Top 10 Free Things To Do and Attractions in Craigielaw

"This wacky world of illusions is definitely a fun one – and not something you’d expect to be visiting when you think of “attractions in Edinburgh”. Nonetheless, it’s a great way to entertain the kids – and the adults, too!. The interactive exhibits allow you to fully engage, and the introductory session is a great way to learn a little bit about the science of light and images!"

"Be Mystified at Edinburgh’s Camera Obscura Almost opposite the Scotch Whisky experience is Edinburgh’s Camera Obscura, also home to the World of Illusions attraction. Being a photographer I was particularly interested in the Camera Obscura at the top of the building, but I have to admit to finding the World of Illusions a lot of fun."

"Originally known as Caltoun or Caldoun Hill, Calton Hill offers one of the best and most iconic views of the city of Edinburgh. Granted to the people of Edinburgh by James II in 1456, the hill is now home to a bewildering number of buildings and monuments including the National Monument (an unfinished folly resembling the front of the Parthenon which is dedicated to those who died in the Napoleonic wars), Nelson's Monument (housing a time-ball mechanism by which ships used to set their chronometers), the Dugald Stewart Monument (a beautiful circular temple of nine columns dedicated to the Scottish philosopher), the Political Martyrs Monument, and the City Observatory (to name only a few). Recommended for Parks because: Calton Hill is home to some of the most famous Edinburgh monuments and offers some of the best views of the city."

"Located on the end of Princes Street, Calton Hill offers one of the best panoramic views of Edinburgh. Best-seen at sunset or sunrise when candy colours dance across the sky, highlights of Calton Hill include plenty of monuments and follies which commemorate various achievements of former residents from over the years. On a warm summer’s day, this green space is the ideal place not only to snap photos, but to enjoy a picnic among friends!"

"The Princess Street Gardens sit at the feet of Edinburgh Castle in the valley between the old city and the new city. Nor Loch once occupied the space, but the city began draining it in the 1770s, finishing in 1820. Wide paved paths lead throughout the park for full accessibility, roaming across fields of wildflowers, through wooded areas, and over streams and the railroad that divides the east and west sections of the park."

"The Edinburgh's park that lies nestled between the Old and New Towns is Princes Street Gardens, where you should definitely stop by to roam its grounds."

"The plans to construct an iconic city hall in Edinburgh were sparked in 1896 by Andrew Usher, renowned whisky distiller, who promised to fund the project. In 1914, Usher Hall was built by architects Stockdale Harrison and Howard H Thomson, a magnificent and classical beaux-arts-style concert hall which stood in defiance against the Victorian Gothic architecture so commonly found within the city of Edinburgh. Situated on Lothian Road in the west of the capital, Usher Hall is instantly recognizable with its curved walls, geometric precision and intriguing exterior design, featuring famous Scots such as Sir Walter Scott and Robert Burns."

"Usher Hall is Edinburgh’s premier concert venue and a must-visit for fans of entertainment and culture. The hall was built in 1914 and features beautiful architecture, including a curved exterior decorated with panels of famous figures such as Sir Walter Scott and Mozart. The hall has historically been used for a variety of events, including concerts, political events, and sporting events."

"Old Calton is situated at the foot of Calton Hill and is the resting place of numerous important people including the philosopher David Hume. Inaugurated in 1718, the cemetery had to be altered due to the construction of Waterloo Place in 1819 and was divided into two. As well as the neoclassical memorial of David Hume, it is also worth highlighting the tall black obelisk erected in the memory of a number of political reformers and an enormous statue of Abraham Lincoln which is Scotland’s American Civil War Memorial."

"If you arrive at Leith Links and feel like you’re on a golf course, you’re not wrong. Originally designed as a golf course, the Leith Links has evolved into a strong community hub, with much of the flora planted and maintained by local community groups. It’s a popular spot for dogs to run and play, so bring your own."

"This is a definite hidden gem tucked away on Rose Street and is only a 10-minute drive from Straits Meadow and a 15-minute drive from Goods Corner!. You won’t have to wait too long for your tasty middle eastern cuisine from the comfort of your own luxury accommodation with them both being so close. Meze Meze do serve meat, but there are plenty of vegan options available, whether that be hot or cold meze."

"La Barantine Victoria is a beautiful French cafe located in the heart of Edinburgh. Offering some of the very best coffee in the capital, the quality of the flaky croissants and butter pastries is also second to none. Diners can spend a lazy hour or so enjoying chocolate croissants, almond croissants, fresh scones, pain au chocolate and even freshly made baguettes whilst enjoying a hot morning coffee and watching the world go by."

"One of the top-rated coffee shops in Edinburgh on TripAdvisor (and we’d have to agree), La Barantine is a gem of a coffee shop in the laid back area of Bruntsfield. While the coffee here is fantastic, this little French café is famed for its cakes and pastries baked on the premises each day. Husband and wife duo Celine and Vincent sold their boulangerie-patisserie in France and opened up shop in Bruntsfield in 2010."

"With four locations dotted around Edinburgh, there’s no excuse not to pay a visit to La Barantine. The owners of the boulangerie-pâtisserie decided to leave France in 2010 in order to pursue their Scottish dream. Upon arrival in Edinburgh, Vincent and Céline soon opened up La Barantine in the Bruntsfield area."

"Choose from The Piglet, The Oink or, our favourite, The Grunter (which is £5.80) – all served in soft (brown or white) roll, topped with your choice of sauce: sage & onion, chilli relish, haggis or lashings of apple. And if you’re hoping to chow down on some crackling *dribbles* then you’ll need to arrive early. It’s also worth noting that all the piggies are from farms located in the beautiful Scottish Borders – so only good, honest, meat is on the menu!"

"Oink has been roasting pig since the turn of the millennium, and what began as a small street food hog roast has now bloomed into several Edinburgh sites, each touting deliciously loaded pork rolls. Check out its location on gorgeous Victoria Street, where every day a new roast sits proudly displayed in the window. The menu is small but simple with hog roast sandwiches on soft white baps in small, medium or large sizes."