The dramatic Scottish capital offers its visitors a journey from the city's medieval Old Town and Georgian New Town to the sleek architecture of its contemporary buildings. Experience Scotland's rich cultural heritage alongside a lively cosmopolitan lifestyle with gourmet dining, cozy pubs, chic cocktail bars, world-class galleries, and a very popular arts festival.
Eat & Drink
MICHELIN-STARRED DINING
Tom Kitchin opened his eponymous restaurant in 2006 and within six months was awarded a Michelin star. Housed in a converted whiskey warehouse in the neighborhood of Leith, enjoy stunning design, romantic ambiance, and seasonal Scottish produce influenced by classic French cuisine. Book a table beside the glass-fronted theater-style kitchen for a front-row view of the chefs at work. thekitchin.com
SEAFOOD SPECIALTIES
Dulse, a specialty seafood bistro and cocktail bar, is named after red ribbons of edible seaweed, setting the tone for a menu featuring juicy oysters from the Isle of Cumbrae and traditional Arbroath “smokies.” Uncomplicated and delicious, the food is the perfect accompaniment to the easygoing contemporary vibe. Pair dishes with innovative cocktails – the Dulse martini with Lunun gin, seaweed essence, and caviar is divine. dulse.co.uk
HIDDEN NOOK
A secret hideaway accessed via a bookcase and a barbershop, the quirky décor and theatrical ambiance of Panda & Sons offer the perfect setting for avant-garde cocktails. Expert mixologists shake up sassy tipples using innovative freezing techniques to enhance flavors. Coconut Daiquiri (rum with roasted coconut water) and the Birdcage (Johnnie Walker Gold Label Reserve with rhubarb, lemongrass, Aperol, Angostura, and smoked cinnamon and cloves) tantalize the taste buds. It’s no surprise that this place is No. 39 on the list of The World’s 50 Best Bars. pandaandsons.com
Shop
RETAIL THERAPY
A row of colorful shops curving down a steep cobbled hill, Victoria Street is a magical place offering treats for all ages. Discover tailored tweed clothing at Walker Slater, knitwear at Cashmere House, and a bibliophile’s dream at John Kay’s Shop. This enchanting street is thought to have inspired Diagon Alley in local author J. K. Rowling’s first Harry Potter novel, and at Museum Context, fans can stock up on Hogwarts quills, candles, and broomsticks. ewh.org.uk/victoria-street
This enchanting street is thought to have inspired Diagon Alley in local author J. K. Rowling’s first Harry Potter novel
EDINBURGH’S TREASURES
Nose around the fine art district of Dundas Street in the New Town, filled with independent galleries showcasing painting, sculpture, and decorative arts. The Scottish Gallery is the home of landscape paintings, crafts, and statement jewelry, while young contemporary artists are showcased at the Open Eye Gallery. Pop into &Gallery for solo exhibitions and curated group shows. Heriot Gallery focuses on contemporary fine art, and The Fine Art Society is a specialist in Scottish art from the 1700s onward. June is NT Art Month, a vibrant festival spotlighting the creativity on display and for sale at galleries in this area. ntart.org
URBAN VILLAGE
Browse vintage clothing and curios in the many charming shops of St. Stephen Street at the heart of the urban village of Stockbridge. Just a short walk from the heart of the city, find hidden treasures dating back to the 1920s as well as vinyl records, antiques, books, and jewelry. Take a break at one of many bars and bistros offering gourmet foods, and if you’re there during the weekend, don’t miss the Sunday farmer’s market. everythingedinburgh.com/stockbridge-dean-village-guide
Insider's Tip
Wherever you go in Edinburgh in August, you’ll get caught up in the fun and celebrations of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, the world’s largest performance arts festival. With more than 3,500 shows, from high-profile comedians and theatrical productions to lively street performers, it brings a frenzied vibrancy to the city’s streets every summer.
The Fringe runs concurrently with the Edinburgh International Festival, a showcase of music, opera, dance, and drama. This year’s must-see ticket is Carmen by Opéra-Comique of Paris. Look out also for the Edinburgh International Book Festival and the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo – all part of this summertime feast of culture.
Explore
UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITE
Tour the Old Town starting at the Castle Esplanade for the best view across the city. Then, head down the Royal Mile to the Palace of Holyroodhouse, the official residence of the British monarch in Scotland. En route, stop at the Tartan Weaving Mill to research your clan tartan. Further along, 17th-century Gladstone’s Land is a beautifully restored townhouse offering a glimpse of life in the city over three centuries. Explore the narrow closes, or alleyways, that lead off the Royal Mile, unchanged for 500 years. After dark, take a City of the Dead ghost walk to hear tales of murder and mystery.
BEHIND THE TIPPLE
Learn all about the art of whiskey making at the Scotch Whisky Experience at the top of the historic Royal Mile. You’ll get an insight into distillation, blending, and maturation at an innovative attraction that takes visitors right inside the cask. There is a choice of tours, plus the chance to sample a dram as you view the massive whiskey collection of 3,384 bottles in a spectacular marble and glass vault. scotchwhiskyexperience.co.uk
ROYAL HISTORY
For 44 years, the late Queen and her family sailed the world on the Royal Yacht Britannia making state visits, hosting presidents, prime ministers, and celebrities. Now permanently moored at Ocean Terminal in Leith to the north of the city, the former floating palace is one of the top tourist attractions in the U.K. Step aboard to immerse yourself in a bygone era, take a peek at the state apartments, and have tea on the royal deck. royalyachtbritannia.co.uk