Going to the Edinburgh Fringe Festival? Here we tell you where to eat, stay and visit the Scottish capital.
As you leave Waverley station in the heart of Scotland’s capital, you’ll quickly see why millions of people from all over the world travel to Edinburgh every year.
Ancient winding streets, historic buildings and UNESCO sites surrounded by natural sanctuaries merge with some of the best restaurants, hotels, shops and, of course, the annual creative chaos festival Fringeto create a city that has it all.
Whether you’re a lucky local, a solo visitor or a traveling family, this comprehensive city guide will tell you everything you need to know about where to stay, where to eat and what to do to make your stay in Edinburgh unforgettable.
What to do in Edinburgh
Explore the city underground on a haunted tour
For scare lovers we recommend a visit to the Auld Reekie Haunted Vaults. With many spooky stories to tell, your guide will take you into the secret underground vaultswhere you will discover the city’s dark history of ghosts, witch burnings, plague and torture, which will leave you wanting a good drink at the neighboring Banshee Labyrinth pub.
If he likes it the history and wants to walk through what is left of the underground streets of 17th century Edinburghgo a little further up the Royal Mile to Mary King’s Close.
Suba a Arthur’s Seat
There is so much to do in Edinburgh that it’s easy to miss the unique landscape that surrounds the city. An excursion through Edinburgh extinct volcano (which some believe was the true site of Camelot) will give you a stunning 360ยบ view of all the iconic sites and make you appreciate the majesty of the place.
The climb to Arthur’s Seat is fairly short and easy, suitable for children and older family members who are still relatively active. There are several routes, some traverse the 650 acres of Holyrood Park and pass by Holyrood Palace, others follow a ancient lava flow.
It is also possible to climb Castle Rock, which leads to another extinct volcano on which Edinburgh Castle is built.
Traditional bars and luxury cocktail bars
From traditional Scottish pubs to opulent cocktail bars, Edinburgh is a great place to enjoy a drink or two.
Tonic is an intimate bar hidden underground on Castle Street, with an award-winning cocktail menu and DJs regularly spinning everything from old-school R’n’B to disco.
If you are looking for a real cocktail bar, go to Sandy Bell’s, where you will live an authentic Scottish experience, with plenty of whiskey included. Or try Edinburgh’s newest secret speakeasy, in Angel’s Share, where you can dance lindy-bop to the rhythm of jazz sessions on the dance floor; reservation is essential.
Where to eat in Edinburgh
Contini: For an Italian party
Contini Valvona & Crolla It is famous for being the oldest delicatessen and wine shop in Scotland (and was previously appointed by Royal Order as Purveyor of Fine Cheeses to Her Majesty The Queen). It was founded in 1934 by an Italian immigrant, son of a shepherd from the Abruzzo mountains.
Since then, his family has become “gastronomic royalty” of Edinburgh, creating some of the most incredible, affordable and family-friendly restaurants in the city. Contini, located at the top of George Street, is one of them.
It sources its ingredients from Valvona & Crolla and combines them to create the best italian food that can be tasted outside of Italy. You won’t find pizza here, but the arancini, burrata, chicken Milanese and tiramisu are to die for.
Los children also have their own menubut instead of eating the typical fish fillets and chicken nuggets, they enjoy miniature versions of what adults eat.
ADVERTISINGTimberyard: Michelin Star Scottish Food
If you want to splurge on a special meal, head to Timberyard, awarded a Michelin star. A stone’s throw from Usher Hall, one of Edinburgh’s main venues, it is the perfect place to enjoy traditional Scottish dishes, prepared with elegance.
Local ingredients sourced from artisan suppliers are used to ensure a sustainable and seasonal menu all year round, making the most of Scotland’s abundant natural larder.
Great news for vegans or allergy sufferers: unlike many other restaurants, the menu is tailored to your dietary needs.
Yamato: Affordable, quality Japanese food
In Haymarket, be sure to visit Yamato, an exceptional Japanese restaurant tucked away on a side street. Hand-caught scallops, locally sourcedand the Filete de wagyu A5 They make a very special meal, especially when paired with the fabulous variety of sake and plum wine they offer.
ADVERTISINGDespite its very high quality, Yamato is very reasonably priced and has surprisingly large portions. For 11 pounds (13 euros), you can get a huge plate of sushi rolls that would easily be enough for lunch.
What to do with children in Edinburgh
Department of Magic: For fans of magicians
Whether you’re a big or little kid, the Department of Magic will give you the dose of magic you need after exploring the many attractions in Harry Potter in Edinburgh.
Although technically it has nothing to do with Harry Potterhere you can take part in a potions class (after which you can drink your potion in the magic tavern), try a “bewitching” afternoon tea, or solve your escape in a spell-filled escape room.
The Chocolatarium: For an educational treat
Explore the world of chocolate visiting the Chocolatarium and immerse yourself in your own chocolate-making experience.
ADVERTISINGAt this microfactory you’ll learn all about how chocolate is made and where it comes from, and you’ll have the chance to try over 40 flavors of chocolate in the Tasting Room.
For a more adult touch, there is also a chocolate and whiskey experience (or chocolate and wine).
National Museum of Scotland: Ever-Changing Exhibitions
The beautiful, open and bright architecture of this building makes it worth visiting, whatever your age. But the interactive galleriesever-changing exhibitions and fun days of events (particularly during the Edinburgh Festivals) make for a fantastic day trip for the kids.
It’s free to visit, with a cafe and rooftop restaurant if you want to stay for lunch, and there’s so much to do you’ll find it easy to while away the hours; something that can be very useful on a rainy day.
ADVERTISINGWhere to stay in Edinburgh
It may be tempting to stay in the bustle of the old town or in the elegante New Town from Edinburgh. But it’s also worth choosing a home from home among the picturesque cobbled streets of Stockbridge, with flower-covered terraced houses and fantastic charity shops, or in the newly transformed seaside suburb of Leith.
If you are willing to go a little further, in the Portobello and Gullane suburbsyou will also find some beautiful beaches, where you can sunbathe (if you are lucky enough to get it), dare to take a dip in cold water and enjoy a bit of the Scottish countryside.
If you want something different, head to Fingal in Leith, a beautiful old ship from 1963 converted into a boutique hotel. Chef Conor Toomey, a former Michelin-starred member of Condita, will be at his restaurant during the Fringe 2024on August 23, 24 and 25.
For a bright, open feel in a Georgian townhouse, try Eden Locke, just off Princes Street. And for a hedonistic decadence? You cannot miss the opulent and breathtaking House of Gods hotel.
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