You’ll arrive at Edinburgh Waverley train station and make your way to the Cairn Hotel boasting spacious rooms and a quiet neighbourhood despite being only a 15-minute walk into Old Town.
After you’ve checked in and unpacked your luggage, you’ll want to get to know your way around the city. Try out the Mountebank Comedy Walk to get to know the city with a hilarious Scottish welcome (kilts optional).
Take a break at Fortuna Coffee for a spot of lunch and a well-earned drink. Boasting top tier coffee and a selection of toasties, and baked goods. Either grab a seat and watch the world go by for a moment or get your coffee to go so you can keep exploring.
A hilarious introduction to all things Edinburgh
(Blair Street, EH1 1QR)
Next up is to check out the Scott Monument, the iconic, gothic centre piece of Edinburgh and to take to Calton Hill for a monument trail and a sweeping skyline view of the city centre and Edinburgh Castle. Perfect location for golden-hour pics and insta updates.
(Calton Hill, EH7 5AA)
We recommend Bucks Bar on Grindley Street for no nonsense, chicken, liquor & rock n roll. It's an American themed bar, it's lively open late and great start place to start and see out your night.
Prefer to keep the vibe this side of the Atlantic? Try The Dog House on Clerk Street for epic cocktails, tunes and quirky decor.
Quirky decor and great drinks range, what’s not to love
(Clerk Street, EH8 9HX)
Take breakfast at Quinn’s Cafe for a hearty Scottish breakfast at the local's favourite cafe. Whilst small, Quinn’s offers big portions of top-quality ingredients for a banging start to your day.
An early Saturday meander through the historic streets of Old Town is the perfect way to watch the city wake up. Make your way down the Royal Mile and wander through the array of small gardens and shops before heading past St Giles Cathedral, and up towards Edinburgh Castle.
Amazing food with friendly service
(West Port, EH1 2LD)
Great brunch and specialty coffee, say locals
(George Street, EH2 2LE)
Edinburgh Castle is a must visit on a trip to the Scottish capital. It’s cultural and historical significance and its lofty seat above the city allows it to watch over Edinburgh as it has done for hundreds of years.
Next up is a bit of tipple with The Scotch Whisky Experience. Try a range of whiskies from different regions of Scotland and discover the whisky making process. You’ll also get a crystal whisky glass souvenir!
Try top shelf whisky from around Scotland
(Castlehill, EH1 2NG)
For lunch, we recommend The Fox and Faun found on the edge of Edinburgh’s West End. This welcoming local has a range of small plates, and British pub classics as well as an extensive drinks menu. A great excuse to head out into the West End. Or alternatively, enjoy charcuterie boards, light plates, and a relaxing glass of your fave at Pickles, a charming and relaxing wine and cheese bar.
Friendly local with good food
(Shandwick Place, EH2 4SD)
Great charcuterie with fab side dishes and great wine list
(Broughton Street, EH1 3SA)
Steel your nerves for an Underground Walking Tour with a spooky history. Head down into Edinburgh’s infamous vaults, where horrors have plagued the city in years gone by. Find the genuine witchcraft temple and even take a leap into the magic circle… if you dare!
In need of a quick pick me up before dinner? Grab a cup at Lowdown Coffee, a hidden gem found in a basement unit in Old Town. This contemporary coffee shop, whilst found in the bustling streets, is quiet and calm, a world away from the city streets above and a great place to take a short break from your exploring.
For a Scottish dinner like no other, try the Folk and Haggis immersive experience of Scottish culture. Be met at the restaurant door by a bagpiper and enjoy a traditional two-course meal, a traditional Scottish folk music concert and optional whisky tasting to end the experience.
If the haggis and folk music doesn't flick your switch, head to Lady Libertine on West Register Street for fusion food, exceptional cocktails and DJ sets. A great choice for kick-starting the night.
Classy restaurant with epic fusion food and cocktails
(West Register Street, EH2 2AA)
Want to get your dancing shoes on? Get down to Sneaky Pete’s for epic live music from local talent with a mish mash of genres, bands, and DJ’s. Not feeling the live music? There are also club nights featuring top tunes and good vibes.
(Cowgate, EH1 1JW)
Quick and Plenty is a snug eatery with great food and service. Try hot or cold food options and plenty of coffee options to get your day started.
Feeling like a hike? Head up Arthur’s Seat, an extinct volcano sitting with Edinburgh in Holyrood Park. The views from the top showcase the entire city and you can be up and back down again in just a few hours.
The perfect light hike for a Sunday afternoon.
(Queen's Drive Holyrood Park, EH8 8HG)
Edinburgh and chocolate go hand in hand and The Chocolatarium Experience is a great way to find out more about one of the UK’s favourite treats. Make a Scottish themed chocolate bar and get a chance to try over 30 flavours!
(Cranston Street, EH8 8BE)
Looking for somewhere to bid farewell to Edinburgh? Head to the Jolly Judge, a classically quaint pub in the heart of the Old Town. A great place to relive your trip and get ready to head back home.
