Arusa Qureshi

You might never want to leave Edinburgh, and we get it. The Scottish capital is loved the world over for its culture, restaurants and Fringe Festival (to name a few). But if you limit your time in Scotland to just Edinburgh, trust us, you’re missing out.  Scotland is full of gems, but the best part is a whole lot of them can be reached by train or car in just one day – with enough time left to get back in time for dinner. From hilly hikes to wide-open beaches and from pretty towns to full-blown city breaks, these day trips from Edinburgh are not to be missed. Here are our favourites.  RECOMMENDED:🌤️ The best things to do in Edinburgh 🎨 The best art galleries in Edinburgh🏰 The best attractions in Edinburgh🏘️ The best Airbnbs in Edinburgh This guide was updated by Edinburgh-based Arusa Quereshi, and Time Out editors. At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines. This guide includes affiliate links, which have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, see our affiliate guidelines. 

The Scottish capital has a rich history when it comes to nightlife – from former disco haven Cinderellas in Stockbridge to The Venue on Calton Road – and it still has enough quality parties for you to plan a legendary night out. Growing up and spending my teen years in Edinburgh, I’ve had endless hazy evenings up and down the Cowgate, starting the night with pints at the Three Sisters, popping into Stramash for a spot of live music, then finishing the night out with a sweaty dance in Sneaky Petes, Mash House or Bongo. Keen? Here are my favourite clubs in Edinburgh. RECOMMENDED:🍻 The best bars in Edinburgh🍸 The best cocktail bars in Edinburgh🍽️ The best restaurants in Edinburgh📍 The best things to do in Edinburgh This guide was recently updated by Time Out’s features editor Chiara Wilkinson, who grew up in Edinburgh. At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines. 

Edinburgh’s food scene is thriving. Attracting some of the best chefs in the country, brand-new ventures are popping up all the time; for our summer 2024 update, small plates spot Eleanore has been crowned our number one, followed closely by Heron in second, which retained its Michelin star in 2024. But it’s not just exciting newbies on our list. Here you’ll find everything from old classics to neighbourhood joints, from super-fresh seafood and gorgeous local produce to daring twists on international flavours and innovative plant-based dining. Hungry? Us too. Whatever you’re craving, here are the best restaurants in Edinburgh right now.  RECOMMENDED: 🏘️ The best Airbnbs in Edinburgh🥑 The best brunch in Edinburgh🥪 The best cheap eats in Edinburgh📍 The best things to do in Edinburgh🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 Where to stay in Edinburgh This guide was last updated by Time Out’s features editor Chiara Wilkinson, who is from Edinburgh. At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines. 

There’s a reason people travel from all over the world to visit Edinburgh. This is one of our favourite cities on the planet, bursting with food, culture, and all-round great vibes, all while looking a bit like it’s a made up place from a gothic novel.  Firstly, of course, there’s the Fringe, the largest arts festival in the whole world, taking place throughout August. But at any time of year, you’ll find charming old-school pubs, top-notch restaurant scene and plenty of cute cafés to break up a day of mooching. Whatever your vibe, here’s our local’s guide to the best things to do in Edinburgh.  RECOMMENDED:🥞 The best brunches in Edinburgh🍸 The best cocktail bars in Edinburgh🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 Where to stay in Edinburgh🏨 The best hotels in Edinburgh  This guide was recently updated by Time Out’s features editor Chiara Wilkinson, who is originally from Edinburgh. At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines. This guide includes affiliate links, which have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, see our affiliate guidelines. 

Given that an impressively long list of British artists have hailed from Glasgow (Charles Rennie Mackintosh and Margaret MacDonald, to name a couple), and the same can be said for the number of Turner Prize winners and nominees produced by Glasgow School of Art, it’s safe to say that Scotland’s second city is an artistic one.  And whether you’re an up-and-coming creative or just someone who loves ogling a good painting, Glasgow’s plentiful galleries are full of marvellous works to see and inspire. There are world-famous works, original exhibitions and teeny tiny studios to explore, so have a browse of our absolute favourite art galleries in Glasgow. RECOMMENDED:🥗The best restaurants in Glasgow🍸The best bars in Glasgow🍻The best pubs in Glasgow🏩The best Airbnbs in Glasgow This list was updated by Arusa Qureshi, a writer based in Scotland. At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines.

You can’t help but want to treat yourself when you’re in Edinburgh. This city is dripping with grandeur, filled with top-notch restaurants and magnificent castles, and pretty much everywhere you go feels fit for royalty.  So why not round the weekend off with one of the most indulgent activities there is? And by that we mean, of course, afternoon tea. And unsurprisingly, Auld Reekie boasts a whole number of brilliant spots for it. From croissants and caviar to scones, cream and jam, here are the best afternoon teas in the city. Thank us later.  RECOMMENDED: 🥐 The best brunch in Edinburgh🍝 The best restaurants in Edinburgh🥂 The very best bars in Edinburgh🏨 The best hotels in Edinburgh This guide was recently updated by Dayna McAlpine, a writer based in Edinburgh. At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines. 

Edinburgh can get a little pricey (especially once you’ve added up the restaurant reservation and the hotel stay), but that doesn’t mean there aren’t affordable food options here. You just need a bit of local knowledge.  And that’s exactly what we’ve got right here. On our list you’ll find £4.50 pizza slices bigger than your head, burritos for under a tenner and a cult pie shop for a post-clubbing fix (and plenty, plenty more). Ready to feast? Here are the best cheap eats in Edinburgh, right now. RECOMMENDED:🥞 The best brunches in Edinburgh📍 The best things to do in Edinburgh🍰 The best afternoon tea in Edinburgh🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 Where to stay in Edinburgh This guide was recently updated by Dayna McAlpine, a writer based in Edinburgh. At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines.   

Sure, you’re in Edinburgh to climb Arthur’s Seat and have the time of your life at Edinburgh Fringe, but do you know what you’ll need for all that mooching? A delectable cup of coffee. And possibly a baked good, too. Luckily for you, the Scottish capital takes its coffee seriously. Over the years Edinburgh has become home to a glorious collection of speciality cafés serving up heavenly flat whites, cinnamon buns and a whole lot of people watching. Whatever corner of Edinburgh you find yourself in, here are the best cafés in the city.  RECOMMENDED:🥞 The best brunches in Edinburgh🍴 The best restaurants in Edinburgh📍 The best things to do in Edinburgh🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 Where to stay in Edinburgh🏨 The best hotels in Edinburgh This guide was recently updated by Dayna McAlpine, a writer based in Edinburgh. At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines.

Edinburgh’s restaurants are up there with the best in the UK, so it’s no surprise that its breakfast and brunching scene is pretty perfect too. Seriously hungover, a little peckish or just starving from all the fun at the Fringe, Edinburgh has you covered.  Here you’ll find everything from nutrient-packed granola bowls to a whole menu dedicated to eggs benny, and a full Mexican taco brunch thrown in there for good measure. If you fancy it, Edinburgh’s got it. Trust us on that one. Here are the best brunch spots in the city.  RECOMMENDED:🏘️ Where to stay in Edinburgh🥙 The best cheap eats in Edinburgh🏨 The best hotels in Edinburgh📍 The best things to do in Edinburgh This guide was recently updated by Dayna McAlpine, a writer based in Edinburgh. At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines. 

Given Edinburgh is to a sprawling, sparkling, world-famous arts festival, it’s hardly surprising there’s an impressive bedrock of performing arts venues dotted throughout the city. Every year, Edinburgh Fringe attracts some of the hottest talent from the theatre and comedy world who take to the stages throughout August – and don’t they deserve a decent roof over their heads? From Scotland’s oldest theatre to brand-new multi-arts venues, the Scottish capital brags an outstanding roster of auditoriums which offer everything from one-off performances to regular seasons, and of course, plenty of places you’ll frequent if you’re headed to Fringe. Here are ten of our favourites. RECOMMENDED:🎭Your ultimate guide to the Edinburgh Fringe 2024🎪The best things to do in Edinburgh🍝The best restaurants in Edinburgh🏩The best hotels in Edinburgh This guide was written by Arusa Qureshi, a writer based in Edinburgh. At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines.

Here for the Fringe or just for a holiday, Edinburgh is alive all summer long with good vibes, great food and some seriously good drinks. And if it’s raining? Hey, even better.  As well as its cracking pubs and bars, this is a city that is home to a number of specialist cocktail dens for when you’re feeling a little fancy. From small, hidden speakeasies to an all-new bar dedicated to only rum, you’ll never go thirsty in Scotland’s capital. Here are the best cocktail bars in Edinburgh.  RECOMMENDED:🏘️ Where to stay in Edinburgh🍝  The best restaurants in Edinburgh🏨 The best hotels in Edinburgh📍 The best things to do in Edinburgh This guide was recently updated by Dayna McAlpine, a writer based in Edinburgh. At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines. 

There’s a whole load of history, culture, art and atmosphere rolled into Edinburgh’s streets, but it’s easy to find yourself tapping away when you’re exploring a brand-new place – and Edinburgh is full of ways to empty your wallet, what with all those Michelin-starred restaurants and world-renowned attractions. But you can do Edinburgh cheaply, you just need to know where to head. From art galleries and gardens to quaint walks and historic sites, there’s plenty to do in the marvellous city, even if you’re on a small budget. Here are our top picks for the best free things to do in Edinburgh.  RECOMMENDED:🍝The best restaurants in Edinburgh🏛️The best things to do in Edinburgh🍸The best bars in Edinburgh🏩The best hotels in Edinburgh This guide was updated by Edinburgh-based Arusa Querishi. At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines.

What is Arthur’s Seat and why is it famous? Towering over Edinburgh’s Holyrood Park, Arthur’s Seat is the highest point of an ancient volcano that erupted 350 million years ago and one of four hill forts dating back around 2000 years. Robert Louis Stevenson described it as ‘a hill for magnitude, a mountain in virtue of its bold design’ and legend has it that it may have been the location of King Arthur's Camelot. Mostly, though, it’s got really great views over Edinburgh and the North Sea, and some seriously nice fauna.  How long does it take to walk up it? Arthur’s Seat sits 251m above sea level and though there are a number of routes up from Holyrood Park, it will take the average walker around an hour to walk up and back down. There are more strenuous and steep climbs up though, if you’d prefer a challenge. Is it hard to climb? As an extremely popular spot for walking and hiking, Arthur’s Seat is relatively easy to climb whether you’re a seasoned hiker or not. There’s an official path from Holyrood Palace car park and metal chain railings at the top to help keep your balance. Time Out Tip Take a breather and go for a walk around the man-made St Margaret's Loch, which is overlooked by the ruins of St Anthony’s chapel and home to numerous colonies of swans and ducks.  📍 Hungry from all that walking? Check out the best restaurants in Edinburgh

What is a festival city without its festivals? When Covid-19 and the resulting lockdowns forced widespread cancellations and postponements in the creative industries, this was a question many asked in Edinburgh. As the world’s leading festival city, it has become synonymous with culture, thanks largely to annual celebrations that immerse the city in art and performance from across the globe. But what would this haven for the arts look like without the events that give it its reputation?  ‘It was heartbreaking for me both as a local and as somebody in the industry,’ Julia Amour of Festivals Edinburgh explains. As the director of the umbrella organisation that connects Edinburgh’s major festivals, Julia and her team have had a unique insight into how the city has dealt with the effects of Covid. ‘To stay safe, we needed to stay isolated and stay apart, and cities are about gathering places, so it all felt unnaturally quiet. People didn’t have those concentrated moments of celebration to look forward to and to look back on. It was a real kind of character change for the city.’ With events on the whole starting to reappear in 2022 at near-normal capacity, it seems fitting that the Edinburgh festivals will see a grand return in what is the Fringe’s 75th anniversary year. The cancellation in 2020 and the smaller-scale programmes last year removed that familiar buzz. But as performers ready themselves for their Fringe runs and audiences prepare for the arrival of world-class artists

Finally, after a year’s delay due to the pandemic, COP26 kicks off in Scotland this weekend. The leading global forum on climate change feels more urgent and crucial than ever. And so it’s only right that world leaders are gathering to review their emissions targets – and (hopefully) halt the climate emergency in its tracks. Recently awarded the status of ‘Global Green City’, host city Glasgow has set its own target of achieving carbon neutrality by 2030. Which is big news. And with lectures, panels, pop-up arts spaces like The Landing Hub and event series like Climate Fringe, it’s hoped that COP26 will give local communities the impetus to really engage with the climate conversation. But this is also a city awash with businesses and year-round projects that place the climate crisis front and centre. Glasgow Eco Trust and Sustainable Glasgow are just two examples of wide-reaching projects that aim to foster a greener Glasgow. Here are seven more pioneering eco-friendly firms and initiatives we really rate. The bedding brand Buy the pyjamas and duvets from Glasgow-based brand Irregular Sleep Pattern, and you’ll go to sleep safe in the knowledge you’ve done at least one thing that’s good for the planet. The firm promises to produce its comfy bedclothes with the lowest possible environmental impact (all its products are ethically made in only very small batches). Expect snazzy prints, inclusive sizing and certified organic cotton. Photograph: Irregular Sleep Pattern The commun

Glasgow is going to be the talk of the world this November, as political leaders from across the globe try to figure out how exactly to save the planet at COP26. It’s the fun-loving Scottish city’s time in the spotlight – and we can expect a whole load of pioneering environmental initiatives to pop up there over the coming months. First up: SWG3. This legendary Glasgow club is trialling a new system that uses dancers’ body heat to power the whole venue. BODYHEAT will capture the heat of all visitors and staff, then store it in a series of shafts across the site. Days later, this will be converted into energy that will be used to keep the lights on (and the music playing) all night. And the best thing? It will radically reduce SWG3’s energy use full stop – saving up to 70 tonnes of carbon per year.  The system will be launched during COP26 on Sunday November 7, with DJ Honey Dijon headlining the inaugural night at the venue’s New York Times Climate Hub takeover. ‘Anything we can do at this moment to help climate change is a positive thing,’ Honey Dijon said in a statement. ‘This new system of channelling energy from the dance floor is something innovative and sustainable.’ Too right.  Tickets are on sale now via the SWG3 website.  Looking for more great stuff to do? Here are the best things to do in Glasgow right now.

What makes a neighbourhood cool? It could be any number of things, from edgy bars to offbeat architecture, big annual festivals to super-fashionable restaurants. In the case of Leith, Edinburgh’s northern port area and officially one of the coolest neighbourhoods in the world, innovative new food and drink businesses have increasingly made it a must-visit on any trip to the city. But what ultimately makes Leith Edinburgh’s funnest place to be is the incredible creative community that calls it home. Since the early 2000s, artists, designers, musicians and more have transformed the area, in many cases taking over derelict buildings and dockyard areas. In doing so, they’ve helped preserve (and build) a strong local identity. As is the case in cities all over the world, the neighbourhood’s popularity has meant that many of these spaces continually face threats from developers. But with the pride, perseverance and creativity of Leith’s people – and its many thriving venues – these guys are going nowhere fast. Here are six of the institutions we cherish most (plus a brand-new one we can’t wait to step foot in next year). The historic theatre with a snazzy new look When Leith was officially incorporated into Edinburgh in 1920, Leith Theatre was gifted to the people of Leith from the people of Edinburgh. Over the years, the art-deco building hosted the likes of AC/DC, John Martyn and Thin Lizzy – until it closed its doors in 1988. Since 2004, the Leith Theatre Trust has been working

Foreign trips may prove a bit of a logistical nightmare right now – but let’s be honest: many of us would much prefer to explore what’s right on our doorstep anyway. But the result of the 2021 staycation boom? Sadly, a massive lack of availability. Enter Highland Spring. The folks at the bottled water brand have heard our holiday home prayers and are teaming up with the Monachyle Mhor Hotel in Balquhidder, Scotland, to give one family the chance to win a year’s stay in a luxury ‘eco home’ for an entire year. And all for just £1.15. Photograph: JSHPIX Surrounded by the beautiful landscapes of the Loch Lomond & Trossachs National Park, this tiny home is usually available to rent for £200 per night (which comes to around £33,000 for the year). It may be small but it’s extremely stylish, with a double bed, kitchenette, woodburner and gas cooker, plus a bathroom and outdoor deck with a firepit. If you’re after a break from civilisation and the general chaos of the world, this could be the perfect place – because there’s no WiFi. Digital detox, here you come. And all you have to do to enter the competition? Follow Highland Spring on Instagram or Facebook and then share a picture of one of the brand’s new flavoured sparkling water cans – £1.15 each – while outside. (And don’t forget to tag @highland_spring and add #HighlandSpringHoliday to your post.) If your photo meets all the requirements, you’ll be entered into a draw, with the winner being announced in August. Ready? Stock up

Lockdown life and the possibility of working from home has led to a boom in people moving out of cities to more remote and idyllic locations. But if you’re the adventurous type and remote doesn’t quite cut it for you, how about somewhere remote and a wee bit spooky? If you happen to have £125,000 ($173,000) lying around, this could be a reality – because the ruins of a ‘haunted’ village in Scotland are currently on the market. The Old Village of Lawers covers 3.31 acres of land and comes with a private beach, semi-ancient native woodland and trout fishing rights on neighbouring Loch Tay. The area is full of glorious moorland, mountains and rivers, with the town of Pitlochry within driving distance. The most intriguing aspect of the village, however, is its seventeenth-century ruins. These include the House of Lawers: the former home of the Lady of Lawers who is said to continue to haunt the village. Goldcrest Land and Forestry Group, which is selling the the house, claim the Lady is ‘remembered for various prophecies, a number of which appear to have come true’. She is said to have predicted the arrival of the railway in a reference she made to ‘fire-coaches’ and also alleged that the church would fall when an ash tree she planted grew to the height of its spire. Of course, it did topple during a terrible thunderstorm and was never used again. Whether or not you believe in ghosts and are up for having the Lady of Lawers as your new neighbour, the sale of the village presents

After a year of having no major plans, many of us are eager to look ahead and book that post-lockdown trip we’ve been eyeing up for far too long. And boy, do we all deserve a treat. If you’re looking for something super-special combining luxury, adventure and incredible fine-dining, the Belmond Royal Scotsman may be what you’re after. Launched in 1985, the Royal Scotsman ‘cruise train’ has gradually been upgraded over the years to include everything from en-suite cabins to the Bamford Haybarn Spa – the UK’s first spa located in an IRL train carriage. For the past year or so, services were curtailed due to the pandemic. But as of April, the train has restarted various key routes, with a series of tantalising tours aboard the train now running through to October. Photograph: Belmond You could, for example, spend two nights on the ‘Grand Taste of the Highlands’ excursion, which will allow passengers to soak up all the beauty and grandeur of the Scottish landscape. The train departs from Edinburgh Waverley and includes a coach trip to Rothiemurchus Estate in the Cairngorms, with activities like clay-pigeon shooting and fishing on offer, as well as a private tour of Culloden Battlefield and a trip to the Strathisla Distillery. But if you really want to go in for the drams, you’ll be pleased to know that the Scotch Malt Whisky Society has partnered with Belmond to host the ‘Scotch Malt Whisky Trail Tour’. This four-night trip will start at Edinburgh’s Balmoral Hotel, where a spec

A year of quarantine can bring out the worst in anyone, but one UK city and its residents haven’t buckled under the pressure – instead, they’ve topped a study of the friendliest communities around. According to a new study, Edinburgh is the place to be. Scotland’s capital not only came out on top when it came to friendliness, but was also highly ranked for those considering moving and starting over again in a new community. Edinburgh residents have the strongest sense of community, the study found, and the city scored highly for safety and in the number of independent businesses, too. (Its long history and overflowing, year-round arts-and-culture calendar don’t hurt either.) The study, by Parkdean Resorts, took into account five factors to rank the cities: happiness rates; safety stats; the number of local businesses; the number of community activities on TripAdvisor; and the number of community Facebook groups.  Coming in second overall, the city of Exeter in Devon achieved the highest happiness score in the overall list of 50. Oxford followed due to its high number of community activities, with Glasgow taking the fourth spot and Bournemouth rounding out the top five.  Want to see where your city landed? Here’s the full top ten:  1. Edinburgh 2. Exeter 3. Oxford 4. Glasgow 5. Bournemouth 6. York 7. Canterbury 8. Northampton 9. Stafford 10. Cambridge Wondering how not one, but two Scottish cities ended up in the top five? Edinburgh has its glorious landscape, many world-fam