Museums, one of the largest and most historic collections of surgical pathology in the world. There are many museums in Edinburgh and you are guaranteed to find one that interests you.

National Museum of Scotland

Museum on the Mound

Surgeons' Hall Museum

St Cecilia's Hall Music Museum

So much art to discover

One world-class art collection in three stunning gallery sites across Edinburgh

National

Explore the 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.

Modern

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 gallery has incredible cafés to eat, drink and relax in. The gallery shops are packed with art-inspired gifts and souvenirs. Free admission

Open daily 10am-5pm Find out more at nationalgalleries.org

Portrait

With galleries packed with famous faces, the art in the Portrait gallery tells the story of Scotland’s past and present through painting, sculpture and images from the nation’s photography collection.

Discover Scotland’s treasures

In one spectacular museum

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

Chambers Street Edinburgh, EH1 1JF nms.ac.uk

Part of the Edinburgh hop-on hop-off bus tour.

USEFUL WEBSITES

Designed & Published by Landmark Press, Station Road, Carrbridge, Inverness-shire PH23 3AP Tel: 01479 841900.

Front cover photo: Balmoral Hotel Clock Tower and Princes Street.

Photos: Kenny Lam, Stuart Brunton, Airborne Lens, Rachel Keenan, Luigi Di Pasquale, VisitScotland; Lost Shore Surf Resort; Edinburgh Zoo; Port of Leith Distillery; Jane Massey, Camera Obscura; Mercat Tours; Scottish Parliament Tour; Mackenzie Leather; Sheila Fleet; Simon Winnall; Rueben Paris; Indian Lounge; Arcade Bar; National Museum of Scotland; Surgeons' Hall Museum; Museum on the Mound; St Cecilia's Hall Music Museum, University of Edinburgh.

Maps by: Ashworth Maps & Interpretation Ltd.

Paper: Printed on paper from sustainable, managed, forests.

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