Top, Best & Fun Rooftop Bars in Craigielaw

"Although not a distillery itself, The Scotch Whisky Experience is a five-star visitor attraction on Edinburgh's Royal Mile tells the tale of Scotland's national drink and is well worth a visit. With a stunning multi-sensory tour and tasting, The Scotch Whisky Experience fully immerses visitors in the water of life via a breath-taking 180° panoramic tour of Scotland’s five whisky-making regions, and a carefully crafted recreation of an 1870s Blender’s Room. Set up in 1987 to educate visitors to Edinburgh about the joys of Scotch whisky, it is now home to the world’s largest private collection of Scotch whisky, held in a glittering vault."

"Located right by the famous castle inside an old school building, this interactive, ever-so-slightly Disney World experience is the perfect introduction to whisky if you're a beginner, and a fun reminder if you're not. Visitors start off on a ride for two people inside a giant whisky cask. The ride introduces you to the ghost of a master blender who takes each couple through the process of turning water, grain and yeast into Scots whisky."

"Set in the heart of Edinburgh, The Whisky Collection provides a novel setting for events. Guests will be treated to dining among 3,384 bottles of whisky and a five course tasting menu with courses focusing on food from the field, rivers and seas of Scotland. Each course, as you might expect, is also matched with a whisky."

"Following on the success of their Hanover Street restaurant and the wonderful cafe in the values of St John's, comes a fully vegan restaurant situated in Thistle Street. This is Edinburgh's first fully vegan restaurant, and it looks to be a great success. The menu is brimming with luxurious flavourful dishes and there is certainly no sense that by eschewing meat and dairy diners are missing out."

"This bar and restaurant from the Stereo team doesn't even need to flag vegan options on its menu because the whole damn thing is free from any animal products. Offering all your favourite comfort eats, from burgers and macaroni cheese, to laverbread cakes with streaky bacon, they're easily one of the best vegan restaurants in Edinburgh."

"Harmonium offers vegan cuisine that everyone will enjoy|© Harmonium. Brought to Edinburgh by the people behind Glasgow’s fashionable Flying Duck, Harmonium evokes Leith’s maritime history with nautical decor. With offerings like chicken parmigiana and ground beef tacos, it might not be obvious they are meat-free."

"The name Brew Lab alone evokes images of an experimental coffee house, run by an eccentric but genius barista on the hunt to achieve world coffee domination with his signature blend. Although there are no evil geniuses in sight, these guys do take coffee mega seriously and the tweaking and precision that goes into their brew methods are worthy of the laboratory name. The coffees they serve change week to week, so are ever seasonal and offer a rich and new experience every time."

"Specializing in single-origin specialty-grade coffee, Brew Lab serves up beans from Union Hand-Roasted, featuring two different espressos and filters each day so there is always something fresh to try. But for non coffee drinkers, craft beers and local wines along with salads, soups and sandwiches from local suppliers around Edinburgh are also up for grabs in this modern coffee house with a science lab vibe. 6-8 S College St, Edinburgh EH8 9AA, UK"

"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."

"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."

"What: Roseleaf may be best known for its ‘pot-tails’ (cocktails served in teapots), but we’d also recommend stopping by here in the morning. To kick start your day, tuck into one of Roseleaf’s range of eggs Benedicts, which can be paired with everything from black pudding to spinach. Roseleaf is also good for anyone looking to enjoy breakfast in a venue with a difference, thanks to its Instagram-friendly interiors which include a collection of vintage furniture and lots of other random knick-knacks."

"If you are looking for a traditional-looking pub then Roseleaf Bar and Café in the historic Port 'o Leith is where to head. Decorated with pre-loved furniture, it is split into two main areas -with the back area more suited for family dining. The pub grub includes daily specials, fresh baked goodies and Sunday roasts too and is served from 10am right through till 10pm every day."

"Roseleaf Café is located in Leith near the port and Royal Yacht Britannia, so handy if you’re planning a visit there. Established in 2007, they’re family run and a cross between a gastro pub, cafe and bistro. Decorated with vintage furniture, hats from around the world and other quirky finds, they’re open from 10 am to 10 pm every day."

"Just minutes from the city’s main attractions, Eden Locke is a perfect haven to relax after an invigorating day exploring Edinburgh’s sites. Decorated in soothing pastel shades with soft lighting to create an intimate atmosphere, each of the 72 studios, mezzanine apartments, and suites has fully equipped kitchen with all the essential accessories, contemporary soft furnishings, and the latest entertainment technology, including WiFi, Apple box, and Smart TV. The downstairs lounge is ideal for whiling away the hours over a cocktail or pastry and, if you fancy venturing back into the city for an evening’s entertainment, you’re never far away from the most vibrant spots Edinburgh has to offer."

"Inside the doors of Eden Locke's austere Georgian exterior is a hip, pastel space that won't rest until you Instagram it—not surprising, given that NYC-based architecture firm Grzywinski+Pons is behind the design. The lobby is mint green, with intensely trendy details (brass and marble shelves, about a million potted plants, modern wicker chairs) that soften into a friendly, welcoming cafe-bar space populated by day with a young crowd clicking away at laptops. Think of it as your dream Airbnb, but run by pros."

"Uber-hip and perfectly presented, the 4-star exceptionally rated Eden Locke is a design-led aparthotel situated at the heart of George Street. Shoreditch style design can be found throughout the traditional Georgian building, with carefully placed whimsical touches that add interest and will make you smile. The bedrooms are studio apartments with padded leather headboards, retro telephones and oversized clocks, while bathrooms may be small but they do offer huge walk-in showers."

"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."

"Even if you are not a fan of politics, The Scottish Parliament would be a good sightseeing spot. Not only is the building itself really interesting, you can watch a parliamentary session, it hosts art exhibitions and has a lovely modern garden that you can explore. If you want to know more, The Scottish Parliament also offers a selection of free guided tours focusing on the different aspects and functions of the building."

"The Scottish Parliament Building is one of Edinburgh's most talked-about architectural feats and has stirred its fair share of controversy since construction. Built in 2004 by Spanish architect Enric Miralle, this post-modern complex appears a striking contrast to the surrounding architecture of Edinburgh. The edifice has been described as both ultra-modern and futuristic, with an abstract and evocative geometric style."

"The Scottish Parliament Building may be a lot more modern than other entries on this list, but it’s all the more striking for it. Designed by Enric Miralles in a post-modern, metallic style, the building was officially opened just over a decade ago in 2004. Its design aims to mirrors the natural beauty of the landscape around it, and the building itself is comprised of an array of abstract shapes."

"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)."

"Located near the Meadows, Considerit is a relatively new addition to Edinburgh’s exciting foodie scene. If you’re vegan or lactose intolerant, this is one for you as Considerit believe in a plant-based future and therefore all their sweet treats are free from animal products!. Also, their doughnuts, chocolate, and ice cream are all hand crafted on a daily basis."

"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."

"This luxury ice creams travels all the way from the Scottish Borders to Edinburgh's doorstep, sold out of a police box in the Grassmarket. Over Langshaw Farm's ice cream is locally known as some of the best gelato in town, made with fresh milk, cream and eggs straight from the family farm. They even offer gluten free, dairy free and vegan options, so there is something to keep everyone happy."

"Söderberg Bakery Shop, Queensferry St|© stock.tookapic.com/Pexels. Brought to you by the same brainchildren behind the ever so popular Peter’s Yard, Söderberg is yet another Swedish bakery and hip stomping ground. Expect the usual suspects from fantastic crispbread variations and sourdough, but prepare for the odd surprise here and there."

"Papii may not seem like much from outside but this little café has a reputation as one of the best on Hanover Street. Their speciality is ''eggs Papii'': a toasted English muffin, poached free-range eggs and homemade hollandaise sauce (they also do more traditional options like eggs benedict, eggs florentine and eggs royale). If you don't fancy eggs, then don't miss their famous buttermilk waffles, which come with a number of different toppings including crispy bacon, fresh strawberries or honey and cream."

"What: Small and with no fuss, Papii is a very popular spot in the city, so you’ll have to make sure you get their early to secure a table. Although there’s no fried breakfast to be found here, there are plenty of other options to satisfy you, including the likes of filled breakfast rolls, paninis and bagels, as well as eggs any way you like. The main attractions though, are Papii’s indulgent buttermilk vanilla waffles and the smoothies which are made from fresh fruit."

"Finally, somewhat of a hidden gem on the brunch scene, Papii Café is a small, Mediterranean inspired café with a real neighbourhood feel to it. Their menu is varied, but the two dishes that get people talking are the waffles and the eggs benedict. Despite being a classic brunch food, waffles don’t seem to crop up on too many breakfast menus in Edinburgh."

"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."

"Loudons is one of Edinburgh’s multi-award-winning cafes and is well known as one of the best places for brunch in the capital. Their mission is to cater to everyone, so whether you are a meat-eater, vegan, dairy, or gluten-free – you will be sure to find something delicious for you to enjoy!. They have a wide variety of stunning brunch options, with an epic 13 types of Bennys – all served on their homemade English muffin with herb salad!"

"Loudons represents the perfect place to take your parents, with garden centre vibes (in the best way), it is the ideal backdrop for lying to your folks that the reason you’re tired is from an all nighter in the library, not because of the eight vodka cranberries you had at the club last night."