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Edinburgh - every day is a festival
Think of Edinburgh and you think Festival City – a buzzing atmosphere with cultural events spilling out onto every street. Scotland’s capital city might also get you hankering for a true Scottish-style New Year celebration. Hogmanay in Edinburgh one of the biggest street parties on the planet. But Edinburgh isn’t just geared around a few weeks in August, and one wrapped-up winter’s night. In fact, there is so much going on in Edinburgh year-round, that you will be hard pressed to fit it all in.
The five buildings that make up the National Galleries of Scotland exhibit artwork from the Great Masters of the Renaissance to modern day artists such as Douglas Gordon and Jim Lambie, all with free admission.
Enjoy a classically elegant night at the theatre at the Royal Lyceum. Take in progressively modern plays at the sleek Traverse Theatre. Make sure to head to nearby restaurant The Atrium for some award-winning pre-theatre dining.
The Stand is always good for a laugh. In Edinburgh’s New Town, not far from Princes Street, this comedy club is close-by to a whole range of restaurants and bars. Take in the view of the lights of Edinburgh at night from the elevated contemporary settings of Oloroso Restaurant. Later take in a different scene over the funky artwork and hip crowd from the balcony at Dragonfly Bar – where smiling bartenders will mix you up an ‘Edinburgh Rocks’ or a ‘Bonny Prince Lyphnics’ from their inventive and ever-changing list.
And then, of course, there is the castle. Still guarded by Scottish soldiers, the castle houses the oldest crown jewels in Europe, the Honours of Scotland. Also on exhibit is the highly-treasured Stone of Destiny. Down in the dark underbelly of the castle, you can see eighteenth century graffiti scrawled on the walls by imprisoned American sailors. The Castle ramparts give a great view of the city of Edinburgh, with the historic Old Town below and the New Town to the north, over Princes Street Gardens.
Eating and Drinking
The Witchery
A world-renowned restaurant housed in sixteenth century building by the gates of the Castle. Expertly prepared Scottish produce in rich surroundings makes dining here a magical experience.
Restaurant Martin Wishart
Award-winning modern French cuisine impressively cooked to Michelin-star standards, set right in the middle of the historic Port of Leith.
Oloroso
The views from this luxurious restaurant are astounding. Take in panoramic views of Edinburgh and the Lotjhi. All the while enjoying surprising Pacific Rim flavors.
David Bann
Taking the blandness out of vegetarian and vegan food once and for all, David Bann will impress vegetarians and carnivores alike with its slick environment and colorful menu.
Vermillion
Set in the heart of The Scotsman Hotel, the richly Scottish menu and opulent surroundings of Vermillion set high standards.
The Kitchin Restaurant
Situated in the picturesque port of Leith, Michelin starred, Tom Kitchin's style is a unique marriage of seasonal Scottish produce with the classical French technique he has mastered working alongside some of the world's greatest chefs.
Blue Bar Café
Clean, contemporary and simple are the keywords when talking about both the stylish interior and internationally influenced menu of this popular café. And it is perfectly situated nearby Edinburgh’s main theatres.
Villager
A hip and elegantly retro hangout in the city centre – with a menu to match – who could resist vodka martini mussels? All matched with an eclectic cocktail list and a background soundtrack of the coolest funk.
Dragonfly
Voted ‘Most Stylish Bar’ in the 2006 Scottish Style Awards – you mingle with the beautiful people and, from the balcony, watch the bartenders make drinks like the Glenfiddich Cavalcade or the aptly named Edinburgh Rocks.
Shopping
Harvey Nichols
A shopping experience to match the elegance of the city arrived in 2002, when this luxury designer department store opened in St Andrew Square in the New Town. The wittily named Forth Floor Restaurant keep style and excellent taste flowing up onto the fourth floor, as well as affording fabulous views over the entire city.
Jenners
Edinburgh’s oldest department store – having been standing strong on Princes St since 1838 – Jenners has been called the “Harrods of the north.” Simply overflowing with beautiful Scottish cashmere and the finest Edinburgh crystal.
Hamilton and Inches
Whilst Jenners may be the “Harrods of Scotland,” Hamilton and Inches is to Edinburgh what Tiffany’s is to New York. Needless to say, as silversmith to the Queen, Hamilton and Inches offers only the very finest.
Geoffrey (Tailor) Highland Crafts
Sitting on Edinburgh’s cobbled Royal Mile, this kiltmakers brings in all the best of traditional Highland dress, but mixes in an unmistakably modern edge. Its 21st Century Kilts have been sported by many a celebrity including Robbie Williams and Vin Diesel.
Armstrong’s
This Grassmarket store is an absolute gem of an institution in Edinburgh, and the perfect place to spend an hour or so rummaging through some of the most wonderful vintage and retro gear as you could ever imagine.
Culture
The Edinburgh Festival
A common misconception is that the Edinburgh Festival is just one festival, in fact, for three weeks every August, the city is brimming with music, theatre, art, film and books from several different festivals. The Edinburgh International Festival, Festival Fringe and the rousing Military Tattoo bring a palpable air of excitement to the city.
There is no escaping culture in Scotland’s capital at this time of year, with something taking place on every single inch of the city. It is an extremely busy and intense cultural experience, and draws thousands people from all over the world to Edinburgh in August. Make sure you get accommodation and tickets booked well in advance!
Edinburgh Castle
An ancient fortress built on volcanic rock, the castle has kept an eye out over its city since the 7th century. Still today – as part of the city's s a UNESCO World Heritage Site - it still dominates the skyline as a symbol of Scotland.
One of the UK’s most popular visitor attractions, Edinburgh Castle is a stronghold of history, the home of the Military Tattoo and the One o’ Clock Gun (be prepared for this going off!) and the world-famous Military Tattoo. Not only that, but you can take in some of the best views over both Edinburgh’s medieval Old Town, and its elevNew Town.
St Giles Cathedral
The former High Kirk of Scotland, Edinburgh’s cathedral takes pride of place on the famous Royal Mile. Visitors can enjoy the intricacies and beautiful colors of the Arts & Crafts stained windows, or visit a memorial to Scottish writer Robert Louis Stevenson. And just outside the door is the Heart of Midlothian – a heart shape set in the cobbled street, marking the site of the long-vanished Edinburgh Tolbooth - prison and administrative centre. Traditionally citizens used to spit on the heart as a mark of disrespect!
The National Galleries of Scotland
The National Galleries of Scotland comprise the five galleries, the original National Gallery itself, joined by the Weston Link to the Royal Scottish Academy, which creates an elegant, neo-classical presence at the foot of the Mound. Renaissance Masters, Post-Impressionist works, and the most extensive collection of Scottish paintings in the world are found here. A few minutes away is the Scottish National Portrait Gallery, with the Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art and the impressive Dada-based, Dean Gallery well worth an excursion north-west of Princes Street. If you don't feel like walking, take the free bus which operates between the five galleries.
The Royal Lyceum Theatre
The sumptuous Victorian surroundings of Edinburgh’s Lyceum are perfect for a night of classic theatre from Shakespeare, Molière and Ibsen, to Arthur Miller and Tennessee Williams.
The Traverse Theatre
Since 1963, the Traverse has been home to some of Scotland’s most impressive new writing in theatre – now with a touring program extending its hard-hitting reputation in contemporary theatre worldwide.
The Real Mary King’s Close
Edinburgh is said to be one of the most haunted places in Scotland, and a tour through these underground streets and houses preserved in their original eighteenth century condition will send a shiver up the spines of even those who claim to be fearless.
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