Where to Stay in Edinburgh – A Guide To The Best Places and Neighborhoods
When visiting a new city, choosing accommodation can be confusing. Local writer Karen Worrall shares her expertise on where to stay in Edinburgh and all the things to do in each neighborhood. The word Edinburgh (Ed-in-burr-ah) is derived from two Scottish Gaelic words, Edin – from Eden, as in the Garden of, and Burgh, meaning Royal city. […]
Read the original post Where to Stay in Edinburgh – A Guide To The Best Places and Neighborhoods on The Planet D: Adventure Travel Blog.
When visiting a new city, choosing accommodation can be confusing. Local writer Karen Worrall shares her expertise on where to stay in Edinburgh and all the things to do in each neighborhood.
The word Edinburgh (Ed-in-burr-ah) is derived from two Scottish Gaelic words, Edin – from Eden, as in the Garden of, and Burgh, meaning Royal city. So, Edinburgh means the Royal city, which is pretty like the Garden of Eden.
Where to Stay in Edinburgh
Skip-the-Line Edinburgh Castle Walking Tour
Save valuable vacation time with skip-the-line access to Edinburgh Castle on this 1.5-hour walking tour.
Private Tour: 'Outlander' TV Locations Day Trip from Edinburgh
Private day trip of Scotland’s Outlander filming locations from Edinburgh. Visit the village of Falkland, Explore Doune Castle, the rural village of Culross and visit Lallybroch, Jamie Fraser’s childhood home.
Edinburgh fascinates and draws in its visitors with its living history.
The “new town” is almost two centuries old, and there are stories within every winding cobbled street and down every staircase.
It appeals to young and old alike, with activities abound as varied as visiting dungeons and castles, museums galore, world-class shopping and gastronomy, and Ceilidhs.
Edinburgh has been the gentile center of Scotland for centuries, boasting many art galleries, museums, Botanical Gardens, well-manicured green parks and squares, a palace and a castle.
Arthur's Seat over Edinburgh
It is beautiful but doesn’t seem to know it, in that it isn’t pretentious (except perhaps some of the more fashionable bars on George Street).
Reputedly one of the most haunted cities in the world, you may come face to face with some of its past residents.
The city center is very walkable, and it is an attractive city to visit in every season, and has different attractions on throughout the year, with festivals celebrating each season and all of the arts.
Overall, it is one of my personal favorite cities in the world – hence my husband and I buying an apartment to have as our base there.
It has whatever you’re in the mood for; nightlife, history, museums, galleries, shopping, specific one-off events, nature, castles, palaces, hundreds of pubs, fantastic food from Scotland and many countries around the world, and friendly, chatty people.
Where to Stay in Edinburgh: Districts/Neighbourhoods
Map courtesy Peter Fitzgerald - Wikimedia
Edinburgh has many small neighborhoods with 32 official council areas. Its center is a small compact, a walkable city like other European capitals such as Vienna, or Rome.
The actual surface area of Edinburgh covers over 260 square kilometers, but the best stuff is located in the central 40.
This central heart of Edinburgh is where I’ll focus most of the guide on, to help you make the most of the time you have there.
back to top - return to the top of the page for the full list where to stay in Edinburgh by districts.
Places to Stay in Edinburgh
Edinburgh has a lot in it, but is a relatively small city, in the center anyway.
There are a lot of neighborhoods in it, but, like all cities, some of them are not the most attractive ones to base yourself in.
For example, while you may be a fan of the book or movie Trainspotting, it doesn’t mean you want to stay in most of the areas portrayed in it – which is why those areas aren't featured here.
As it is quite a walkable city and most of the main events are located in the central area which all - like a good European city should have – spans out from the heart in spirit and physically the center, which is the castle.
Each of the neighborhoods featured span out from the castle in one of the directions and all aren’t more than around 30 minutes walk or 10-15 minutes on the bus away from Princes Street in the very center where the castle is.
International gastronomy, antiques, and character
Leith Walk. Picture courtesy Kim Traynor -Wikimedia
What used to be one of Edinburgh’s roughest addresses, has gentrified, with its roots of it welcoming immigrants now making it one of the best international food parts of the city.
The area of Leith is made up of a couple of different parts; there is Leith Walk, which still has weird and wonderful people and things going on especially at the ‘foot’ of it, and there’s the Leith Docks area – which traditionally was the roughest and tumble part of Edinburgh, has now gentrified and has fancy balconied apartments, mews dwellings, and even a royal yacht making its home there.
If you are into food and character this is one of the best places to stay in Edinburgh.
Leith is where I live in Edinburgh, at the top end, close to Princes Street. It has character, and is the most international part of Edinburgh, with restaurants and grocery stores from six continents and dozens of countries.
This sprung from this being the part of town where emigrants started in, and brought their cultures – and delicious cooking skills – with them.
This is a great area to have as a base, as it is cheaper than most of the others mentioned in this, but has some of the best food in the city.
Leith’s lively Saturday market is always fun, and if you are fond of antiquing, you can’t beat Leith Walk’s myriad of retro and ‘pre-loved’ stores for finding something unique that you really don’t need, but have to have.
For the gastronomically inclined, you can find Thai, Japanese, Indian, Italian, Chinese, Turkish, Scandinavian, Middles Eastern, Polish, French, Spanish, Portuguese and more eateries all on the one main drag.
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Royal Yacht Britannia now acts as a floating museum. Picture courtesy Benjamin Brock - Wikimedia
Leith Market – This weekly market has a variety of wares on offer. From the typical “Sports socks, two for a pound!” type of market seller, to antique Tiffany or Rennie Macintosh lamps, to hand knitted jumpers and homemade cakes, anything goes at this Saturday Market. Located at Commercial Street, EH6 6LU.
Royal Yacht Britannia – For some regal regalia, check out the Royal Yacht, which has been docked here and used as a static floating museum since 1998. An interesting museum, even if you’re not that into Royal history, it also serves some superb afternoon tea in the onboard restaurant.
Ocean Terminal Shopping Center – The largest shopping mall in the Leith area, the two floors of Ocean Terminal are filled with big high street stores such as H&M, and Debenhams. The second floor has a decent and varied food court, and a cinema.
Sweet treats at the Sicilian Bakery – Situated on Albert Street, just off Leith Walk, this bakery is famous throughout Edinburgh. It’s owners are genuine Sicilians and their sweet treats are so well loved that the cannoli sells out by 11am daily.
Be sure to pick up a cannoli at the Sicilian Bakery
International Food - Mediterranean, African, Polish, a Portuguese bakery, two Chinese supermarkets, and restaurants from all of these cultures plus many more are found along Leith Walk.
Antiquing – There are many charity and ‘vintage’ stores in this area, plus a refurbished furniture taking a central role too.
Everything from pre-loved furniture, vintage clothing stores, and charity shops selling classic records and early editions of books, Leith is probably the best area in Edinburgh to buy something classic.
Community spirit - Leith even has its own complimentary periodical, The Leather, which has all the info on the happenings in the area.
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Trendy village in the city center
One of Edinburgh’s most sought after areas, this village near the city center earns its good reputation with its renowned artisan market and shops.
This is Edinburgh’s trendiest, affluent “village” within the city, and is situated very close to the city center, but has its own distinct character and identity.
Close to the picturesque Waters of Leith, Stockbridge boasts more a plethora of fine restaurants, pubs selling locally brewed beers, fine cheese shops, artisan coffee cafes, and its Sunday Farmer’s Market is popular citywide and beyond.
If you are looking for where to stay in Edinburgh and you want to be close to all city center treats, but enjoy the artistic hipster-cool vibe while feeling like you are actually in a charming village, Stockbridge is the place for you.
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The Stockbridge Sunday Farmer's Market
Stockbridge Sunday Farmer’s Market – This weekly event draws crowds from around Edinburgh as well as farther afield.
Its reputation as one of the best markets for foodies in the country is well founded. Your nostrils will delight as you stroll the stalls, with tempting wafts of freshly baked organic bread, cupcakes, Artisan ground coffee, hot cooking noodles, gyoza, and seafood are everywhere.
Local crafts, Tweed attire, and jewelry also add to the market’s charm.
The Water of Leith – This pretty river that stretches through much of Edinburgh starts in Colzium Springs in the Pentland Hills and runs for 24 miles down into and through the city.
Half of this is an accessible, pleasant walkway through Stockbridge to Leith. St Bernard’s Well by Deanhaugh Street and Dean Village are highlighted along the walkway.
The Royal Botanic Gardens – One of Edinburgh’s most popular attractions is the peaceful and beautiful Botanic Gardens. Taking in 72 acres of the city, with over 17,000 species of plants from around the world represented in over 34,000 plants, this is the place for any lovers of plants.
Free to visit, there are highlights such as the Rock Garden, Japanese Garden, and Queen Mother Memorial Garden. The gardens are also part of various performances throughout the summer, including the Fringe Festival with shows for tots such as this summer, Ipdip Theatre’s “Shh…The Elves are Very Shy” taking place on the lawn, as well as annual cake competitions and other events, this is well worth a stroll.
Located at Arboretum Place, Edinburgh, EH3 5NZ. Open daily 10am-5pm.
Inverleith Park – Located close to the Botanic Gardens, this is one of Edinburgh’s most popular green spaces with walkers and picnickers. Families will enjoy the children’s play park, while sports fan can utilize the football pitches or running track. Wild birds are a highlight found in the wetland at the west end of the boating pond. Located at: Arboretum Place, Edinburgh, EH3 5NY.
Golden Hare Books – Their ethos to supply high caliber non-fiction books of all kinds has served them well over the years. As well as being one of Edinburgh’s top bookstores (of which there many great ones), a community love of literacy thrives here with poetry evenings, special events and book launch a regular occurrence.
National Gallery of Modern Art – Located to the west of Stockbridge, this neoclassical building boasts works by modern masters such as Matisse, Picasso, and Warhol. Sculptures decorate the grounds as well. Free entry for the permanent exhibits and special exhibitions sometimes carry a fee. Located at: 75 Belford Road, Edinburgh, EH4 3DR. Open daily 10am-5pm.
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History in Every Cobblestone
Iconic Edinburgh Castle
The oldest part of the city is bursting at the seams with history and possibly ghosts of past residents
The reputedly most haunted part of Edinburgh (and Edinburgh is one of the top ten most haunted cities in the world, according to Conde Nast, and many others) has a lot to see apart from its apparent ghosts.
The architecture alone is worth a trip, as you’ll feel transported back to the times of infamous residents Burke and Hare, and Deacon Brodie as well as the lovable Greyfriar’s Bobby at each cobbled turn.
Stretching from the iconic Edinburgh Castle to Holyrood Palace down the hill is the Royal Mile. Free museums a-plenty here, as well as more than its fair share of cozy pubs tempting you in with a wee dram, and tweed and tartan in every window, you definitely know you’re in Scotland’s capital.
If you want to be close to the action then this is where you should stay in Edinburgh.
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National Museum of Scotland
Edinburgh Castle – This is the biggest tourist attraction in the city and the emotional and physical heart of it.
Sitting proudly atop a dormant volcano for the past eight centuries has given the castle time to watch over the city and River Forth beyond. It doesn’t fail to impress (even if the weather does), and the views from it are stunning.
Free-guided tours every hour take the sting out of the high entrance fee somewhat, and provide thorough information on the castle’s long history, and are well worth the time.
Don’t miss the dungeons, crown jewels in the Royal Apartments and the Great Hall. The Great Hall often has actors dressed in period costumes as a historical figure who gives information about “their lives” in the castle, so this is always a good place to visit early on in your trip.
Try to plan to be there at 1 pm, for the ‘One O’clock Gun’, which goes off from a canon on the main wall every day still. It used to signal to pass ships what the time was, (and to remind any potential passing enemies that they have lots of canons ready to defend the castle with if needs are).
Being right beside it while it is fired is exciting for all ages. The dungeon is my favourite part of the castle as its history is fascinating and really shows what life was like there.
The Great Hall is where all the important balls and banquets took place and are beautiful, so worth stopping by to see. Mons Meg is the largest canon in the UK, and you can see ‘her’ at the top of the castle, right beside St Mary’s Chapel, which is Scotland’s smallest chapel.
Admission prices to the castle have gone up quite a lot over the past few years and now is at £18.50 for adults on site (£17 advance) and £15 for concession (£13.50 advance).
If you have any family who served in any of the wars in Edinburgh, you are permitted to go in to visit the Memorial Hall to pay respects without charge. Great photo and selfie ops are also available outside the gates before paying to go in.
Dynamic Earth – The earth’s progress from the primordial swamp, through the Jurassic period, ice ages, to a rainforest which actually rains, is showcased in this interesting and educational family-friendly attraction.
The National Museum of Scotland – Four floors of fantastic exhibitions on everything from Ancient Egypt, natural history with a life-sized tyrannosaurus rex skeleton and taxidermy mammals, to the science section popular with younger visitors and the new section which is about all things Scotland.
Learn about the ancient clans, famous monarchs to the Industrial Revolution and racecar drivers here.
This is my favorite museum in all of Scotland due to the diversity and quality of things to learn here – there really is something for every taste. Permanent exhibits are free, with charges for some of the temporary ones, such as this year’s 100 Best Wildlife Photographs exhibit.
Greyfriar’s – Greyfriar’s Kirk (church), churchyard and pub, are now also synonymous with the legend of one the most treasured local residents - a small terrier named Bobby.
This loyal canine was adopted by the community after his master John Grey passed away and the wee dog slept on his grave loyally for his remaining 14 years.
Visit the church and adjacent graveyard to learn about local history, and hear tell of the loyal wee doggy, who showed the city the power of friendship, the touch the wee nose of his statue at the top of Candlemaker’s Row for good luck.
The Elephant House – This Gourmet tea and coffee house has been popular since its opening in 1995 and found fame as one of the spots JK Rowling frequented to write early Harry Potter novels.
The Royal Mile – There are many places of interest situated along the oldest and most regal of Edinburgh’s thoroughfares, so I’ll highlight my top picks of them here, in order of how you’d walk to them heading down the hill from the Castle:
The Tartan Weaving Mill & Museum – Free. Learn how traditional Scottish tartan (plaid to some countries), the material for the famed kilt, is made here with live demonstrations on looms in the bottom floor.
Learn about why each clan (old family) of Scotland has their own tartan and the significance of the colors in them. Buy your own souvenir hat, scarf, kilt or even clan crest if you have Scottish roots, in the upper floor gift shop.
The Whisky Experience – This small distillery is the only one in the city, shows you how Scotland’s possibly most popular export is made. If you’re a fan, take a tour to learn about the entire distillation process and enjoy a dram before the angels get their share.
St Giles Cathedral – Edinburgh’s oldest and largest cathedral is popular with more than devotees due to its regular concerts from local choirs or classical musicians, grand imposing stature and impressive stained glass windows.
A plaque at the door lets you know when to expect the next performance too. Free.
The main drag of the mile – Between St Giles and Cockburn Street, which winds down the hill towards Waverley Station, is the main drag of the street and is the spot to find street performers year round.
Especially busy during the Fringe Festival, which takes place throughout August each year, this is a hot spot for talented acrobats, musicians, magicians, mimes, and actors. Free, but tips are always appreciated for the artists.
Tron Kirk Market – The Tron Kirk has been forever altered from its religious past to being an artsy market after being used as a Fringe venue several years ago.
One of the city’s most hipster of markets, you can find Tweed repurposed into all manner of clothes and bags, handmade jewelry, organic soap, and paintings of the city’s skyline by local painters and more.
Cockburn Street – This character-filled old street winds down the hill from the mile to the train station and on your way down, look out for fairy stores with healing crystals, quirky stores selling pink hair dye, funky t-shirt shops where you can design your own or buy locally designed ones with hand-drawn Nessie, Harry Potter, and odes to ‘gingers’, making appearances, as well as small local gallery shops and numerous pubs.
Museum of Childhood – This newly refurbished museum pays homage to the toys of yesteryear with exhibitions that grandma, mum, and the kids (of all ages) will enjoy.
My favorite is the ‘Haunted House’ animatronic old fairground style machine that runs on 5p pieces. Free, and open daily 10am-5pm.
The Fudge Kitchen – Sweet tooths will not be disappointed here, where you can try before you buy.
The sticky, sugary, delicious fudge is made right there in the store right before your eyes, and the aroma of it is better than any ad campaign. Samples are always offered by the friendly staff, and lowered priced deals are available if you buy four slices.
National Storytelling Center – Scots love to hear, and tell, a good tale, and here you can witness some of the city’s professional storytellers in action. Children and adults can enjoy some of Edinburgh’s history and legends here, with varying lineups of the tales on offer. Check their website to see what’s on when you’re visiting:
The People’s Story Museum – Edinburgh’s old Tolbooth is the setting for this smell-o-vision look into the history of the city. Each floor tells of different aspects of Edinburgh’s past, taking you from high society to the old washer houses, Leith docks to the fish market. Free.
Open daily 10am-5pm.
Clarinda’s Tearoom – Have you ever been to a Scottish grandmother’s house? Well, you can see the next best thing at this doily-filled, chintzy, twee, plates on the wall, slightly fussy tearoom.
Enjoy your proper cup of Scottish tea in a proper china teacup with a saucer of course, and a slice of one of their abundant tasty homemade cakes. Quiet chit-chat and their scones are recommended, their coffee is not. Located at: 69 Canongate, Edinburgh. Open daily 10am-4.30pm.
Scottish Parliament Building – One of Scotland’s Government’s most unpopular commissions with public money due to its appearance jarring somewhat with the old town’s general mystique, this is where the big decisions and main politics of the country are taken care of.
Holyrood Palace – The palace where Queen Elizabeth and family take their summer vacations to Scotland, is open as a museum whenever they are not in residence.
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Shopping, Gardens, and Pubs
View of Princes Street from Edinburgh Castle
Shopping, bars, restaurants and the ever popular Princes Street Gardens under the watchful eye of the Castle above help make the center still the heart of Edinburgh.
The “new” town is named as such, as it was built after the great fire in Edinburgh in 1824 wiped out almost all buildings in this area.
Located in the shadow of ‘the castle’, the very heart of the city is home to some of its most popular attractions like Princes Street Gardens for nature in the center, shopping galore in Princes Street, pubs for days in Rose Street directly behind it, and high fashion and swanky bars in George Street conveniently right behind that.
Nothing is really ‘new’ in Edinburgh, except some of it’s winning or dining establishments, and some of the most fun ones are found here.
Transport links to the city are very easy with the main train station and bus station right here and easy to access the rest of the city from.
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Princes Street is always bustling with tourists and locals
Princes Street – Edinburgh’s main shopping mecca still hasn’t been outshone by the various malls that have sprung up on the city’s fringes over the past few decades. Large high street chains cover most of the area, with some hotels, and coffee shops peeking in.
Jenners & House of Fraser – Located on Princes Street are Scotland’s two most prestigious department stores which bookend each side of the street. High quality, choice and price tags are expected in each, while Jenners’ Valvona & Crolla Italian and Scottish food court delivers is worth a look for some local tasty delights. The Edinburgh House of Shortbread – in my opinion, the best shortbread you can buy, is exclusively for sale here.
Princes Street Gardens – right across the street from the shops, you can enjoy some respite, or a picnic, in the gardens. Plants are chosen carefully to show off the green area year-round decorate this space popular with tourists and locals alike.
Once a lake, the area was drained to create these gardens, and have a spot for trains to arrive city center. Live music and Ceilidhs (Scottish parties with traditional music and dancing) happen here whatever the weather decides to do.
December is when the gardens host the delightful European Winter Market, and Hogmanay (New Year’s Eve) festivities are at their peak here.
Edinburgh Dungeons – Edinburgh’s love of things macabre are applauded in this tourist attraction which scares and educate with tales of grave robbers Burke and Hare, cannibal Sawny Bean, a trip to the gallows, and more. Actors do a convincing job of playing their parts, and screams will be elicited from even the most cynical spectator.
Rose Street – Located directed parallel behind Princes Street, this street had more pubs than any other. Many restaurants are also sprinkled along it, with a variety of dining options, from Mexican food to sushi joints, to good old-fashioned greasy fish and chip shops.
George Street – Running parallel as the next main street behind Rose Street this is Edinburgh’s fanciest street to shop, dine and drink in. Boasting high-end fashion such as DKNY and Whistles, and bars to be seen in like Le Monde and Tiger Lily, this is not the place for those on a budget.
Panda & Sons – Increasingly become one of Edinburgh’s hippest hangouts, this underground hidden speakeasy appears to be just an innocent barber shop from the outside.
Its popularity has grown purely by word of mouth and its still one of those places that if you don’t know about it, you won’t find it. Offering a literal book full of divine (and pricey) handcrafted cocktails, it is still worth the price tag for the atmosphere of the 1920s with staff dressed as such, the bookcase you have to walk through to get in, and the exquisite drinks. Located by Charlotte Square at the West End of Princes Street, on Queen Street.
The Portrait Gallery – Centrally located behind St Andrews Square, this is the place to find portraits of famous Scots from lairds and lassies and monarchy, to modern day poets and cultural icons.
Scotland’s National Gallery – Situated on The Mound, right smack in the middle of Princes Street, this elegant gallery has a wealth of Scottish art old and new. Permanent exhibitions are free, with changing charges for certain temporary ones.
The Stand Comedy Club – Conveniently behind the bus station on York Place is the locale for Edinburgh’s most famous comedy club. Delightfully dark, located in the basement, the venue is almost always full to the brim any day of the week, with comedy on offer daily.
Early to mid-week shows new talent and very low prices, which etches up to the big names and bigger ticket prices (but still usually not over £15) at the weekend with famous names the norm.
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Elegant Leafy Avenues, and Independent Stores
Quirky Morningside shops. Photo courtesy Kim Traynor- Wikimedia
The leafy avenues of these sister neighborhoods just south of the center are home to some of Edinburgh’s most elegant addresses.
Morningside has the reputation of being one of the most well to do neighborhoods in Scotland, and its next-door neighbor Bruntsfield isn’t far behind.
This combined area located just south of the city center passing through Tollcross, has leafy terraces, beautiful Victorian and Georgian mansions, quirky independent shops, churches and parks to delight its visitors with.
Quieter than the other neighborhoods in this guide, and is one of the safest in the city.
Famous Irish comedian Dylan Moran resides here and at one of his recent gigs I was at, in The Stand said he thinks the leading cause of death in Morningside is too much Earl Grey tea.
The area has inspired other artistic famous names to locate there too, such as authors JK Rowling, Muriel Spark, Ian Rankin, and Alexander McCall Smith.
The fictitious characters of Miss Jean Brodie (Muriel Sparks’ creation) and Maisie the Cat from children’s stories by Aileen Paterson have made the area famous as one of Edinburgh’s fanciest postcodes.
If you want high class, peaceful parks, tantalizing tearooms, and beautiful bistros, this is the best place to stay in Edinburgh.
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Dominion Cinema. Photo courtesy Kim Traynor -Wikimedia
The Meadows & Bruntsfield Links – This is a great spot for a picnic, stroll with a four-legged friend or a romantic partner. In summer look out for various festivals having events here, and the circus tent erected here as Theatre Big Tops during the Fringe has big acts on such as the ever-popular Lady Boys of Bangkok for the past 20 years.
Morningside Library – This beautiful Edwardian building has a million pound makeover in 2011 to return it to its former glory, and is a lovely building to visit, even if you’re not borrowing any books. Located on Morningside Road.
The Canny Man Pub – Dubbed the ‘best pub in the world’ by Rick Stein, this is one of Morningside’s best-known landmarks. 1871 saw it opening as The Volunteer’s Arms, and since then it has enjoyed fame as being a top place to relax with friends for a local pint (as well as being scandalous in the 1970s having go-go dancers shaking their tail feathers on the bar).
It also houses many artifacts worth a look from vintage clocks and China to musical paraphernalia. Located on Morningside Road.
The Bore Stane – Morningside Parish Church is a pretty church worth a visit, but many visitors frequent it to see the curious landmark built into its wall outside it – The Bore Stane (or stone). The holey rock marks where King James IV led his army south to the battle of Flodden in 1513. Located on Morningside Road.
Holy Corner – Situated between Morningside and Bruntsfield, four churches – Morningside United (Church of Scotland and United Reformed Church), Morningside Baptist Church, Christ Church (Scottish Episcopal Church), and fourth is now the Eric Liddell Centre, changed in 1980 in honor of the Scottish athlete whose story is told in movie ‘Chariots of Fire’.
Streamline Moderne Dominion Cinema – This impressive art deco cinema has been family run by the Camerons for four generations and is Scotland’s last family-run cinema. It is popular with residents of the area, around the city and beyond. It opened in 1938 and has been well used since. It has comfy reclining sofas and a fully licensed bar to add to the large snack range and choice of movies.
Bistros – There are many delicious places to eat, with international restaurants and pizzerias, to small character-filled Scottish cuisine bistros and wine bars. La Favorita pizzeria, restaurant Caffe e Cucina and Nonna’s kitchen are some favorites in Morningside’s pizza mile.
Nightlife – more refined brasseries, bars, and pubs replace loud clubs that you may find in the center, here. Bennets of Morningside, the Hermitage Bar, and Bisque Brasserie are some of the more popular places.
Golf – If you’re a fan of Scotland’s most famous sport, Bruntsfield Links has been operating its course since the 1680s.
Once a home of the Royal Burgess Golfing Society, reputedly the world’s oldest golfing society, it has prestigious roots.
It is also one of the city’s few free public courses (in that you don’t have to be a member to play there), so a good place to give the gentleman’s sports a try.
Shopping – Quirky independent shops in Victorian buildings all along Morningside Road ran by their owners and often makers of their wares are de rigueur in Morningside, with some fine local crafts, art, and clothing to be found.
Bruntsfield has its share of independent boutiques too, including two artisan chocolatiers – Chocolate Tree and Coco Chocolatier, and award-winning character-filled independent Edinburgh Bookshop.
Supermarkets – If you are staying self-catering, you have access to some of the UK’s most high-quality supermarkets to choose your food from here. Waitrose – which sells crème Brulee in it “Essential” range, to give you an idea of style, Sainsbury’s and good old Marks and Spencer are your options.
The Morningside Gallery – This small gallery where you can take home the art showcases local art, sculpture, and ceramics. Looking is free.
Morningside Wild West – One of the more odd places of note in Morningside is the street behind the library, which is a replica of a wild west street built in the 1990s for an ad campaign. The cantina and jail can still be seen. Located at 10-14 Springvalley Gardens.
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Edinburgh is a vivacious city, which effortlessly blends and celebrates its colorful history with modern forward-facing innovation.
Old buildings and places of historical interest are carefully preserved, while minds, creativity, and new ideas are encouraged to flourish in the arts.
It continues to inspire artists of all kinds, as well as being an economic heavyweight. Whatever your interests are, you can have them met here in this still manageable city that has a friendly feel which has been given status as the first UNESCO City of Literature.
Locals are friendly and happy to give directions or their tips on their favorite places to eat/drink/party/visit – Edinburgers like to talk!
Whether you’re visiting in the height of summer for the festival, the less manic shoulder times with pretty foliage of spring or autumn, or are braving the winter for possible picture postcard snow, Christmas markets, and Hogmanay, you are sure to find your muse here too.
I think Morningside based author Alexander McCall Smith described Edinburgh’s charm best when he said, “ This is a city of shifting light, of changing skies, of sudden vistas. A city so beautiful it breaks the heart again and again.”
Author Bio
Karen Worrall is a travel blogger and freelance writer. Based in Edinburgh, Scotland, she has lived in six countries, including London in England, and sailed the seven seas entertaining on cruise ships for 13 years.
You can find her on Facebook, Instagram, and on her website Cruise Ship Karen.
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