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Edinburgh VISITOR GUIDE WITH CITY MAPS
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DO THE 1
every room was a plot twist for the senses
WALK THE WORLD’S NUMBER 1 SCOTCH WHISKY* IN THE HEART OF EDINBURGH
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Calton Hill view from Edinburgh Castle
WELCOME TO...
Edinburgh This is your guide to some of the best places to visit in and around one of the most beautiful and vibrant cities in Europe. Using this Guide... We’ll give you the lowdown on some of the best things to see and do; shops, attractions, restaurants, bars and cafes, and plenty more - all you have to do is explore and enjoy them! For simplicity, we’ve split the Guide into six sections; getting around, attractions, tours, speciality shops, eating & drinking, museums & galleries. To make sure you don’t get lost in Edinburgh’s warren of loans, wynds and closes, everything listed in the Guide is pinpointed on the maps on pages 6-9.
Contents 6 Maps 10 Getting Around 13 Attractions 19 Tours 21 Speciality Shops 28 Eating & Drinking 31 Museums & Galleries
Have Fun! 3
Edinburgh Castle Esplanade
Robert Aldridge The Right Honourable Lord Provost of the City of Edinburgh Our city, Scotland’s ancient capital, is a place of many names, layers and legends. Welcome to Edinburgh: Edina, Dùn Èideann, Auld Reekie, the Athens of the North. Each name reflects a different moment in time, a different perspective on a city that has been inspiring visitors and residents for centuries. Together, they paint a picture of a place that is rich in history, creativity, and character and one I am proud to call home. Edinburgh’s own Robert Louis Stevenson captured its essence perfectly when he wrote, “This dream in masonry and living rock is not a drop scene in a theatre, but a city in the world of reality.” His words still ring true today. Inspiration is everywhere you look: from the dramatic skyline crowned by Edinburgh Castle, to the sweeping views from Arthur’s Seat, an ancient volcano rising from the heart of the city. Wander the atmospheric closes of the Old Town, stroll the elegant Georgian streets of the New Town, or follow the city’s energy down to the vibrant waterfront of Leith and the wide embrace of the Firth of Forth. It is little wonder that millions of visitors, many of them returning again and again, are drawn here each year. Edinburgh is a city where past and present meet in the most exciting ways. Its historic heritage sits comfortably 4
alongside a modern, progressive outlook, creating a place that continually redefines what a capital city can be. Culture thrives here year-round, from world-renowned festivals to top-tier sporting events, museums, and galleries. No matter when you visit, there is always something happening. August may bring the Tattoo, the International Festival, and the famous Fringe, but the calendar is packed throughout the year with festivals celebrating books, film, jazz, science, fire, and children’s creativity, truly something for everyone. Despite being a capital city, Edinburgh is wonderfully green. Princes Street Gardens has been voted the most beautiful park in the UK outside London, while a short journey takes you to the sandy shores of Portobello Beach for a breath of sea air. Food and drink are another highlight, with restaurants, bars, and cafés showcasing the very best of Scottish produce alongside global influences. From whisky and haggis to refined tasting menus and fresh, locally sourced seafood, the city is a feast for the senses. I hope this guide sparks your curiosity and helps you discover the many sides of this magical city. Enjoy your time here and haste ye back!
2
Just off the Royal Mile • From age 6 years Open Daily
Discover a World of Chocolate in Edinburgh
Book online
Make your own chocolate • Over 40 flavours to try • Chocolate gifts
⭐ ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Rated 5.0 on TripAdvisor, 4.9 on Google www.chocolatarium.co.uk 3
N o.1 IO R N RACTDVISO T A AT TRIP
A VOYAGE OF DISCOVERY
10%* OFF
DISCOVER THE ROYAL YACHT. UNCOVER THE STORIES. Follow in the footsteps of Royalty and the crew who kept everything shipshape.
*T&Cs: 10% off admission. Adult tickets only. Not valid in conjunction with any other offer, gift ticket/child ticket/family ticket/student ticket/armed forces ticket. No cash alternative. Available online and at ticket desk with code WELCOME10. Valid until 31 March 2027.
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Eating & Drinking Holyrood Park
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Attractions
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© Ashworth Maps and Interpretation Ltd 2026. Contains Ordnance Survey data © Crown copyright and database right 2026.
LA
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ills
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Kelso Melrose A699
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Open daily from 10am/Free admission Local buses 8,9,23, 27 and The Regal Tour West Gate, Arboretum Place, EH3 5NZ East Gate, Inverleith Row, EH3 5LP rbge.org.uk
B
ATHE
Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh is a charity registered in Scotland (no SC007983)
Nearly 60,000 plants across 70 acres. You can breathe easy exploring the lungs of our city.
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Getting Around Edinburgh Tram & Buses
Edinburgh Tram
Edinburgh has a great value, modern, reliable public transport network which makes getting around the City very easy. As the main bus operator, Lothian Buses is dedicated to delivering an outstanding customer experience offering a City-wide network with regular travel 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Tickets for travel can be purchased on the bus using contactless payments. Adult passengers can benefit from discounted daily and weekly capping when using TapTapCap. Please visit Lothianbuses.co.uk/contactless Alternatively, m-tickets are available via the free Lothian mobile travel app, please visit TfEapp.com, or you can pay using cash. (Please note: bus drivers can’t give change so it’s always a good idea to have the exact fare ready.) Lothian Buses - 300 Bus - Ocean Terminal
Servicing Edinburgh Airport, Airlink 100 is an express service to and from the City centre and Skylink services offer local connections to other areas of the City. Please visit Lothianbuses.co.uk/airport To see the City from a different view, take an open top bus tour with Edinburgh Bus Tours. The five star rated, hop-on, hop-off tours showcase the best of Edinburgh, with a choice of multi-lingual commentary or a specially trained live guide. For full information visit Edinburghtour.com 10
Stop off at Newtongrange for the nearby National Mining Museum, alight at Galashiels for bus and taxi connections to the surrounding Borders Towns, or stay on to the end of the line at Tweedbank and visit Abbotsford House. The beautiful, historic City of Stirling (with its own castle to rival Edinburgh’s) is 50 mins away by rail, or visit Falkirk (for the Falkirk Wheel and The Kelpies). Alternatively, Linlithgow, North Berwick and Dunfermline are all within 30-35 mins.
Citylink Edinburgh
Another great way of getting from one end of the City to the other is by tram. Edinburgh’s tram runs from Edinburgh Airport to Newhaven in the east end of the City centre, with regular stops on popular places such as Princes Street and Haymarket Train Station. If you fancy travelling further afield, Glasgow, a lively, bustling city, distinctive and full of character, is less than an hour away from Edinburgh Waverley with trains departing every 15 mins. Or take a ride on Scotland’s newest railway line, the Borders Railway.
Edinburgh Tram
Princes Street
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Your Essential
Edinburgh St Giles Cathedral
The Medieval Town Well established by 1100, Edinburgh was recognised as the capital of Scotland by 1350. The Old Town stretches, like a herringbone, down the ridge below the Castle with just one major street and a host of narrow closes (alleys) leading directly off it. Try walking down any of the closes and you’ll soon realise how steep this ridge is!
Key Fortress One of the strongest fortresses in the kingdom, Edinburgh Castle, has been at the centre of Scottish life for more than 900 years. It has served as a royal palace, arsenal, gun foundry, state prison, place of safe-keeping for the Crown Jewels, and more recently as an infantry barracks. Before you reach the Castle, pause on the esplanade, laid out in 1753 as a parade ground for troops. This was the spot where in the 16th and 17th centuries more than 300 women, accused of being witches, were burned to death at the stake. 12
A New Town The big improvement came in the late 1700s. The town council bought farmland to the north and announced a competition to build a new town there. This was won in 1766 by a 26 year old architect, James Craig. The Georgian New Town that you see today, with its wide straight streets, large open spaces and individual houses, is much as he designed it. By the end of the 18th century most well off residents had moved north from the Old Town to the spacious New Town. Visit the Georgian House in Charlotte Square with its large drawing
Victoria Street
room and dining room to get an excellent idea of how people once lived and entertained.
The Heart of Edinburgh Stop outside St Giles’ Cathedral, Edinburgh’s principal church for over a thousand years. This is the heart of Edinburgh. Beside St Giles in Parliament Square is the original Scottish Parliament Building, completed in 1639 and in use until the Union with England in 1707, the Law Courts and the burgh’s Mercat or Market Cross. Balmoral Clocktower & Princes Street
Attractions Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh
The Edinburgh area boasts a myriad of amazing attractions, so whether you’re aged 4 or 104, you’re in for a treat! Begin your journey with a visit to the iconic Edinburgh Castle, followed by endless enjoyment at nearby Camera Obscura and World of Illusions, where interactive experiences mesmerise visitors with mind-bending optical illusions and engaging exhibits. For a true taste of Scotland why not try Port of Leith Distillery? Explore the incredible architecture of this vertical distillery and understand whisky production like never before. Nearby, the Palace of Holyroodhouse offers insight into royal life. For those seeking thrills, the Edinburgh Dungeon and the Real Mary King’s Close offer immersive journeys through Scotland’s intriguing history, complete with live actors and special effects. Rosslyn Chapel stands as a marvel of architecture and history, boasting intricate carvings and ties to the Knights Templar. Scottish Parliament
Edinburgh Zoo
Edinburgh Zoo, with over 2,500 incredible animals from around the world, a daily penguin parade and a host of other animals, is a star attraction. If you are looking for space, try the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh – a tranquil haven no distance from the city centre. With 70 acres of landscaped grounds, superb glasshouses, and some very tame grey squirrels, this is a family favourite. For more of an adventure try climbing to the top of Arthur’s Seat for panoramic views over the City. It doesn’t matter if you’re here with family, friends, or on your own, you’ll soon discover that there’s plenty to entertain everyone. 13
"A MUST SEE AND DO EXPERIENCE" 55
1 hour guided tour
Step down into Edinburgh’s
h i dd en h istory Follow Edinburgh’s past residents in underground alleyways and hear their real stories. Free language audio guides, also available in British and International Sign Language
R E ARLEMA AL RMYAKRI YNKGI SN CG LSOC SL EO . SCEO. C MO M
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Five floors of Fantastic Fun!
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JOHNX KNO SE HOUEUM MUSST 1853 E
Step back 500
years into Scotland's
turbulent past at Edinburgh's only surviving
medieval
mansion... Open daily from 10am
Discover five floors of hands-on BOOK NOW illusions, mind-bending fun, and Edinburgh’s best views. Unique, magical, award-winning, and open daily. Beside Edinburgh Castle camera-obscura.co.uk
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underground Experiences historic & hidden venue
Online bookings only THELOSTCLOSE.COM
whisk y tastings gin tastings
The Royal Mile
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When in Edinburgh, Gin! Uncover the spirit of the city at the Edinburgh Gin Distillery, nestled in the heart of the Old Town. From immersive tours to hands-on gin making, every moment is a celebration of craft and creativity. Sip something special in our Distillery Bar, or take in breathtaking views from our Rooftop Garden Bar. Before you go, browse our shop for award-winning gins and one-of-a-kind gifts to take the magic home.
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Join us on a free guided tour, visit our exhibition and discover the Debating Chamber. You can also visit our café and shop. Open Monday – Saturday 16
parliament.scot/visit
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WALK THROUGH
ROYAL HISTORY At the end of the Royal Mile
BOOK NOW
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TRAM STOP: OCEAN TERMINAL 11 WHISKY QUAY, EDINBURGH
Use code LMP20 for 20% discount on Tour & Tasting LEITHDISTILLERY.COM
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Take a walk on the
wild side!
Visit Edinburgh Zoo!
Book online to save
edinburghzoo.org.uk 14
“An absolute must see when visiting Edinburgh.” TripAdvisor review 14
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Winner 2 02 5
Tripadvi sor T ra veller s’ Choice Awa rds 202 5
TM
Rosslyn Chapel
Dating from 1446, Rosslyn Chapel took over 40 years to build. The beauty of its setting, the mysterious symbolism of its ornate stonework and its role in The Da Vinci Code have inspired, intrigued and attracted visitors ever since. Just 7 miles south of central Edinburgh. Easy to reach by public transport. Take Lothian Bus 37 (for Penicuik/Deanburn) from City Centre.
Reviews from millions of Tripadvisor t ravellers place this winner in the top 10% worldwide.
Open all year
Winner 2 02 5
Please book ahead to guarantee your visit rosslynchapel.comTripadvi sor
T ra veller s’ Choice Awa rds 202 5
Rosslyn Chapel
TM
Top 10%
Rosslyn Chapel is managed by Rosslyn Chapel Trust, a charity registered in Scotland, number SC024324. Reviews from millions of Tripadvisor t ravellers place this winner in the top 10% worldwide.
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Top 10%
Tours Maid of the Forth
With so much to see and do in and around Edinburgh, taking a tour can be a terrific way to cram in as much sight-seeing as possible, especially if your time here is limited.
Mercat Tours
Guided tours are ideal for finding out more about the history of Scotland’s Capital, and the City serves as an ideal base from which to explore the rest of Scotland too. Bus tours, with commentary in many different languages, depart regularly from Waverley Bridge, with many offering a hop-on hop-off service. Edinburgh Bus Tour
For something more intimate, sit back and relax in one of Rabbie’s glass roof, convertible mini coaches and enjoy a tour as they show off Edinburgh from a local’s perspective. Discover Edinburgh’s Old Town with your Mercat Tours guide and then, for the brave, dare to take one of Edinburgh’s ghost tours! There’s lots to thrill and unnerve you on these spooky tours, and that’s all before you delve deep in to Edinburgh’s underground city. 19
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EDINBURGH’S TOP FAMILY RUN BOATING ATTRACTION
SAIL UNDER ALL THREE FORTH BRIDGES. ACCLAIMED WILDLIFE SIGHTSEEING CRUISES. EXPLORE INCHCOLM ISLAND. EVENING CRUISES WITH LIVE MUSIC AND BBQ.
SIGHTSEEING CRUISES TO THE WORLDS LARGEST NORTHERN GANNET COLONY CLOSE UP VIEWS OF THE NESTING PUFFINS GUILLEMOTS AND MANY OTHER SEABIRDS
BOOK ONLINE or call 0131 331 5000
www.maidoftheforth.co.uk #maidadventures
www.sulaboattrips.co.uk
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2025
SCOTLAND CITY TOURS Edinburgh
• Glasgow • Stirling
Free Tours Edinburgh Castle Tour Whisky Tasting Mysteries & Witchcraft Tours S COT LA N D C I T Y TO URS.COM 20
Speciality Shops Royal Mile Silver
Waverley Market
Shopping in Edinburgh isn’t like most other cities, thanks to a mix of big brands, top designers and one-off boutiques. Start on Princes Street, no other street can offer such a wide range of shops with stunning views of Edinburgh Castle. You'll find many department stores here too. Running parallel to Princes Street is George Street. Although it does not have as many shops, it is a chic fashion hub, with stylish and on-trend brands as well as vintage shops.
For luxury fashion brands try Multrees Walk, just off St Andrew Square - the definition of luxury shopping in Edinburgh with countless designer labels on offer such as Louis Vitton, Burberry, Boss & Johnstons of Elgin to name just a few! The Royal Mile is packed with souvenir shops and traditional fashion stores, including Scottish crafts, cashmere and whisky. You can even find a store that makes kilts and accessories.
The Grassmarket
One of the most attractive streets in Edinburgh is Victoria Street. With it's cobbled and winding appearance, it is said that Diagon Alley from Harry Potter was based on this street by author J.K Rowling. Brimming with Scottish designers, artisans and independents selling world crafts, vintage clothing and antiques. 21
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Scottish Knitwear Design
SHOP for
FREEMASONS
billbaber.com 66 Grassmarket Edinburgh
Just a 5 minute walk from Edinburgh Castle
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Edinburgh’s famous fossil shop 5 Cowgatehead, Grassmarket, Edinburgh EH1 1JY 0131 220 1344
www.mrwoodsfossils.co.uk 22
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EST.
1993
Scottish Cashmere & Beautiful Clothing
Shop at 48 Frederick St, EH2 1EX or Edinburgh Airport broraonline.com
Discover your clan heritage & choose from over 500 tartansEdinburgh 2025 Advert.indd 1
20/11/2025 16
Book an appointment or drop in 10 QUEENSFERRY STREET, EDINBURGH, EH2 4PG
WWW.SCOTLANDSHOP.COM INFO@SCOTLANDSHOP.COM UK 01890860770 US TOLL FREE 1-(833)-612-0064
Leith Shore
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Celtic Inspired Sterling Silver Jewellery 54 High Street
Triquetra Ring Simple Balance A symbol of unity, eternity, and spiritual connection.
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D E S I G N E D A N D M A D E I N O R K N E Y, S C O T L A N D
JEWELLERY WITH A STORY Sheila Fleet OBE is one of Scotland’s leading jewellery designers. Inspired by the landscapes, history and culture of Orkney, Sheila’s iconic jewellery captures the spirit of the islands. Each design tells a story, from dramatic seas and skies to breathtaking Neolithic sites. Designed and crafted at our Orkney workshop, many of Sheila’s silver and gold collections are enhanced with vibrant enamels and hand-set with sparkling diamonds and gemstones. VISIT US IN EDINBURGH Make your way to our new Edinburgh shop on Hanover Street to explore Sheila’s extensive range of traditional and contemporary designs. Our specialist jewellery associates will be delighted to help you find a Scottish-made treasure to call your own.
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Visit us at 4 Hanover Street Edinburgh, EH2 2EN +44 131 225 5939 edinburgh@sheilafleet.com sheilafleet.com/edinburgh 25
FASHION ARTWEAR
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SUSTAINABLE &UNIQUE
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Find us at 23 Frederick Street, Edinburgh cambridgesatchel.com
‘...a must visit in the Old Town, just off the Royal Mile!’
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art/ jewellery/t-shirts/fashion/local art & design
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CM
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ADMIT ONE Complimentary In-Store Whisky Sampling (excludes August)
A HUGE SELECTION OF RARE AND EXCLUSIVE BOTTLES! Find us on the Royal Mile opposite St Giles Cathedral 379 High Street, EH1 1PW
Worldwide Shipping - Send Your Whisky Back Home.
Independent Whisky Specialists Right Here in Edinburgh.
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Highland Bagpipes
Made in Scotland
BAGPIPES GALORE Scan here for opening hours and location
www.bagpipe.co.uk
MY
CY
CMY
K
F O FE D T S
0 D £ 1 W E LC E L E H A IT D BR W IS A TH 1 M I N OF F ROYAL M I LE - 11 J E FFRE Y STR E E T - E H 1 1 D R WWW.ROYALMILESILVER.CO.UK
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WELDED BRACELETS
ENGRAVING SERVICE
RING FITTING
JEWELLERY FOR ALL OCCASIONS
CELTIC - VIKING - WEDDING - SILVER - GOLD - TUNGSTEN
BOOK EARLY TO AVOID DISAPPOINTMENT
Eating AND Drinking Indian Lounge
Edinburgh has a culinary melting pot of different cuisines on offer, but if you have travelled all the way to Scotland then you can’t leave without tasting some hearty Scottish favourites! No Scottish food is as iconic as haggis - called the “Great Chieftain o’ the puddin’-race!” by Robert Burns - and you’ll usually find it on menus as the traditional trio of haggis, neeps and tatties. Scottish game such as venison or grouse can make for heavenly main 29
courses, and for dessert try a traditional cranachan: a mixture of raspberries, cream, honey, whisky and oatmeal. Multiple Michelin-starred restaurants, loads more award-winning eateries and countless cafes, bars and sandwich shops all serving up tasty treats, means you certainly won’t go hungry. With world cuisines in abundance and some great veggie places too, you’ll be spoiled for choice.
COMPLIMENTARY HOT FUDGE SUNDAE PRESENT THIS COUPON & RECEIVE A COMPLIMENTARY HOT FUDGE SUNDAE WITH THE PURCHASE OF AN ADULT ENTRÉE* *Cannot be combined with any other discount or promotional offer. One (1) per person per visit. Dine in only. Valid only at Edinburgh locations. Valid until 30th December 2026. Other restrictions may apply.
£10 OFF
*
PRESENT THIS COUPON & RECEIVE £10 OFF WITH A MINIMUM PURCHASE OF £50 IN THE ROCK SHOP* *Offer subject to change, has no cash value except where required by law, and cannot be combined with any other offers or discounts. One (1)redemption per transaction per visit. Valid only at Edinburgh locations. Valid until 30th December 2026. Other restrictions may apply.
20 George Street | +44 (0)131 260 3000 Royal Mile Rock Shop | 32 High Street edinburgh
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©2026 Hard Rock International (USA), Inc. All rights reserved.
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2000 + reviews on Google • 2200+ reviews on TripAdvisor
WEBSITE
COME & VISIT US for authentic & well-crafted Nepalese & Indian cuisine in the heart of the city. Your experience is guaranteed to be memorable in this award winning restaurant!
15% OFF ON FOOD Not valid on Friday, Saturday, August and celebration days. Just quote “LANDMARK”
2023
SCAN TO BOOK
2022
2021
2020
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2025
2024
Certificate of Excellence 2012-2019
info@gurkhacafe.co.uk • 0131 225 2832
120 Princes Street, Edinburgh www.willowtearooms.co.uk 0131 526 3933
25/27 Cockburn Street, Edinburgh EH1 1BP
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OCEAN
mIST'S
CASTLE VIEW BAR & LOUNGE
Aboard Ocean Mist, our cocktail menu celebrates the best of classic mixology and modern creativity. Sit back as our crew shakes, stirs, and pours with finesse, and let the ambience of the water, the craftsmanship of the vessel, and the beauty of Leith’s shoreline elevate your evening. Open: 3pm-11pm
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S C OT T I S H S E A FO O D & G R I L L
Use code SRG3015 for 10% off BOOK NOW
Proudly serving fresh, local seafood sourced from Scotland’s waters. 0131 563 3237 | COASTANDCREEL.CO.UK 81 FOUNTAINBRIDGE, EDINBURGH EH3 9PU
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EST. 1983
10% OFF
Tel: 0131 226 2862
INDIAN & PAKISTANI PUNJABI RESTAURANT Only a few minutes walk from Princes Street First class food and service at Indian Lounge Restaurant on Edinburgh’s Rose Street. Established in 1983, this family run restaurant has been serving the locals and tourists good authentic home made Indian food for over 42 years. • WE COOK WITH HEALTHY OLIVE OIL, GRASS FED SCOTTISH LAMB, FREE-RANGE POULTRY • SHIP TO PLATE SEAFOOD IN 24 HOURS & FRESH DAILY VEGETABLES.
Highly recommended by food critics. GLUTEN FREE and VEGAN options Award Winning Restaurant
www.indianloungeedinburgh.co.uk 129a Rose Street, Edinburgh, EH2 3DT 30
Museums AND Galleries National Museum of Scotland
The City Art Centre
Enjoy a world of discovery at the National Museum of Scotland, the UK’s most popular museum outside of London. The diverse collections take visitors on an inspirational journey through the history of Scotland, the wonders of nature and world cultures, science and decorative art and fashion – all under one roof. Highlights include world famous Dolly the sheep, jewellery belonging to Mary, Queen of Scots, the mysterious Lewis Chessmen, Vivienne Westwood’s iconic tartan suit and the towering skeleton cast of a Tyrannosaurus Rex. A great way of finding out more about the collections and exploring the museum is by taking a free hour long tour given by one of the museum’s volunteer guides. Tours take place every day and there are three to choose from - Discover the National Museum of Scotland (11:00), Scotland Galleries Highlights (13:00) and a special Themed Tour (15:00). There are also special events and exhibitions throughout the year, find out more at nms.ac.uk
Surgeons' Hall Museums
Young or old, you’ll find a range of fascinating exhibitions and art collections to pique your curiosity. In the heart of Edinburgh, the Scottish National Gallery houses one of the world’s best collections of fine art. See some of Scotland’s most famous faces, including Jacobite leader Bonnie Prince Charlie and beloved national poet Robert Burns, at the Scottish National Portrait Gallery. For more modern and contemporary art, a visit to the Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art is unmissable. Stare wide-eyed at a million pounds in cash or crack open a safe at the Museum on the Mound, situated on the Royal Mile. Marvel at something more unusual at Surgeons’ Hall Museums, one of the largest and most historic collections of surgical pathology in the world. There are many museums in Edinburgh and you are guaranteed to find one that interests you. 31
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Discover over 500 years of surgical history at one of Scotland’s oldest museums. Open 10am-5pm 7 days a week
Experience live music in Scotland's oldest concert hall. Explore the world of musical instruments. All in the heart of Edinburgh.
FREE entry Tuesday - Saturday 10am - 5pm 50 Niddry Street, EH1 1LG www.stcecilias.ed.ac.uk
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Ever seen £1 million? Money... and so much more Admission Free Tel: 0131 243 5464 www.museumonthemound.com 32
Free
Discover Scotland’s treasures In one spectacular museum 38
With thousands of amazing objects, special exhibitions and great places to eat and relax we are a must-see part of every visit to Edinburgh. Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice Awards 2025
Find us in the heart of Edinburgh’s Old Town Open daily 10:00 –17:00 Chambers Street Edinburgh, EH1 1JF nms.ac.uk Part of the Edinburgh hop-on hop-off bus tour.
So much art to discover
One world-class art collection in three stunning gallery sites across Edinburgh
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National
Explore the Scottish galleries for the very best of Scottish art from 1800 to 1945. Then soak up works by Vermeer, Titian, Rembrandt, Velázquez and the Impressionists.
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Modern
One site with two sculpture parks and two galleries. The best Scottish and international contemporary art is here, as is a re-creation of local hero Eduardo Paolozzi’s art studio.
Each gallery has incredible cafés to eat, drink and relax in. The gallery shops are packed with art-inspired gifts and souvenirs.
Free admission
Open daily 10am-5pm Find out more at nationalgalleries.org National Galleries of Scotland is a charity registered in Scotland (No. SC003728).
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Portrait
With galleries packed with famous faces, the art in the Portrait gallery tells the story of Scotland’s past and present through painting, sculpture and images from the nation’s photography collection.
USEFUL WEBSITES MET OFFICE
metoffice.gov.uk
TRAVELINE
travelinescotland.com
TRAFFIC SCOTLAND
trafficscotland.org
Designed & Published by Landmark Press, Station Road, Carrbridge, Inverness-shire PH23 3AP Tel: 01479 841900. Front cover photo:
EDINBURGH AIRPORT
CITY LINK
SCOTRAIL
The Scott Monument
Photos: Edinburgh Zoo;
Rachel Keenan; Mercat Tours; Maid of the Forth; Edinburgh Bus Tours; Kenny Lam, VisitScotland; Royal Mile Silver; Indian Lounge; Surgeons' Hall Museum; National Museum of Scotland; The City Art Centre.
edinburghairport.com
THE LIST
scotrail.co.uk
citylink.co.uk
®
Many of the advertisers in this guide are members of
USEFUL TELEPHONE NUMBERS
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Maps by: Ashworth Maps & Interpretation Ltd.
Paper: Printed on paper from sustainable, managed, forests. Every effort is made to ensure that the information in this publication is accurate. However, we do not accept liability if information is incorrect. Please double check details with advertisers before visiting.
‘Airlink’ Airport Bus - 0131 555 6363 Police Non-Emergency - 101 Emergency - 999 Mobile Phone Emergency - 112 Theatres The Usher Hall - 0131 228 1155 Festival & King’s Theatres - 0131 529 6000 The Queens Hall - 0131 668 2019 Traverse Theatre - 0131 228 1404 Royal Lyceum Theatre - 0131 248 4848 Edinburgh Playhouse - 0844 871 3014
Taxi City Cabs 0131 228 1211 Central Taxis 0131 229 2468 Capital Cars 0131 777 7777
When you have finished with this brochure please pass it on to someone else or recycle it.
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BOOK NOW Discover five floors of hands-on illusions, mind-bending fun, and Edinburgh’s best views. Unique, magical, award-winning, and open daily. Beside Edinburgh Castle camera-obscura.co.uk
Five floors of Fantastic Fun!
Britain’s most fun attraction