We’ve Explored the Best of Edinburgh

Edinburgh, the capital of Scotland, welcomed us with open arms and a unique blend of history and modernity. As we wandered through its cobblestone streets, we could feel the whispers of the past in every corner, with tradition meeting the pulse of contemporary life.

Read: Edinburgh - What You Need to Know Before You Go

One of the first pleasant surprises upon arrival was the Scottish accent. Having heard so much about it, we weren’t sure what to expect. It may not have been as strong as we anticipated, particularly in Edinburgh, which made our introduction to the city even more enjoyable.

Over four days, we explored this enchanting place, immersing ourselves in its rich heritage, vibrant culture, and luxurious offerings. For those with a taste for both refinement and adventure, Edinburgh proved to be a treasure trove, full of experiences waiting to be uncovered.

Edinburgh Airport 

Edinburgh Airport (EDI) is Scotland’s busiest airport. It serves as a major hub for both domestic and international flights, connecting passengers to destinations across Europe, North America, and beyond. With modern facilities, efficient transport links, and a wide range of amenities, it provides a smooth travel experience.

Location

Edinburgh Airport (EDI) is located approximately 8 miles (13 km) west of Edinburgh's city centre, near the Ingliston area. It sits just off the A8 road and is well-connected to major transport routes, including the M8 and M9 motorways. Its strategic location makes it a key gateway for travellers visiting Scotland.

Hotels near Edinburgh Airport

• DoubleTree by Hilton Edinburgh Airport
  Located very close to the airport, this hotel offers contemporary rooms, a stylish bar, and a restaurant. It provides a free shuttle service to and from the airport.
• Hampton by Hilton Edinburgh Airport
  This hotel is located just 0.5 miles from Edinburgh Airport, offering convenient access for travellers. It features comfortable rooms with modern amenities, including free Wi-Fi and flat-screen TVs. Guests can enjoy a complimentary hot breakfast each morning, and a free shuttle service to the airport is available.

Transports

• Taxis
  Edinburgh Airport is approximately 20 minutes from the city centre by taxi. The official provider is Capital Cars, and the taxi rank is located at the East Terminus. Passengers can pre-book online or upon arrival. Fares are determined by the City of Edinburgh Council and vary by destination, with fixed quotes for trips outside the city.
• Trams
  The tram service connects the airport to the city centre in about 30 minutes, running every 7-15 minutes. Key stops include Haymarket, Princes Street, and St Andrew Square. Tickets must be purchased before boarding.
• Buses
  Bus services include the Airlink 100, an express service to the city centre in 30 minutes. Other options like Skylink 200, and 400 connect various parts of Edinburgh, while Citylink and Megabus offer long-distance routes to Glasgow and Fife.
• Car Hire & Parking
  Car rental desks are at the Car Rental Centre, a short walk from the terminal. Parking options include short stay, long stay, valet, and fastTRACK parking, with pre-booking available.

Hotels in Edinburgh

When visiting this beautiful city, choosing the right accommodation is essential. Here’s a list of top hotels in Edinburgh:

Leonardo Edinburgh City

Location: 1 Morrison Link, Edinburgh, EH3 8DN
*4-star hotel
Leonardo Edinburgh City offers modern accommodations just a short walk from the city centre. With comfortable rooms, a stylish restaurant, and a bar, this hotel provides a great base for exploring the city’s attractions, shopping, and dining options.

Apex Grassmarket Hotel

Location: 31-35 Grassmarket, Edinburgh, EH1 2HS
*4-star hotel
Apex Grassmarket Hotel is situated in a prime location near popular attractions like Edinburgh Castle and the Royal Mile. This modern hotel features spacious rooms, a stylish bar, and a restaurant that serves a variety of dishes. Guests can unwind in the hotel's relaxing indoor pool, which provides a perfect way to rejuvenate after a day of exploring the city.

The Balmoral Hotel

Location: 1 Princes St, Edinburgh, EH2 2EQ
*5-star hotel
The Balmoral Hotel is an iconic five-star hotel known for its luxury and elegance. Located on Princes Street, it features beautifully appointed rooms, a fine-dining restaurant, and a relaxing spa. Due to its prime location, guests can easily explore Edinburgh’s top attractions and shopping areas.

The Scotsman Hotel

Location: 20 North Bridge, Edinburgh, EH1 1TR
*4-star hotel
Housed in a former newspaper building, The Scotsman Hotel blends historic charm with modern comfort. This luxury hotel features stylish rooms, a bar, and a restaurant with stunning views of the city. Its central location makes it a great choice for exploring the Royal Mile and Edinburgh Castle.

W Edinburgh

Location: 1 St James Square, Edinburgh, EH1 3AX
*5-star hotel
W Edinburgh is a contemporary hotel that embodies modern luxury and unique design. Located in the vibrant St James Quarter, it offers chic accommodations, a lively bar, and top-notch amenities. Guests can enjoy the hotel’s stylish atmosphere and proximity to shopping, dining, and entertainment.

Radisson Blu Hotel

Location: 80 High Street, The Royal Mile, Edinburgh, EH1 1TH
*4-star hotel
The Radisson Blu Hotel is situated on the historic Royal Mile, combining modern luxury with a rich cultural backdrop. The hotel features comfortable rooms, a restaurant, and a fitness centre, making it a convenient base for exploring Edinburgh’s famous landmarks.

Hilton Edinburgh Carlton

Location: 19 North Bridge, Edinburgh, EH1 1SD
*4-star hotel
The Hilton Edinburgh Carlton is a contemporary hotel located near the city centre. With spacious rooms and modern amenities, it is perfect for both business and leisure travellers. The hotel also features a restaurant, a fitness centre, and easy access to the city’s attractions.

Things to do in Edinburgh

The Royal Yacht Britannia

• Moored in Leith, this majestic vessel offers a glimpse into royal life at sea. From the lavish staterooms to the crew’s quarters, every corner tells a story.

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• We wandered through this remarkable floating museum, once the home of the Royal Family for over 40 years, where an immersive audio-guided tour brought the experience to life.

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Edinburgh Castle

• Perched atop a volcanic rock, Edinburgh Castle offers awe-inspiring views and houses Scotland’s Crown Jewels and the Stone of Destiny.

• As we explored, we could feel the weight of history in the air, with tales of royal ceremonies, battles, and sieges filling the atmosphere. This landmark stands as one of Scotland’s most significant treasures.

National Galleries of Scotland

• With free entry, we were drawn into a world-class collection of masterpieces by the likes of Van Gogh, Monet, and William McTaggart.

• From centuries-old works to contemporary pieces, the National Galleries offers a chance to witness both Scottish and international artistic brilliance, leaving us in awe of its vast and varied collection.

Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh

• The weather wasn't ideal but we strolled through this tranquil oasis, surrounded by diverse plant collections and scenic walking trails.
• The views of the city were simply breathtaking, making it the perfect place to pause and appreciate the beauty of nature in all its forms.

Scotland’s People Centre

• For those delving into Scottish ancestry, this research hub is a treasure trove. We spent time in the spectacular circular reading room, surrounded by thousands of historical records.
• It was a fascinating experience, uncovering centuries of family history and uncovering Scotland’s rich genealogical heritage.

The People’s Story Museum

• Located in the historic Canongate Tolbooth, we discovered a unique museum shedding light on Edinburgh’s working-class life from the 18th to 20th centuries.

• Through personal stories, diaries, photographs, and artifacts, we were transported back in time, experiencing the social history of the city in a deeply personal way.

St. Giles’ Cathedral

• This magnificent medieval cathedral, dating back to 1124, took our breath away with its stunning stained glass windows and the Thistle Chapel, which houses Scotland’s highest chivalric order.

• As we stood within its hallowed walls, we could sense its living history; a place of worship and a cultural landmark. The cathedral requires £2900 per day to preserve its grandeur and heritage, a testament to its ongoing importance and timeless beauty.

Scott Monument

• A striking gothic monument dedicated to Sir Walter Scott, one of the largest literary memorials in the world, offering panoramic views of the city.

Greyfriars Kirkyard

• One of Edinburgh’s most haunted graveyards, known for its atmospheric tombstones and inspiration for Harry Potter character names.

The Royal Mile

Our journey along the Royal Mile took us through some of Edinburgh’s most iconic and intriguing spots, each adding its own layer to the city’s rich tapestry of history and culture. We began our exploration in Grassmarket!

Grassmarket

• A lively square in the Old Town that was once a medieval marketplace and even the site of public executions. Today, it’s a vibrant hub, and we couldn’t help but be captivated by its energy.

• As we strolled past historic pubs, we were drawn into Hawico, a luxury Scottish cashmere boutique, where we found ourselves immersed in the finest Scottish craftsmanship. The stunning views of Edinburgh Castle looming above the square added a dramatic backdrop to the experience.

The Palace of Holyroodhouse

• Our walk led us towards the Palace of Holyroodhouse, the official royal residence in Scotland.

• The grandiosity of the palace was awe-inspiring, but what truly caught our attention was Queen Mary’s Bath House, a quaint yet historically significant site that seemed to echo centuries of royal history.

• From here, we enjoyed a scenic walk towards Arthur’s Seat, where the city’s beauty unfolded before us in panoramic views.

The Royal Mile proved to be an unforgettable journey, where every step unveiled another treasure, blending history, luxury, and the pulse of modern Edinburgh.

Our Spirits Experience in Edinburgh

Our spirits experience in Edinburgh was brief but enjoyable, offering a relaxed introduction to the city’s distilling culture.

Edinburgh Gin

• Discover Edinburgh’s gin heritage with the Edinburgh Gin Classic Tour & Tasting, where you will explore the city’s distilling history, step inside the Stillhouse, and sample expertly crafted gins in the Tasting Rooms.

• But be warned: Edinburgh Gin has a way of stealing hearts, as we learned in this playful guide on how not to fall in love with Edinburgh Gin.

Port of Leith Distillery

• During our experience, we explored the stunning distillery, learned about whisky production, tasted a selection of unique samples, and discovered the inspiring story of two Edinburgh enthusiasts who built the world’s tallest distillery.

• We witnessed the passion behind their years of research and experimentation, crafting a whisky with complex, evolving flavours.
• A whisky bar with panoramic sea views you can expect refined cocktails and premium Scottish whiskies in the vibrant Leith district.

Exploring Edinburgh’s Best Streets

Our journey through Edinburgh's streets was an immersion into the city's rich character, where each destination offered a distinctive experience, from vibrant shopping districts to historic charm.

Victoria Street

• A charming, curved street with colourful façades, independent boutiques, and the famous Museum Context, an official Harry Potter merchandise shop.

• Its unique architecture and vibrant atmosphere make it one of the most photographed streets in Edinburgh, often said to have inspired Diagon Alley.

George Street

• A prestigious shopping and dining street in the New Town, featuring Georgian architecture, designer boutiques, and elegant restaurants.

Princes Street

• One of Edinburgh’s most famous streets, offering spectacular views of the castle, bustling shops, and the tranquil Princes Street Gardens.

St James Quarter

• Our exploration took us to the St James Quarter, a modern shopping and entertainment destination with over 80 brands, a cinema, and even a bowling alley.
• The luxurious W Edinburgh Hotel added an extra layer of sophistication to this dynamic space.

Gordon Nicolson Kiltmakers, St. Mary's Street

• A prestigious tailor specialising in handmade Scottish kilts, available for purchase or hire at their St Mary’s Street store.
• Each kilt is crafted using traditional methods, ensuring authenticity and superior quality for both locals and visitors.

Restaurants in Edinburgh

Edinburgh’s culinary scene truly impressed us, offering a mix of luxurious dining and traditional Scottish flavours. We quickly learned that a “service charge” of 10 to 15% is often included in the bill.

While it can be removed upon request if you're not satisfied, it’s always worth checking to avoid double-tipping, especially if you were planning to leave your own tip.

Amarone

• One of our first dining experiences was at Amarone, located in St Andrew Square. This Italian restaurant charmed us with its cosy atmosphere and unique setting.
• The dishes, written in Italian, added a touch of authenticity, while the English descriptions ensured we knew exactly what we were getting. The food itself was exceptional, rich, flavourful, and perfectly presented.

St Andrew Square also offered us stylish and trendy dining options:

The Ivy Collection & Bread Street Kitchen

• The Ivy Collection, with its refined ambiance, provided a perfect spot to enjoy a delicious meal.
• We also ventured to Gordon Ramsay’s Bread Street Kitchen, where the enticing cocktail menu caught our attention, and we savoured every sip.

• The atmosphere at both places was vibrant yet comfortable, an ideal setting for a luxurious dining experience.

We visited Brasserie Prince at the five-star Balmoral Hotel and also headed to the Grand Café at The Scotsman Hotel:

Brasserie Prince

• This place offered a dining experience that truly matched the hotel’s opulence.
• The Balmoral itself is renowned for its luxurious afternoon tea in the elegant Palm Court, which we couldn’t resist.

Grand Café at The Scotsman Hotel

• A stylish and relaxed venue within The Scotsman Hotel, perfect for a brasserie-style meal.

Finally, for a more casual and traditional experience, we couldn’t pass up Bertie’s Proper Fish & Chips.

Bertie’s Proper Fish & Chips

• The lively atmosphere and mouthwatering fish and chips made it a memorable and satisfying meal, offering us a true taste of Edinburgh’s more casual dining scene.

From luxurious to traditional, each restaurant we visited left us with a lasting impression, showing us the diversity and depth of Edinburgh’s culinary offerings.

Edinburgh is a city that effortlessly blends history, culture, and modern luxury, offering something for every discerning traveller.

From its iconic landmarks and rich heritage to its vibrant culinary scene and world class accommodations, the Scottish capital is a destination that captivates at every turn. Whether exploring historic castles, indulging in refined dining, or discovering the artistry behind Edinburgh Gin, each experience adds to the city's undeniable charm.

As you wander its storied streets, one thing becomes clear, Edinburgh is not just a place to visit but a city to fall in love with.

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