"For brunch at any time of day, while you roam the many streets of the Old Town, head to The City Cafe. This fun, vibrant, American style diner will provide you with delicious food all day long, and you can head back again in the evenings if you feel like getting a few drinks. You can find all the classics on their brunch menu, whether you want sweet or savoury, and you’ll find Scottish ingredients, like haggis, alongside American classics, such as pancake stacks or poached eggs and hollandaise."
"Step into your dream, cheesy, American teen drama (*cough* Riverdale *cough*) in Edinburgh’s very own traditional late night diner just along from your Cowgate favourites such as Subway and Sneaky Pete’s. A blissful combination. Truly the platonic ideal for a stack of pancakes, sometimes simple really is the best."
"A kitschy American diner by day, the City Café becomes a pre-club party joint by night. Cocktail and beer pitchers are the main event, and on the weekends guest and resident DJs spin funk, hip hop and house tracks to get you in the mood for nearby dancefloors."
"Each Friday, Fountainbridge hosts some of Scotland’s best street food vendors at the Union Canal, behind Avka bar. It’s the perfect spot for a Friday lunch or a post-work treat. The line-up of traders changes each week, but you’ll often find local favourites such as Babu Bombay Street Kitchen, Barnacles & Bones, Bonnie Burrito, French Connection Creperie and Union of Genius Soup on-site."
"At Union Canal every Friday, Fountainbridge is home to some of the country’s best street food retailers offering the prefect location for lunch. Elevenses or an afternoon treat. Each week hosts different suppliers but regular favourites include Babu Bombay Street Kitchen, Barnacles & Bones, Bonnie Burrito, French Connection Creperie, Union of Genius Soup and Steampunk Coffee."
"Around a 15-minute drive from our luxury student accommodation buildings in Edinburgh is Bread Meets Bread, a super popular eatery perfect for a takeaway. They have four delicious vegan burger options, as well as plenty of vegan sides if you’re wanting that little bit extra. If you like a bit of spice, the vegan Caribbean burger is definitely worth a try!"
"130 High St, Edinburgh EH1 1QS or Unit 3 Omni Centre, Edinburgh EH1 3AA (there are four more Frankie and Benny’s in Edinburgh). Frankie and Benny’s do a bottomless breakfast from Friday to Sunday. “Enjoy free refills on your favourite breakfast dish when you visit us before noon."
"This Grassmarket stalwart seems to exert a gravitational pull on small to medium sized groups of both locals and tourists looking for an impromptu food stop. Starters like sweet potato fries and macho nachos are decent enough, but their function is to…"
"With three restaurants in Edinburgh, Five Guys is well-known and loved for it's burgers and fries. Made with the toppings of your choice, the diner style eatery is has been racking in the orders from locals in recent weeks. According to Deliveroo, the 'Bacon Cheeseburger' is the most popular dish."
"I suggest a late lunch after you explore the charming, cobbled streets of this historic area and experience some street performers, Canongate Kirkyard (Adam Smith is buried here), Dunbar Close, St. Giles Cathedral, and eventually Edinburgh Castle itself, all the way at the top of the Royal Mile (Be sure to book your Edinburgh Castle skip the line tickets in advance). The charm and beauty of Edinburgh, Scotland never cease to amaze me."
"Also known as Edinburgh’s Secret Garden and on the other side of Holyrood Park from Edinburgh city centre, Dr Neil’s Garden is a heaven of tranquillity and a font of inspiration for artists, musicians and writers. It was originally created by Drs Nancy and Andrew Neil, who had a keen interest in horticulture and medicine. Child friendly: yes Address: Dr Neil’s Garden, Old Church Lane, Duddingston Village, Edinburgh EH15 3PX Opening hours: Mon to Sun: 10am – 5pm More information on visiting this garden"
"Dr Neil’s Garden is a wonderfully quaint place to wile away an afternoon or as a pit-stop on your way up to Arthur’s Seat. Tip: If you're lucky you may catch deer cooling off in the nearby Loch. *Guide-dog friendly!"
"Edinburgh’s quintessential secret garden, in the shadow of a 12th-century kirk, is one of the most peaceful green spaces in Scotland. Cultivated in the 1960s by doctors Andrew and Nancy Neil from a scrappy piece..."
"Greyfriars Kirkyard offers an alternative way of exploring Edinburgh’s history, via mortsafes and funeral monuments that date back to the 16th century. Most famous for loyal canine visitor Bobby, the graveyard has a more grisly past; a Covenanters’ prison sits alongside the tomb of Sir George ‘Bluidy’ Mackenzie, whose poltergeist spirit is said to interrupt these chilling graveyard tours often – take one if you dare."
"Address: 1 Greyfriars, Edinburgh, EH1 2QQVisitor guide:Greyfriars Kirk. Greyfriars Kirk is another superb historic attraction in Edinburgh that’s located within walking distance of The Royal Mile. To find it head south on George IV Bridge and look for the National Museum of Scotland which is more-or-less opposite Greyfriars Kirk."
"At Chaophraya, it’s hard to know which is more incredible—the rooftop terrace, the castle views or the authentic Thai cuisine. Sophisticated and sleek, this stellar restaurant is a favourite of locals and passers-by. The menu boasts a wealth of options, including vegetarian and ultra-spicy dishes, and the terrace is the epitome of perfection."
"Setting your romantic scene for a slightly later night carry on, the cocktail bar at the Chaophraya is 12pm to late!. Beforehand, take a seat for the A la Carte, Set or Vegetarian choices at this delightful Thai food restaurant. The views up top are breath taking and overlook towards Edinburgh Castle."
"This Thai-concept restaurant can be found above Edinburgh’s premium shopping district. It offers a wide range of drinks, including exotic Asian-inspired cocktails as well as several culinary delicacies. The restaurant prides itself on its refined atmosphere and the authentic Thai furniture."
"After the redevelopment of the National Museum, two new collection buildings have also been added to the storage and conservation centre at Granton. From vintage motorbikes to whale and dinosaur bones – it’s all there.242 West Granton Road, 247 4770, nms.ac.uk. Visits by appointment only or with occasional tours."
"Our final day involved trips to the National Museum of Scotland and Edinburgh Castle, so we concentrated our café search on the Old Town. As we vaguely hunted for souvenirs/bribes-for-the-grandparents-so-they-agree-to-look-after-the-children-for-a-week-again, we wandered past Deacon’s House. The site was established in 1788 as a workshop for the Brodie family, one of whom – “Deacon Brodie” – ended up being hung for housebreaking, crimes he often committed using the tools from his workshop."