What to do in.....Edinburgh

Walk the royal mile

Make sure to walk down the Royal Mile; starting high up at Edinburgh Castle and finishing down at the Holyrood Palace. Along the way you can stop and visit a few smaller museums with free entry - Museum of Childhood (which is my personal favourite), People’s Story Museum, Writer’s Museum and Museum of Edinburgh. St. Giles Cathedral is worth a visit and if you are hungry for ghost stories you can explore the spooky undergrounds at Mary King’s Close. No trip to Edinburgh is complete without experiencing the backbone of the Old Town.

Stop in for one at a proper pub

When it’s time for a refreshing tipple, try The Guildford Arms, a historic Victorian bar with impressive decor. Open since 1896 and located just off Princes St, it’s popular spot among tourists and locals. You’ll find a great selection of whisky and real ales, and it has a restaurant upstairs open for lunches and dinners. This charming and authentic establishment really is a pub-lovers dream. Find it at 1–5 West Register Street.

Get lost in Leith

If you fancy a break from the grand architecture of Edinburgh’s central old and new towns, head out to Leith in the north of the city. Home to the city’s once industrious docks, the area now boasts a growing waterfront development packed with cafes, trendy pubs and awarded restaurants. Here you can visit Royal Yacht Britannia, the former floating residence of the Royal Family, or take a calm walk along the Water of Leith; Edinburgh’s river flows right through the suburb. For an incredible dining experience, head to the Michelin starred ‘Kitchin’. Leith Festival is an annual arts and music festival that takes place across different venues in June, and if you’re visiting at this time it’s absolutely not to be missed.

Keep calm in Cramond

If Leith doesn’t quite sound like your thing, why not try charming Cramond? This picturesque village is located at the mouth of River Almond, north west of the city core. Here, you can visit a historic 17th-century church or take a peaceful walk along the beach. If tide is out, journey down along the marked pathway and explore Cramond Island – though it’s vital you make sure you have plenty of time for safe crossing before tide comes in! For food and beer in cosy surrounds, check out the Cramond Inn at the heart of the village.