Romantic Edinburgh

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Edinburgh's Royal Mile is the famous road leading upwards to Edinburgh Castle. Cobbled in places and pedestrian friendly the Royal Mile is home to historic buildings which run the length of the street. It is the definitive route to see Old Edinburgh Town. Many of the city's best restaurants and shops line the incline offering traditional Scottish food and memorabilia. Take a moment to wander down one of the narrow and sometimes secret Royal Mile closes, many providing the theatrical atmosphere for grizzly ghost tours.

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The French Connection creperie is a vending a van right in the center of the Grassmarket. Choose from multiple delicious crepe including lemon and sugar and everyone's favorite Banana and Nutella.

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St. Bernard's Well, located in the Stockbridge neighborhood of Edinburgh (just 15 minutes outside of the city centre), is a round Roman-style temple whose legendary and "miraculous" mineral waters are purported to have cured various ailments including arthritis, back aches and blindness.

Its history (courtesy of FortuneCity): Legend has it that it was originally discovered by Saint Bernard of Clairvaux, the founder of the Cistercian Order, in the 12th Century. After being poorly received at court, and suffering from a sickness, he went to live in a cave near the Water of Leith. There, he was attracted to the spring by the birds which visited it and he drank its healing waters until his strength returned. Tradition says that it was rediscovered in 1760 by three Heriot's school boys who were fishing nearby. Chemical analysis would later reveal that the water was similar to the sulphur springs at Harrogate in Yorkshire. The mineral well soon became a popular resort for those afflicted by the fad for 'taking the waters'. By 1764, the well was so great an attraction that accommodation in the Stockbridge area was at a premium during the summer season. In August 1788, the well was bought... read more

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The Witchery is considered by many to be one of Edinburgh's best restaurant-hotels. It is located in a historic 16th century building at the top of the Royal Mile. Look for the gilded metal sign and prepare yourself for a lavish dining experience. Angus beef and lobster are the hallmark items of the menu and the restaurant boasts a comprehensive (and pricey) vintage wine list. A three course meal without wine typically will cost less than 50 British pounds.

Summer allows for idyllic al fresco dining in the downstairs Secret Garden. The food has won many coveted awards and deservingly so. To enjoy the Witchery experience for a knock-down price, ask for the light lunch or theatre supper menu.

Guest rooms feature Gothic décor and antique furniture and low, red lighting sets the romantic mood - you'll feel as if you are truly staying in a castle. So if you're feeling particularly indulgent, stay the night - Just be sure to book a room a few months in advance.

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From fashionista's favourite Harvey Nichols in St. Andrew Square and designer shops such as Cruise and Phase Eight, to star studded jewellers such as Hamilton & Inches and Laings, George Street has it all going on. And when day turns to night, the street comes alive with well-groomed partygoers who flock to the area's many stylish bars.

George Street is home to some to the most glamorous and stylish stores available in the UK. From the famous luxury store Harvey Nichol's by St. Andrews Square to Cruise a designer emporium at the West End of George Street, George Street offers shoppers a full range of retail.

Clothing and shoe shops on and around George Street include flagship store of White Stuff (amazing shop over 2 floors including an indoor tree), Jack Wills, Hobbs, Whistles, Phase Eight, Churches, Brook Brothers, Austin Reed, Jaeger, Jane Davidson, 21st Century Kilts, and LK Bennet. If fabulous jewellery is on your shopping list George Street has a plenty to tempt, with luxury watches and jewellery from Hamilton & Inches and Laing's and unique pieces from Asimi and Joseph Bonnar. There are a range of other useful shops including Lakeland, Baytree and Paperchase... read more

Our Local Expert Says:

For those who like to spend, Princes Street Gardens is the picturesque gateway to the shopping district beyond. A beautiful park with historic statues and monuments, it’s a peaceful refuge for those who’ve hit the stores all day.

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Step out amongst the vibrancy of Edinburgh city centre and visit Princes Street Gardens. Take in views of Edinburgh Castle and the Old Town on one side of this splendid park and the bustle of the New Town on the other. Princes Street Gardens is the gateway to the shopping district beyond, it is a great place to wander through with historic monuments and a fountain. Frequented by families, students and performers Princes Street Gardens is alive with people.

Our Local Expert Says:

Walk to the peak of Calton Hill in the evening to watch the sun set over Edinburgh. Visit one of the two observatories that sit on the hill for a spot of star gazing.

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Calton Hill is made unmistakable by the Athenian acropolis monument, which stands proudly at the peak. Accessed by steep stairs Calton Hill offers to visitors beautiful views as far as Holyrood Park. Historic buildings and statues are located on Calton Hill but the most popular feature is the two Observatories, the first built in 1792 the second in 1818. Both hold regular exhibitions, Open Days and the opportunity to see stars in the night sky.

Our Local Expert Says:

Take in sweeping views of the Firth of Forth and the castle from the roof terrace.

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Oloroso's chef and owner, Tony Singh, is a Scottish-born Sikh with an imaginative approach to cooking Scottish produce. Here, in his rooftop restaurant with an ample veranda and excellent panoramic views, the feeling is contemporary and swanky. The space is sparsely decorated as the vistas provide enough interest. Frequently changing menus include dishes such as pan-seared marlin with stir-fried vegetables, or chump of roast lamb with fondant potatoes and braised cabbage. There is also a grill menu with a variety of cuts of aged Highland beef. The bar, which mixes some mean cocktails, is usually open until 1am.

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Dean Village is like an enchanted village right out of a storybook. The village is made up of a captivating mix of old and new architecture, bridges and winding pathways. It lies beneath Thomas Telford's Dean Bridge. Walk along the Water of Leith towards nearby Stockbridge to see the mystical St Bernard's Well. Dean Village is also just a short walk from the National Gallery of Modern Art and the Dean Gallery.

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The Dean Gallery's world-class collection of Dada and Surrealism is shown in the Roland Penrose Gallery and Gabrielle Keiller Library. Their outstanding collections were in large part acquired by the Gallery in the 1990s and feature important works by Dalí, Miró, Ernst, Magritte and Picasso.

Also in the Dean Gallery is The Stairwell Project, a large-scale, permanent work by 2009 Turner Prize winner Richard Wright. Comprising several thousand individually hand-painted forms, the piece sits as Wright's most complex and ambitious work to date in Britain.

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Home to Scotland's outstanding national collection of modern and contemporary art, the Modern Art Galleries include the Gallery of Modern Art and the nearby Dean Gallery.

Works from the Gallery's collection, plus special loans, are presented here. The early part of the collection features French and Russian art from the beginning of the twentieth century, cubist paintings and superb holdings of expressionist and modern British art. Special highlights include paintings by Matisse and Picasso.

The Gallery also has an outstanding collection of international post-war work and the most important and extensive collection of modern Scottish art. The post-war collection features art by Francis Bacon, David Hockney, Andy Warhol and Lucian Freud, with more recent works by artists including Antony Gormley, Gilbert & George, Damien Hirst and Tracey Emin.

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If you are looking to splurge, the Pompadour restaurant at the top of the five-star Caledonian Hilton Hotel offers sumptuous French and Scottish cuisine. It is named after Jeanne Antoinette, Marquise de Pompadour (1721 - 1764), a renowned courtesan of the reign of Louis XV. Enjoy stunning views of Edinburgh Castle as a pianist serenades in the background. It is expensive, yes, but just the place in which to waltz around pretending that you're unreasonably rich. If you are unreasonably rich, it's just the place to lunch whilst admiring the views of Edinburgh Castle.

Our Local Expert Says:

This castle far exceeds Edinburgh Castle, so plan day trip to Stirling!

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Information from Wikipedia and Historic Scotland.

Several Scottish Kings and Queens have been crowned at Stirling, including Mary, Queen of Scots, in 1543. There have been at least eight sieges of Stirling Castle, including several during the Wars of Scottish Independence, with the last being in 1746, when Bonnie Prince Charlie unsuccessfully tried to take the castle.

The castle rivals Edinburgh Castle in beauty and magnificence. It is is built high on a volcanic outcrop the castle offers a fascinating tour of the Gatehouse, Chapel Royal and Great Hall all built by the Stewart Kings.Visit the Medieval Kitchen and a special Castle exhibition. Relax after your exploration at the café or pick out a gift in the souvenir shop. Free guided tours run regularly.

Open from 9:30am - 6pm (April 1-September 30th). Check website for winter times.
Adult - £9.00 / £7.20
Child - £5.40 (under 5 - Free)

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One of Britain's most successful theatres, the Edinburgh Playhouse has a history as colorful as its event lineup. Since its opening in 1929, it has endured ownership changes, slumps in attendance, and political wrangling to become the popular venue it is today. You can catch performances like The Nutcracker, Carmen, and even Lord Of the Dance.

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The Theatre Royal Bar is located just a few blocks from the Edinburgh Playhouse, is a favorite hangout spot for after-work crowds and theatergoers. So if you are in town during the Edinburgh Festival in August, take advantage of the bar's abundant outdoor seating and stop here for a drink before your next show. In the winter, bask in the glow of the Theatre Royal's French boutique-style décor as you cozy up inside next to one of two real fireplaces.

Serves a range of food including pasta, sandwiches, burgers, salads and soups - most cost under £10. They also offer a special Sunday roast menu.

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Enjoy a walk along the charming docks of Edinburgh, the industrial area of the city. It's home to plenty of delicious restaurants and pubs, so dine on seafood with a unique Scottish twist. At the Ocean Terminal shopping mall, stop for a movie at the Vue or do a tour of the Royal Yacht of Britannia, a five-star tourist attraction.

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The Forth Rail Bridge is a railway bridge over the Firth of Forth.

The bridge connects Edinburgh with Fife and connects the north-east and south-east of the country.

The 2.5 km. (1.5 mile) Forth Railway Bridge, the world's first major steel bridge, with its gigantic girder spans of 521 m. (1710 ft.) ranks as one of the great feats of civilization. It was begun in 1883 and formally completed on 4 March 1890 when HRH Edward Prince of Wales tapped into place a 'golden' rivet. It is listed as one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Scotland. Tancred-Arrol, constructed the bridge, robustly designed in the aftermath of the Tay Bridge disaster by civil engineers Sir John Fowler and Benjamin Baker.

Today, the bridge, Scotland's biggest 'listed' building, continues to form a vital artery in Network Rail's East Coast railway system; it carries 180 - 200 train movements per day.

The bridge is particularly striking at night, a perfect time to take photos of the architectural marvel.

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Elegance permeates throughout this Victorian cafe-bar, from the marble flooring, stained glass and ceramic tiles and the ornately decorated main Cafe Royal Circle Bar to the delicious Oyster Bar in an adjoining room. Besides the featured dish - oysters served on crush ice - the food is delectable. Your senses will perk as you bite into the various tender meats and fish.

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Generally accepted as Scotland's best gallery for contemporary art, the Fruitmarket Gallery aims to make contemporary art accessible, without compromising art or under-estimating audiences. The Gallery presents world-class, thought-provoking and challenging art made by both Scottish and international artists in an environment that is welcoming, engaging, informative and always free.

Originally built as a fruit and vegetable market in 1938, The Fruitmarket Gallery has been operating as a visual arts space since 1974. Rescued by the Scottish Arts Council from threatened demolition, the building was initially shared between the Scottish Arts Council, the New 57 Gallery and the Printmakers Workshop. At the end of 1983 the Scottish Arts Council relinquished management of the building, and in Spring 1984, The Fruitmarket Gallery became an independent space with the continued support of the Scottish Arts Council.

Open seven days. Always free
Mon-Sat 11am-6pm, Sun 12-5pm

Our Local Expert Says:

For a laid-back afternoon stroll around the Royal Botanic Garden with several glasshouses growing exotic plants from around the globe. The Terrace Café is the ideal venue for a spot of lunch with great views.

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For a relaxed afternoon take a stroll through the Royal Botanic Gardens in Edinburgh. Beautiful at any season; enjoy the colourful foliage of autumn or the fresh new life in spring. The Royal Botanic Gardens offer several glasshouses that welcome visitors with seasonal lectures and events. Other glasshouses are for ongoing research and propagation. Everyone is welcome free of charge. The Terrace Café overlooking the Edinburgh skyline is open daily serving delicious hot and cold meals.

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This 17th century wine warehouse features high-ceilings, colorful tapestries and, of course, a well-stocked bar. The menu boasts a strong seafood selection, such as locally sourced lobster, as well as a delicious French cheese selection

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Rosslyn Chapel is the mysterious Masonic chapel made famous by the DaVinci code (part of the Tom Hanks movie was filmed here in 2005). Located in the village of Roslin, a short bus ride from Edinburgh, it was founded in 1446 by Sir William St. Clair the third prince of Orkney.

Stretching 21 metres (69 feet) in length and standing nearly 13 metres (42 feet) high, practically every surface of Rosslyn Chapel is carved in an outstanding display of craftsmanship. There are literally hundreds of individual figures and scenes carved around you. Be on the look out for the Apprentice Pillar, the Green Man, the Nativity Star, the Music Cubs and even a carving of lucifer as an upside down angel. On a tour of the chapel, learn all about the Masonic history of the chapel and the secret symbolism throughout it.

The cool gift shop sells pagan and new age souvenirs in addition to traditional castle trinkets.

Open virtually every day except major holidays, admission for adults is £7.70.

An external masonic guide can give your group a tour of the Chapel from 12:45pm-2pm.

Explore the grounds around the chapel to see the ruined Roslin Castle.



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On the shores of Duddingston Loch at the foot of Arthur Seat, just 2 miles from the City centre, lies one of the most beautiful small gardens in Scotland. It is situated within the grounds of the 12th Century Duddingston Kirk. A colourful series of terraces, sloping down to the bird sancturary loch along with the peace and tranquility of this unique garden makes it an ideal short excursion away from the busy city. The Thomson Tower is an octagonal building, which sits in the grounds of Dr Neil's Garden. It was designed by William Playfair and built by Duddingston Curling Society in 1825 as a meeting house when they gathered to curl on the frozen loch. The Tower was named after Duddingston Kirk's most famous minister, Rev John Thomson (1778 - 1840). Thomson was a noted landscape artist, one of the first in Scotland, who used the tower as his studio. His celebrated artist friends Joseph turner and Sir Henry Raeburn used to visit him there, as did Sir Walter Scott, who was an elder of the Kirk at that time. The building has now been restored, its ground floor is dedicated to the sport it created while the upper floor is an interpretation centre to the village and garden, with the opportunity... read more

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The Dome is a popular one-stop party center for any night out on the town. Built in 1847 as the headquarters for the Commercial Bank of Scotland, it now functions as a bar, restaurant and nightclub. Its décor adds a touch of class to any social gathering: The exterior was built in the Greco-Roman style, and the interior features sparkling chandeliers, stained-glass windows and an elegant cupola above the central bar. Here you can also enjoy some well-cooked, traditional Scottish food like peppered Haggis or go for something more chic like curried prawns on a red-pepper salad.

There are multiple options for dining like 'The Grill Room', 'The Club Room' and 'The Garden Cafe' - which offers outdoor seating perfect for summer feasting. Facilities also include a place for business conferences with a seating capacity of a 100 guests. They also offer venues for private celebrations like, 'The Georgian Suite', 'The Green Room', 'The George Suite' and 'The Charlotte & Hanover Suites'. A boardroom is also available for business meetings.

Our Local Expert Says:

Arthur’s seat is one of the highest of Edinburgh’s seven hills and makes for a good walk for photo opportunities of Edinburgh below. Pathways are easily located from the foot of Arthur’s Seat with a car park area at the base.

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Like Castle Rock, Arthur's Seat and the Salisbury Crags were formed by an extinct volcano and carved out by moving glaciers. These hills, lochs (lakes) and cliffs make up Holyrood Park and offer somewhat easy walking trails. Arthur's Seat is the highest point in Edinburgh (251 meters high) and is located at the center of the park while the Crags are located west of it. It is not known if the name is truly related to the mythology of King Arthur.

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Holyrood Park, also called the Queen's Park, is a Royal Park in Edinburgh free and open to the public. It is a huge area of parkland, rough terrain, lochs, hills and crags including Arthur's Seat, the Salisbury Crags, and St. Anthony's Chapel. The three lochs are St Margaret's Loch, Dunsapie Loch, and Duddingston Loch.

It is popular with joggers, tourists and hikers, who can enjoy stunning views of Edinburgh all the way across the Firth of Forth to Fife from the peak of Arthur's Seat and the Crags. The park is adjacent to the Scottish Parliament and the Dynamic Earth museum at the bottom of the Royal Mile.

The park was created in 1541 when James V had the ground "circulit about Arthurs Sett, Salisborie and Duddingston craggis" enclosed by a stone wall.

Get here by car: Arthur's Seat (the main hill in Holyrood Park) is visible from just about anywhere in Edinburgh. Follow signs to the Palace of Holyroodhouse visitor car park, on the south side of the palace.

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Rhubarb, located in the Prestonfield House Hotel, boasts dramatic painted interiors of red and black, with gilded chandeliers suspended from the domed ceiling. Order the Rhubarb Crème Brûlée to give your taste buds a magical experience.

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The expressive decor instantly attracts you to this upmarket joint, which is a popular bar and venue for diverse and fascinating entertainment events. The decor makes up for the slightly cramped interiors. The dazzling music played by the resident DJ adds to the ambiance of the place. There is a decent choice of food and the wine list is appealing. The service is amicable and sleek ambiance makes the place all the more pleasing.