Things To Do
Lovecrumbs
Very popular cafe, with lovely cake, delicious coffee.
Hanam's
Delicious Kurdish and Iranian food. Service can be slow, but it's byo and the food is so worth it. Also, the Manager, Ali, is very kind, and often sends extra things if you wait a while. Loads of veggie options- we recommend halloumi fries, whipped feta, stuffed aubergines, cheese borek, and anything that comes with their freshly cooked flat breads.
First Coast Restaurant
Lovely place for local Scottish food if you are in the area. Good veggie options, and lunch and pretheatre specials.
Teuchters Landing
My (Catherine's) favourite pub. Stout of the month, many whiskies, amazing bloody Mary selection (get one with the chilli vodka), really delicious local food from 'pub grub' to 'a little bit special' (e.g. really good seafood). Affordable, friendly, quirky.
National Museum of Scotland
A favourite tourist place, and it's free: don't miss the Lewis Chessmen, the musical instrument section, and the view from the roof garden which is a hidden gem.
The Outsider Restaurant
Centre of the city, great castle views, so delicious, and very affordable at lunch with lovely local specials. The wine menu descriptions are hilarious, and the bread and olives to start are worth getting.
Scottish National Gallery
A lot is shut ATM, but still worth going. The other galleries are also worth a visit. Modern 1 and 2, are in beautiful gardens a bit out of the centre (if you're going that way go see the Dean bridge which Lilly and I first met near); and national portrait (STunning building and always a bit different)
The Castle Arms Ltd
Right next to the castle and our wedding if you need a drink. My local for many years while attending the Edinburgh singers.
I.J Mellis Cheesemonger
There are various branches around the city. It is expensive, but oh so worth it. Make sure to try a few if you are buying something.
El Toro Loco
Delicious, huge burritos. They have a constantly changing selection of hot sauces on a shelf near the door which you can help yourself to, and are right in the middle of the tourist district.
Kalpna
All vegetarian Indian good- our fave is the paneer butter masala.
Mary's Milk Bar
Has been on BuzzFeed etc, but is worth the hype. Creative, quality ice-cream in unusual flavours, with a view straight up to the castle.
Lupe Pinto's Deli
Mexican deli- tiny but packed with unusual foods- especially good hot sauce.
Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh
Beautiful all year round- ask staff at either entrance for what is looking good. Favourite parts: demonstration garden, alpine garden, glasshouses.
Edinburgh Zoo
Lilly and I go often, so our pics are not the 'big ticket' attractions: the pandas, lions, tigers. Our unmissables (and almost always visible and doing something fun) are the penguins, lorikeets, chameleon (in wee beasties), pygmy hippos, and lemur walk through.
La Barantine Victoria
The most intensely flavoured, fabulous bread. There's a few branches of this bakery, all slightly out the way, but worth a special trip and buying some fancy butter to go with it.
Aberdour
Charming day trip if you are in Edinburgh/ Scotland for a while. There is a castle, some seaside with a lovely cafe (Silver Sands) and a cute high street with craft shops, bakery, and pagan shop with wonderful stuff (Mystique Moments)
Tantallon Castle
Nice day trip. Beautiful castle on a sea cliff. Can be done on the bus, but better to drive.
Armstrongs Vintage
The Grassmarket branch was first, but there are other branches around. This is a great place to get your wedding hat, and have a rummage through super fun clothes.
The Stand Comedy Club
Fun night out- buy tickets in advance and make sure to be there early if you are going to a show on Friday or Saturday to get a seat. Can highly recommend going for the Friday show, getting there when doors open, having some nachos, and a beer.
Edinburgh Books
Atmospheric secondhand bookshop, with a basement full of sheet music. Next door to Lovecrumbs so you can get a book then enjoy it there.
Portobello Beach
Edinburgh's sejafront. Lovely for a walk- also get a bagel at Bross and a beer at the Espy or Dalraida
The Piemaker
Greggs no longer makes macaroni pies. This is where to get a damn good one.
Stirling
Stirling Castle is as much fun as Edinburgh castle and worth a trip (also as expensive as, sadly). The Groundhouse cafe is where Lilly and I had a lot of early dates. Other places in Stirling: Bite East, the Ugly Mug, Gabe's diner.
Thistle Chapel, St Giles
Don't miss this monument within a monument. The Thistle Chapel is in the back of St Giles and usually open.