Edinburgh Travel Guide

We have collaborated with our Edinburgh based Jeweller Roisin Connolly to bring you our top tips to this wonderful city. We have based our guide around a dream long weekend, with an added list of highlights for those who plan to stay a little longer. This travel guide is going to be led by the stomach…we hope you are hungry!

If you are planning a city break to Edinburgh, you must travel by train. When you hop off at Edinburgh Waverley station you are greeted by bagpipes, the sound of cars driving over cobbled streets and the smell of mini cheddars (hoppy scents from the local breweries). You have landed in the heart of the city – giddy with excitement. Arrive in the evening and head straight to Kays Bar off India Street. A small pub packed with character and characters. Sit by the fire, get out the Scrabble board and taste all the whiskeys. 

Roisin says we must start the first day at Twelve Triangles (there are now five dotted around the city). “Hands down the best pastries in Edinburgh. I could eat one everyday but I shouldn’t! A twice baked hazelnut pain au chocolat is my go too.”

The best way to explore the city is by foot so don your comfy shoes and plan a nice route around the Old Town. Check out the latest exhibition at The Fruitmarket Gallery and go to Dovecot Studios. A world-renowned tapestry studio in the heart of Edinburgh and a landmark centre for contemporary art, craft and design. There is always something inspiring to see. The Outsider is a great place to go for lunch and has lovely views of the castle. We recommend you book the cosy nook at the back (table number 6) and order steamed mussels with basil cream, bacon, pine nuts, parmesan and fries – yum. After lunch, weave past Grey Friars Bobby down to Grass Market. There you will find Armstrongs – an amazing vintage emporium. Head straight to the back and sieve through the rails of vintage jumpers.

For supper, there are two treaty restaurants we would recommend. The Gardeners Cottage has a daily changing set menu of seasonal treats with a really lovely atmosphere. Or try The Timberyard for delicious food that you wouldn’t cook at home and super sexy waiters!

Next day! We recommend heading to Leith. Roisin’s studio is there – she works in a collaborative centre for design and making called Custom Lane. “Start your day at Williams and Johnson, right on the shore of Leith. On a sunny day you’ll find us all sitting on the waters edge drinking up the sun.”

Feeling peckish! There are a few perfect little brunch spots. Snag an outdoor seat at Toast, or for a cosy tasty brunch nothing can beat The Roseleaf. Be sure to order their homemade ginger beer. From here start walking along the Waters of Leith to Stockbridge. You pass some impressive allotments and can potentially spot an otter if you’re lucky. Stockbridge is filled with elegant Georgian houses and picturesque streets. If it is a Sunday you will stumble across the brilliant weekly market. Stockbridge is a treasure trove of independent shops, be sure to peep into I J Mellis- a mecca for cheese lovers. Roisin recommends the shop Treen, a curated store of positive impact fashion and homeware. “Cat picks the most perfect pieces, with sustainability at the core of what she does. You might be lucky enough to catch Cat’s lovely little dog Nessie scuttling around.” If you are up for more adventures keep walking along the footpath to The Scottish National Galleries of Modern Art which is set in a beautiful sculpture park.

Before you make your way back to Edinburgh Waverley, head to Valvonna and Crolla (an Italian deli which was established in 1934) and pick up a picnic for the journey home – it will make you feel like the holiday isn’t quite over yet! Finally, before you hop back on the train, climb Carlton Hill for the last gulp of fresh air and beautiful views over the city. You will find it very hard to leave.

More Highlights

Bramble Cocktail Bar

A swim in the sea at Portobello or Crammond

Cafe St Honore for old school Parisian Vibes

The wet fish shop called ‘Something Fishy’ on Broughton Street

Razzo for the best pizza

Buy some coffee beans from Artisan Roast

Catch a gig at The Caves

Climb Arthurs Seat