A local’s guide to Edinburgh
This is our city. We’re not a global brand passing through, we know Edinburgh.
Here’s our considered edit of Suite Spots across the city: from landmarks and walks to where we actually eat and spend time.
The landmarks we'd point you to first
Not just the obvious names, but the places that help you get your bearings, understand the city and enjoy its different moods properly.
Edinburgh Castle
The iconic one, yes, but still worth it. We love it for the sense of drama it gives the city straight away: perched above everything, impossible to ignore and best done early before the streets fill up.
Visit WebsiteThe Royal Mile
Tourist-heavy, certainly, but still essential. We love it for the layers: closes, courtyards, small discoveries and that unmistakable feeling of walking through the spine of the Old Town.
Visit WebsiteCalton Hill
Our pick for the best low-effort view in Edinburgh. We love it at golden hour, when the city opens up around you and everything feels a little quieter, wider and more cinematic.
Visit WebsiteArthur’s Seat
For when you want Edinburgh to feel wild for a moment. We love it because it shifts your sense of the city completely: less sightseeing, more proper perspective and very much worth the climb.
Visit WebsiteThe activities we’d make time for
Museums, galleries, gardens and cultural spots that help you experience a different side of Edinburgh beyond the usual sightseeing checklist.
National Museum
of Scotland
One of those places you can return to again and again and still find something unexpected. From Scottish history to fashion, science and design, it’s an easy few hours very well spent.
Visit WebsiteNational Galleries
of Scotland
We’d start with the Scottish National Gallery on The Mound. It’s right in the centre of the city but somehow always feels calm, quiet and slightly removed from everything outside.
Visit WebsiteRoyal Botanic
Garden
Especially lovely if you need a breather from the city for an hour or two. Big glasshouses, winding paths and plenty of quiet corners to properly slow down.
Visit WebsiteJohnnie Walker
Experience
Very polished, very slick and genuinely fun to visit. Even if whisky isn’t usually your thing, the rooftop views alone make it worth stopping by.
Visit WebsiteThe food & drink spots we’d return to
From seasonal cooking and bakery mornings to wine bars and proper pubs, these are the places we genuinely recommend making time for.
The Palmerston
One of our favourite places to eat. Their menu is deeply rooted in Scottish ingredients, working closely with local farmers, growers and fishermen to showcase produce at its best.
Visit Website Image credit: The PalmerstonLannan
A local neighbourhood bakery doing classic pastries exceptionally well. Their bakes shift with the seasons so there’s usually something new worth trying each time you visit.
Visit Website Image credit: LannanGood Brothers
Tucked away in the New Town, this is the sort of place we’d happily disappear into for a couple of glasses and a slower evening.
Visit Website Image credit: Good BrothersSt Vincent Bar
A classic Stockbridge pub with a real neighbourhood feel to it. Good atmosphere, good people and exactly the kind of place Edinburgh does very well.
Visit Instagram Image credit: St Vincent Bar