The Botanist: Happening Now: Edinburgh Mini Guide
Happening now: EDINBURGH MINI GUIDE
Let us transport you to Edinburgh for the first of our mini guides, an ongoing series featuring our favourite cities.
Coffee culture. Indie bookshops. Award-winning bakeries. Edinburgh is so much more than cobbled streets and historic buildings. Best explored on foot, there are plenty of opportunities to refuel along the way with relaxed cafes and cosy bars at every turn. Read on for some of our favourite spots in the city.
NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH
Want to live like a local? Escape the city centre crowds and head to one of these unique neighbourhoods to experience Edinburgh’s vibrant communities.
Bruntsfield Close to the city centre but with a village feel, Bruntsfield offers independent boutiques, charming cafes, archetypal architecture and wide open green spaces.
Leith Easily reached via the city’s cycle paths or tram, Edinburgh’s lively, legendary port district is home to several Michelin star restaurants, cosy pubs, specialist shops and The Shore, a picturesque harbour.
Portobello This seaside community, known to locals as ‘Porty’, has a thriving high street but it's the long sandy beach, and the adjacent Victorian promenade, that make this suburb worth the commute.
Stockbridge Known for its independent shops, farmer’s market, pubs and cafe culture, Stockbridge is one of the city’s most visited (and photographed) neighbourhoods with its cobbled streets, Georgian houses, botanic gardens and parks.
BARS
You’re never far from a cosy pub or lively bar in Edinburgh. From traditional to inventive, here’s where to head at the end of the day.
Panda and Sons Fancy a cocktail? A theatrical, prohibition-style speakeasy disguised as a vintage-style barbershop, ask for a Botanist Negroni at the quirky Panda & Sons, which is full of surprises. pandaandsons.com
Nauticus An authentic maritime pub located in the heart of Edinburgh’s shipping port district Leith (see Neighbourhood Watch, above), ask for a Botanist Pickled Martini and enjoy local Scottish produce with your drink. nauticusbar.co.uk
Sushi Samba, W Hotel The recently opened W Hotel is home to Sushi Samba, a Japanese and Latin American fusion restaurant with an impressive cocktail bar. Ask for a Botanist Sambatini. sushisamba.com
Voodoo Rooms A brilliant music venue, head to the Edinburgh institution the Voodoo Rooms, an atmospheric cocktail bar and restaurant that hosts gigs, cabaret and comedy. Ask for a Botanist Martini. thevoodoorooms.com
Image Credit: Topping & Company
BOOKSHOPS
The world’s first City of Literature, Edinburgh is a book-lover’s paradise, bursting with bookshops, a rich literary history and home to Edinburgh International Book Festival. Searching for your next read? Keep scrolling.
Armchair Books Perched above the historic Grassmarket, books are piled high at Armchair Books, a beloved second-hand and antiquarian bookshop that defies space and time! armchairbooks.co.uk
The Edinburgh Bookshop Easily spotted by its purple exterior, this Bruntsfield community stalwart won Independent Bookshop of the Year two years in a row. edinburghbookshop.com
Golden Hare Books This (quite literally) cosy bookshop nestled in Stockbridge offers a warm welcome with a roaring fire. The back of the shop is dedicated to children’s books with bright murals and inviting reading nooks. goldenharebooks.com
The Portobello Bookshop This independent neighbourhood gem has a carefully curated selection and hosts excellent author events - check their listings before visiting. theportobellobookshop.com
Topping & Company Topping's Edinburgh outpost features floor to ceiling shelves housing 70,000 books and rolling library ladders! Even more novel is the free tea and biscuits they serve every customer. toppingbooks.co.uk
CAKE + COFFEE
If you like a pastry with your coffee, you’ve come to the right place. Edinburgh is home to many award-winning bakeries and coffee roasters. Here are some favourites that do both well.
Lannan If you’re willing to queue (worth it), you won’t be disappointed by the picture-perfect delicious French-style pastries, cakes, cookies and coffee that are all over your Instagram feed right now. lannanbakery.com
Mimi’s Bakehouse Known for their giant brownies, fluffy scones, nostalgic tray bakes and cakes, cream teas and novelty coffee drinks, family-run Mimi’s is a must-visit for those with a sweet tooth! mimisbakehouse.com
Pastry Section With a daily changing menu, this cake and coffee shop with cafes in Stockbridge and Leith uses seasonal ingredients to create their delightful cakes, buns, swiss rolls, tarts, cookies and bakes. pastrysection.com
Patina Slightly off the beaten track in Edinburgh Park, Patina is worth the trip - take the tram one morning and enjoy a perfectly crafted pastry and piccolo for breakfast. patinaedinburgh.com
Twelve Triangles Known for their slow-fermented sourdough breads and pastries, this Edinburgh bakery also serves excellent coffee from Edinburgh roasters, Fortitude. twelvetriangles.co.uk
BIRD'S EYE VIEWS
Edinburgh is a city of hills, there’s no getting round it, but after every steep climb you are rewarded with breathtaking views. Pack a picnic and enjoy that iconic skyline from one of these vantage points.
Arthur’s Seat For an impressive outlook, head to Holyrood Park and climb to the park’s highest point, Arthur’s Seat, an ancient volcano 251m above sea level.
Blackford Hill A local nature reserve with a circular trail, this gentle hill rewards you with scenic panoramic views from its summit.
Calton Hill Best at sunset or sunrise, the 360 view from Calton Hill is one of the best. It’s also home to the City Observatory, a contemporary art space.
Inverleith Park On sunny days, the banks of this leafy green park are dotted with locals enjoying the city’s breathtaking skyline.
