Historic Sites in Leith

"The unconventional design has long been a topic of much debate and discussion. Some people think it's the best place to house our government, others think it's quite frankly ridiculous and would prefer a more traditional looking government building. The design has won awards in the past, but we don't think we're wide of the mark in saying it's something of a marmite structure, having featured in many lists of this nature in years gone by."

"The best way to learn is practice, so to understand how the decisions for the country are taken, head over to the Scottish parliament for a tour. Not only the history but the architecture of the building will impress you. This modern building, recipient of major architectural awards, with ample natural light through the glass panels, will surely awe you."

"The Scottish Parliament Building, on the site of a former brewery and designed by Catalan architect Enric Miralles (1955–2000), was opened by the Queen in October 2004. The ground plan of the complex is said to... Top ChoiceShip in Leith"

"Once the location of an 800-year-old grain milling industry, Dean Village is now best known for its beautiful architecture which features in so many iconic photos of Edinburgh. Dean Village developed its numerous mills thanks to the Water of Leith which powered the milling stones that refined wheat crops brought in from around the Lothians. In its heyday, there were eleven working mills in this one small area of Edinburgh along with buildings to house the hundreds of mill workers."

"Find this picturesque view at the bottom of Hawthornbank Lane if you don’t mind climbing down to the edge of the river!"

"Address: 43-45 High Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1SRVisitor guide:John Knox House. John Knox’s house in the middle of The Royal Mile is a historic building that was reputedly lived in by the Protestant reformer in the 16th-century. Although Knox only lived in the house for a short time it’s his association with the building that prevented it from being demolished in 1840 when many other derelict buildings were being torn down."

"The John Knox House dates back to 1470, making it one of the oldest buildings in Edinburgh, as well as the oldest on the Royal Mile. Today, it’s a beautifully maintained museum that showcases the house and those who lived here, with special attention paid to the Scottish Reformation. Although it’s not on every tourist’s trail, those who do their research will be well rewarded with a fascinating trip back through time."

"The stripped-down, low-fi, traditional art of storytelling has had something of a resurgence in Britain over the last decade or so, and…"

"Surrounded by tourist attractions such as Edinburgh Castle, the National Museum, Greyfriar’s Bobby, Elephant House and being only minutes away from the Royal Mile, this market consists of over 20 stalls offering locally grown and seasonal produce, freshly baked breads, delightful sweets and craftwork made by local craftmakers."

"Walk down Victoria Street (there’s a fantastic whiskey bar there – The Bow Bar – which is my favorite in Edinburgh’s Old Town!) and you’ll end up on the Grassmarket, a cute historic square with tons of pubs and a fabulous view of the Edinburgh Castle. Visit the Edinburgh Castle"

"Fun fact: Back in 1477, the Grassmarket was a huge market in Edinburgh with most of it trading cattle and horses. This is apparently where the name Grassmarket originated as the western end of it was where the animals’ grass was kept."

"All the recommendations so far have been along the Royal Mile, the lovely stretch of interconnecting streets which run from Edinburgh Castle down to Holyrood Palace. It’s not exactly a mile long, but it’s near enough, and is filled with a variety of attractions, from the above mentioned, through to souvenir shops, restaurants and pubs."

"Dismal past aside, the Holyroodhouse is still a great place to walk around and learn about Scottish history and the royals who called this palace home over the centuries. An audioguide is included with the price of admission (£14) and offers a great overview of the history."

"Dean Cemetery was inaugurated in 1846 and belongs to a beautiful hamlet located very near the city centre called Dean Village. It is one of the most remarkable cemeteries in Edinburgh and if it weren’t for the gravestones it could pass as a tranquil park full of trees."

"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."

"An independent family-run Italian restaurant is not that uncommon in Edinburgh, but what sets Tempo Perso apart from the others is that many of their ingredients are imported directly from the owner Marcus Iacobelli’s own family farm in Italy. Now it’s hard to get more authentic family-run than that. Following the motto “simple is beautiful”, Tempo Perso further enhances its dishes with locally-sourced and top-quality Scottish ingredients."

"Osteria Del Tempo Perso ("the lost time eatery") is a delightfully cozy new Italian restaurant on the corner of Bruntsfield Place. Patron Matteo Iacobelli has another restaurant with the same name located in Lazio, and he is clearly passionate about bringing an authentic Italian experience to Edinburgh. The interior is warm and welcoming."

"Not many restaurants have a research lab, but Mono isn’t your standard restaurant. This venue serves up what it describes as “progressive” Italian food, headed up by chef Maciek Zielinski (who’s had experience in Michelin-star restaurants) and Italian-Scottish foodie Joseph Crolla. Mono’s take on lasagne with veal ragout, parmesan and sage is a sensation, while the duck liver mousse with blueberries, onions and cocoa is surprisingly but beautifully put together."

"Just a few minutes from St Giles' Cathedral, Mono serves modern Italian-inspired fine dining from its restaurant at 85 South Bridge. "This place is awesome," wrote one reviewer, "I looked at the menu and thought interesting...I walked in and it changed my life." It currently has a rating of 4.8 (out of 5 stars) out of 160 Google reviews."

"Also on The Royal Mile, adorned with fairy lights, is Monteith’s Kitchen and Cocktail Bar. This is a cozy basement hide-out that serves incredible cocktails and small plates at the bar and a full seafood and steak menu in the restaurant. Monteith’s has a tucked-away feel to it, and you’ll believe you’ve stumbled upon a secret basement restaurant no one else knows about."

"Monteiths combines a chic cocktail lounge with a romantic restaurant. Located just off the historic Royal Mile, it’s a lovely place for intimate dining. The menu is seasonal and the quality of the ingredients is great."

"Even if it is not technically a restaurant, it is still one of the best Italian spots in the city. Polentoni is a small cafe that offers some specialities of typical northern Italian cuisine. Highly recommended for good breakfast, or lunch."

"This couple run restaurant fuses French bistro food with an Irish influence to produce fresh, responsibly sourced, and seasonal dishes like hake with purple laver crust and samphire and homemade ice cream for dessert. Enjoy 2 courses from the daily changing set menu for £9.50 or 3 for £11."

"Bia Bistot is a couple-run neighbourhood restaurant focusing on fresh, seasonal, local and sustainable produce. Order a restaurant quality meal to be enjoyed at home from a weekly menu of dishes including slow braised pork cheeks, butternut squash risotto and ginger cake."