Mentioned by Lonely Planet
Must see attractions in Edinburgh, Scotland
"Once you escape the jail, why not take in something every bit as fascinating but a little more relaxed, elegant and stylish, such as the Smith Art Gallery & Museum. The treasury of objects and paintings all reflect the culture of the town and the county. Any visit to Stirling is enriched by time spent here, surrounded by portraits of Bonnie Prince Charlie, William Wallace and other notable figures, and astonishing artefacts such as the oldest football (from 1540) and oldest curling stone (1511) on the planet."
"Stirling is a dreamy city found in Central Scotland, quite close to Glasgow. To this day this city retains its medieval charm and is one of the most popular in Scotland. In fact any traveler visiting Glasgow must also pay a visit to Stirling, which has a ton of beautiful places to see."
"The Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art is actually two institutions—Modern One and Modern Two—situated within two grand Georgian mansions flanking a sculpture park. Modern One has British artists like Francis Bacon, David Hockney, Damien Hirst, and Tracey Emin; American artists like Andy Warhol; and legends like Pablo Picasso and Henri Matisse. Modern Two has a particularly impressive Dada and Surrealism collection; you can arrange a private viewing of the archives, a real treasure trove of those movements."
"75 Belford Rd, Edinburgh EH4 3DR (website) Open daily 10am-6pmAdmission is free (charges may apply to special exhibitions). Discover a world-class collection and cutting edge art at the Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art. The gallery is home to a range of contemporary Scottish arts collection, with more than 5,000 items of 20th-century art."
"You can explore Leith and visit the Trinity House Maritime Museum, stroll along the Water of Leith Walkway or see the latest exhibits on display at the National Gallery of Modern Art."
"This phenomenal museum celebrates the beauty of the earth via innovative technology. It is situated at the opposite end of the Old Town from the castle, near Holyrood Palace in the shadow of the crags and Arthur's Seat. Interactive exhibits allow visitors to experience simulated earthquakes, tropical rainstorms, the ocean floor, ice ages, glaciers and mountains."
"Together with your family go through a journey of discovery and learn about the wonderful planet we live in. Have an interactive 4DVENTURE around the world or feel the heat of a bubbling volcano and the chill of the polar ice. If that’s not enough for you, visit the depths of the ocean in a yellow submarine and explore the aquatic world."
"This is one of Edinburgh's most popular modern attractions, especially for families. It tells the story of planet Earth from the Big Bang onward. It's among the newer kinds of child-centric science museums that focus on interactive experiences, and films rather than than dry exhibits."
"Dating back to 1726—although arguably operating since 1505—Edinburgh University’s medical school is the oldest in Britain, and one of the oldest in the Western world. The Surgeons' Hall Museums offer a particularly fascinating, if macabre, slice of the city's history. Particular oddities include a pocketbook made from the skin of William Burke, one half of the infamous Burke and Hare duo who, in the early 19th century, murdered some 16 people in order to reap the monetary rewards of delivering a cadaver to Edinburgh University for dissection."
"The Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh was founded in 1505 and the city has been an important location for medical research ever since. The museum here was originally designed as a teaching museum for students, but it first opened to the public in 1832. There's a history of surgery, a dental collection, and a fascinating collection of pathological anatomy."
"Surgeon’s Hall Museum Geared towards adults, older kids, and anyone with an interest in the medical field, this is a fascinating look into what can go wrong inside of our bodies. The Wohl Pathology Museum is home to one of the largest collections of pathological specimens in the world. It’s a bit gruesome, but for some that may be the appeal."
"Bites and Leaves is a cosy café that opened during the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic in October 2020. Angela is a passionate cook and freshly makes cakes, salads and other goodies for breakfast and lunch. The full breakfast features a rice-flour and sweet potato “egg” along with rice paper “bacon”."
"One of the trendiest coffee bars in the city, Thomas J Walls is certainly no eyesore, with a stunning brass and marble exterior that manages to be at once incredibly enticing and yet also strangely aloof. Previously one of the Old Town’s premium optometrists, the coffee shop elected to stay true to the building’s origins during its refurbishment, and so from the outside, it’s signs and décor still advertise itself as an upmarket optician while the inside features typically high ceilings and old-fashioned wood-panelled walls. The only hint it’s perhaps something else is the clever logo which blends spectacles with coffee cups and of course, a brief peek in the window, where you’ll often find clientele enjoying a cappuccino rather than fiddling with contact lenses."
"This old optician’s shop was converted into a cafe in 2016, but the owners retained its unique history by preserving the original shopfront and brass lettering. Furthermore, its funky logo perfectly fuses a monocle as a nod to the shop’s past and a cup of coffee."
"Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account. View this post on Instagram. A post shared by The Forest (@theforestedinburgh)"
" One of an eclectic group of excellent bars and casual venues off Candlemaker Row, Under The Stairs is slightly self-conscious, but undeniably cool. ...". Whether you are looking for fine dining in Edinburgh or the latest pop-up restaurants and the coolest bars, you will find something to suit your style in our comprehensive directory of Edinburgh restaurants. Scotland's Capital and the country's second biggest city is home to some of the most fantastic restaurants - if you are looking for cheap eats and fantastic food on a budget then the Old Town's array on small independant eateries will suit you."
"Tucked away off Edinburgh's Grassmarket is Under the Stairs, an atmospheric basement bar. There are no chips on the menu, but the sweet potato wedges are so good they aren't missed. The food is well-planned and includes superb burgers and generously proportioned homemade fishcakes."
"Tucked literally underneath the George IV Bridge, these guys might just have everything you want. Craft beer and malt whisky?"