Mentioned by Fodor's Choice
Sights in Edinburgh and the Lothians
"Edinburgh's Camera Obscura (meaning "dark room") is a fascinating and delightful way to take advantage of the wonderful views of the city from Castle Hill. Located immediately beside Edinburgh Castle, this intriguing attraction is housed in a Victorian rooftop chamber at the apex of the Outlook Tower. Inside this mysterious room, you can see moving images of Edinburgh's panorama projected onto the walls by the giant periscope."
"Edinburgh's Camera Obscura (meaning "dark room") is a fascinating and delightful way to take advantage of the wonderful views of the city from Castle Hill. Located immediately beside Edinburgh Castle, this intriguing attraction is housed in a Victorian rooftop chamber at the apex of the Outlook Tower. Inside this mysterious room you can see moving images of Edinburgh's panorama projected onto the walls by the giant periscope."
"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."
"Situated at the east end of Princes Street sits Calton Hill, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. For sweeping city views from practically any spot, this is your place. Consider this sanctuary the perfect Kodak moment location for stunning views — and free of charge."
"Did you know Edinburgh is often referred to as the Athens of the North?. The reason for this is Calton Hill and its monuments. In fact, Calton Hill is also known as Edinburgh Acropolis."
" 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?"
"It’s clear that Bow Bar’s management cares about keeping the tradition of a proper pub alive at a time when so many are disappearing: You won’t find music blaring – or any music, for that matter – or TVs broadcasting the latest match. Instead, the focus is squarely on the details, from the polished wood bar to gleaming brass taps that date back to the 1920s. Although not many residents live close enough to the pub to make it there, it’s still a popular stop for Edinburghers meeting up for a pint."
"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"
"Emphasising cask beers over kegs, and offering a selection of singlemalt whiskies, this is the place to come. It’s all about tradition at the longstanding Bow Bar. They even serve pies – you can’t get more traditional than that!"
"The Shanghai Club nestles in the basement of an upscale boutique hotel, Le Monde. It has recently been refurbished and boasts a state of the art sound system as well as a variety of areas to fit your mood. The dancefloor is ringed by more intimate booths suitable for smaller parties."
"The bathrooms are kept clean and the overall lighting of the club is impeccable. Their VIP booths are incredible too. On the downside, for people who are on a budget, this place may not be just for them."
"This is the other venue I haven’t yet been to on this list apart from popping my head in – Dirty Dick’s sits along Rose Street amongst plain bars and pubs, looking much like a plain pub itself. And indeed it probably is as close as you’ll get to a plain pub on this list. Except it’s got stuff everywhere."
"One of the best options in Edinburgh to sample fresh and flavoursome French cuisine. Duck's at Le Marche Noir also offers an impressive wine list."
"Elegant and opulent, Tigerlily proves that just because you're unique, that doesn't mean you don't have style. Come here for bright, interesting interiors coupled with a fantastic menu packed with traditional Scottish recipes created using the finest ingredients. Expect great cocktails too."
"This is not for the faint-hearted: Tigerlily is all about cocktails and shoes and shopping and partying. It’s fun, buzzing and endlessly entertaining. All 33 rooms have king-sized beds, big armchairs or sofas and creamy rugs on stripped wood floors."
"George Street's trendy Tigerlily has a reputation to be proud of, with their finger firmly on the pulse of global trends in mixology. You can always be sure of something special in their extensive cocktail menu."
"Gaucho is a glamorous Argentinian steak restaurant and they do a premium brunch. You can choose from such bottomless brunch dishes as Choripan Sandwich, Steak and Eggs, Eggs Royal and Coconut Quinoa Porridge. To accompany your meal, you can choose from up to four drinks from Botanical No 1, Jack & Ginger, Bloody Marys, Aperol Spritz, Rekorderlig and Cinnamon Colada."
"If you’ve visited the National Museum of Scotland, you may be aware of its prestigious Tower Restaurant. It’s the ideal location if you’re looking for somewhere special or romantic to dine and enjoy the best of Scottish seasonal produce. Furthermore, the restaurant has become a popular destination for visiting winemakers."
"Nothing says romance like staring into each others eyes over a hearty steak. Settle into plush leather seating, surrounded by marble accents and dark wood interiors as you sip on stunning wines and indulge in a gorgeous meal at the internationally-renowned Guacho."