Best neighbourhoods in Edinburgh
A locals' map of Edinburgh — the neighbourhoods worth spending a half-day in, what to eat in each, and the streets actually worth wandering.
Top spots in Edinburgh
Edinburgh Castle
CultureCastle Rock
Stone of Destiny, Honours of Scotland and the 1 o'clock gun.
National Museum of Scotland
CultureChambers Street
Dolly the Sheep, Lewis Chessmen and a Victorian Grand Gallery — free.
Royal Mile
CultureOld Town
Cobbled mile of closes, whisky shops and the Real Mary King's Close vaults.
Arthur's Seat
OutdoorsHolyrood Park
251 m extinct volcano with 360° city views — 45-min climb from the palace.
Dean Village
OutdoorsWater of Leith
Hidden ex-mill village 5 min from Princes Street — Insta gold.
Where to eat
Mary's Milk Bar
$Ice Cream · Grassmarket
Daily-changing gelato and hot chocolate — under-the-castle queues.
Ondine
$$$Seafood · George IV Bridge
Sustainable Scottish shellfish — oysters and lobster thermidor.
The Kitchin
$$$$Modern Scottish · Leith
Tom Kitchin's Michelin-starred 'nature-to-plate' tasting menu.
Timberyard
$$$Modern Scottish · Lady Lawson Street
Cosy warehouse, fire-pit cooking and a serious cocktail list.
Frequently asked
- Standouts right now: Edinburgh Castle, Arthur's Seat, Royal Mile. The shortlist is curated by people who live in Edinburgh and refreshed regularly so it reflects what's actually open and worth your time.