My...Edinburgh With Amy Bell
SHOPS
Epitome
This is a great boutique on Dundas Street. It stocks everything from everyday denim by Citizens of Humanity and Veja trainers to A.P.C bags and floaty shirt dresses by French brand Toujours. It also has a great selection of L:A Bruket products.
Visit EpitomeOfEdinburgh.com
Lifestory
For interiors, head to Lifestory, where you’ll find the most beautiful collection of furniture and accessories – all of which are guaranteed to make your home feel extra special. Everything has a cool Scandinavian feel, from the lampshades to the artwork.
Visit Lifestoryshop.com
Harvey Nichols
For well-known designers and a truly luxurious shopping experience, it doesn’t get much better than Harvey Nichols. With five floors of goods, from handbags to perfume and outerwear to interiors, you’re bound to pick up a treat here. Located across from St Andrew Square, the department store’s rooftop restaurant offers spectacular views of the city, too.
Visit HarveyNichols.com
Mysa
Mysa is a cute under-the-radar gift shop, and it’s the perfect spot to pick up a unique gift to take home with you. Hunt among the treasures for a special piece, such as a vintage poster, coffee table book or quirky ceramic. As an added bonus, it also stocks a wide range of sustainable items.
Visit Indie-Edinburgh.co.uk
Armstrong’s Vintage
In my opinion, this is the best vintage shop in the city. It's where you’ll find cute knitwear alongside cool leather jackets and one-of-a-kind dresses. Think cut off Levi’s, Burberry trenches and bohemian 70s kaftans.
Visit ArmstrongsVintage.co.uk
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BARS
Panda & Sons
This quirky cocktail bar can be found on Queen Street. Inside, the speakeasy-style interior combines dark wood with cosy seating. The menu is anything but ordinary, with tipples ranging from foam whip drinks to ones served in takeaway cartons – and a hearty dose of dry ice to cap things off.
Visit PandaAndSons.com
The Register Club
If you’re in New Town, stop off at The Register Club. Situated on the fourth floor of The Edinburgh Grand, it has a laid back but luxurious vibe, with a menu offering a wide selection of drinks, light bites and afternoon tea. The good news is it’s set to reopen on 1st October.
Visit TheRegisterClub.com
The Last Word Saloon
Generally regarded as one of the best bars in the city, the knowledgeable mixologists who work here always come up with cool concoctions. Along with cocktails, there’s also a selection of wines and beers, so there’s something to suit everyone’s taste. The must-order is The Candidate – a mix of mezcal, pink grapefruit juice and thyme infused honey.
Visit LastWordSaloon.com
Hoot The Redeemer
Hoot The Redeemer is run by the same team behind Panda & Sons, so expect an unusual array of fun drinks. Along with tarot cocktails which are said to tell your future, slushies and a make-your-own cocktail menu, it also serves up boozy ice cream. Plus, it is just a short walk from the Scottish National Gallery, so you can enjoy a drink after getting your culture fix.
HOTELS
The Balmoral
The Balmoral is an award-winning hotel in the heart of the city. Part of the Rocco Forte Hotel group, it's unwaveringly luxurious, with décor that still nods to tradition. There are 167 rooms and 20 suites to choose from, many of which look out over Edinburgh Castle, Arthur’s Seat and the pretty Old Town.
Visit RoccoForteHotels.com
Eden Locke
For somewhere really Instagram-friendly, look no further than Eden Locke. A design-led aparthotel, there are 72 pretty apartments available, from studios to suites. Plus, there’s also an on-site coffee and natural wine bar where you can enjoy a drink or two among the pastel pink hues and kitsch furniture. You can find Eden Locke on George Street, with all the best shops and restaurants New Town just minutes away.
Visit LockeLiving.com
Intercontinental The George
This smart hotel in New Town has a collection of characterful and charming bedrooms that come with everything you need for a relaxing trip. Cool tones and plush fabrics make rooms extra cosy, with added touches like well-stocked mini bars, soft bathrobes and Agraria toiletries to truly make you feel at home. It's currently closed, but is set to reopen early next year.
Visit IHG.com
Edinburgh Grand
Edinburgh Grand is an all-apartment residence on St Andrew Square. Once the National Bank of Scotland, this historic building now houses 50 serviced apartments that can sleep just one or up to six guests. In a great location, it’s only a short walk from the train station and a stone’s throw from some of the best restaurants and coolest bars in the area.
Visit ChevalCollection.com
Nira Caledonia
This boutique hotel is housed in a pretty Georgian building. Found in Stockport, it couples classic interiors with modern furnishings to create a relaxed, yet elegant, home away from home. Large windows help bring the outside in, as well as offering beautiful views of the city. Make sure to book a table at the hotel’s on-site restaurant, which serves up a range of dishes featuring locally-sourced ingredients.
RESTAURANTS
Urban Angel
This cafe-cum-bistro is a lovely spot for brunch. Choose from dishes such as toasted fresh sourdough, butterscotch pancakes and eggs benedict. The perfect place to enjoy a lazy weekend treat, it has a cosy, relaxed atmosphere and plenty of comfy seating. In the evenings they serve up dinner and light bites, too.
Visit Urban-Angel.co.uk
Fhior
For fine dining, book a table at Fhior. The menu here revolves solely around what’s in season, with a team of chefs producing impressive, Scottish dishes with a modern twist. There’s a seven-course tasting menu available for dinner, along with a drinks package for £60, as well as a reduced lunch menu comprising of just four dishes.
Visit Fhior.com
New Chapter
This family-run restaurant in the centre of the city uses fresh and seasonal ingredients to create contemporary dinner dishes. At lunchtime, they offer a two-course set menu for £20. Think West Coast scallops, rib eye steak from the Scottish Borders and a delicious banana & honeycomb parfait.
Visit NewChapterRestaurant.co.uk
The Milkman
A quirky and rustic independent coffee shop, The Milkman is where you should head for a caffeine fix. A relaxing spot, expect exposed brick walls and bench seating, as well as an exceptional selection of baked goods. The team often collaborates with local artists to create cool merchandise, too.
Visit TheMilkman.Coffee
JORG ANGELI
JULIA SOLONINA
@THELITTLEMAGPIE
ATTRACTIONS
Camera Obscura
There are so many fantastic museums to visit in Edinburgh – from the National Gallery to the National Museum of Scotland. For something a little different however, head to Camera Obscura. An optical illusion museum, it’s a must-visit if you’re holidaying as a family, or even if you’re an adults-only group looking for some fun.
The Castle
You can’t visit Edinburgh without taking a trip to the grand castle. A historic fortress, it can be seen from almost any spot in the city, with its turrets and towers dominating the skyline thanks to its position high up on Castle Rock. Whether you just want to walk up to the site or fancy a tour inside, be sure to put it on your list.
The Royal Mile
The Royal Mile is a collection of streets in the heart of Edinburgh’s Old Town. The castle lies at its head, acting as your guide as you journey through the winding streets. Named after the processional route for kings and queens, it’s now home to an abundance of independent boutiques, delis and coffee shops.
Calton Hill
In any weather, a walk up Calton Hill is a must. At the top, expect panoramic views of some of the city’s most notable landmarks such as Arthur’s Seat, Princes Street and The Royal Mile. The hill is also known for its collection of historic monuments, from the striking National Monument – which was inspired by the Pantheon in Athens – to the Nelson Monument, which is designed to look like an upturned telescope.
Visit EWH.org.uk
Arthur’s Seat
One of the city’s most iconic landmarks, and a designated site of Special Scientific Interest, Arthur’s Seat is an extinct volcano that acts as the main peak of the group of hills in Holyrood Park. Just a short walk from the city centre, the 640-acre park is adjacent to the Holyrood Palace, which sits at the foot of the Royal Mile. Head here for unparalleled views of the city, plus plenty of green space to spread out in.
Visit VisitScotland.com
Follow Amy @TheLittleMagpie
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INSPIRATION CREDITS: Instagram.com/TheLittleMagpie; Eden Locke Hotel; JORG ANGELI; JULIA SOLONINA
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