Guidebook for Edinburgh
Food Scene
If you enjoy authentic Malay food Kampung Ah Lee is the place for you! Having lived in Asia for many years we know what we are talking about... The place may not look like much but the food is absoultely delicious and portion sizes are generous. They also do take aways if you feel like a comfy night in. The staff are all from Malaysia and the cuisine is mainly focused around Kuala Lumpur cuisine. They even serve a good old Tiger Beer or Tsing Tao...
Be aware though the restaurant is quite small and popular with locals.
15 locals recommend
Kampong Ah Lee
28 Clerk StIf you enjoy authentic Malay food Kampung Ah Lee is the place for you! Having lived in Asia for many years we know what we are talking about... The place may not look like much but the food is absoultely delicious and portion sizes are generous. They also do take aways if you feel like a comfy night in. The staff are all from Malaysia and the cuisine is mainly focused around Kuala Lumpur cuisine. They even serve a good old Tiger Beer or Tsing Tao...
Be aware though the restaurant is quite small and popular with locals.
We highly recommend this place for their generous full scottish breakfast (includes Haggis). They even serve a vegeterian version of it and it is the best veggie breakfast I have had all over town... Apart from their breakfast they also serve sandwiches/panninis, soups, smoothies and some cakes. The place is usually very busy as it is very popular with Edinburgh's students so expect that you might have to wait for a table to free up.
80 locals recommend
Kilimanjaro Coffee
104 Nicolson StWe highly recommend this place for their generous full scottish breakfast (includes Haggis). They even serve a vegeterian version of it and it is the best veggie breakfast I have had all over town... Apart from their breakfast they also serve sandwiches/panninis, soups, smoothies and some cakes. The place is usually very busy as it is very popular with Edinburgh's students so expect that you might have to wait for a table to free up.
A very small restaurant serving delicious local food! We love going here and the menu changes very frequently depending on season and availability of produce. Field's menu is rather small but therefore all the food prepared is very fresh, delicious and sometimes a bit different. There is a very reasonably priced pre-theatre menu (available 5.30-6.45) with 3 courses for approximately £17. Because of its size the restaurant tends to be busy and it is worth calling to make a reservation before hand.
28 locals recommend
Field
41 W Nicolson StA very small restaurant serving delicious local food! We love going here and the menu changes very frequently depending on season and availability of produce. Field's menu is rather small but therefore all the food prepared is very fresh, delicious and sometimes a bit different. There is a very reasonably priced pre-theatre menu (available 5.30-6.45) with 3 courses for approximately £17. Because of its size the restaurant tends to be busy and it is worth calling to make a reservation before hand.
Good food! this place is quite new on the map (about a year), but has proven to survive the test of time, which many restaurants along this road don't.. Helpings are rather large and the food is delicious. They do a pub quiz on Tuesday nights and have a live band playing on Friday and Saturday nights. It can get a bit louder inside the restaurant but the place definitely has some atmosphere! Good drinks menu as well... They also do breakfast from 10 to early afternoon if you are feeling lazy.
Bookings can only be made for groups of 5 or more.
35 locals recommend
Southpour
1-5 Newington RdGood food! this place is quite new on the map (about a year), but has proven to survive the test of time, which many restaurants along this road don't.. Helpings are rather large and the food is delicious. They do a pub quiz on Tuesday nights and have a live band playing on Friday and Saturday nights. It can get a bit louder inside the restaurant but the place definitely has some atmosphere! Good drinks menu as well... They also do breakfast from 10 to early afternoon if you are feeling lazy.
Bookings can only be made for groups of 5 or more.
Feeling like being lazy and just ordering a Pizza in? Papa John's is an American Pizza chain, alike to Domino's or Pizza Hut. Its just around the corner from the flat and is ideal for a lazy rainy night in front of the TV.
Papa John's Pizza
12 S Clerk StFeeling like being lazy and just ordering a Pizza in? Papa John's is an American Pizza chain, alike to Domino's or Pizza Hut. Its just around the corner from the flat and is ideal for a lazy rainy night in front of the TV.
If you are a Harry Potter fanatic, you should go visit this place. JK Rowling is said to have sat it in this Teahouse while writing the first Harry Potter Book. The cafe looks down at Potterrow an area in Edinburgh and this is where Harry got his name from.
163 locals recommend
The Elephant House
21 George IV BridgeIf you are a Harry Potter fanatic, you should go visit this place. JK Rowling is said to have sat it in this Teahouse while writing the first Harry Potter Book. The cafe looks down at Potterrow an area in Edinburgh and this is where Harry got his name from.
Just around the corner is the lovely little Victor Hugo Deli. You cannot really miss it... Painted in bright red like a french bistro this place stands out for miles. If you like some fresh croissants (they also do Almond Croissants!!!) or baguette in the morning just pop over to them and pick some up. They also have some nice sandwiches, quiches and so on (my favorite is their egg-mayo sandwich). You can sit in or take away and they also do coffees & teas amongst many other drinks and of course they have a cheese and cold cuts deli.
75 locals recommend
Victor Hugo Deli
29 Melville TerraceJust around the corner is the lovely little Victor Hugo Deli. You cannot really miss it... Painted in bright red like a french bistro this place stands out for miles. If you like some fresh croissants (they also do Almond Croissants!!!) or baguette in the morning just pop over to them and pick some up. They also have some nice sandwiches, quiches and so on (my favorite is their egg-mayo sandwich). You can sit in or take away and they also do coffees & teas amongst many other drinks and of course they have a cheese and cold cuts deli.
This place does it all breakfast, lunch and dinner. If you are feeling lazy but want a full English/Scottish breakfast this place is perfect. They also make some nice burgers and are perfect for grabbing a quick bite with a beer. They have a fantastic selection of beers and ciders available on tap.
63 locals recommend
The Southern Bar
22-26 S Clerk StThis place does it all breakfast, lunch and dinner. If you are feeling lazy but want a full English/Scottish breakfast this place is perfect. They also make some nice burgers and are perfect for grabbing a quick bite with a beer. They have a fantastic selection of beers and ciders available on tap.
My parents in-law love this place. The food is French Algerian and apparently the owner is very friendly. Haven't had a chance to go yet myself, but still on the list. Apart from that it is located on a lovely Street, Victoria Street, which connects George the 4th Bridge with the Grassmarket.
51 locals recommend
Maison Bleue
36-38 Victoria StMy parents in-law love this place. The food is French Algerian and apparently the owner is very friendly. Haven't had a chance to go yet myself, but still on the list. Apart from that it is located on a lovely Street, Victoria Street, which connects George the 4th Bridge with the Grassmarket.
Ask for a table at the window if you go at dinner time and if you get lucky you get to see Edinburgh castle in all its glory fully lit up while munching on your meal. For people with sensitive ears this is maybe not the best restaurant as it does get a bit louder when it is busy.
156 locals recommend
The Outsider Restaurant
15-16 George IV BridgeAsk for a table at the window if you go at dinner time and if you get lucky you get to see Edinburgh castle in all its glory fully lit up while munching on your meal. For people with sensitive ears this is maybe not the best restaurant as it does get a bit louder when it is busy.
Sightseeing
Apart from having a stunning view over the city of Edinburgh the Castle is obviously one of the most iconic sites of Edinburgh to visit, housing the Crown Jewels and the Stone of Destiny. Some lovely rooms and definately worth taking one of the audio tour gadgets if you are interested in learning something about scottish history. The castle has different parts to it and some of it is dedicated to more recent history as World War 1 & 2. If it's super busy its also nice to just look at it from the outside and enjoy the view!
1962 locals recommend
Edinburgh Castle
CastlehillApart from having a stunning view over the city of Edinburgh the Castle is obviously one of the most iconic sites of Edinburgh to visit, housing the Crown Jewels and the Stone of Destiny. Some lovely rooms and definately worth taking one of the audio tour gadgets if you are interested in learning something about scottish history. The castle has different parts to it and some of it is dedicated to more recent history as World War 1 & 2. If it's super busy its also nice to just look at it from the outside and enjoy the view!
Another place to learn a fantastic amount about scottish history and a great amount about the royal family. Holyrood Palace up to this date is used by her Royal Majesty Queen Elizabeht the 2 of the United Kingdom as her summer residence in Scottland and therefore sometimes may be closed to the public.
The Palace is kept very nicely and is decorated with many original furniture pieces so that you can imagine what this place might have been like back in the days. An audiotour is availble at the entrance which allows you to look at the Palace at your own pace.
You can get there from the flat on foot, on a nice day, it can be a lovely walk or you can take the bus.
329 locals recommend
Palace of Holyrood
CanongateAnother place to learn a fantastic amount about scottish history and a great amount about the royal family. Holyrood Palace up to this date is used by her Royal Majesty Queen Elizabeht the 2 of the United Kingdom as her summer residence in Scottland and therefore sometimes may be closed to the public.
The Palace is kept very nicely and is decorated with many original furniture pieces so that you can imagine what this place might have been like back in the days. An audiotour is availble at the entrance which allows you to look at the Palace at your own pace.
You can get there from the flat on foot, on a nice day, it can be a lovely walk or you can take the bus.
Very close to the National Museum of Scotland is the Statue of Greyfriars Bobby, who as the story goes was the dog of a nightwatchman, John Grey. When his owner died, Bobby decided to spend the rest of his life by the side of his owners grave until he died himself and was put to rest on the very same grave yard. Now he is remembered by a little statue of him close to the grave yard (Greyfriars Kirkyard) and it is said to be good luck to rub his nose.... The statue used to be a functioning drinking fountain with a top part for humans and a bottom tap for dogs.
Disney even made the story into a movie in 1961!
119 locals recommend
Greyfriars Bobby Statue
Very close to the National Museum of Scotland is the Statue of Greyfriars Bobby, who as the story goes was the dog of a nightwatchman, John Grey. When his owner died, Bobby decided to spend the rest of his life by the side of his owners grave until he died himself and was put to rest on the very same grave yard. Now he is remembered by a little statue of him close to the grave yard (Greyfriars Kirkyard) and it is said to be good luck to rub his nose.... The statue used to be a functioning drinking fountain with a top part for humans and a bottom tap for dogs.
Disney even made the story into a movie in 1961!
South Queensferry is a quaint little town just outside of Edinburgh there are several sightseeing opportunities around the area of which the most famous would probably be the Forth Bridge. The bridge is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and its construction finished in 1890. To this date the bridge still is used as a train bridge. At the foot of the bridge there are also several tour boat operaters and if you get lucky you might even get to see some seals lazying in the sun while taking your boat trip. Going to South Queensferry is a nice little trip out of the city and on a nice day the perfect place to go and have a tea/coffee outside on one of the many restuarants balconies overlooking the sea
114 locals recommend
Queensferry
South Queensferry is a quaint little town just outside of Edinburgh there are several sightseeing opportunities around the area of which the most famous would probably be the Forth Bridge. The bridge is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and its construction finished in 1890. To this date the bridge still is used as a train bridge. At the foot of the bridge there are also several tour boat operaters and if you get lucky you might even get to see some seals lazying in the sun while taking your boat trip. Going to South Queensferry is a nice little trip out of the city and on a nice day the perfect place to go and have a tea/coffee outside on one of the many restuarants balconies overlooking the sea
Arts & Culture
My absolute favorite place to go on a rainy day! The museum is so large you can easily spend several days in it if you really want to see it all. Entry to the main exhibits is free and you only pay if you want to see one of the touring/special exhibtions hosted at the museum. There are many parts to the museum like Science, Natural World, Technology etc. but actually not that many parts on Scottland specifically...
One exiting thing to see is Dolly the Sheeps taxidermied remains, the worlds first clone if she isn't currently touring the world.
1378 locals recommend
National Museum of Scotland
My absolute favorite place to go on a rainy day! The museum is so large you can easily spend several days in it if you really want to see it all. Entry to the main exhibits is free and you only pay if you want to see one of the touring/special exhibtions hosted at the museum. There are many parts to the museum like Science, Natural World, Technology etc. but actually not that many parts on Scottland specifically...
One exiting thing to see is Dolly the Sheeps taxidermied remains, the worlds first clone if she isn't currently touring the world.
Shopping
South Clerk Street/Newington Road is full of charity shops. Charity shops are basically second hand shops, that give all of their profits to charities e.g. Oxfam, The British Heart Foundation, Cancer Research etc. They are a very popular place for students to strike a deal and for some fashion victims to find some retro clothing. They do sell many other things apart from clothing though, as for example books, DVDs, games, glassware, arts and so on.
You fancy a good read but don't want to spend a fortune or you didn't bring warm enough clothing and just need a sweater for the few days you are in Edinburgh? Charity shops are the answer... Charity shops can however be found all over Edinburgh.
South Clerk Street
South Clerk StreetSouth Clerk Street/Newington Road is full of charity shops. Charity shops are basically second hand shops, that give all of their profits to charities e.g. Oxfam, The British Heart Foundation, Cancer Research etc. They are a very popular place for students to strike a deal and for some fashion victims to find some retro clothing. They do sell many other things apart from clothing though, as for example books, DVDs, games, glassware, arts and so on.
You fancy a good read but don't want to spend a fortune or you didn't bring warm enough clothing and just need a sweater for the few days you are in Edinburgh? Charity shops are the answer... Charity shops can however be found all over Edinburgh.
For the more upmarket shoppers this is the street in Edinburgh, with many british lables like Jo Malon, Laura Ashley, Jaeger, Molton Brown, Hackett represented on this street. It is also nice just going for a strole on St. George Street as it is much more quiet compared to Princes Steet which runs parallel to it.
309 locals recommend
George Street
George StreetFor the more upmarket shoppers this is the street in Edinburgh, with many british lables like Jo Malon, Laura Ashley, Jaeger, Molton Brown, Hackett represented on this street. It is also nice just going for a strole on St. George Street as it is much more quiet compared to Princes Steet which runs parallel to it.
This shop is for vintage lovers. There are a total 3 shops across the city and they are specialised in vintage clothing from all types of different eras, 70s, 80s, 50s you name it. You can spend hours in the shop looking around for some cool and fun items to wear.
88 locals recommend
Armstrongs Vintage
81-83 GrassmarketThis shop is for vintage lovers. There are a total 3 shops across the city and they are specialised in vintage clothing from all types of different eras, 70s, 80s, 50s you name it. You can spend hours in the shop looking around for some cool and fun items to wear.
This is the main shopping strett of Edinburgh. Monsoon, Topshop, H&M, Urban Outfitters, Debenhams you name it. Go into Jenners (House of Fraser) even if just to have a look at the nice old building from the inside.
957 locals recommend
Princes Street
Princes StreetThis is the main shopping strett of Edinburgh. Monsoon, Topshop, H&M, Urban Outfitters, Debenhams you name it. Go into Jenners (House of Fraser) even if just to have a look at the nice old building from the inside.
This shop sells fantastic cashmere and wool products amongst other clothing! Unfortunately as most of the time good quality comes at a price, but their products are well worth it! Maybe you get lucky and they have a sale on.... If you did not make it to their shop in town they also have one in the airport.
Brora Edinburgh
48 Frederick StThis shop sells fantastic cashmere and wool products amongst other clothing! Unfortunately as most of the time good quality comes at a price, but their products are well worth it! Maybe you get lucky and they have a sale on.... If you did not make it to their shop in town they also have one in the airport.
If you like nice clean simple clothing, high quality cotton bedding and candles/room diffusers that smell fantastic pop into this shop.
The White Company
88 George StIf you like nice clean simple clothing, high quality cotton bedding and candles/room diffusers that smell fantastic pop into this shop.
Parks & Nature
An easy hike/or a more strenuous walk in the centre of Edinburgh. Arthur's seat is a sight for those of you into volcanic geology but also offers beautiful sights of the city. For those of you who are afraid of heights you can also walk around the Park surrounding Arthur's Seat.
Be careful when at the top to not step too close to the edge and be aware that it can get quite windy at the top.
There aren't any restaurants or cafes on the top, so if you get hungry fast bring your own snacks and drinks but remember to always take your garbage with you :)
1859 locals recommend
Arthur's Seat
An easy hike/or a more strenuous walk in the centre of Edinburgh. Arthur's seat is a sight for those of you into volcanic geology but also offers beautiful sights of the city. For those of you who are afraid of heights you can also walk around the Park surrounding Arthur's Seat.
Be careful when at the top to not step too close to the edge and be aware that it can get quite windy at the top.
There aren't any restaurants or cafes on the top, so if you get hungry fast bring your own snacks and drinks but remember to always take your garbage with you :)
Aparently a lovely place in Edinburgh to which I unfortuntaly still haven't made it, but have had many people remarking about how lovely it is. As I have heard the gardens are very large with many different areas and the entry is free except for the glass houses, which can be entered for a small fee. Sometimes there are special events like open air cinema or light shows held in the evenings which are meant to be extra special. Have a look at their website for more details: http://www.rbge.org.uk/
They are obviously most enjoyable on a sunny day!
1227 locals recommend
Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh
Arboretum PlaceAparently a lovely place in Edinburgh to which I unfortuntaly still haven't made it, but have had many people remarking about how lovely it is. As I have heard the gardens are very large with many different areas and the entry is free except for the glass houses, which can be entered for a small fee. Sometimes there are special events like open air cinema or light shows held in the evenings which are meant to be extra special. Have a look at their website for more details: http://www.rbge.org.uk/
They are obviously most enjoyable on a sunny day!
Essentials
Just around the corner of the flat is a Sainsbury's Local. They might not have everything but you can get a good amount of grocery shopping done here.
457 locals recommend
Sainsbury's Local
45 Bernard StJust around the corner of the flat is a Sainsbury's Local. They might not have everything but you can get a good amount of grocery shopping done here.
This grocery store has a far wider selection of products then the Sainsbury's Local around the corner. If you are looking for something more specific it is worth while going here. If you buy alot it is worth taking the bus back home.
130 locals recommend
Tesco Metro
Colinton RoadThis grocery store has a far wider selection of products then the Sainsbury's Local around the corner. If you are looking for something more specific it is worth while going here. If you buy alot it is worth taking the bus back home.
Getting Around
This is one of the best connected bus stops in our area. For bus routes, times etc. just go on Google Maps it will tell you where and when to go and which buses you can/need to take.
Kings Hall station
This is one of the best connected bus stops in our area. For bus routes, times etc. just go on Google Maps it will tell you where and when to go and which buses you can/need to take.