Top 10 Things To Do, Activities and Attractions in Bogside

"A combination of Edinburgh history, city views from a new perspective, and experience with optical illusions, the Camera Obscura & World of Illusions is an attraction that certainly appeals to all ages. The centerpiece, set in a Victorian rooftop room, is a pinhole camera that projects live moving images of Edinburgh onto a viewing table. The panorama is created by a combination of mirror and lenses, and it has been entertaining people here since 1853."

"Capture five floors full of optical experiences through the mirror maze, giant kaleidoscope, giant vortex tunnel, magic gallery, horrogram and lots more, here in a world that blends reality and illusion. Distance from Hotel:300 m4 mins4 mins2 mins"

"Start at the end Princes Street and climb the staircase up the hill for some of the best views over the city – from here you can see out to the castle and over to Arthur’s Seat. Home to the National Monument, designed to be a replica of the Parthenon in Athens but never finished, it’s also where you’ll find the huge Nelson monument. At 1pm, the time ball here drops – designed to be seen by ships far our at sea, the castle’s One O’Clock gun was added as bad weather meant the ball couldn’t always be seen."

"For the very best views of Edinburgh and beyond – and for some stunning photos by which to remember your visit – you must take a stroll up Calton Hill. It’s just a short walk from the East End of Princes Street. The walk itself is not too demanding, but absolutely worth the effort."

"If you are not ready for the summit of Arthur’seat you could see Calton hill. It’s a perfect place to take photos of Edinburgh. On top of the hill you can also visit Nelson's monument and the National monument."

"At the foot of the castle and along Edinburgh's main thoroughfare you'll find Princes Street Gardens. It's a popular place for locals and tourists to enjoy a spot of lunch and take in the breathtaking views of Edinburgh Castle. The park is split into two by The Mound where you'll find two excellent art galleries."

"It offers an amazing view of Edinburgh Castle, plenty of space to sprawl and stroll and won’t cost you a £ to visit. Dream date idea: pack a picnic basket with your partner’s favourite meal and a bottle of bubbly and spend the day enjoying the great outdoors before you pop the question."

"The gardens serve as a large public park that runs parallel to Princes Street, divided into east and west by the castle’s mound. Before it was the garden grounds, it was the Nor Loch defensive lake. The Nor Loch sat before the castle until the 18th century."

"The Royal Mile ends at the Palace of Holyroodhouse. This palace is the official residence in Scotland of Queen Elizabeth. She resides here about one week every year. When the Queen is not here, the Palace is open for visit."

"Onetime haunt of Mary, Queen of Scots, with a long history of gruesome murder, destructive fire, and power-hungry personalities, the…"

"Beautiful rose gardens and a children’s farm are just some of the highlights of Tollcross Park. Located in the Tollcross neighbourhood of Glasgow, this city retreat is a great escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. Amenities include picnic benches, toilets, and a children’s play area (kids 12 and under)."

"Another great pick if you have kids, this park has a farm with goats and sheep. If they get close enough, your kids can feed and pet them. The park also has an official nature walk, where you might be lucky enough to spot bats and foxes."

"Speaking of villages, if you make it to Circus Lane, you should definitely head a little further out of the city centre to Dean Village. This is a wonderfully picturesque oasis that sits in a valley formed by the “Water of Leith”, Edinburgh’s main river. There’s plenty to photograph down here, but certainly the highlights include the colourful houses and the river, as well as the huge 19th century bridge that spans the valley above, transporting traffic across and away, and leaving Dean Village as a place that time seems to have almost forgotten."

"Dean Village is a brief stroll past the city centre yet it feels far removed from the bustle. The village offers up an enchanting and picturesque scene of colourful buildings resembling that of a fairytale. It truly is a place that time has forgotten."

"Burials have been taking place here since the 16th century and there are a number of notable inhabitants including William McGonagall, James Craig and George Buchanan. The National Covenant which sparked the Covenanter's movement against King Charles II after the Reformation was signed here in 1638 and after their defeat, many of them were imprisoned nearby. It is most famous for Greyfriar's Bobby the loyal dog who guarded his master's grave for 13 years."

"Address: 1 Greyfriars, Edinburgh, EH1 2QQVisitor guide:Greyfriars Kirk. Greyfriars Kirk is another superb historic attraction in Edinburgh that’s located within walking distance of The Royal Mile. To find it head south on George IV Bridge and look for the National Museum of Scotland which is more-or-less opposite Greyfriars Kirk."

"Greyfriars Kirk is one of the most famous churches in Edinburgh where JK Rowling found inspiration and you'll find the famous Greyfriars Bobby."

"China Red is a buffet restaurant, so slightly different to the other options featured on this list. And you don't have to spend too much time scrolling through reviews before finding one very satisfied customer who described the place as the "best Chinese buffet I've ever been to". They add: "I usually find buffet food all tastes quite bland and samey, but the chicken curry was so tasty and the noodles were amazing."

"Why: Often, Chinese food is associated with buffets, and although buffets are – in our not so humble opinion – one of life’s little wonders, they sometime get a negative (and unfair) reputation. Not at China Red’s two Edinburgh sites, though. The buffets are loved by the locals and we can understand why with a regularly changing menu and neatly presented desserts."

"Always fresh, delicious food with a variety so much bigger than any other Chinese buffet I've been to. Polite staff, funky entrance and good availability of seating space." 30 Grindlay Street, EH3 9AP"

"In the midst of Stockbridge’s bakeries and thrift shops, the husband-and-wife run Cowan & Sons has steadfastly served the neighborhood for more than 18 years. Distressed white and seafoam-green tiles are keepsakes from the building’s historic roots as a fishmonger's shop; repurposed objects discovered during its restoration were given new life as décor. Mornings offer cappuccinos and other standard coffees, which are brewed from Williams & Johnson Coffee Co. beans; for a little flair, order a matcha or turmeric latte."

"When it first opened in 1997 as Maxi’s, this once off-radar spot was the first coffee shop on Raeburn Place. Rechristened as Cowan and Sons in 2017, the family-owned café was lovingly restored thanks to a grant from Edinburgh heritage bosses, allowing the owners to breathe new life into its tired, historic shopfront. Crossing the threshold, you’ll find original features including distressed green and white tiles from its days as a fishmonger, which previously lay hidden behind plasterwork."

"This friendly and casual bistro in New Town serves up French classics like coq au vin and escargots, as well as fun, modern delights such as the ‘macaroni cheese with ‘un twist’. Accompany your meal with a French wine from the extensive wine list, or stay true to Scottish roots with a Caledonian ale."

"Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account. Jules remember that Mother’s Day is coming!. We are getting ready to make all mums feel special and happy!"

"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."