Incredible place to spend the day exploring! But tickets in advance and bring a picnic. There’s a shop to buy some food but it gets quite busy. Highly recommend visiting the castle, it’s amazing to explore and the views of the city are stunning.

Wanted to make this a quick visit and then we ended up spending 3 hours here in this magnificent Castle. Amazing views of the city and lots of history and even watched the 1 o’clock gun go off. Highly recommended making this a stop on your list. Make sure to get tickets in advance because it does get busy and if you want to watch the gun go off you better find a spot around 12:30.

We visited this stunning castle on the last day of our Edinburgh and Scottish Highlands tour. The castle is a UNESCO site and remains a symbol of strength and power in the struggle of Scotland's independence. Very well maintained, amazed by the majestic look and quite liked the Royal Palace, Top view, Chapel, Scottish National War Museum and the Banquet Hall. There is facilities of toilets, restaurants and souvenir shops. Staffs were quite helpful and their ticket office does provide audio guide which was very helpful. Booking in advance for the tickets are recommend.

I loved it. Simply incredible. The castle is beautiful, it has a war museum that tells the whole history of wars in which Scotland participated... knowledge is never too much. There's also a chapel in honor of those who died in war, which is beautiful. We went on a day that had many tourists, but even so, everything was calm and there wasn't time to see everything up close. A must-see!

This was well worth it. If the castle is sold out google walking tours of Edinburgh castle that’s what I ended up doing and the guild I got was really great she had so much to say which made the castle experience even better. If you do it that way try booking the tour around lunch time.

Absolutely worth a visit if you are in the area. Parking is non-existent so expect to walk several blocks from wherever you find. But they have a lot of nice shops all down from the military museum and the castle. More than easy enough to spend half a day here but very cool to see overall.

Despite a lot of dismantling activity to remove the stands that were used for the Edinburgh Military Tattoo in August, it was a great few hours at the castle. The structures are imposing and just exude history at every turn. Even on a regular weekday, it gets very crowded, so buying tickets in advance is a good idea.

Princes Street Gardens is such a peaceful spot right in the middle of Edinburgh. It’s the perfect place to take a break from walking around the city, with plenty of benches, greenery, and a stunning view of Edinburgh Castle above. The gardens are beautifully maintained, and it feels like a little oasis despite being in the heart of the city. A lovely place for a stroll, picnic, or just to relax and people-watch.

This garden has lovely scenery, under the Edinburgh castle. Come here for an escape from the city. It is well maintained and perfect for walks, and picnics. Lots of benches to sit and relax. There is a very good playground for the kids and a beautiful fountain

Its the jewel of Edinburgh for everyone. Filled with flowers, green fields, shady trees and historic monuments. Its to enjoy for residents and tourists of all types, be it nature lovers, flower fanatics or history lovers. To add onto everything else there is a small children's playground as well along with a small outdoor theatre/ concert arena. Always booming with life, princess street gardens is without fail an attraction for every individual.

Very cool green space. Wouldn't know you were between next to the main shopping road. Very peaceful and gull of beautiful spaces and interesting history.

A favourite place every time we are in the city. A lovely park, stunning views up to the castle and the royal mile. Has the national gallery next door and is a right next to the main shopping area. Nice to step into the calm of the park from the chaos of Princes st!! Photos attached are taken from Carlton Hill looking down on Princes street that the gardens run along side

I loved the place. It's very spacious, great for walking and exercising, clean and tidy, and teeming with tourists. It has very ancient ruins. I didn't feel the time pass as I walked around and explored. What I liked most was the lake and its waters, and the weather was perfect for staying outside for a longer period.

This is a beautiful public park that has several monuments and attractions like the Scott Monument, Ross Fountain, and Floral Clock. It had a wonderful view of the castle. We visited Edinburgh during a weekday in June and there was an event.

One of my absolute favorite art galleries! There are so many beautiful paintings — including famous works by Van Gogh and Monet. I absolutely love it here! You could spend hours just walking around and taking it all in. Truly an art lover’s paradise!

AMAZING art (paintings, sculptures) and space design! And the fact that is free was extraordinary to see! It sends a message ❤️ And like always, love the souvenir shop. It is huuuge and has a variety of things to choose from: cards, books, handmade mugs, scarves, games, notebooks, souvenirs 😍

Take enjoyed this gallery, they have a lot of famous artists on display, we spend a few hours here looking around. They have plenty of seats throughout the gallery, and foldout ones if you want to sit closer for a while, or sketch. The height of some pieces was fascinating, and you could stand in front of them for quite a while, figuring out the story. My favourites were those depicting scenes from A Midsummer night's dream, the statue of the 3 graces, and the tall embroidered pieces by Phoebe Anna Traquair. (See photos) We started off at the cafe on the 3rd level, then worked from the top down (old art student trick!) which worked very nicely and meant we ended up finishing at the shop, where I bought a LOT of postcards! Highly recommend coming here if you're an art lover ❤️

It's cool and it's free! Lots of art from past centuries, and some impressionism. No modern stuff here (except for a small section at the very end). You'll see great works by Scottish artists as well many other famous European artists.

Free to enter, the artwork is absolutely incredible and transports you to different times and places. The gift shop also has amazing pieces, worth having a look in there too! Highly recommend visiting the galleries whilst in Edinburgh.

World class in every respect. Spend half a day enjoying the art. Or meet up for lunch or a coffee and browse the shop for a present. Happy to say prices are still reasonable and in the shop you can get international icons of Scottish art or pieces from local artists. The setting is central just at the Mound and on the tram and many bus routes. A welcome break from the temptations of Princes Street shopping. And the toilets are accessible and as modern as the layout inside the old pillared exterior. Cool in the Summer and welcoming in Winter and not full of the ever present tourists to be found in the old town and, well everywhere.

A true world-class collection! The National Galleries of Scotland offers an incredible journey from Titian and Vermeer to Scottish masters and Impressionists—all housed in beautiful buildings. The newly opened Scottish galleries are stunning. A free, inspiring, and essential cultural experience in Edinburgh!

Great place to visit! Make sure to watch the show, we had a great time wondering around. We took our golden retrievers in too (dogs allowed for free) Lots of stairs - 6 flights. Under 100 steps up to the top. And then you walk down the floors gradually

What an experience! I got there with 15 minutes before the next show. I had no ones what show they were referring to so I climbed up the 100 steps to the roof top to take in the views. Said views were incredible with with binoculars to see into tue distance. And then the show began, No photos and or videos in the 'show' but wow I personally had no idea what camera obscurer was and now I do and im impressed. The staff were incredible I loved every second of it. After the show I explored the floors and what there was to offer and I enjoyed every second of it (about 2 hours!) I interacted with 90% of what there was to offer as a solo visitor and had a great time but would say is ideal for families and people of all ages solo or a group . I laughed and smiled and scratched my head frowning all the way through the exhibits. 100% reccomend im only on day 2 out of 10 of my Scotland adventure but easily at the top of my list of things Ive done. I only added a handful of photos as definitely is somewhere to visit and better as a surprise!

Firstly, not the cheapest attraction for a family, but on a nice day this place is hard to beat. We loved everything it had to offer on every floor and just took our time. The views from the top (and a sunny day) are just stunning! The highlight for the kids was the mirror maze and vortex, not for those who get dizzy easily! Worth noting, they stamp your hand and you can return later, it's open until 9pm most nights, and we did go back when it was dark, it was quieter and again the views of the city lit up were spectacular!

Our family's visit to the Camera Obscura & World of Illusions was an absolute highlight of our Edinburgh trip, and a significant part of that success can be attributed to the phenomenal host, Louis, who kicked off our experience with the Camera Obscura show itself. From the moment we gathered in the top-floor chamber, Louis's energy and charisma were infectious. He wasn't just a guide; he was a master storyteller and an engaging entertainer. He had a natural ability to connect with everyone in the room, from the wide-eyed children were captivated to the curious adults. His introduction to the Camera Obscura itself was perfect – he managed to explain the complex science behind it in a way that was both understandable and utterly fascinating. The Camera Obscura show, projected onto the large viewing table, was a marvel. Louis expertly manipulated the device, bringing the bustling streets of Edinburgh, its landmarks, and even unsuspecting pedestrians right into our darkened room. He pointed out details, told anecdotes, and even made a few playful "scoops" of passersby, much to the delight of the children. His running commentary was witty, informative, and perfectly paced. He clearly loves what he does, and that passion shone through, making what could have been a simple demonstration into a truly memorable performance. We left that initial show buzzing with excitement, eager to explore the rest of the attraction, all thanks to Louis's incredible introduction. And what an attraction it is! After the Camera Obscura, we descended through five floors of pure, unadulterated fun and mind-bending illusions. Each floor offered a new set of wonders, guaranteeing something to amaze every member of our family. The Magic Gallery was a particular hit, with its array of holograms that seemed to follow you and pictures that shifted before your eyes. The kids loved trying to figure out how they worked, and even we adults found ourselves scratching our heads in delightful confusion. The Mirror Maze was an instant favorite, leading to shrieks of laughter and mock-panic as we bumped into our reflections. It's surprisingly disorienting and fantastic fun for all ages. Similarly, the Vortex Tunnel challenged our equilibrium and created some truly hilarious moments as we tried to walk through what felt like a spinning abyss. The interactive exhibits were brilliantly designed. My children particularly enjoyed the shrinking room, where perspective played tricks on their eyes, and the various optical illusions that made them appear to float or grow. There were plenty of opportunities for fantastic, quirky family photos, which we took full advantage of. The "Beuchet Chair" and the "Ames Room" provided endless amusement as we swapped places and watched each other seemingly shrink and grow. What struck me most was how well-maintained and clean everything was, despite the constant stream of visitors. The staff throughout the building were also friendly and helpful, adding to the positive atmosphere. We easily spent a good three hours exploring, and honestly, we could have stayed longer. It's an attraction that encourages interaction, experimentation, and a healthy dose of wonder. It's educational without feeling like a classroom, and entertaining without being superficial. In summary, the Camera Obscura & World of Illusions is an absolute must-visit in Edinburgh, especially for families. But if you're lucky enough to have Louis as your guide for the Camera Obscura show, you're in for an extra special treat. He sets the bar incredibly high, and the rest of the attraction admirably lives up to the promise of magical, mind-bending fun. We left with our minds boggled, our spirits lifted, and a plethora of fantastic family memories.

We had an amazing time visiting Camera Obscura in Edinburgh! The Camera Obscura show at the start was really fun and fascinating — a great way to kick things off. My kids absolutely loved every part of it. While the experience is fantastic any day, I’d definitely recommend going on a sunny day if you can — the views and the Camera Obscura show are even more impressive with clear skies. That said, all the floors are packed with fun, interactive exhibits that are enjoyable no matter the weather. It’s a brilliant place for families and well worth the money. Highly recommended for a fun and memorable day out!

Had an amazing time here, although by time I left I felt like my head was on upside down. Brilliant views from the roof and then several floors of optical illusions and other fun stuff. Erica ran the short presentation on the top floor, but all the staff were extremely friendly and helpful. It's right by the castle and takes about 1-2 hours to see it all. Very fun, would recommend

Incredibly wacky place. But very fun, and much better than I expected. I spent a good 2 hours in here, far longer than I thought I would. The staff are very friendly - we were served by Matthew who was very nice! Julian gave us a very interesting and amusing talk about the Camera as well. It's not the best place to visit in Edinburgh, but if you've got some spare time, definitely give this place a visit. My only criticism is that the tickets are very expensive, and I'm not sure how they can justify that.

The restaurant presents a menu with strong visual impact, featuring carefully crafted descriptions and offerings that draw on both Scottish tradition and international influences. However, behind the impressive presentation, the culinary substance leaves much to be desired. The overall experience is certainly worth a visit for the setting: the Gothic-style dining room is simply magnificent, and the historic atmosphere surrounding the venue makes the context truly unique. The staff stand out for their kindness and attentiveness, always ready to assist guests with care. From a gastronomic perspective, however, the experience did not live up to expectations or to the prices charged. The meats, compared to those found in more understated establishments that literally melt in the mouth, here proved less refined in both texture and quality. The oysters with champagne, while correctly presented, offered nothing memorable and remained rather average. The handling of the wine list also conveyed more apprehension than expertise: wine should not be chosen in haste, but in relation to the menu and with the necessary time. In summary, a restaurant with a spectacular setting and attentive service, but from a strictly culinary standpoint the experience is disappointing. The price-to-quality ratio is not justified, particularly when considering a service charge of around £30. A place that enchants for its atmosphere, more than for its gastronomic value. One star for the experience, one star for the Spanish guy 🖤

I've never visited the hotel but I've dfined at the restaraunt twice, first in 2024 and then again in 2025. The building, location and interior is genuinely breathtaking. It truly feels like stepping back in time. The atmosphere of the restaurant is tranquil and the guests have always seemed to respect the ambience as well. The dark lights goes well with the gothic feel of the room, but I'd also like to add that as a nepsy girlie it truly helps in creating a peaceful experience. My experience of the service is also first class. They have always made me feel welcome (even when dining alone, which is not always a given) and made the experience feel grand. I am not a foodie so my thoughts on the food should be considered as such. The menu is very seasonal so I can only speak of the menus in the fall of 2024 and 2025. In 2024 I had a heavenly risotto that I still think about from time to time. In 2025 I had a vegetarian dish of some sort and it didn't meet my expectations of what the restaurant is (that's the only reason for 4 stars instead of 5. The dessert was heavenly on both times and the house lemonade (or was it ice tea?) is really good.

Great location! Central to everything and walkable from most spots. Beautiful atmosphere, cosy, intimate and a very gothic ambience. The food was tasty, the haggis and potato roti starter was a stand out, however the steak tartare was quite average, it was nice enough but wouldn’t order again. The staff were attentive, friendly and very professional. Been desperate to visit for a few years and it did not disappoint. The autumnal vibes were evident with pumpkins, winter flower arrangements and long wick candles. A really nice spot to enjoy some magical vibes!

I brought my parents here for dinner to celebrate their 58th anniversary. The original booking was for four people but one dropped out last minute. The staff accomadated this with no fuss and rearranged our table accordingly. The venue is gorgeous with a magical ambience. We asked to have the set menu for two to be altered for three and again this was no problem. The food tasted great and the recommended wine pairing was excellent. A formal yet unpretentious and friendly service. Highly recommended.

This is one of the best dining experiences you can get. Outside on the Royal Mile is a tourist trap, but walk through the close and you are transported to a beautiful, quiet courtyard. The ambience is magical, the wait staff were friendly and attentive, and the food was incredible. We had 3 delicious courses with cocktails, and loved every bit of it. Hospitality at its finest, highly recommended.

I can't speak for staying here.We had lunch. The atmosphere is nice.The food was delicious. It is a smaller menu with a three course option or individual entrees. Pricey, but you get what you pay for. Our greeting was not warm and welcoming, but our service was great.The atmosphere inside is nice.The food was perfect

The Witchery is one of the most beautiful places in Edinburgh — the aesthetics are absolutely stunning and make every visit feel special and unique. It’s genuinely one of my favourite places in the city. The food is delicious, fresh, and full of flavour — always cooked to perfection. The staff are so kind and welcoming; they make you feel completely at home and add to the whole experience. It’s the perfect place for a special occasion or a memorable night out. I totally recommend it!

The hop on hop off bus driver recommended this place to us. We said we wanted to go to an authentic Scottish pub. It was the perfect day out, so I was hoping to sit outside, but all the tables were full, so we sat inside upstairs. The service was excellent, very attentive server. I thought the menu was rather limited, but I decided to order the scottish pie. It was decent and comforting, but I felt it was a bit lacking a nd bland. It's not a bad spot, but for reference, I would probably choose somewhere else next time.

We were there between meals, like 3 pm, it was not busy. We had their Cold Town lagger, light. We tasted their Haggis Bonbons, which tasted good, but believe me I could not tell what they were made of, there was a lamb flavor in them. The Auld Hundred steak pie was very good, the steak was tender and flavorful. The fish chips were nicely cooked, the batter was crispy and the fish was fresh. The services were great.

I went on my own and was really impressed by both the food and the service. The wait staff were really contientious about taking care of me, and dinner really was excellent! This is a smaller restaurant above a bar, and I saw them turn away customers because it was so busy and they were booked out (Aug- Fringe and Tattoo in Edinburgh everything books out). Popular place! I would go back

We hadn't booked for dinner, and they said it would be an hour or so, so we sat downstairs at the bar enjoying a few pints while waiting. At the restaurant I had rhe haggis neeps and tatties, which is always a favourite of mine. And here it was amazing. Paired with a few dark good 80 shillings ale. One of the few 80/- Ive found Ive found in rhe city. Also had a whisky. But they were 25cl and felt pricey Will definitely be back!

Felt like you are going into a small pub joint but it is big in the inside with a lot of sitting in their (I think) three story building. We got Auld Hundred steak pie and Traditional scampi supper. They taste great and the portion is just about the right size for a hungry patron.

An average Sunday roast… Came here for Sunday roast but was quite disappointed with the standard of food. The vegetables were bland, the gravy was watery, veggie haggis looked like it had been eaten and excreted before it was put on my plate (see photo for proof). The staff were really nice and at the end of the day I was quite hungry so ate it anyway and it was meh.

Nice friendly looking pub downstairs, but we went to the restaurant upstairs. It was nearly fully seated and is only quite small, so I definitely advise booking ahead. The vibe is very relaxed and the staff were friendly, attentive and helpful. The food was excellent with a good selection, all accompanied by a fast and efficient service. And, all that, at a very reasonable price too. So, full marks to The Auld Hundred and I'd definitely recommend a visit if you're in the city.

The spritz selection was fantastic. I had the Wee Berri Spritz. It was very tasty and refreshing. Our server knew the menu well and was attentive but also let us relax and enjoy the time. The only reason I gave a four star in food is because the chicken was a little heavy in sauce and had 1 mushroom slice in a dish advertised as roasted chicken with mushrooms. The salmon three ways was delicious and the dessert divine! Definitely get the whisky pairing with dessert. I would return for sure!

We stopped off here at the whiski bar and had a lovely meal for 2. We had the salmon fillet and the house burger. The salmon was a very nice treat, and the burger was top tier, the chips were very nice. I will say however the pepper sauce was £4 extra, which was a lot considering we already ordered a lot of food. Also I think some of the staff could have been a bit nicer and welcoming, as I sometimes found they didn’t even want to help us, and if they are including a service charge for a party if 2, you should at least make the customers feel like it’s deserved. Overall would recommend however

The steak pie was impressively nice. Love the flavour and have been missing it since then. Was here at the start of Oct. The place is slightly warm and stuffy. Personally would like it more if the place is more cooling. Of cause the warm maybe good during winter

We dropped in for a drink here after stumbling across it by chance and we are so glad we did. The venue is beautiful - inside and out and looks and feels super cosy. The decor is stunning too. The staff were so nice and welcoming, accommodating us without a booking. The drinks list is very good and reasonably priced for the area. We wanted to stay all night. The food looked amazing so we will definitely be trying that next time. Thanks for making us feel so valued - we will be back.

very fortunately just wait less than 10 min when I walkin. The service good, environment good. Just about the food, I order potato salmon soup, haggis and dessert. They show me haggis first before soup, I said it’s fine for me use starter and main together, but soup did get a bit cold by the end. And think the sauce in haggis might be a little bit overcooked cause the whisky taste bitter. But in any case, this was a very good meal.

We had dinner here on our 1st night in Edinburgh. The food was really great, and my drink was super tasty! The cranachan dessert was amazing! Definitely recommend this place for a good dinner.

Ella was a delight. Very personable & helpful with suggestions for our inquiries of places in Edinburgh. The Parmesan Truffle Chips were excellent. The atmosphere was very nice and we had a view of the Sir Walter Scott monument.

Delicious tea and food in an elegant atmosphere, beautiful music and furniture. We were a group of four, including a 5-year-old child. Our waiter thoughtfully pointed out that the portions were generous and suggested we might consider ordering for just three—but we decided to go ahead and try the full amount. He was right: the servings were very generous, and we couldn’t finish everything. Thankfully, the team kindly offered us to-go boxes, and we thoroughly enjoyed the exquisite pastries again the next day at home. The service was outstanding, and the entire experience felt truly special. Absolutely worth a visit!

Top quality afternoon tea served by very pleasant attentive staff. A most convivial venue with a very pleasant serene atmosphere which pervades the setting. A genuine oasis of tranquility just a stones throw away from the madding crowd traipsing up and down the Royal Mile.

My first ever high tea— this was worth every penny! The staff were so warm and friendly, and every single thing we ate was out of this world. Though the environment was posh, it was not at all pretentious, which is what I prefer!

A great overall experience. I’ve done a lot of different afternoon teas, and this is one of the better ones in terms if the quality of the service and tea. The savories and sweets were creative, both in taste and presentation, and very filling.

I absolutely loved the tea time experience here! The smell of books surrounding you is truly a sensory experience. The privacy of the book nooks makes it feel private and special. I loved the desserts served.

What a lovely experience! Treat yourself with a fancy breakfast surrounded by books. The food is delicious and the staff is attentive.

This Afternoon Tea experience was absolutely a luxury treat. We enjoyed the Fizz Afternoon Tea with a glass of cava. Both the savory and sweet tiers were impeccable and absolutely worth the cost.

This museum is amazing and very huge with many sections ranging from natural history, science and technology, Scottish history, and interactive activities. You can easily spend an entire day in here. Locker services are provided for storage starting from 3 GBP. There is a balcony cafe to grab quick food. The toilets are clean and easily accessible. Moreover, the free admission makes it totally worth. A must visit, when in Edinburgh.

🏛️ My Visit to the National Museum of Scotland, Edinburgh My visit to the National Museum of Scotland was a truly fascinating experience that combined history, science, culture, and innovation under one roof. Opened in 1998 (and incorporating the older Royal Museum building), it is one of the UK’s finest museums, showcasing everything from ancient Egyptian artifacts and Scottish history to space exploration and technology exhibits. The architecture is stunning — a beautiful blend of Victorian design and modern glass structures. Highlights included Dolly the sheep (the first cloned mammal), the Natural World galleries, and the interactive science zones, which were engaging for visitors of all ages. Visitor Tips: Entry is free, and you can easily spend 2–3 hours exploring. Don’t miss the rooftop terrace for panoramic views of Edinburgh. The museum café and gift shop are also worth visiting. How to Reach: Located on Chambers Street, it’s just a short walk from Royal Mile and Edinburgh Waverley Station, well connected by local buses and trams. Overall, the National Museum of Scotland is a must-visit — educational, inspiring, and beautifully curated, making it one of the highlights of any trip to Edinburgh.

What a gem of a museum. Lots to SEE AND DO and it is for free. Our ten year old daughter loved it so much. It is a must do with children. If you want to see everything you have to spend a whole day. Or you just pick the most interesting parts for you and spent a couple of hours.

Brilliant museum to visit! It's a beautiful building and spans a vast area inside with lots of rooms for different exhibits from F1 to ancient Egypt. Absolutely worth visiting. Free entry with zero queuing.

If you ever visit Edinburgh, you must visit the National Museum of Scotland! It’s huge and absolutely amazing in every section and detail. The interactive and educational exhibits make it enjoyable for all ages and it’s wonderful that such a great place is open to everyone at no cost. Don’t forget to stop by the Balcony Café inside , the coffee is great and the lemon cake is absolutely yummy 💛

Great place, could be there all day and still not do it all. Free to enter but donations welcomed. Lots of different exhibitions something for everyone, a lot with interactive aspects for children. Is wheelchair and pushchair friendly. Lovely view from level 7 roof terrace.

One day is not enough to fully explore everything what this museum offers. My son enjoyed every minute along side with us. He really liked all interactions, games and challenges. Museum offers insight of Scottish history, science, cultures, space and so much more. If you will step in, be prepared to spend there the whole day.

Gorgeous structure. Entry is free. Donate if you can. Founded in the 12th century and dedicated to St. Giles. In 1559, the Catholic church became Protestant, with John Knox, the most important figure of the Scottish Reformation, serving as pastor. If you are around, definitely worth to visit

A beautiful and stunning cathedral. My travel group was privileged to enter during the tail end of a choir rehearsal with the massive sound of a mighty pipe organ reverberating sonics in the vast stone arches. Absolutely go to a concert there if you love fine choral music and organ works! There is a very special chapel dedicated to the "Order of the Thistle' with unique and intricate carvings to marvel at, and admire. This is where HRH Queen Elizabeth II lay in state. A great visit.

St Giles’ Cathedral is a stunning and peaceful place right in the heart of Edinburgh’s Royal Mile. The architecture is absolutely beautiful. It’s full of history and detail—you can really feel the atmosphere of the old city inside. Even if you’re not religious, it’s worth visiting for the art, the calm environment, and the impressive craftsmanship. The staff are friendly and happy to share information about the cathedral’s history. A must-see landmark when exploring Edinburgh!

One of the most beautiful cathedrals in Edinburgh. The architecture is breathtaking! The pictures do not do it justice, and sadly the videos will not upload. There are many stain glass windows telling the magnificent Bible stories. There was a choir singing when we were there, and the sound echoing through sounded heavenly. The saddest part was a bit of old Scottish history....John Knox (see statue below) was a lead reformer to start the Church of Scotland was defamed with his grave being marked by the plaque below in the middle of a parking lot outside the church.

A beautiful cathedral. The entry is free but there may be a queue that may make a 10-15 minute wait for entry. There may be a demand for donations. Photography is allowed (though my partner said it was mentioned outside to not to take pictures) but we saw everybody inside clicking pictures nonstop and nobody stopped anybody. There was a big touch screen that provided nice information about the cathedral, how it was made and remade, about it's architecture and importance. There is a small souvenir shop inside, which surprisingly sells items at lower cost than the shops outside on the street. A must visit place in Edinburgh.

Beautiful from the outside and inside, with a lot of history surrounding this beautiful place, the windows, the ceilings, rooms, statutes, all the unbelievable engravings on the stones makes this one of the most beautiful churches in Scotland, while I believe the entrance is free at the front door you will be met with volunteers for donations, which is a great think to help the people in need, while you are not obligated to do so anything helps I'm sure ) P.S.: While walking around keep your head up, you just might miss a masterpiece if you don't do so, with so many beautiful coats of arms and engravings everywhere.

A must-see in Edinburgh—St Giles’ Cathedral is breathtaking St Giles’ Cathedral is truly a stunning landmark, right in the heart of the Royal Mile. The impressive architecture and soaring vaulted ceilings immediately draw you in, but it’s the gorgeous stained glass windows that really steal the show—each one a masterpiece in its own right. Whether you’re interested in history, architecture, or just want a quiet moment to reflect, this is a place worth stepping into. It’s free to enter, but a donation is encouraged, and well deserved—it helps maintain this beautiful and historic space for future generations. Peaceful, awe-inspiring, and full of character—don’t miss it.

devinately recomended. I took the Lost Close included tour. The Lost Close is not sooo much to see, but very interesting History and story about the finding of it. Becca (the plague doctor) I think was her Name was ver informative and entertaining at the same time. if you're interested in the history of Edinburgh you won't be disapointed

Wow! What an awesome experience! We booked this after looking for some things to do after dinner and are so glad we did! The entire experience was great- very informative, entertaining, and historical. We learned so much from our tour guide, Amber (aka Mary Kings daughter), and got to see some amazing things. Highly recommend!!

Very interesting visit. Great insight on the past in Edinburgh. It is a guided tour. Our guide was Lorraine and she did a great. The tour is one hour tour. I went with my son almost 13 years old and it was not too scary. Definitely, a must visit in Edinburgh.

Great tour! Loved that the guide dresses up as someone from the time period and stays in character too. Our guide Daisy was so charismatic and passionate. Her enunciation was a 10/10 too. If you're thinking of buying the plague doctor mask keychain at the gift shop, note that it doesn’t actually come with the key ring, you only get the charm itself!

My second time doing The Real Mary Kings Close tour and I loved it even more this time. Such a highlight this tour, one of the best things to do in Edinburgh. Our tour guide Anthony was brilliant, he made the tour. I will be back for another tour when I come back to Edinburgh I love this place so much.

This is definitely a must do in Edinburgh! Our tour guide was Marcus, and he did a fabulous job! He was very informative and was also hilarious, which made the experience very fun and interesting. The shop is also adorable and a lot of interesting items to choose from. Highly would recommend!

First we were sad not to be able to take pictures downstairs (upstairs and in the shop it's allowed) but you don't have any time to be honest. Everything was exciting and the told history about Edinburgh and those buildings was fascinating! Anthony was the best tour guide we could imagine! His voice was perfectly loud, clear and well understandable! He gave clear instructions and was always kind and also very sweet at the end! His jokes were actually great and we had a lot to laugh between the facts and the "kind of dark" story about Mary King.

I loved being able to walk around at my own pace listening to the audio guide. Loved learning about the history and the kings/queens who lived there. No photos allowed inside. Beautiful gardens also and a café.

The best way is to buy tickets in advance or buy a package with hop on and off bus as the tickets are guaranteed entry, pre booked. It's kinda lots of people,despite its Monday afternoon. Anyway, it is worth visiting. It's strictly prohibited to take photos inside the palace, so i can only post the area around. Enjoy coming as it's full of history. The Royal Botanical Garden is stunning 😍

Have taken so many friends and relatives on tours of Holyroodhouse, and never come away without learning or seeing something new. This is more than a palace or museum, this is a fascinating part of a nation's history, only diminished in its value because rogue political 'leaders' think they know better than the rest of the population! Well worth a visit, again and again.

This was definitely worth a visit. Yes, it does cost to go in but the handset made it worthwhile as they had an interactive app that helped the kids to learn, search and play. Out of all the historic sites we went to, they learnt the most at this site. The palace was beautiful and well maintained. There was one area (tight staircase heading to Mary's room) that would be an issue to get to for those who struggle to walk upstairs. There was no signage to provide another route. Other than that, we had a fabulous time and my 3 kids aged from 7 to 14 all enjoyed it. All in all, a breathtaking

Beautiful royal palace: the visit with the audioguide was perfect and very interesting. The garden and the ruins of the cathedral are very charming too. We visited with a baby and the staff was super friendly and helpful.

Now, before the tour, I booked one of the private tours, you are not to take photos on the inside of the building, also no food or drink. We met our guide inside the gates, after they scanned our tickets, we were given the tour, of the outside. Amy was our guide, she told us the complicated history of scottish and English, that involved the Holyroodhouse. The ruins on the backside, with the garden, the inside staterooms, dining room,ante chamber to the king, rooms that the royal family still uses, Mary Queen of Scots room, just lots of rooms with elegant ceilings, tapestry that is older than the building, the large gallery room. This was an awesome experience! Thank you!

Lovely place to visit. Lovely to see the rooms and lovely collection of art and wonderful tapestries , Take the audio tour as very interesting can't take photos in the palce but that doesn't distract from the experience. You can always get a brochure.

Located in a touristy area, but don’t be discouraged. The food here is excellent. The servers worked as a team and were awesome. We had numerous small plates and a dessert. I also supposed multiple scotches which were well priced for that area. Will be going here again during this trip.

Walked in without a reservation and was able to get a table. As a solo diner I found it to be a great atmosphere and vibe! Staff was super friendly and helpful. The food was truly delicious! Would not hesitate to come again! Great place to share a bunch of small plates with friends!

Really friendly staff and outstanding service from the minute we walked in. Was warmly greeted and taken to our table straight away. We had prebooked which I would recommend if you are fancy where you sit. Food was of a very high standard and not too expensive but also not cheap. Good selection of small tapas like plates.

First visit into the city and was taken to angels with bagpipes and it didn’t disappoint. We tried a few small plates including the haggis bonbons, which I’ve never had before, plus steak and chips. All the food was lovely and good service. Sat outside as it was busy so would recommend booking in advance but was a lovely evening sitting outside and eating. Highly recommend visiting if you would like a special meal out.

Came here for lunch with my wife before heading to Murrayfield on my 60th birthday. We had 5 of the small dishes between us and honestly i couldn’t fault any of them. However I would say the one dish you must order is the Haggis bon bons they are heavenly, even if you think you don’t like haggis these are fantastic. The staff are really friendly and efficient. Great experience really enjoyed the food will be back next time we’re in Edinburgh. Well done Angels with Bagpipes

The restaurant is nice but the waitress (the one standing by the door) - her attitude was horrible. The foods took really long time. Taste ok.

Very nice place with Scottish cousins menu. Nice young staff and great food.

Cute Little bar, we stopped halfway up old fish market. We only had drinks but the decor and atmosphere was up our ally! Staff was friendly and I recommend the Happy Drank!

If you love chicken Wings, this is the place to be. With plenty of flavours and options, including boneless chicken, which essentially is chicken nuggets (not recommended). They have flavour and sauces. Unless you have a very high tolerance for spicy food, stay under the 4 mark. Of course, for the brave ones, there is the Wall of Fame. The restaurant has moved adjacent to its old location. Good milkshakes as well.

it’s a great place. food is very original, delicious and there are plenty of choices on the menu. it’s located in the city centre but in a very quiet alley where you don’t hear all the noise. music and style are fantastic and the service is very nice, respectful and they’re not up tight. I recommend it very much

Amazing selection of sauces, never seen such a large collection anywhere else in the UK. Friendly staff who were ready to assist with choosing. The sauces themselves where great and even available in bottles to buy. The spice challenge was a bit too much for me though. Can also recommend the frickle and the shakes.

Absolutely love this place! I’ve had the pleasure of going here twice now and not only has the food been fab with big portions the place itself is such a vibe. The food itself was very reasonable in price as well! One of my favourite spots if you try it out - I’d recommend the Long John Silver sauce. That was our favourite

Quite possibly the best chicken and fries I’ve ever had. Do not pass up an opportunity to try out the nuggets, I’m still thinking about them 2 weeks after I visited! Took a while to get the bill but otherwise great service.

Very good chicken wings with an insane variety of sauces! Wings and sauces were so yummy that we came here for dinner 3 times during our stay in Edinburgh. Mac & cheese and nuggets were good too but wings were the winner. Staff were really friendly and helpful with recommendations. Loved the quirky decorations of the restaurant as well.

As huge fans of Harry Potter growing up, we were so excited to visit The Elephant House in Edinburgh during our trip in August 2024! Although the original location had burned down, we went to the new location along Victoria St, and the entire experience was truly magical. We had brunch there, and the highlight of our visit was definitely the butter beer! The atmosphere was cozy and filled with charm, and it felt like a true part of the Harry Potter legacy. A must-visit for fans and anyone looking for a unique, dining experience in Edinburgh!

Eight Elephants is such a fun spot — especially if you're into Harry Potter! The themed decor gives off serious Hogwarts vibes, and it’s perfect for snapping photos or just soaking in the magical atmosphere.

This one at victoria next to the context museum is open. The original one is still being repaired. The shop area here has the pictures and desk with notebook folks can write on and review JK items. As for the butterscotch beer, for those that appreciate it, it’s quite good. The kids had 2 as they were so good. For adults, the Boozy alcohol butterscotch one rocked. Totally enjoyed it. Got some croissants and caesar salad with it. All was good but bill was well over 100 pounds for the 5 of us. Regardless, everyone left satisfied with the food and drinks. Customer service was nice as well! Great place for tourists visiting and experiencing harry potter history and experience. The restrooms also came in very handy for us while walking through the busy victoria streets. Anyways, all in all - A great tourist stop

🪄 The birthplace of Harry Potter — fyi, i'm huge fan of harry potter and the city that unexpectedly became one of my all-time favorites. I didn’t know much about Edinburgh before arriving. Honestly, even on the day I landed, I couldn’t quite picture what this city would be like. The reason I came was simple: I’d read that this was where J.K. Rowling wrote Harry Potter — and that many of Edinburgh’s corners had inspired the magical world and its characters. Plus, the iconic Hogwarts Express-like train runs nearby through the Highlands. So, naturally, the very first place I visited was The Elephant House Café. ☕ At the entrance, a sign reads “Birthplace of Harry Potter,” and inside, photos of J.K. Rowling are proudly displayed. She used to sit here every day, writing Harry Potter while gazing out at the beauty of Edinburgh — all during her most difficult years. I got there early in the morning and was lucky enough to enjoy the cozy, quiet vibe before it filled with tourists. I ordered a café latte — honestly, not the best coffee I’ve had in the UK, but who cares? I didn’t come here for the coffee 😅 Also, I ordered a large, and it came in a literal bowl. Be prepared! 📝 The restroom walls are covered with messages from Harry Potter fans around the world. There’s everything from magical spells, quotes, fan messages, even letters to J.K. Rowling. Two that stayed with me: “You taught me how to read, love and believe” and “Thank you, JK, always.” Couldn’t have said it better myself. Even if you’re not a big fan of harrypotter, Edinburgh is simply incredible. Thank you, J.K. Rowling, for gifting us such a masterpiece 💫

It is a must see if you are a Harry Potter fan and there is something magical about the venue. However, it was rather expensive and service was long and not like I had experienced in other places in Scotland.

Nice food and drinks. Sadly service is a bit weak. Ordering takes a while, tables are Bit sticky and some tables are for some reason empty but you have to wait long to get a table. Overall quite nice.

Absolutely appalling service from this particular server — avoid him at all costs. I’ve been to Elephant House before and had a wonderful experience, but this time was a complete disaster thanks to this man (in the attached picture). From the start, his behaviour was racist, rude, and blatantly discriminatory. We asked for water while ordering. It never came, even after our food arrived and we waited 30 minutes. When we asked again, he rolled his eyes and begrudgingly gave us one glass despite there being two of us. Every other table had full jugs of water — except ours. When we asked for another glass, he made a face, was openly rude, and slammed it down. The food? Equally disappointing — the bread was so hard it could have chipped a tooth. This wasn’t just bad service; it was an insult. A complete tourist trap and a stain on what could otherwise be a great café. Avoid this server if you value basic respect and decency. (Regarding the owner's quick response to my comment: Just because the servers are from an Asian heritage doesn't mean they couldn't be a racist or a rude person. That's racist to even think anyone except asians are racists. Secondly I have stayed in Edinburgh for several years and I am from here and the other 1 star reviews for your rude behaviour validates my point. Thirdly the bread was hard as a rock regardless if it was freshly baked or not and lastly welcome to 'Our' festival. Have a good day.

Family run gem in Edinburgh. Personality in every detail. You must try the chakk de phatte beer. Pakoras were the best I’ve ever had. I can’t wait to try more of the street food bites too - the lamb samosas and aloo tiki chaat were so good. Also deffo make sure you try the pakora sauces on the side - we had mango chilli and green chilli. Music inside also v good. Ad - we were kindly invited along to try out but my review is honest and my own.

The Pakora Bar is such a gem of a restaurant that more need to know about! We visited on 14/10/25 and immediately upon arrival, was greeted by the lovely waitstaff and Mark, Brian and Paul; the brothers who run this family business. As soon as we entered, we felt welcome and nothing was too much to ask for. Mark kindly ran through the menu with us, and helped us find some dishes we may not have tried before, so to ensure a unique experience. Learning about some of the dishes, and the history of the business made the experience even more exciting, because you could tell that they are really passionate about what they do. Albeit that obviously a business needs to run successfully on a money side of things, it doesn’t feel like this when you arrive, but more so that you are being welcomed into their living room to have some soul warming food. A rarity nowadays. We were really excited to try their Chakk de phatte mango lassi pale ale, as it is Scotland’s first and only! I myself am not an ale drinker at all, HOWEVER, this really won me over. The classic mango lassi flavour really made this ale less hoppy and more flavourful, which made it really universally tasty to drink; whether an ale drinker or not. There is something for everyone to like in this creation. Side note- their dad came up with this idea and then his boys helped workshop it until they came to the perfect blend. I just loved that it was a family idea and team effort. The cocktails I had, dirty lassi and espresso chaitini, were gorgeous! Creamy, full of flavour & made with Scottish based spirits; it really made for the perfect combination of the Punjabi flavours with a Scottish twist. Brian has a breadth of knowledge from his years of bar experience and this really showed in how good the cocktails were. He even came to our table to ask how he could cater the drinks to us, which was a lovely special touch. Please go, support local & I just know you won’t regret it!

What a fabulous meal we had with the lads at the Pakora Bar! We were a group of five, mum sis and daughters….we had some truly delicious dishes! Note: they were ALL delicious! But my personal highlights were the Cauliflower, the Punjabi sauce, the samosas, the chicken spring rolls and any of the chickpeas!!!!! Brian and Mark (gosh I hope I have your names right!!!) were delightful hosts, thank you for looking after us. We will all be back, with friends as promised!

The food was fantastic and the hospitality exceptional! The entire family was present this evening and they made us feel so welcome. We lucked out with a table beside the owners mother and father and heard stories of how the business has grown and how the 3 brothers have worked so hard to make it what it is today! Highly recommend and ask for the table beside the bar if you see the mum and dad sitting there. Their stories are brilliant and they made our evening! Try their IPA and meat mixed pakoras!

October 2025 — 🌱 Vegetarian Had dinner at Pakora Bar – Edinburgh. A bit on the expensive side, but the food quality and taste were really good overall. • Rajma Chawal – 5/5 — damn good! Absolutely loved it — rich flavour and comforting just like home. Though at £16, the quantity didn’t quite match the price. • Gol Gappe – 5/5 — loved it! Not your regular mint water — more on the tangy side with a little spice kick. The chickpea and onion mix was so tasty 😍. Ambience: cosy and lively. Service: quick and polite. Overall, a satisfying experience — perfect if you’re craving authentic North Indian street-style flavours in Edinburgh!

Loved the vibe at Pakora Bar really nice ambiance! The chicken pakora was delicious and definitely the highlight of the meal. Chicken curry also good Slightly disappointed with the breads though, since they seemed frozen and not fresh.paranthas are very tight If they fix that, it would be perfect. Still a great place to go for good Indian food!

What an amazing experience from beginning to end. Space is beautiful, restaurant is family-run, and the drinks and food are an explosion of complex but beautifully balanced spices and flavors. Everything the family does is done with intention and passion which comes through in both their amazing dishes and wonderfully crafted cocktails. Had my first introduction to Indian whisky with the Peg, which is their take on an old fashioned and is expertly, crafted to deliver a full-mouthful experience. The Hot Chili sauce was spicy, but well balanced and was delicious on the Mushroom pakora. The Punjabi Chicken Curry was so dynamic with it's spices and was beautifully rich, yet light and some of the best Curry I've ever tasted. The entire family is a delight to talk to, and Edinburgh is truly lucky to have such an establishment.