Itineraries for Your Trip to Edinburgh
3 Days in Edinburgh for Foodies
When I first moved to Edinburgh, straight out of high school, I had neither the money nor the palate to be particular about where or what I ate. Fast forward a couple of decades, and my tastes have grown alongside the city’s food scene. I now take delight in seeking out the best dishes and latest openings in the capital—as well as hitting up long-time favorites.
Scottish food sometimes struggles to shrug off its stale stereotypes, but Edinburgh’s chefs and restaurateurs are building a world-class culinary scene that defies misconceptions. Here are my suggestions for how to get a taste.
The months of June through August promise the warmest temperatures.
If you only have time for one thing, make it a visit to a gin bar, such as 56 North, which boasts more than 350 varieties.
Kick off your trip in Old Town, starting with the neighborhood’s best coffee shops, such as The Milkman on Cockburn Street off the Royal Mile, or Thomas J. Wells by the National Museum of Scotland, a typically less crowded option. Later, slot a food tour into your sightseeing itinerary and discover the best culinary spots in the old and new parts of town and learn about the city’s dining scene.
Afterward, if you have room, make a reservation for dinner at one of the city’s top spots. Timberyard in Old Town and Aizle in New Town are two solid options.
Now that you’ve found your feet in Edinburgh, dive deeper into the food scene by exploring quieter neighborhoods. Stockbridge is a 15-minute walk from the heart of the city and filled with chic bars and cafés. Check out Cowan and Sons for breakfast and the Scran and Scallie for a pub lunch. If you’re visiting on a Sunday, grab some street food at the Stockbridge Market.
From Stockbridge, follow the Water of Leith walkway about 3.5 miles (5.6 kilometers) to Leith. Edinburgh’s old port, Leith is now home to some of its best restaurants, including Michelin-starred The Kitchin.
Having explored Edinburgh over the last two days, you can now indulge your passion for Scotland’s national drink by embarking on a whisky-tasting tour. Even if you don’t love whisky, you’ll still enjoy the magnificent scenery. Whisky tours regularly depart Edinburgh for the Scottish Highlands and include visits to such renowned distilleries as Aberfeldy in Highland Perthshire.
You also have the option of heading deeper into the Lowlands on a whisky tour, visiting such distilleries as Glengoyne and Deanston Distillery. If you’re planning to sample a few drams, a guided tour allows you to avoid the hassle of designating a driver.
