Edinburgh

Most will struggle to find anything bad to say about the beautiful city of Edinburgh. Its winding cobbled alleys, looming gothic spires, and quaint little coffee shops, give the city a timeless feel that balances history with a constant buzz of new ideas. The only real complaint you’ll hear will be about American tourists who insist on calling it Edin-burg.

Food and Drink

Edinburgh isn’t short on places to eat and drink. Whether you’re after a whiskey that tastes like a campfire, a kebab to cure your hangover, or a cafe to hide out from the rain (there’s a lot of that), Edinburgh has you covered.

The Frankenstein Bar - 4.2/5

Step through a spooky alley and you’ll find yourself in a theme park of a pub. Animatronic Frankenstein looms above, lightning flashes signal happy hour and the prices of the drinks are scary good. Very dramatic in the best way possible.

Oink - 4.5/5

A simple but mightily effective, pulled pork sandwich shop. Choose your size (piglet, oink or grunter), and pile on the sauce or stuffing of your choice. A classic for a quick bite to eat.

Civerinos - 4.4/5

A student favourite for Italian food. Massive slices and good vibes, great for a date or if the family come up to visit.

Mary’s Milk Bar - 4.7/5

A retro ice cream parlour, great for ice cream (obviously), homemade gelato and hot chocolates. Worth a visit, but as it’s right by the Castle, be wary of how busy it gets.

Uplands Roast - 4.8/5

Now if there’s one thing everyone knows about Scotland, it’s that it gets cold. But to make up for it, Uplands Roast sells one of the best hot chocolates you can get your hands on. You can get them loaded with marshmallows and chocolate shards, cinnamon dust and flake rolls, but realistically, there is no wrong choice here.

Edinburgh isn’t the cheapest of cities so you’ll keep telling yourself you’ll cook more, but odds are good that an Oink sandwich or a Civerinos slice might become a weekly habit of yours.

Things to Do & Culture

It’s impossible to live in Edinburgh and not feel like you’re walking through a film set. Between castles, festivals, and hiking trails right in the city, boredom is basically illegal.

Edinburgh Castle - 4.6/5

The poster child of Edinburgh. Sat atop Castle Rock, it’s a must-do at least one time during your visit.

Arthur’s Seat - 4.7/5

Nothing to do? Weather finally good? A short climb up this extinct volcano gives you arguably the best view in the whole city.

The Royal Mile- 4.7/5

A bit of a tourist hotspot but there’s no place that represents how Edinburgh mixes history and modern life better. Quite a few hidden gems to find here too.

The Festivals - 4.5/5

August in Edinburgh is mayhem. The Fringe, the International Festival, book festival, film festival, and plenty more. If you like art, comedy, or anything really, there’s something going on here for everyone.

Calton Hill - 4.6/5

A shorter climb than Arthur’s Seat but another great spot to catch a sunset or some panoramic views of the city. With a Parthenon-style monument to check out too, definitely worth a visit.

History, hills and hangouts. What more do you need?

Going Out & Nightlife

Edinburgh’s nightlife is more eclectic than wild, although Cowgate on a Saturday night does prove exceptions exist. Expect pubs older than your grandparents, underground clubs and houseparties galore.

Cowgate Strip - 4.4/5

Packed to the brim with bars and clubs where you’ll either have the night of your life or question your choices entirely. Sneaky Pete’s is the crown jewel for live music here.

Panda & Sons - 4.6/5

A speakeasy hidden behind a barbershop facade. Wacky cocktails that look like science experiments, and bartenders who are definitely magicians by day.

The Jazz Bar - 4.6/5

A basement bar with live music basically every night. Jazz, funk, soul, real cool vibes no matter the occasion.

Why Not - 3/5

A student staple. Neon lights and big crowds, if you’re a fresher, you’ll end up here whether you like it or not.

The Hive - 3/5

Another sticky-floored student classic. “Shite but brilliant” is the only accurate description.

Whether you end up in a historic pub or a basement club with the cheesiest of tunes, Edinburgh will make sure it’s a night you’ll remember (or not).

Hidden Gems

There’s always another alley, hill, or weird little museum worth checking out in Edinburgh.

Dean Village - 4.5/5

A fairytale pocket of old mill houses by the Water of Leith. Somehow feels like you’ve left the city without actually leaving it.

Dr Neil’s Garden - 4.7/5

A peaceful garden by Duddingston Loch. A wonderful little escape when the city feels overwhelming.

Camera Obscura & World of Illusions - 4.6/5

Victorian optical illusions, mirror mazes, and a rooftop view. Way more fun than you expect.

Stockbridge Market - 4.5/5

A classic farmers market. Artisan food, crafts, and some of the best brownies in the city. A true Sunday staple.

Edinburgh’s history is everywhere, but the hidden spots are where you’ll find the city’s real character.

Study Spots/Student Essentials

Between Edinburgh, Napier, and Heriot-Watt, the city is full of students, meaning cafes, libraries and pubs doubling as study spots are everywhere.

Main Library (UOE) - 4.4/5

Believe it or not, this is the Edinburgh university’s main library. An absolute behemoth of a library, with the capacity for about 2500 students. Busy during exam season, but there’s always a quiet corner if you look hard enough.

University Library (Napier) - 4.7/5

Modern, well-equipped, and quiet enough to get your work done.

Cameron Smail Library - 4.9/5

Relatively recently renovated, and is a real nice library to get some work done. It can be tricky to find a good spot when it gets busy though.

Student Unions - 4.4

Cheap drinks, cheap foods, and study spots if required. If you want to get involved with clubs, societies, live events and get some student deals, this is the place to be. You’ll definitely spend more time here than you plan to.

Black Medicine Coffee Co - 4.5/5

A cosy cafe with big wooden tables, perfect for any laptop warriors looking to get out of the libraries.

City Advice

Edinburgh is a stunning city to live in, but behind the castles and the cobbled streets, there’s a few things worth knowing if you want to make your life a little cheaper and a little easier.

Getting Around - Edinburgh is compact but hilly. You’ll learn to love (or hate) the climbs. Buses are everywhere and reliable, and if you’re feeling brave, the trams are an option too.

Where to Live - Marchmont and Newington are the classic student areas, Stockbridge if you’re posh, and Leith if you’re cooler than the rest of us.

Saving Money - Edinburgh has a tourist or two, do your best to avoid where they shop unless you want to pay tourist prices.

Local Quirks - Bring a coat. A better one than the one you’re thinking of right now. Don’t climb Arthur’s Seat drunk at 2am. And get used to the bagpipes, as they’ll be soundtracking your life whether you like it or not.

Whatever you’re into, history, going out, or just endlessly climbing hills for some good views. Edinburgh has a way of making you feel like you’re in the middle of something special.

If you're interested in visiting any of these spots, you can find them all here.