Thomas's Edinburgh Guidebook
Sightseeing
Calton Hill
Calton HillArthur's Seat
Palace of Holyroodhouse
CanongateTop tip: Try to arrive in time to take the guided tour to hear the true depths of Edinburgh’s torrid and ancient history.
1961 locals recommend
Edinburgh Castle
CastlehillTop tip: Try to arrive in time to take the guided tour to hear the true depths of Edinburgh’s torrid and ancient history.
Scott Monument
Dean Village
Dean PathThe Real Mary King's Close
2 High StScottish National Portrait Gallery
1 Queen StEdinburgh Zoo
134 Corstorphine RdNational Galleries of Scotland
The MoundNational Museum of Scotland
Camera Obscura and World of Illusions
549 CastlehillFrom their website: “Come along for an hour and a half of pure gin pleasure. Starting with a G&T on arrival, you'll be shown our unique distilling process before marvelling at our contraptions in our Old Workshop. Your tour will finish with a tutored tasting of three award-winning gins from our range.
Unfortunately, we are no longer able to accept under 18s on our public Gin Jolly tours.”
12 locals recommend
Pickering's Gin Distillery
Summerhall DistilleryFrom their website: “Come along for an hour and a half of pure gin pleasure. Starting with a G&T on arrival, you'll be shown our unique distilling process before marvelling at our contraptions in our Old Workshop. Your tour will finish with a tutored tasting of three award-winning gins from our range.
Unfortunately, we are no longer able to accept under 18s on our public Gin Jolly tours.”
The Scotch Whisky Experience
354 CastlehillGlenkinchie Distillery
Kingsbarns Distillery and Visitor Centre
National Museum of Flight
B1347Dynamic Earth
Holyrood RoadDeep Sea World
Forthside TerraceFood Scene
Arcade Bar
48 Cockburn St££, Great place to try haggis.
£, You can order the infamous Scottish
“Deep fried Mars Bar” here and every other assortment of deep battered/deep fried delicacy.
Clam Shell
148 High St£, You can order the infamous Scottish
“Deep fried Mars Bar” here and every other assortment of deep battered/deep fried delicacy.
Three Birds
3-5 Viewforth££
££, Rooftop restaurant with great views of the Castle.
128 locals recommend
Chaophraya Thai Restaurant
33 Castle St££, Rooftop restaurant with great views of the Castle.
Chop House
Arch 15 E Market St££
££, Great for brunch and near to the Shore on Leith.
Famous for its pot-tails (that’s a cocktail in a teapot) and succulent Sunday roast, Roseleaf is one of Leith’s best-loved watering holes. “Wee bowls of soup” and “The Big Yin” feature on the colloquial Scots menu, accentuating the distinctly homey feel. It’s easy to while away an afternoon on the mismatched furniture, soaking up the atmosphere with a pot-tail or two. There’s also a great brunch menu with tasty vegetarian options, including eggs benedict, holy guacamole and “fancy fungi” (assorted wild mushrooms sauteed in garlic and parsley olive oil).
281 locals recommend
Roseleaf bar cafe
23-24 Sandport Place££, Great for brunch and near to the Shore on Leith.
Famous for its pot-tails (that’s a cocktail in a teapot) and succulent Sunday roast, Roseleaf is one of Leith’s best-loved watering holes. “Wee bowls of soup” and “The Big Yin” feature on the colloquial Scots menu, accentuating the distinctly homey feel. It’s easy to while away an afternoon on the mismatched furniture, soaking up the atmosphere with a pot-tail or two. There’s also a great brunch menu with tasty vegetarian options, including eggs benedict, holy guacamole and “fancy fungi” (assorted wild mushrooms sauteed in garlic and parsley olive oil).
Dishoom Edinburgh
3a St Andrew Square££, Does a fantastic Indian twist on a traditional brunch.
Civerinos Slice (Portobello)
47-49 Figgate Lane£, Grab a slice of great pizza by the beach.
The Espy
62-64 Bath St££
David Bann Restaurant
56-58 St Mary's St££, Great vegetarian restaurant.
Mums Great Comfort Food
4A Forrest Rd££
Monteiths
61 High St£££
The Witchery by the Castle
352 Castlehill£££
Wedgwood The Restaurant
267 Royal Mile£££
TING THAI CARAVAN Teviot Place
9 Teviot Pl££
£, Great snack on the go. I recommend you add the crackling for a salty crunch.
22 locals recommend
Oink Scottish Hog Roast
82 Canongate£, Great snack on the go. I recommend you add the crackling for a salty crunch.
The Fudge House Of Edinburgh
197 CanongateGordons Trattoria
231 High St££
Chez Jules
109 Hanover St££
Hendersons
7-13 Barclay Place££, Great vegetarian/vegan restaurant.
The Queens Arms
Jimmy's Express
The Pakora Bar
251-253 CanongateCafes and Coffee Shops
Polentoni
38 Easter RdLittle Fitzroy Coffee
46 Easter RdArtisan Roast
57 Broughton StBeetroot Sauvage - Vegan Café, Restaurant, Yoga Studio
33-41 Ratcliffe TerraceVegan cafe
Cuckoo's Bakery
150 Dundas StLocal favourite for amazing cupcakes.
Red Kite Cafe
7-8 Cadzow PlBlackwood Coffee
235 Morningside RdThe Pantry
1 N W Circus PlThe Gateway Restaurant
Arboretum PlaceWithin the grounds of the Botanical Gardens.
Twelve Triangles bakery & provisions
22-24 Easter RdMimi's Little Bakehouse - Royal Mile
250 CanongateCambo Gardens
Seb's Urban Jungle
101 Easter RdLoudons
94B FountainbridgePubs and Bars
The Voodoo Rooms
19a W Register StBar with fantastic ambiance.
There has reputedly been an inn on this site since 1360, although the core of the current building appears to date from the 18th century with later additions and alterations. If the 1360 foundation date was proved correct it would make The Sheep Heid Inn perhaps the oldest surviving licensed premises in Edinburgh, if not Scotland.
It is certainly as famous for its royal connections (>Mary Queen of Scots was a regular five centuries ago) as for its old-fashioned skittle alley (which is still open for business). After you’ve walked up Arthur’s Seat, a well-worn pathway will lead you down to Duddingston and the narrow street to this pub, where you can slake your thirst with a pint of Hawkes Urban Orchard cider. The pub comes into its own in summer, when you can settle in at the lesser-known beer garden round the back.
167 locals recommend
The Sheep Heid Inn
43-45 The CausewayThere has reputedly been an inn on this site since 1360, although the core of the current building appears to date from the 18th century with later additions and alterations. If the 1360 foundation date was proved correct it would make The Sheep Heid Inn perhaps the oldest surviving licensed premises in Edinburgh, if not Scotland.
It is certainly as famous for its royal connections (>Mary Queen of Scots was a regular five centuries ago) as for its old-fashioned skittle alley (which is still open for business). After you’ve walked up Arthur’s Seat, a well-worn pathway will lead you down to Duddingston and the narrow street to this pub, where you can slake your thirst with a pint of Hawkes Urban Orchard cider. The pub comes into its own in summer, when you can settle in at the lesser-known beer garden round the back.
Here’s a pub that evokes classy, old-school Edinburgh at its very best: oozing old-school luxury, with polished brass, a marble bar, sparkling shelves of spirits and elaborate paintings. If you manage to squeeze past the milling crowds, try to nab a seat in one of the leather booths – they deliver welcome peace and privacy as you tuck in to mushroom Wellington, lamb rump with rosemary potatoes, or roast monkfish cooked with mussels, clams, samphire, tarragon and white wine.
125 locals recommend
Cafe Royal
19 W Register StHere’s a pub that evokes classy, old-school Edinburgh at its very best: oozing old-school luxury, with polished brass, a marble bar, sparkling shelves of spirits and elaborate paintings. If you manage to squeeze past the milling crowds, try to nab a seat in one of the leather booths – they deliver welcome peace and privacy as you tuck in to mushroom Wellington, lamb rump with rosemary potatoes, or roast monkfish cooked with mussels, clams, samphire, tarragon and white wine.
This unassuming little pub in Edinburgh’s Old Town is the go-to venue for lovers of Scottish and Irish folk music. Beginning life as a shop, it was a bar by the 1920s, and has, since the 1940s, been known for its legendary “sessions” – raucous, foot-stomping parties. Pass by Sandy Bell’s on any given evening and you’ll find musicians mingling together over rounds of drinks. It is best known for its selection of whiskies, including light, sweet, single-malt Speyside numbers as well as Amrut Fusion (incorporating Himalayan barley) from India and Togouchi 12 Years Blended from Japan.
144 locals recommend
Sandy Bell's
25 Forrest RdThis unassuming little pub in Edinburgh’s Old Town is the go-to venue for lovers of Scottish and Irish folk music. Beginning life as a shop, it was a bar by the 1920s, and has, since the 1940s, been known for its legendary “sessions” – raucous, foot-stomping parties. Pass by Sandy Bell’s on any given evening and you’ll find musicians mingling together over rounds of drinks. It is best known for its selection of whiskies, including light, sweet, single-malt Speyside numbers as well as Amrut Fusion (incorporating Himalayan barley) from India and Togouchi 12 Years Blended from Japan.
“Canny” is Scots for careful – a quality you’ll need if you’re to circumnavigate the infamous sign outside this Morningside pub, which states: “No smoking, no credit cards, no cameras, no backpackers.” Once you’ve stepped inside, though, things soon warm up graciously. The place has been run by the Kerry family for generations, and it brims with individual character: dim lighting and old-fashioned furnishings accentuate the original interiors. In the front room, a fur-clad mannequin hangs from the ceiling, while the wall of stopped clocks gives you the discombobulating sense of entering a time warp.
95 locals recommend
Canny Mans
237 Morningside Rd“Canny” is Scots for careful – a quality you’ll need if you’re to circumnavigate the infamous sign outside this Morningside pub, which states: “No smoking, no credit cards, no cameras, no backpackers.” Once you’ve stepped inside, though, things soon warm up graciously. The place has been run by the Kerry family for generations, and it brims with individual character: dim lighting and old-fashioned furnishings accentuate the original interiors. In the front room, a fur-clad mannequin hangs from the ceiling, while the wall of stopped clocks gives you the discombobulating sense of entering a time warp.
Halfway House
24 Fleshmarket ClThe Jolly Judge sits at the foot of an Edinburgh ‘close’, at the centre of one of the capital’s historic Old Town, a mere 2 minutes’ walk from the Castle. A log fire, low-beamed ceilings, a lack of distracting music and an off-duty piper or two characterise this stalwart on the Edinburgh pub scene. It’s easy to miss, semi-underground and tucked away at the end of one of the Royal Mile’s famous alleyways. It serves as a hangout for the local busking community (who roll up for a pint or two between shifts). One of them, Tam, who has busked around the corner for nearly 20 years, describes the Jolly Judge as “a braw wee place with bags of character”. And he’s bang on the money.
43 locals recommend
Jolly Judge
7 James CtThe Jolly Judge sits at the foot of an Edinburgh ‘close’, at the centre of one of the capital’s historic Old Town, a mere 2 minutes’ walk from the Castle. A log fire, low-beamed ceilings, a lack of distracting music and an off-duty piper or two characterise this stalwart on the Edinburgh pub scene. It’s easy to miss, semi-underground and tucked away at the end of one of the Royal Mile’s famous alleyways. It serves as a hangout for the local busking community (who roll up for a pint or two between shifts). One of them, Tam, who has busked around the corner for nearly 20 years, describes the Jolly Judge as “a braw wee place with bags of character”. And he’s bang on the money.
The Golf Tavern which stands on the west side of the Bruntsfield Links claims to have been established in 1456 which would make it one of the oldest pubs in Edinburgh.
108 locals recommend
The Golf Tavern
30 - 31 Wright's HousesThe Golf Tavern which stands on the west side of the Bruntsfield Links claims to have been established in 1456 which would make it one of the oldest pubs in Edinburgh.
The Safari Lounge
21 Cadzow PlThe Mash Tun Bier House & Kitchen
154 Easter RdCaptains Bar
4 S College StRegular traditional live music.
Neighbouring the King’s Theatre in the Tollcross area of the city, Bennets has been serving characters from both the stage and the street since opening its doors in 1839. The pub’s original Victorian interiors remain intact, featuring ornate dark wood, stained glass windows and a tiered, alcoved bar, lending it a distinctly classy feel. Look out for the tiny jug bar: separated by a timber and leaded-glass panel, it was created for guests who wanted to drink in private, without being seen.
67 locals recommend
Bennets Bar
8 Leven StNeighbouring the King’s Theatre in the Tollcross area of the city, Bennets has been serving characters from both the stage and the street since opening its doors in 1839. The pub’s original Victorian interiors remain intact, featuring ornate dark wood, stained glass windows and a tiered, alcoved bar, lending it a distinctly classy feel. Look out for the tiny jug bar: separated by a timber and leaded-glass panel, it was created for guests who wanted to drink in private, without being seen.
The Waverley Bar
3-5 St Mary's StThe Last Drop, in the heart of Edinburgh’s Grassmarket, derives its name not from alcohol but from a morbid item of local history. The last “drop” in question refers to the final death by hanging to have taken place in the area, just outside the pub’s doors, in 1784. On a separate note, some say the ghost of a little girl haunts its halls. Step inside and the welcome couldn’t be nicer, with all the hallmarks of the classic pub present and correct: low ceilings, booths and button-back leather benches. With a good range of craft beers and ciders, cocktails, champagne and wine, this is a no-frills winner.
88 locals recommend
The Blue Bear Cafe
9 Brandon TerraceThe Last Drop, in the heart of Edinburgh’s Grassmarket, derives its name not from alcohol but from a morbid item of local history. The last “drop” in question refers to the final death by hanging to have taken place in the area, just outside the pub’s doors, in 1784. On a separate note, some say the ghost of a little girl haunts its halls. Step inside and the welcome couldn’t be nicer, with all the hallmarks of the classic pub present and correct: low ceilings, booths and button-back leather benches. With a good range of craft beers and ciders, cocktails, champagne and wine, this is a no-frills winner.
It's clear that Bow Bar's management cares about keeping the tradition of a proper pub alive at a time when so many are disappearing: You won't find music blaring—or any music, for that matter—or TVs broadcasting the latest match. Instead, the focus is squarely on the details, from the polished wood bar to gleaming brass taps that date back to the 1920s. The bar stocks more than 300 single malts alone, but there are also six kegs and eight cask ales, so keep an eye out for your favorite British real ales and craft breweries, as well as under-the-radar international selections.
79 locals recommend
The Bow Bar
80 W BowIt's clear that Bow Bar's management cares about keeping the tradition of a proper pub alive at a time when so many are disappearing: You won't find music blaring—or any music, for that matter—or TVs broadcasting the latest match. Instead, the focus is squarely on the details, from the polished wood bar to gleaming brass taps that date back to the 1920s. The bar stocks more than 300 single malts alone, but there are also six kegs and eight cask ales, so keep an eye out for your favorite British real ales and craft breweries, as well as under-the-radar international selections.
Located within an old veterinary school-turned-multipurpose arts and cultural center, Summerhall's The Royal Dick is named after the school itself—and it still feels like a bit of a local secret, thanks to its inconspicuous location across a courtyard. Inside are multiple adjoined rooms and walls are covered in quirky found objects, many of which reference the bar's past. In August, the space, a central stopping point between other venues nearby, turns into a jumping Fringe Festival hub.
26 locals recommend
The Royal Dick Bar
Located within an old veterinary school-turned-multipurpose arts and cultural center, Summerhall's The Royal Dick is named after the school itself—and it still feels like a bit of a local secret, thanks to its inconspicuous location across a courtyard. Inside are multiple adjoined rooms and walls are covered in quirky found objects, many of which reference the bar's past. In August, the space, a central stopping point between other venues nearby, turns into a jumping Fringe Festival hub.
Kay’s Bar
39 Jamaica StCloisters Bar
26 Brougham StTeuchters Landing
1c Dock PlThe Blue Bear Cafe
9 Brandon TerraceMaggie Dicksons
92 GrassmarketThe Queens Arms
Markets
Sunday food market featuring artisanal goods from local producers & stalls for global street fare.
10am - 5pm on Sunday’s.
325 locals recommend
Stockbridge Market
Saunders StreetSunday food market featuring artisanal goods from local producers & stalls for global street fare.
10am - 5pm on Sunday’s.
Leith Market
Commercial StreetComedy club
The Stand Comedy Club
5 York PlaceParks and Nature
Blackford Hill and Pond
4 Charterhall RdWater of Leith Walkway
Water of Leith WalkwayThe Meadows
Melville DrivePrinces Street
Princes StreetRoyal Botanic Garden Edinburgh
Arboretum PlaceGullane Beach
Marine TerraceRoslin Glen Country Park
78 Crusader DrPentland Hills
Elie Chain Walk - End
Fife Coastal Path
PathIsle of May
"Links" is a Scots word for land associated with the game of golf. Originally meaning open sandy ground "usually covered with turf, bent grass or gorse, normally near the sea-shore", as at Leith Links or Lundin Links, the word came to mean any ground on which golf was played and is now often used for modern golf courses.
A City of Edinburgh Council plaque states that Bruntsfield Links are one of the earliest known locations where the game was played in Scotland, but it is unclear precisely when. The Golf Tavern which stands on the west side of the Links claims to have been established in 1456, although there is no evidence for this other than an unsupported statement made in A history of the Edinburgh Burgess Golfing Society, now known as The Royal Burgess Golfing Society.
The nearby Golf Tavern is a great for for a drink.
75 locals recommend
Bruntsfield Links
Melville Drive"Links" is a Scots word for land associated with the game of golf. Originally meaning open sandy ground "usually covered with turf, bent grass or gorse, normally near the sea-shore", as at Leith Links or Lundin Links, the word came to mean any ground on which golf was played and is now often used for modern golf courses.
A City of Edinburgh Council plaque states that Bruntsfield Links are one of the earliest known locations where the game was played in Scotland, but it is unclear precisely when. The Golf Tavern which stands on the west side of the Links claims to have been established in 1456, although there is no evidence for this other than an unsupported statement made in A history of the Edinburgh Burgess Golfing Society, now known as The Royal Burgess Golfing Society.
The nearby Golf Tavern is a great for for a drink.
Aberlady Local Nature Reserve
Isle of May
Portobello Beach Promenade
1 Promenade