Mentioned by Fodor's Choice
Sights in Edinburgh and the Lothians
"There’s nowhere quite like the World of Illusions and the range of illusions you’ll find over the five floors here – not to mention the fantastic views of Edinburgh from the rooftop. The 166-year-old Camera Obscura is still the highlight – I remember being wowed when I visited. There’s a 15-minute show with a guide telling tales of Edinburgh history, while showing off the whole city from the rooftop tower using the Victorian contraption, where images of what’s outside are displayed in the room."
"Weave your way through a world of illusions, and remember, nothing is what it seems. Venture through five floors jam-packed with over 100 illusions. You’ll need at least two hours to discover them all."
"If Arthur’s Seat wasn’t enough altitude and you fancy another panoramic view of the city, Calton Hill is a lovely walk with excellent views – and much easier on the legs and lungs. It’s located quite close to the downtown area and it’s home to some of the best sunsets in Edinburgh – if you can catch it on a clear enough night, granted."
"Calton Hill is a mix of bustling commercial areas and quiet residential streets. The hill itself, with its city views, is home to the Collective contemporary art gallery and the unfinished National Monument. Calton Hill (World Heritage Site)"
"Located on the east part of the New Town, at the end of Princes Street, Calton Hill offers stunning panoramic views of Edinburgh."
"Haggis and whiskey should be on everyone’s ‘to eat and drink’ list when they visit Scotland, and Whiski Rooms has the best of both. Their haggis spring rolls with plum sauce are a great way to ease yourself in to the delicacy and while there make sure you try one of their 300 whiskies."
"4-7 North Bank Street, Edinburgh EH1 2LP (Tel: 0131 225 7224). With over 280 whiskies to choose from, Whiski Rooms is an absolute must for any whisky fanatic. Explore their collection and choose your favourite from one of the biggest malt selections in the city."
"Give your next date night a sophisticated edge by heading to Whiski Rooms for an evening of tasting tipples and nibbling on cheese. Try out a selection of drams from all over Scotland, with paired bites for each drink."
"At 3 W Tollcross, Edinburgh can be found a club called, ATIK. It used to be an amazing club, really good for Friday nights, but lately, they have changed how things work around the club. The staff has been found discriminating among visitors."
"Plant-based, vegan, dairy free: Considerit ticks all the boxes. Grab an iced cinnamon bun or gorgeously gooey Oreo or Biscoff doughnut plus an oat milk latte or vegan ice cream milkshake at this low-key bakery and cafe (all chipboard benches and student vibe) on Edinburgh’s Southside. Before you leave, stock up on their hand-crafted chocolate bars (popcorn, chai spice and smoked sea salt flavours)."
"Vegans don’t have to miss out on dessert, especially in Edinburgh!. Considerit is a chocolate, doughnut and ice cream cafe that’s entirely vegan. They sell the most amazing and indulgent doughnuts, like this amazing chocolate hobnob creation, which is glazed with Biscoff spread, topped with crumbled oaty Hobnobs and finished with a chocolate drizzle."
"Fhior epitomises everything that’s exciting about Edinburgh’s food scene – high-quality Scottish ingredients spun into creative dishes. Diners can opt for an element of theatrics by selecting the four- or seven-course tasting menus, with the identity of the dishes and their ingredients only revealed from a sealed envelope at the end of the meal. The wine pairings are equally as creative as the dishes."
"Scott Smith fans were left saddened by the closure of his debut restaurant, Norn – but luckily they didn’t have to wait long to taste his cooking again. His second venture, Fhior, opened its doors on Broughton Street last summer, with a focus on honesty (‘Fhior’ translates as true in Gaelic): really good quality modern Scottish cuisine and a relaxed atmosphere."
"Ten Hill Place Hotel is one of Edinburgh’s premier city centre hotels just 0. 5 miles from Edinburgh Waverley Rail Station. Opened in 2006, this 4-star modern hotel is situated in a quiet Georgian square, still within walking distance of all the city’s main attractions - 5 minutes’ walk from the Royal Mile, the focal point of the annual Edinburgh Festival and Edinburgh’s main shopping area of Princes Street, overlooked by the iconic Edinburgh Castle, only a 15 minute walk away."