INSIDER'S GUIDE
Discover Edinburgh's Old Town
Edinburgh’s Old Town is historic and vibrant, characterised by its medieval layout and architectural heritage. A visit to Edinburgh will almost certainly include a wander around its cobbled streets.
Full of hidden ‘closes’ (Scot’s for narrow lanes), ancient buildings, and a rich tapestry of stories, the Old Town offers a unique glimpse into Edinburgh's past and a lively atmosphere year round that make it a must on any trip to Scotland’s capital.
As city locals, we’ve hand-picked our favourite spots, cafes, and attractions to help you discover our historic homeland with a little bit of local knowledge to guide you.
NOT TO BE MISSED
Royal Mile
The Royal Mile is a bustling street that stretches from two significant locations, Edinburgh Castle to Holyrood Palace. Lined with charming shops, including Kiltane’s flagship store, as well as historic landmarks, and lively traditional pubs, a trip to ‘the mile’ is a Scottish experience that is a must for visitors exploring the city. (Oh and if someone tells you to spit on the cobbled ‘heart’ do it, it’s good luck).
Edinburgh Castle
Situated on the top of ‘The Castle Rock’, an extinct volcano, Edinburgh Castle is one of the oldest fortified places in Europe. Known as ‘The Castle’ by locals it sits at the top of the mile and is a great way to spend a few hours, or even just a wander around its esplanade that offers views across the whole city. Keep your wits about you at 1pm as the ‘one o’clock gun’ is fired each day except Sunday, and it’s loud!
Mary King's Close
The centre of Edinburgh is actually home to a maze of underground streets and passages and one of the most famous of those is Mary King’s Close, it’s located under the Royal Mile and is a perfect place to join one of the many tours that will take you under the city to discover authentic truths about Edinburgh's dark past. Explore underground streets frozen in time and delve into tales delivered by knowledgeable, and often hilarious, city guides.
Greyfriars Bobby
Greyfriars Bobby is a monument to one of the most devoted and loyal little dogs of all time. Legend has it that when Bobby’s master John Gray, died in 1858, the little terrier stood at Gray’s grave, guarding it for the rest of his life. Today, a statue of the devoted little dog sits outside Greyfriars Bobby's Bar to honour his touching tale of devotion. Locals have long given his nose a wee rub for luck, which has created a striking golden nose on the statue.
A BITE TO EAT
The Witchery
Looking for something fancy? With a 16th-century dining room, this is gothic glamour at its finest. The legendary restaurant sits at the top of the Royal Mile and offers old-school classics such as sole meuniere and lobster thermidor. Stumbling out of here, full and in the shadow of the castle is one of the most luxurious ways to spend a night in the city.
Paolozzi
Scottish humour mixed with Italian hospitality? Edinburgh has a rich Italian-Scottish heritage and Paolozzi is one of the best. Renowned for its creative dishes, contemporary atmosphere (and damn good pizza) it is named after a famed Scottish-Italian artist Eduardo Paolozzi. This place is a favourite amongst locals.
Timberyard
Behind an industrial-scale bright red door is one of the city’s most exciting restaurants. Based in an old timber yard, the decor is stripped back and the food is made with local ingredients – an enduring favourite. This is fine food, fine wine, and fine service.
Soul Vegan
A laid-back vegan Malaysian restaurant just off The Royal Mile where specialties include mushrooms in a ginger and wine broth, mapo tofu and Gan Lau Mee with Char Sui & Wonton noodles. Edinburgh has a rich and varied food culture and this place is always somewhere a local will point you.
A BREAK IN THE DAY
Hideout Café Old Town
A cosy, family-run cafe offering specialty brews, brunches and sandwiches in a relaxed setting. Hideout does the simple things just perfectly and this is a great space to take a breath in the bustle of the city. Sit back, people watch, and give your feet a rest.
Lovecrumbs
Lovecrumbs Is a local institution, renowned for its baked goods and famed for its layer cakes. Lovecrumbs is a charming cafe in the Old Town with a wide selection of cakes, treats, and pastries as well as stocking a fine selection of beautiful items for the home.
Pronto Slice
When kicking around the mile, you might want to grab something easy to go. Located near the top of the Mile above an ice cream shop, Pronto is a great spot to grab a slice of Roman style pizza as you explore the city.
Hula
If you are looking for some goodness, originally set up as a juice bar, Hula has evolved into a vibrant café serving healthy breakfasts, lunches and juices and is a bit of a local institution when you need some health after a few late nights.
