Lisa’s guidebook
Neighborhoods
Leith is the new "cool" district - many great places to eat and drink along with many events and even the Britannia!
162 locals recommend
Leith
Leith is the new "cool" district - many great places to eat and drink along with many events and even the Britannia!
Close to the centre of Edinburgh it hosts shops, bars and restaurants. The Sunday market is great and a walk along the Water of Leith is recommended
66 locals recommend
Stockbridge
Close to the centre of Edinburgh it hosts shops, bars and restaurants. The Sunday market is great and a walk along the Water of Leith is recommended
In the centre off Edinburgh you'll find history and culture by the bucket load!
195 locals recommend
Edinburgh Old Town
In the centre off Edinburgh you'll find history and culture by the bucket load!
Melville Drive may divide the sprawling parks of Bruntsfield Links and The Meadows, but that doesn’t keep the community apart. Instead, the area feels like a picturesque little village and surrounding the leafy lawns is everything you could need to occupy yourself for days on end. Right in the heart of this community is Summerhall, a huge multi-arts venue that puts on excellent festivals, performances, exhibitions and events.
Across the way in Bruntsfield, there are many more delights to discover. Fuel up at Project Coffee, which has an atmosphere akin to a New York café, then play a round of golf at one of Scotland’s few free public golf courses on the Links. Cinephiles will love the Dominion, an independent cinema with plush reclining sofas. Having opened its doors in 1938, with the interior remaining largely the same since, crossing its threshold is like unearthing a time capsule.
70 locals recommend
Bruntsfield
Melville Drive may divide the sprawling parks of Bruntsfield Links and The Meadows, but that doesn’t keep the community apart. Instead, the area feels like a picturesque little village and surrounding the leafy lawns is everything you could need to occupy yourself for days on end. Right in the heart of this community is Summerhall, a huge multi-arts venue that puts on excellent festivals, performances, exhibitions and events.
Across the way in Bruntsfield, there are many more delights to discover. Fuel up at Project Coffee, which has an atmosphere akin to a New York café, then play a round of golf at one of Scotland’s few free public golf courses on the Links. Cinephiles will love the Dominion, an independent cinema with plush reclining sofas. Having opened its doors in 1938, with the interior remaining largely the same since, crossing its threshold is like unearthing a time capsule.
Sightseeing
This is a great insight into old Edinburgh, some of the streets remain from times past and the tour, only 45 minutes or so is worth every minute!
373 locals recommend
The Real Mary King's Close
2 High StThis is a great insight into old Edinburgh, some of the streets remain from times past and the tour, only 45 minutes or so is worth every minute!
Many events including the Edinburgh Tattoo are held here, the view is great and the history behind it is also great.
1961 locals recommend
Edinburgh Castle
CastlehillMany events including the Edinburgh Tattoo are held here, the view is great and the history behind it is also great.
16th Century Palace, offering tours on site, laden with history!
462 locals recommend
Palace of Holyroodhouse
Canongate16th Century Palace, offering tours on site, laden with history!
Mountain offering the best views of the city and even to the Firth of forth!
1859 locals recommend
Arthur's Seat
Mountain offering the best views of the city and even to the Firth of forth!
Calton Hill is a mix of bustling commercial areas and quiet residential streets. The hill itself, with its city views, is home to the Collective contemporary art gallery and the unfinished National Monument. Gay bars and casual eateries cluster around the top of busy Leith Walk, where the Edinburgh Playhouse stages musicals and comedy. Locals frequent the bakeries, cafes and gift stores on vibrant Broughton Street.
1098 locals recommend
Calton Hill
Calton HillCalton Hill is a mix of bustling commercial areas and quiet residential streets. The hill itself, with its city views, is home to the Collective contemporary art gallery and the unfinished National Monument. Gay bars and casual eateries cluster around the top of busy Leith Walk, where the Edinburgh Playhouse stages musicals and comedy. Locals frequent the bakeries, cafes and gift stores on vibrant Broughton Street.
Her Majesty's Yacht Britannia, also known as the Royal Yacht Britannia, is the former royal yacht of the British monarch, Queen Elizabeth II, in service from 1954 until 1997.
630 locals recommend
Royal Yacht Britannia
Ocean DriveHer Majesty's Yacht Britannia, also known as the Royal Yacht Britannia, is the former royal yacht of the British monarch, Queen Elizabeth II, in service from 1954 until 1997.
The Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh is a scientific centre for the study of plants, their diversity and conservation, as well as a popular tourist attraction.
1227 locals recommend
Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh
Arboretum PlaceThe Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh is a scientific centre for the study of plants, their diversity and conservation, as well as a popular tourist attraction.
Camera Obscura & World of Illusions is a major tourist attraction in the Old Town, Edinburgh, Scotland located on Castlehill section of the Royal Mile close to Edinburgh Castle. Founded by entrepreneur Maria Theresa Short in 1835 and a key site in Patrick Geddes' development of regional planning.
437 locals recommend
Camera Obscura and World of Illusions
549 CastlehillCamera Obscura & World of Illusions is a major tourist attraction in the Old Town, Edinburgh, Scotland located on Castlehill section of the Royal Mile close to Edinburgh Castle. Founded by entrepreneur Maria Theresa Short in 1835 and a key site in Patrick Geddes' development of regional planning.
City advice
Getting around
Buses are the transport of choice in Edinburgh
The bus service is second to none in the city, buses run late, run everywhere and are the best way to get around.
Travelling from the airport on the bus is well priced around £4 and will only take about 25 minutes to get to the city centre - its the best way to get there if you're flying in.
What to pack
The Weather can be unpredictable
Also have a rain mac - in winter months it can get cold so wrap up warm.
Customs and culture
Edinburgh is vibrant...
Edinburgh welcomes everyone from all over the world, you'll find a very friendly and welcoming city... and was even voted on of the best places to live!
Useful phrases
Slange var...
Means "Cheers to your health" often used in pubs or with local you cheers your drink, alway looking the person in the eye! They'll be impressed!
Book before you go
Edinburgh Festival & Tattoo
People book this up to a year out.... to get there you HAVE to book in advance.
Ways to save
Book in advance...
Getting around can be cheapest and booking in advance you can get deals, especially on more popular sights.