Best Coffee Shops and Cafes in Duddingston

"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."

"It's a chance to experience the primeval forces of nature as they shaped our planet, to journey through space and time and even go on a 4DVENTURE around the world. You'll be embarking on the interactive adventure of a lifetime - the lifetime of our planet."

"Batting way ahead of the curve, Hula opened its original branch 12 years ago before the clean-living fad caught on. The latest opening in Fountainbridge, ironically enough, occupies the place where a burger joint once was. With vegetarian, vegan and (some) meat options all having a place on Hula’s menu, it has something for everyone."

"What: With two locations in the city, Loudon’s is a firm favourite amongst Edinburgh’s foodies. The restaurant serves a wide-ranging breakfast menu which features everything from poached eggs and avocado on homemade raisin soda bread, to American-style pancakes layered with bacon and baked banana, and drizzled with maple syrup. There are vegan options too, including a vegan take on eggs Benedict, all served alongside tea, coffee and freshly squeezed orange juice.Where: 94B Fountainbridge, EH3 9QA; 2 Sibbald Walk, New Waverley, EH8 8FT"

"Offering simple healthy food that is full of flavour, Loudons Cafe & Bakery offers delicious home made treats made in their on-site bakery. Using high quality ingredients, and organic produce, breakfasts at Loudon’s are utterly delicious. Diners can tuck in to a variety of “Benny’s” – slang for eggs Benedict – complete with smoked salmon, cajun spices or haggis, or choose from french toast, smoothie bowls or super food pancakes and much much more."

"For one of the best brunches in Edinburgh, you should definitely visit Loudons at the weekend, when their breakfast menu extends until 4pm. It’s a popular venue with visitors and locals alike, where you can relax and unwind, in a bright and cheery dining room. You can choose from a huge variety on their menu, including cooked breakfasts with Scottish elements like haggis and tattie scones, as well as traditional porridge with various toppings."

"Situated right in the heart of Edinburgh, Urban Angel sits in a space that’s long been a meeting point for those looking for great food and fantastic coffee, all served in a relaxed atmosphere. It’s a hotspot for brunch in the city offering classics like Eggs Benedict and French Toast, alongside some of the healthier options of smoothie bowls and fresh juices – it caters to whatever type of brunch mood you are in!. They bake their bread in-house and carefully source their fine ingredients, to ensure that your brunch experience is top tier – definitely add this one to your list for when lockdown is over!"

"A wholesome deli that puts the emphasis on Fairtrade, organic and locally sourced produce, Urban Angel is also a delightfully informal cafe-bistro that serves all-day brunch (porridge with honey, French toast,..."

"Sitting in a New Town basement, Urban Angel comprises a modest café space by the door and interlinked dining rooms towards the back. Since day o ..."

"Those craving a little bit of sophisticated flair with their dessert will take to Valona & Crolla like a small flame to crème brulee. A trusty staple of Edinburgh’s dining scene, this deli-restaurant, café and food bar is a haven of tasty eats. If you can steer clear from the addictive cheese and meat selection for just a moment, then one of the many bite-size pastries, tartlets, truffle cakes, macarons, pana cotta, and tiramisu will no doubt take precedence."

"Billed as Scotland’s oldest delicatessen and Italian wine merchant, Valvona & Crolla was founded in 1934 and picked up a royal warrant from the Queen on its journey to becoming the Edinburgh stalwart it is today. The independent family business has its shop and wine bar on Elm Row at the top of Leith Walk, where it offers one of the most impressive selections of Italian wine outside Bel Paese."

"Try breakfast (served till 11.30am) with an Italian flavour – full paesano (meat) or verdure (veggie) fry-ups, or deliciously light and crisp panettone in carrozza (sweet brioche dipped in egg and fried) – or..."

"This is a new space in a historic area, just off ancient Canongate in the heart of the Old Town. Envisaged as a community arts and commerce project, the Old Tolbooth Market (daily 11am to 6pm) has a multicultural remit, with a Scottish/Afro-Caribbean street buffet, Jam Rock Jamaican chicken and more. You’ll also find hot Tanzanian hot chilli sauces, flowers, arts and crafts, plus live music and performances."

" This famously laid-back venue recently moved across the cobbled road from its original berth into the premises formerly occupied by Skippers Bistro. ..." Read our full review"

"Taking its name from the colloquial Scottish word for a lunch box, Piecebox is the best weekend lunch spot in Polwarth, a quiet corner of Edinburgh away from the hubbub of the city centre. While it’s a firm local favourite for a leisurely weekend brunch, don’t let that stop you dropping by midweek. Breakfast is served all day, every day."

"Typically, The Traverse is thought of for its meaty plays and explorative theatre. Within such performances sit an array of expertly produced acts containing some of the best comedic relief in town. From satire and farce to slapstick and dark, sick, and twisted humour, this theatre is a fail-safe spot for getting your well-deserved laughing fix."

"They are centrally located near bus and tram stops and have ample parking for self-driving guests. They do recommend reservations but it does not look like walk-ins will be turned away automatically. The website says they have ample facilities for families and handi-guests, such as Baby Changing Facilities, Disabled Access and Free WiFi for everyone."

"Why: Operating since 1984, this can almost be considered an old-school Chinese in Edinburgh – we guess the Georgian design details play their part, too. The fare is Scottish Cantonese, using proud local ingredients (largely seafood) with Chinese cooking techniques. The spiced and salted monkfish with chilli is a winner, and so are the scallops with cashew nuts served in a nest."

"Specializing in authentic Cantonese fare, this upscale restaurant is popular among the local business crowd. The soft music playing helps to create a pleasant atmosphere. Evenings provide a wonderful opportunity for adults to enjoy a relaxed meal, as they do not allow children."

"Edinburgh's 18th-century City Chambers were built over the sealed-off remains of Mary King's Close, and the lower levels of this medieval Old Town alley have survived almost unchanged amid the foundations for 250 years. Now open to the public, this spooky, subterranean labyrinth gives a fascinating insight into the everyday life of 17th-century Edinburgh. Costumed characters lead tours through a 16th-century town house and the plague-stricken home of a 17th-century gravedigger. Advance booking recommended."

"Real Mary King’s Close This is the perfect tour to learn about medieval life in Edinburgh. Journey back in time to 1645 Edinburgh, down Mary King’s Close, a real alleyway in the city. This was the year of the Black Death, when one-third of Edinburgh’s population succumbed to this terrible illness."

"Enric Miralles’ Post-Modern Scottish Parliament complex was officially opened in 2004. Designed to mirror the surrounding landscape of crags and hills, the building is strikingly difficult from the traditional architecture of the Old Town it sits beside. The building, adorned with abstract, geometric shapes, sits under the gaze of Arthur’s Seat."

"If you fancy a tour of how democracy works in Scotland, book yourself a tour of the Parliament. In a building known to turns heads with its modern architecture. The tours are informative and allow visitors a great glimpse into understanding politics and culture in Scotland, and the United Kingdom, in general."

"However, if you visit when they’re not debating, you’re welcome to photograph the debating chamber. As you would expect, this is a popular selfie spot in Edinburgh!. Visit the official Scottish Parliament website for more information and the debating times."