The best places in and around Edinburgh
Edinburgh is a fantastic place to visit any time of year. Below are top areas to visit as well as some of the best cafés, bars and restaurants around.
1. The Old Town
This is the main tourist area… but it is still beautiful to explore especially early in the morning. Victoria Street and Cockburn Street are 2 notable areas as well as meandering down the narrow little closes (over 70 in this area!).
In the Old Town, The Milkman is a popular choice for coffee and for a reason. A very beautiful little place with fab coffee.
Location: The Milkman, 7 Cockburn St, EH1 1BP
Website: https://themilkman.coffee
Not far from The Old Town you can walk across to St. Andrew’s Square a spot surrounded by restaurants and bars. Our favourite is Gleneagles Townhouse with the most incredible decor it is one to not miss.
Location: Gleneagles Townhouse, 39 St Andrew Square, Edinburgh EH2 2AD
Website: https://gleneagles.com/townhouse/
2. Dean Village
With Edinburgh Castle on the hill, walk through Princes Street Gardens and head down Queensferry Street to Dean Village – a village of colourful cottages from the 12th Century – walk along the cobbles and admire the quaintness of the place.
If you need a pit stop, Cairngorm Coffee, is on route and does great sandwiches and coffees.
Location: Cairngorm Coffee, 1 Melville Pl, Edinburgh EH3 7PR
Website: https://cairngorm.coffee
If you fancy a longer walk, head along the Water of Leith path. A walkway that runs along Edinburgh’s River and is a lovely walk across to Stockbridge.
3. Stockbridge
Stockbridge has a wealth of incredible cafés and eateries – including Lannan Bakery, which you will need to queue for and the pastries usually sell out by 10am-ish in August (open to public Thur-Sun).
Location: Lannan Bakery, 29-35 Hamilton Pl, EH3 5BA
Website: https://www.instagram.com/lannanbakery/
If you are looking for brunch or afternoon coffee, head to Two Children. A recently opened spot with a fantastic range of delicious brunch items, cakes and smoothies.
Location: Two Children Coffee, 124b Raeburn Place, EH4 1HG
4. Get out of Town!
If you can visit some of Edinburgh’s surrounding areas you won’t be disappointed.
Gullane Beach is a stunning wide sandy beach about 45 minutes out of Edinburgh. Once you have finished your beach walk, head to The Bonnie Badger for a drink and food. During the summer the outside area at the back has an open fire BBQ and excellent lunch options.
Location: The Bonnie Badger, Main St, Gullane EH31 2AB
Website: https://bonniebadger.com
Elie Beach is a lovely seaside town about 1 hour 30 minutes north from Edinburgh. Very popular in the summer. You can head out to the harbour wall to jump into the sea and swim. Don’t miss The Ship Inn pub to enjoy the views and in summer sometimes the odd beach cricket game!
Location: The Ship Inn, Elie, Fife, KY9 1DT
Website: https://shipinn.scot
Check out our Instagram account – we.are.yume for more tips and recommendations!
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