Guidebook for Edinburgh
Food Scene
Origano Pizzeria is a great little restaurant that serves brilliant pizza! It is perfect for a romantic meal out or a catch up with friends.
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Origano pizzeria
236 Leith WalkOrigano Pizzeria is a great little restaurant that serves brilliant pizza! It is perfect for a romantic meal out or a catch up with friends.
My favourite Spanish place in Edinburgh, one of the best I've had the pleasure to enjoy in Britain. If you crave Churros with chocolate - you can actually get authentic ones here!
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Serrano & Manchego
297 Leith WalkMy favourite Spanish place in Edinburgh, one of the best I've had the pleasure to enjoy in Britain. If you crave Churros with chocolate - you can actually get authentic ones here!
Our local Greek deli - quirky decor, great coffee, gorgeous Greek pies and pastries baked daily. They do sandwiches and such but really their fresh baklava is divine. They do it to sit in and to take away -very handy when you are catching a bus into town!
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Qupi Cafe Bistro
171 Leith WalkOur local Greek deli - quirky decor, great coffee, gorgeous Greek pies and pastries baked daily. They do sandwiches and such but really their fresh baklava is divine. They do it to sit in and to take away -very handy when you are catching a bus into town!
Gorgeous little Portuguese cafe. Spacious glass window to watch the world go by with a cup of very good coffee or hot chocolate and an amazing pastry baked daily. Good for breakfast and light lunch. Also sells a small variety of Portuguese food.
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Casa Amiga
32A Leith WalkGorgeous little Portuguese cafe. Spacious glass window to watch the world go by with a cup of very good coffee or hot chocolate and an amazing pastry baked daily. Good for breakfast and light lunch. Also sells a small variety of Portuguese food.
One of the lovely Edinburgh Pizza Establishments - delivery or sit in. Very recommended.
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La Favorita
321-325 Leith WalkOne of the lovely Edinburgh Pizza Establishments - delivery or sit in. Very recommended.
This is one of the smaller (I think only 6 tables) always highly rated restaurants with local, fresh and seasonal produce. Innovative and unique. Book in advance!
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The Walnut
9 Leith WalkThis is one of the smaller (I think only 6 tables) always highly rated restaurants with local, fresh and seasonal produce. Innovative and unique. Book in advance!
A must for a Sunday. A little market but right in the middle of a foodie area - there are so many great cafes and restaurants around - it's a wonderful way to spend an afternoon. Plenty of quirky second hand book/ music shops to pick up a bargain nearby.
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I-Market ye-Stockbridge
Saunders StreetA must for a Sunday. A little market but right in the middle of a foodie area - there are so many great cafes and restaurants around - it's a wonderful way to spend an afternoon. Plenty of quirky second hand book/ music shops to pick up a bargain nearby.
I believe this is the largest market in Edinburgh, every Saturday till about 1pm. Great selection of local meats, breads, fruit and vegetables. And a wonderful atmosphere too - often a band/ musician in place too all in the shadow of the castle.
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Imarike yabafundi yaseEdinburgh
Castle TerraceI believe this is the largest market in Edinburgh, every Saturday till about 1pm. Great selection of local meats, breads, fruit and vegetables. And a wonderful atmosphere too - often a band/ musician in place too all in the shadow of the castle.
They have both a restaurant and a cafe with a tempting selection of cakes. Gorgeous French food. I do love their Thistle street brunch - they also tend to go slightly more gourmet but it is a smaller place ( close to Princess Street)
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Cafe Marlayne
13 Antigua StreetThey have both a restaurant and a cafe with a tempting selection of cakes. Gorgeous French food. I do love their Thistle street brunch - they also tend to go slightly more gourmet but it is a smaller place ( close to Princess Street)
This is a special bakery, with an interesting selection of both savoury and sweet products. Good for gluten free as have several options too.
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The Manna House Bakery & Patisserie
22-24 Easter RdThis is a special bakery, with an interesting selection of both savoury and sweet products. Good for gluten free as have several options too.
One of the two unique ice-cream shops in Edinburgh. Flavours range from quirky to traditional - all made in small batches and daily new flavours. small batches and daily new flavours. Good coffee too, expect a queue even in the middle of a winter.
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Mary's Milk Bar
19 GrassmarketOne of the two unique ice-cream shops in Edinburgh. Flavours range from quirky to traditional - all made in small batches and daily new flavours. small batches and daily new flavours. Good coffee too, expect a queue even in the middle of a winter.
My favourite gelato place in town. Amazing flavours, strong working and food ethic. Great coffee and brownies too.
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Affogato
36 Queensferry StMy favourite gelato place in town. Amazing flavours, strong working and food ethic. Great coffee and brownies too.
Drinks & Nightlife
This bar has recently opened and is named after a notoriously difficult Tour de France mountain climb (and sister to The Ventoux in Tollcross). This pub is cycling themed and brimming with character. Definitely worth a visit!
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The Tourmalet
25 Buchanan StThis bar has recently opened and is named after a notoriously difficult Tour de France mountain climb (and sister to The Ventoux in Tollcross). This pub is cycling themed and brimming with character. Definitely worth a visit!
Great cozy atmosphere in this little place - they have quizz nights and karaoke. And you are just as likely to get a cup of coffee as a great beer :-)
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Abode Bar
229 Leith WalkGreat cozy atmosphere in this little place - they have quizz nights and karaoke. And you are just as likely to get a cup of coffee as a great beer :-)
Check their website - there are 2-3 venues in the city that run themed nights. Always a good vibe and reasonable drinks.
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The Bongo Club
66 CowgateCheck their website - there are 2-3 venues in the city that run themed nights. Always a good vibe and reasonable drinks.
Here you will find a club/bar/live music venue to suit your taste. Great range of cafes by day and restaurants by night.
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Grassmarket
10 GrassmarketHere you will find a club/bar/live music venue to suit your taste. Great range of cafes by day and restaurants by night.
Upmarket bar on George street. A must at Christmas - their decorations and atmosphere will be unique to anything you've seen so far. :-)
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The Dome
14 George StUpmarket bar on George street. A must at Christmas - their decorations and atmosphere will be unique to anything you've seen so far. :-)
Check the lineup - often have to pay to get in and as everything during the Festival - it is a venue. There is often a queue outside but these don't usually last.
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The Jazz Bar
1a Chambers StCheck the lineup - often have to pay to get in and as everything during the Festival - it is a venue. There is often a queue outside but these don't usually last.
Check their daily lineup online. It's a free venue - you don;t pay for performances, just the drinks. Lively atmosphere till the early hours.
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Whistlebinkies Live Music Bar
4-6 South BridgeCheck their daily lineup online. It's a free venue - you don;t pay for performances, just the drinks. Lively atmosphere till the early hours.
Sightseeing
An amazing view point of the city. Aim for the 1 o'clock gun shot too :-)
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Ikhethelo le-Edinburgh
Castlehill An amazing view point of the city. Aim for the 1 o'clock gun shot too :-)
Not to everyone's taste in terms of this being a modern piece of architecture! Lovely to sit outside int he summer with the Salisbury Craig to the right. A lot of controversy with the locals, so interesting from that point of view too. It is cross the road from Holyrood Palace and often has exhibitions inside.
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Scottish Parliament Building
Horse WyndNot to everyone's taste in terms of this being a modern piece of architecture! Lovely to sit outside int he summer with the Salisbury Craig to the right. A lot of controversy with the locals, so interesting from that point of view too. It is cross the road from Holyrood Palace and often has exhibitions inside.
Full of atmosphere and history. Find the time to walk through the rooms and chapels, a lot of Scottish history pages got turned there. A stunning organ too - often have recitals and concerts - look up online for timetable
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I-Cathedral ye-St Giles
High StreetFull of atmosphere and history. Find the time to walk through the rooms and chapels, a lot of Scottish history pages got turned there. A stunning organ too - often have recitals and concerts - look up online for timetable
Does it for some, if it is your cup of tea. Gets you out of the town centre and into the Ocean Terminal - which is a shopping centre with a huge cinema. So good for rainy day.
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Royal Yacht Britannia
Ocean DriveDoes it for some, if it is your cup of tea. Gets you out of the town centre and into the Ocean Terminal - which is a shopping centre with a huge cinema. So good for rainy day.
Arts & Culture
There is lots to see and do for all the family. They often have special exhibitions that you have to pay for. Lots of interactive displays that are fun for children and adults. Museum Lates are worth looking our for on their website - these are themed, dress up for events for adults with live music and other entertainment.
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National Museum of Scotland
There is lots to see and do for all the family. They often have special exhibitions that you have to pay for. Lots of interactive displays that are fun for children and adults. Museum Lates are worth looking our for on their website - these are themed, dress up for events for adults with live music and other entertainment.
Great permanent exhibition that is free (donation suggested) and frequent large-scale exhibitions. If you are here during the winter you can see Turner's watercolour collection.
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Igaleriya yeScottish National Gallery of Modern Art
75 Belford Rd Great permanent exhibition that is free (donation suggested) and frequent large-scale exhibitions. If you are here during the winter you can see Turner's watercolour collection.
It has landscaped gardens that are a work of art in its own right not to mention the great exhibitions. Take a free bus from the National Gallery.
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Igaleriya yeScottish National Gallery of Modern Art
75 Belford RdIt has landscaped gardens that are a work of art in its own right not to mention the great exhibitions. Take a free bus from the National Gallery.
There is a host of fabulous galleries for all styles and tastes. The parallel street also has a handful. Plus the bottom of the street has lovely cafes and restaurants. Like the Cuckoo Bakery for cupcakes!
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Dundas Street
Dundas StreetThere is a host of fabulous galleries for all styles and tastes. The parallel street also has a handful. Plus the bottom of the street has lovely cafes and restaurants. Like the Cuckoo Bakery for cupcakes!
Check the website for great theatrical productions.
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Itheatara kaKumkani
2 Leven StCheck the website for great theatrical productions.
A large theatre with great acoustics - a lot of touring concerts and events end up here. Good restaurants nearby.
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Usher Hall
Lothian RoadA large theatre with great acoustics - a lot of touring concerts and events end up here. Good restaurants nearby.
Getting Around
Edinburgh Airport
Waverley Railway Station
Shopping
It is under refurbishment, but John Lewis still works and Maltress Walk is right behind it, where you will find upmarket designer shops.
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Saint James Centre
It is under refurbishment, but John Lewis still works and Maltress Walk is right behind it, where you will find upmarket designer shops.
Every UK High Street store you can think off, all with Scottish opening hours - i.e. long hours + Saturdays and Sundays
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Princes Street
Princes StreetEvery UK High Street store you can think off, all with Scottish opening hours - i.e. long hours + Saturdays and Sundays
More designer and upmarket shops than the main hubbub of Princess Street. Anthropologie is a personal highlight. Head to Thistle Street for great local foodie restaurants. This street is alive at night with a few trendy bars and clubs. Check out the Dome for Christmas too!
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George Street
George StreetMore designer and upmarket shops than the main hubbub of Princess Street. Anthropologie is a personal highlight. Head to Thistle Street for great local foodie restaurants. This street is alive at night with a few trendy bars and clubs. Check out the Dome for Christmas too!
The other side of town from Leith, still a lovely area to visit with a unique vibe. Local boutique and craft shops, cornucopia of bakeries and desert places, great drinking night spots. and a lovely local atmosphere. Pick up a beer or an ice cream and sit outside at Brunstfield Links to enjoy. Or even have a game of golf!
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Bruntsfield Place
Bruntsfield PlaceThe other side of town from Leith, still a lovely area to visit with a unique vibe. Local boutique and craft shops, cornucopia of bakeries and desert places, great drinking night spots. and a lovely local atmosphere. Pick up a beer or an ice cream and sit outside at Brunstfield Links to enjoy. Or even have a game of golf!
This is an Edinburgh institution. A great independent health food store - with a wonderful range or food from local producers, bakers and farms. If you are after wholesome, healthy or even health supplements that are not on the high street - this is the place to go for. Amazing choice.
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Real Foods
37 Broughton StThis is an Edinburgh institution. A great independent health food store - with a wonderful range or food from local producers, bakers and farms. If you are after wholesome, healthy or even health supplements that are not on the high street - this is the place to go for. Amazing choice.
Parks & Nature
The best views of Edinburgh, and an accessible hike!
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I-Arthur's Seat
The best views of Edinburgh, and an accessible hike!
It is accessible, large and you can see Arthur's seat and Salisbury Craig from here. Plus people fly kite there quite regularly!
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Ipharki ye-Holyrood
Queen's DriveIt is accessible, large and you can see Arthur's seat and Salisbury Craig from here. Plus people fly kite there quite regularly!
This is a quiet part of town that is very scenic. If you fancy a break from the main city centre - this is an ideal - and cooling walk by the Water of Leith.
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Dean Village
Dean PathThis is a quiet part of town that is very scenic. If you fancy a break from the main city centre - this is an ideal - and cooling walk by the Water of Leith.
Stunning park - so much to do indoors and outdoors, good for families. A lovely gallery space too and a nice, inexpensive place for lunch. They also organise special events , talks and nights - well worth checking their timetable online.
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Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh
Arboretum PlaceStunning park - so much to do indoors and outdoors, good for families. A lovely gallery space too and a nice, inexpensive place for lunch. They also organise special events , talks and nights - well worth checking their timetable online.
It's not as hard a climb as you think - as there is a paved walkway, so can even take a stroller. You get gorgeous views of Edinburgh. Great in the evening to see Princess Street lit up. Would not recommend in strong winds, though. You'd rarely feel so uncomfortable :-)
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I-Calton Hill
Calton HillIt's not as hard a climb as you think - as there is a paved walkway, so can even take a stroller. You get gorgeous views of Edinburgh. Great in the evening to see Princess Street lit up. Would not recommend in strong winds, though. You'd rarely feel so uncomfortable :-)
Stroll the length of Princess Street without bumping into hundreds of people! It is very tranquil, especially since it is our city centre! Have a picnic under the castle, have a ride on the carousel near the fountain, feed the squirrels on the flower clock - gets you a break from the crowds. And during the summer the Ross Bandstand often have live free performances on.
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Princes Street
Princes StreetStroll the length of Princess Street without bumping into hundreds of people! It is very tranquil, especially since it is our city centre! Have a picnic under the castle, have a ride on the carousel near the fountain, feed the squirrels on the flower clock - gets you a break from the crowds. And during the summer the Ross Bandstand often have live free performances on.