I first visited Edinburgh back in 2017 and fell in love with the city. I always knew I wanted to go back and visit but because of money, work and other life commitments I didn’t make it back until November last year. The few days we spent there was in a haze of food, drink and exploring the city – it was a much needed getaway from real life. We originally went because of the Christmas Markets and if you know me, I love Christmas (see: My Top 5 Christmas Films and Why You Should Actually Watch Love Actually). Everywhere was decked out in Christmas decor and the vibes were immaculate. 🤌
Instead of flying like I did last time, we took the train up to Scotland and the 4 hour journey was not too bad. It was a great way to catch up with my friend, read some of my book and play Legend of Zelda (which I had been neglecting for a while – I go through phases with my Switch). We travelled from London Euston and had to make a stopover in Carlisle but overall the journey was smooth.
If you’re looking for a quick getaway but don’t feel like going abroad, then Edinburgh is definitely a city worth visiting.
Stay
Moxy Edinburgh Fountainbridge
Address: 2 Freer Gait, Edinburgh EH3 9FR
Set in the Lothian region, Moxy Edinburgh Fountainbridge is the perfect hotel if you’re looking for a fun and funky vibe. The room we had was spacious enough with all the usual tea/coffee facilities and also a 42-inch flat screen (with screen casting ability), super comfy beds & pillows and shower products that were divine. They have a bar area right by reception which has plenty of seating and a whole range of board games and a giant Connect 4!
Upon arrival, we were told that we would get welcome cocktails, and we immediately thought yes please as it was quiet late by the time we checked in. After checking out our room, we went back downstairs for our cocktails and ended up having a few more since they were so reasonably priced. We ended up having a few too many and found ourselves craving a kebab. So we braved the cold/rain and sang Water by Tyla all the way to the kebab shop where we were also mistaken for students. (For reference, I graduated in 2013 😅)
Pretty good start to the trip!
Must See
The Royal Mile & Grassmarket
The Royal Mile is the spine of Edinburgh’s Old Town, connecting the city’s most significant landmarks. It is one part of Edinburgh you simply must visit and also, you can’t avoid as it’s where most of the things to do in this guide are 😂. It’s not only the shops that you’ll be drawn too but also the dark buildings and architecture which are unique and wonderful to gaze at as you wander.
Edinburgh Castle
A lot of walking is involved in your trip to Edinburgh Castle as there are so many areas to explore. If you schedule your visit nearer to 1pm, you’ll get to witness the One O’Clock Gun. The firing of the gun dates back to 1861, when businessman John Hewat brought the idea to Edinburgh from Paris. The One O’clock Gun is one of only a few surviving time signals, once a common feature of ports around the United Kingdom. The gun is still fired every day at 1pm, except on Sundays, Good Friday and Christmas Day.
City Art Centre
With six floors, City Art Centre has approximately 4800 pieces including historic and modern Scottish painting and photography, as well as contemporary art and craft. They also have exhibitions from around the world! When we visited we got to check out VR technology which was super trippy.
Must Do
Tron Kirk Market
Address: 122 High St, Edinburgh EH1 1SG
The Tron Kirk Market is a market bringing together artists and designers from all over Scotland. The market has a perfect blend of products to suit everyone, from locals to visitors, to gift buyers to those searching for that finishing touch to their home, outfit, or workspace.
The Cauldron Edinburgh
Address: 57a Frederick St, Edinburgh EH2 1LH
An immersive cocktail class where you don a cloak, wield a working magic wand & use molecular mixology to brew drinkable elixirs. You get three delicious cocktails, with the first cocktail done on arrival in a different ‘magical’ way and the other two you make yourself with the help of a potions book. The atmosphere is so much fun and feels like you’ve stepped inside a potions class – our potions master was so helpful and friendly! Such a fun experience for any wizarding fan.
The Stand Comedy Club
Address: 5 York Pl, Edinburgh EH1 3EB
You have to check out this basement comedy venue! They’ve got a great bar, friendly staff, and plenty of atmosphere even before the show starts. We had a fun evening with a nice mix of performances, a talented host with great energy, and a great headliner too. The shows were fast-paced and kept us hooked. Tip: arrive early if you want a seat, or you might end up standing at The Stand to watch the comedy.
The Scotch Whisky Experience
Address: 354 Castlehill, Edinburgh EH1 2NE
We did the Silver tour, and it was so immersive! The rooms completely immerse you in the history of Scottish whisky. We even watched a show where we had scratch and sniff cards to smell the different whisky scents from each region. Absolutely loved it! We then got to choose one whisky to try before being shown one of the world’s largest collections of Scotch whisky. We also got to keep the whisky tasting glass we were given!
Dine
Scran
I’m not one to gush over aesthetically pleasing restaurants (them TikToks always be playing in my face), but the interior of Scran was giving me all the good vibes. The service was on point and we risked it without a reservation, but luck was on our side—just a 10-minute wait. 🙏 And the food? Mouthwatering! Picture this: killer latte, hot chocolate, and the best bites ever. What more could you need, right?
Makars Gourmet Mash Bar
Po-tay-toes! 🥔 Boil ’em, mash ’em, stick ’em in a stew! If you have an affinity for potatoes, you gotta check out this restaurant with, get this, TEN different types of mash, including vegan and low-cal options. I tried haggis for the first time there. Went for the mini haggis, neeps & tatties taster (they do beef or vegetarian), and damn, it was tasty!
We both had the Slow Cooked Lamb Shank with an Infused Tomato, Rosemary & Red Wine Sauce and the Mild Smoked Applewood Cheese mash. Lamb was tender, sauce was bursting with flavour, and that mash was perfectly cheesy. It was one heck of a dining experience – portions were massive (almost had to roll to the bar), service was quick, on point, and super friendly, and the place had this cosy vibe.
The Edinburgh Larder
https://www.edinburghlarder.co.uk
The whole vibe at this joint is just immaculate—cute interior, super-friendly staff, and the breakfast game is strong. We went all in for the Full Scottish breakfast, and not a peep was uttered until our plates were wiped clean. It was that good! 🤤 It’s quite a popular spot, so be sure to make a reservation. If you’re feeling spontaneous, however, there’s Little Larder next door for walk-ins, but brace yourself for a wait—it’s that good.
Tigerlily
https://www.tigerlilyedinburgh.co.uk/offer/boozy-brunch
We hit up Tigerlily for their Boozy Brunch, and it was a winner. It starts at £39.95, every Saturday & Sunday from 11am to 3pm. They welcome you with a tasty cocktail, a spread of continental breakfast goodies, followed by one of their breakfast dishes, and to top it off—a bottle of Prosecco.
We both went for the Buttermilk Chicken Waffle and the chicken was full of flavour! Paired perfectly with the Belgian waffle drowned in syrup. I also went for the Frose, a mix of Hoxton Pink Gin, Chambord, Whispering Angel Provence Rosé & Strawberry—so sweet, I could’ve had ten, but then I’d be dancing on tables 😂
The Dome
https://www.thedomeedinburgh.com
The Dome stands out amongst the other buildings on the street with its Corinthian columns which left me in childlike wonder. From the entrance to the interior, everything was decked out for Christmas and the whole experience was just fantastic. 🎄
Since it was Christmas, we couldn’t resist the Roast Turkey Roulade – a must-try for the Christmas season. I’m a BIG pigs in blankets fan, so I could’ve used a few more, but they nailed it regardless! If Christmas fare isn’t your jam, don’t worry – they’ve got a regular menu! Picture this: pre-drinks at Nor’ Loft, a wander around the Royal Mile, and capping it off at the Dome.
Mamma Roma
We hit up Mamma Roma in Edinburgh as our final food stop before heading home. It’s a cosy spot and the smells coming from the kitchen were phenomenal. The food portions were massive; some plates were playing Tetris on the table. 😆 I went for the Cannelloni di Carne, and it was a heavenly mix of meat, cheese, and pasta. So delicious, but sadly, no room for dessert this time. Next visit, for sure!
Drink
SKYbar
Address: SKYBar Edinburgh, 34 Bread St, Edinburgh EH3 9AF
Perfect spot for incredible views of Edinburgh! I wouldn’t recommend staying long as the bar itself definitely needs an update, but it’s perfect for a quick nightcap before heading back to your hotel. You also get a bonus view from the outside terrace of Edinburgh Castle. 🍸
Nor’ Loft
Address: 6 Market St, Edinburgh EH1 1DE
Gorgeous rooftop champagne lounge that has panaromic views. The interior is nice and comfy with an elegant atmosphere. We had some nibbles (cheese and chili popcorn and rosemary bread) and a few drinks, and even though it is a champagne bar, there is plenty of choice in other drinks as well.
If there’s one thing that I have to do when I go back to Edinburgh is to go during the spring/summer months. The two times I’ve been now has been around winter so it’s been really cold 🥶 I had a great time regardless, but I can imagine it’s even better when it’s warmer!
I wrote in my last post that Edinburgh seamlessly blends old and new, not just in terms of attractions but also architecture, and that still rings true 7 years later. Much like Barcelona, it is definitely one of my favourite cities outside of London! (In saying that, London and I are beefing because the cost of living is beating everyone’s arse 😤)
