Edinburgh, the capital of Scotland, is an ancient yet contemporary city where ancient traditions mingle with contemporary energy. Renowned for its cultural festivals and architectural beauty, Edinburgh offers much to discover here.
When visiting Edinburgh, visitors should not miss the Royal Mile – its historic street running along Castle Rock is home to numerous shops, quaint pubs and iconic landmarks that will provide them with unforgettable memories.
1. Edinburgh Castle
Edinburgh Castle stands proudly high above the city streets and is an iconic tourist attraction. Built on a volcanic plug which first erupted 340 million years ago, its long and colorful history includes serving both as royal residence and military base. As one of Scotland’s iconic symbols it represents many memories for generations of tourists visiting it each year.
The castle is believed to be haunted by numerous ghosts, with the most notable ones including a woman who committed suicide by jumping off its walls, as well as a piper who vanishes into mist around its grounds. Additionally, every weekday at 1 O’Clock the famous “One O’Clock Gun” fires off at the castle marking exactly when each day begins or ends.
From the late 18th to early 20th centuries, this castle served as a prison for English prisoners of war, from whom it had been taken over as prisoners themselves by France during World War 1. Later renovated and now preserved as part of American history, its restoration serves as an important reminder.
King David I undertook extensive castle rebuilding during his rule. Remains from the original tower were concealed within a new defensive structure known as Half Moon Battery before eventually being unearthed again during the 20th century.
2. Scottish National Gallery
The Scottish National Gallery boasts one of the world’s premier art collections and is open and free for all to visit. Enjoy paintings by internationally-acclaimed artists like Vermeer, Titian, Rembrandt and Velazquez while discovering pioneering Scottish artists in the new Scottish galleries (1800-45) including William McTaggart, Anne Redpath Phoebe Anna Traquair Traquair Charles Rennie Mackintosh as well as marveling over magnificent sculptures such as Cain Slaying Abel (bronze), works on paper by great masters like Hieronymus Cock, Hendrick Goltzius and Jan van Dyck among many others!
William Henry Playfair designed and constructed the National Gallery Building, originally opened in 1859. Later it was expanded between 1999 and 2004 to house both it and an adjoining Royal Scottish Academy building designed by him, both designed by him.
The collection spans the period from Renaissance to early 20th-century art and includes Scotland’s National Portrait Gallery as well as its National Gallery of Modern Art. Additionally, National Galleries of Scotland includes two additional partner galleries: Duff House and Paxton House.
3. Cameo Cinema
At Edinburgh’s sea of generic multiplexes, the Cameo stands as an important reminder of when movie-going was more civilized. Formerly known as King’s Cinema it opened its doors for business on January 1914 and still houses most of its original decorations today. Now known as Cameo it offers three screen operations with a central lobby serving all three auditoriums as well as an extensive DVD shop that covers everything from Chantel Akerman to Hammer horror as well as Aleksandr Sokurov to Jean Vigo titles!
Jim Poole first purchased The Cameo Theatre in 1947 and publicised its arthouse credentials through advertising: “A cinema for the discerning showing week after week carefully selected films of artistic merit.” Genni Poole assumed ownership upon her father’s retirement in the early 80s; plans to turn it into a restaurant failed due to video technology (making all independent cinemas less profitable) yet it still survives until this day.
The Cameo Cinemas is well-known for their eclectic program of classic and international films that fail to find an audience at other multiplexes, along with new releases and an extensive archive of silent movies.
4. Playhouse Theatre
The Playhouse Theatre was opened as a cinema in 1929 by Glasgow architect John Fairweather who visited America to conduct research. Fairweather was inspired by New York’s Roxy Theatre to design this masterpiece of cinema.
This building was designed to resemble a movie palace on the outside, yet the interior was tailor-made for stage shows as well as movies. Built on an impressive scale capable of seating 3,000 people comfortably with stalls, circle and balcony areas that could host large touring musicals or theatrical productions.
As television became more prevalent and ticket sales decreased, business at the Playhouse started to decrease and was put up for sale or threatened with demolition. To save it from destruction a campaign was initiated with 15,000 signatures collected to form a petition that helped ensure its preservation – eventually leading to its listed building status being granted in 1974.
The Playhouse Theatre is known for producing innovative productions with star casts and critical acclaim, while it is home to an iconic ghost called Albert who may or may not be related to a night watchman or stage hand who died unexpectedly within its walls.
5. Hendersons Restaurant
Hendersons offers modern vegetarian diners seasonal fare with comforting dishes like baked aubergine with grated nuts and bean sprout, ginger and Brazil nut salad. Hendersons is an oasis for healthy dining! It features seasonal fare like baked aubergine with grated nuts as well as bean sprout, ginger and Brazil nut salad for lunches.
Hendersons Restaurant also specializes in vegan cuisine, which has become increasingly popular. Established by Janet Henderson in 1962 as an outlet for organic produce from their East Lothian farm, Hendersons quickly gained popularity among vegetarians and health conscious eaters alike.
Barrie Henderson, Janet’s grandson, oversees the new Hendersons. This restaurant features an eclectic blend of traditional and modern elements with its combination of textured walls and natural materials such as wood. There is also an indoor garden used to grow herbs and vegetables for service in the restaurant. Original dishes, like chocolate mousse are still offered alongside updated versions such as lentil lasagne or vegan haggis; menu was developed by Paul Kayne who created its original vegan food menu by emphasizing natural, wholefood ingredients over processed meat substitutes.
6. Fish Supper
If you’re seeking a modern take on Scottish chippy experience, The Abbey Bar on South Clerk Street provides an expansive menu featuring traditional fish suppers of battered Peterhead haddock served with peas, twice-cooked chips, lemon and herb butter as well as baked haddock with lemon butter. Or for something a bit more traditional The World’s End Pub on Royal Mile offers traditional fish suppers of battered Peterhead haddock served with peas and tartare sauce – perfect!
Pierino’s is a popular Leith takeaway offering more than just battered fish dishes. Their fish supper includes breaded haddock with homemade mushy peas for PS4.55, as well as meal deals at reasonable prices and excellent service. Not only are their meal deals and prices good; the service here is superb as well. In addition to delicious food they also stock an impressive selection of drinks and spirits which you should also keep an eye out for before visiting them in person. It would also be worth keeping tabs on their social media pages as they will likely update users on what events may happen there before making your visit – check them out on social media profiles in advance for updates before visiting.
7. Haggis
Haggis is Scotland’s national dish, consisting of minced lamb hearts, livers and lungs combined with oatmeal, beef suet, onion and spices before being stuffed into the stomach of recently killed sheep and then boiled. Although not Instagrammable or attractive to modern taste buds, haggis is nonetheless delicious and plenty of places offer good plates in Edinburgh.
Makars Gourmet Mash Bar features a haggis burger complete with beer mustard mayo and smoked cheddar for its menu selections, in addition to vegetarian alternatives and live Scottish music nights every Friday and Saturday night.
This pub in Old Town is an ideal spot to experience classic Scottish dishes such as the full Scottish breakfast – which features haggis alongside bacon, eggs, beans, mushrooms tomatoes and toast – at affordable prices. Their excellent service should make this an unmissable stop on any foodie’s travels.
Book early as space is limited at this small restaurant serving Scottish meats and whiskey cocktails for an unforgettable romantic evening experience.