Lifestyle Trend:Discover lifestyle trends, travel ideas, and practical tips related to Lifestyle Trend: Where to eat, stay and visit You Should Know – You Should Know
Whether it be Richard Madden’s soothing Scottish brogue or the scenic backdrop of the heart-wrenching love story portrayed in One Day (or… maybe you’re just a diehard Harry Potter fan), whatever it is that’s made you want to get a taste of Edinburgh, we’ve got you covered.
It’s easy to forget Scotland’s capital is only four(ish) hours from London’s Kings Cross or just over an hour by plane; with its many historic castles and signature deep-fried Mars bar dish, it can almost feel like another Medival-esque world. However, its easy transport links make it ideal for a long weekend or a quick getaway.
Here’s our 101 guide to what to squeeze into your trip to Edinburgh to get the most out of the capital city.
Where to stay in Edinburgh
W Edinburgh
Trust us, you will not find a better viewpoint in the whole city, than that found from the rooftop bar and restaurants (including SUSHISAMBA) on top of this luxury hotel. With a winding walkway that takes in panoramic views of Arthur’s Seat, the Castle and more, the hotel allows you absorb the beauty of Edinburgh from high-above before finding respite in one of its 244 rooms and 45 suites. Located just off of Princes Street and above the new shopping destination of the St James Quarter, it’s the perfect place for a girlie shopping weekend. The suites come stocked with a free (yes, free) mini bar and the comfiest beds with pillows so fluffy we removed the pillowcase to see whether we could buy one for our home.
The hotel also has a spa, Away Spa with four themed treatment rooms: Fire, Earth, Water and Air, each with a unique massage bed (the Earth, which we tried had a base of warming, moving pebbles – much more relaxing and soothing than it sounds). You can also book for private use of the spa suite which has a sauna, jacuzzi and rainforest shower. You can book for up to six people, making it the perfect place to unwind and gossip.
Rooms start from £299. This month the hotel has launched a new SUSHISAMBA Afternoon Tea, which can be booked HERE
Prestonfield House
If you’re looking for some peace and quiet (I mean, who isn’t?) look no further than Prestonfield House. Elton John has even been known to visit this spot, so you’re in iconic company. The luxury 5-star hotel is 20 minutes on the bus from town (even less if you Uber it) and tucked behind a peaceful residential area at the foot of the famous landmark Arthur’s Seat, so you’re only going to be disturbed by the sounds of wild birds or the on-site cows.
The hotel’s 18 rooms and four suites, all of which are adorned with an interior style that can only be described as regal, have no shortage of four-poster beds, velvet-covered walls and romantic lighting. Upon arrival, you’re greeted with a complimentary bottle of champagne in your room and some homemade cookies – talk about a welcome committee. Speaking of, the staff (and I’m including the resident Prestonfield House cat in this one) are warm, friendly and accommodating.
A sit-down breakfast is included – no sparse continental offering to see here – as well as wifi, car parking, your chosen newspaper delivered to your door, Sky TV and a bathroom stocked with Penhaligon’s minis. Be careful, it will be a struggle to tear yourself from your room…
The Witchery
Looking to be in the hustle and bustle of the capital? The Witchery is Presonfield House’s sister hotel and is located by the iconic gates of Edinburgh Castle, so you’re only a short walk away from some top spots and tourist attractions. It’s so quiet that once you’re in your room, that it’s easy to forget you’re on the doorstep of one of the busiest streets in Edinburgh.
It includes the same gothic and romantic interiors but is a little cosier in size, with only nine individually-themed rooms up for grabs. Said suites are the definition of grand and feature an entryway, living room, bathroom and gigantic bedroom. Yep, they’re bigger than most London rental flats. It depends on your suite but some require a bit of a castle stair climb. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience, ideal for any special occasion.
The rooms include everything from ghd hair straighteners to a flatscreen TV that magically appears from the ottoman at the foot of the bed. Talk about swish. Breakfast is also included in the cost and can either be in the restaurant downstairs or as a hamper delivered to your room to enjoy at leisure. I mean, you’ve gotta make the most of that living room, right?
Kimpton Charlotte Square Hotel by IHG Hotels & Resorts
As is consistent with any IHG offering (in our humble experience), Edinburgh’s Kimpton Charlotte Square Hotel offers a luxurious stay with buckets of personality and the friendliest of staff. Situated in the city’s New Town area, it’s a stone’s throw from vibrant cafés, bars and shops, as well as providing the perfect base to explore Castle Rock, Arthur’s Seat (if you’ve a car or are up for getting a cab) and all the other must-tick-off spots in the Scottish capital. Plus all the other sites that the concierge will happily recommend to you, based on your preferences.
Kimpton Charlotte Square Hotel has more than earned its five stars, with small touches like infused water in the reception area, to bigger ones such as the delicious middle eastern restaurant, BABA, a happy hour offering free drinks for guests between 5 to 6pm and the on-site pool, sauna and steam room.
When it comes to hospitality, it’d be hard to beat what’s on offer at this very special stopover option. It’s a real home-from-home (but obviously, like, a million times nicer).
What to do in Edinburgh
Visit Camera Obscura and World of Illusions Edinburgh
While the city is known for its outdoor monuments, if you’re looking for something for those rainy days, the Camera Obscura and World of Illusions Edinburgh contains five floors of, you guessed it, over 100 optical illusions to interact with to entertain the whole family. From mirror mazes to light shows, this place is packed with Insta-worthy content. Once you reach the top, you’re also greeted with one of the capital’s best views.
Go shopping at St James Quarter
The new lifestyle quarter, in the very centre, is home to pretty much every high street store you could dream of, for Kurt Geiger to H Beauty which stocks brand such as Charlotte Tilbury and Fenty, with a champagne bar in store making the whole experience more luxurious (and dangerous to your purse). If shopping isn’t your thing, you can leave the others to it and catch a film at the Everyman Cinema, go bowling at Lane 7 or try and get a bullseye at darts bar (and first date favourite) Flight Club.
Go on a whisky tour
You’re in Scotland, so, naturally, you’ve got to have at least a thimble of their world-renowned whisky. Whether you’re a connoisseur or a newbie, you’re bound to learn something new about the famous liquor (and get a glass to take home with you for the mems). The Scotch Whisky Experience will take you through everything from how regional whiskeys vary in taste to The Diageo Claive Vidiz Whisky Collection, a rare display of nearly 4,000 whisky bottles through the ages.
Climb Arthur’s Seat
The castles may battle it out for Edinburgh’s most iconic attractions but Arthur’s Seat is not to be missed. Not only is it free (thanks, Mother Nature) but you also get the best views from the city. If you have watched (or read) One Day, we challenge you not to get emotional once you reach the top.
Where to eat in Edinburgh
BABA
You know when you go to a restaurant and quite literally everything on the menu sounds so appealing it sends you into a tizzy? Well, yep, that’s exactly what happened to us at BABA – so thank God it offers a great ‘best of BABA’ tasting menu, for a very reasonable £25pp for vegetarians and £27.50pp for meat-eaters.
Highlights include the cauliflower fritters (the crunch on ’em!), buttery hummus with pillowy soft flatbreads and the lamb and haggis skewers. When in Rome and all that…Happy to report that there’s an interesting cocktail menu to accompany all the delicious food on offer, with non-tokenistic alcohol-free options too. The ideal spot for a buzzy Friday or Saturday night Middle Eastern feast.
The Witchery
Whether you’re staying in one of the suites or not, you can’t miss the incredible food on offer here. The wine cellar is fully stocked with an extensive list for all the wannabe sommeliers out there.
At the same time, the food menu includes everything from fresh oysters paired with The Witchery’s signature bloody mary sauce to an innovative lamb wellington that gives the classic a run for its money. Everything is as succulent as it is freshly sourced, while the romantic gothic interiors will make the dining experience an evening to remember. Do book in advance as tables get snapped up quickly.
Bonnie & Wild, Scottish Marketplace
When you want something casual and chill… but you also want to sample Scottish food, Bonnie & Wild is the perfect place. Housing different food stalls all under one roof, you can grab your main from one spot (we recommend Soup and Caboodle, a Scottish deli) and your pudding from another (Joelato offers gelato in a differing selection of flavours.)
Rhubarb Restaurant
These dining rooms feel like something out of a Jane Austen novel. If you’re lucky enough to get a table in one of the window nooks overlooking the grounds, you’re in for a treat. The menu is seasonally inspired, with ingredients sourced locally. Fun fact: the restaurant is named after the sweet vegetable as it’s been grown on the estate since the eighteenth century.
Opt for a set menu or pick between the tender Chateaubriand or tasty pan-roasted hake on the a la carte menu. Either way, you really can’t go wrong. They also have an entire menu dedicated to whisky, so if your go-to is an Old Fashioned, you’re in for a treat.
NADAIR
With a menu that changes daily, using local, seasonal produce, dining in this restaurant feels more like being at your friend’s house. Your friend who also happens to be an absolutely amazing cook, that is. Tucked away, off the Meadows, in Marchmont, it’s a real local’s favourite with imaginative cooking that’s truly delicious. The lunch menu is also two courses for £30, which for somewhere that feels heading for every foodie award going, is a total bargain.
Ka Pao
Get ready to line your stomach, as if you’re hitting Edinburgh’s party scene you’ll need it. Ka Pao, a play on the Thai word for Holy Basil offers sharing plates from corn ribs covered in salted coconut to crispy duck leg served with red cabbage and tamarind. For when you really can’t be bothered to argue over what to have (or the bill at the end) opt for the sharing menu, which, for four or more diners comes in at £30.50 per person and has 13 dishes to try, including our favourite the hispi cabbage smothered in cashew nut butter and house sriracha.
Civerinos
Not in the mood for a three-course sit-down dinner? Civerinos arguably cooks up the best pizzas in Edinburgh. Located near the National Museum, this spot has a fun retro feel, where you’ll find everything from pizza slices bigger than your head to a lasagne-inspired deep dish. It’s ideal for when you’ve spent the whole day out gallivanting and want a bit of respite from all the walking and an ice-cold pint.
W Edinburgh
Even if you’re not staying in the hotel, it’s worth booking in for cocktails or dinner at W Edinburgh – particularly on a summer’s day (yes, Scotland does get them, promise) to enjoy alfresco dining and panoramic views across the city on their W Deck. On Fridays, throughout the summer, there’s also W Sunset Sessions, with live music from homegrown talent playing every Friday from 7-10pm.
Charlotte Bitmead (she/her) is the Senior Beauty Writer at Cosmopolitan UK. She has over six years experience writing about beauty and has previously written for ELLE and The Sunday Times Style, covering everything from politics to sustainability to inclusivity within the beauty industry. When she’s not writing in-depth features, testing out the newest skincare fad or trying to decide what nail art to get, you can find her overspending in bookshops or shouting at Arsenal matches. Find her on LinkedIn
Catriona Innes is Cosmopolitan UK’s multiple award-winning Commissioning Editor, who has won BSME awards both for her longform investigative journalism as well as for leading the Cosmopolitan features department. Alongside commissioning and editing the features section, both online and in print, Catriona regularly writes her own hard-hitting investigations spending months researching some of the most pressing issues affecting young women today.Â
She has spent time undercover with specialist police forces, domestic abuse social workers and even Playboy Bunnies to create articles that take readers to the heart of the story. Catriona is also a published author, poet and volunteers with a number of organisations that directly help the homeless community of London. She’s often found challenging her weak ankles in towering heels through the streets of Soho. Follow her on Instagram and Twitter.Â
 Jennifer Savin is Cosmopolitan UK’s multiple award-winning Features Editor, who was crowned Digital Journalist of the Year for her work tackling the issues most important to young women. She regularly covers breaking news, cultural trends, health, the royals and more, using her esteemed connections to access the best experts along the way. She’s grilled everyone from high-profile politicians to A-list celebrities, and has sensitively interviewed hundreds of people about their real life stories. In addition to this, Jennifer is widely known for her own undercover investigations and campaign work, which includes successfully petitioning the government for change around topics like abortion rights and image-based sexual abuse. Jennifer is also a published author, documentary consultant (helping to create BBC’s Deepfake Porn: Could You Be Next?) and a patron for Y.E.S. (a youth services charity). Alongside Cosmopolitan, Jennifer has written for The Times, Women’s Health, ELLE and numerous other publications, appeared on podcasts, and spoken on (and hosted) panels for the Women of the World Festival, the University of Manchester and more. In her spare time, Jennifer is a big fan of lipstick, leopard print and over-ordering at dinner. Follow Jennifer on Instagram, X or LinkedIn.