Arusa Qureshi

Edinburgh is known for being a hotbed of creativity, with the annual Edinburgh International Festival and Edinburgh Festival Fringe bringing the hottest talents in theatre and comedy to the city for a full month. But throughout the year, calendars are packed with great things to do, especially when it comes to the arts. The Scottish capital’s many theatres offer regular seasons and one-off gems ranging from classic works to new writing. Here we’ve picked out the six best theatres in Edinburgh right now. RECOMMENDED: Your ultimate guide to the Edinburgh Fringe 2022

Edinburgh is world-famous for its many outstanding restaurants, which fit neatly amongst all the history, culture and natural beauty the city has to offer. You can expect both the finest and freshest local produce as well as international ingredients and flavours, featuring creations by the very best chefs around. From top-quality meat and shellfish from across Scotland to inventive plant-based menus that offer twists on the traditional, there are so many ways to experience the best of the city's dining scene. Here’s our pick of the top restaurants in Edinburgh – all well worth your attention if you’re on a trip up here.RECOMMENDED: The best things to do in Edinburgh right now 

Edinburgh is known for its high-end fine-dining restaurants and innovative food and drink scene but beyond all of that, there are some charming wee spots and cafés where you can grab a quick cup of coffee or enjoy an extended slice of indulgence. Exploring the city, whether you’re visiting for the first time or you’rew a seasoned local, can be thirsty work, after all. Our round-up of the best cafés and coffee shops in Edinburgh will tell you everything you need to know about where to find your new favourite pitstop. RECOMMENDED: Full guide to the best restaurants in Edinburgh

If you’re new to Edinburgh, it can be hard to know where to start. From a castle in the middle of the city to a palace a mere mile away, it can feel like there’s something worth exploring everywhere you turn. Even for locals, it’s sometimes easy to forget exactly what’s on your doorstep, whether it’s museums and art galleries packed with history, penguin parades or tea with waterfront views. So here’s our pick of the best attractions in Edinburgh – whether you’re a first-time visitor or if you’ve lived here all your life. RECOMMENDED: Full guide to the best things to do in Edinburgh This article includes affiliate links. These links have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, click here.

Edinburgh might be known as the ultimate hub of cultural activity in August during the Fringe, but this city has so much to offer year round. As well as being home to the world’s largest arts festival, the Scottish capital hosts all manner of brilliant events throughout the year, from the Edinburgh International Film Festival to Hogmanay. But beyond that, Edinburgh also has a world-class restaurant scene, hard-to-beat pubs, phenomenal scenery and attractions that will take your breath away. Keen explorers will find plenty to keep them occupied thanks to the surrounding hills, idyllic walks and plethora of historical hotspots. But likewise, those looking to relax can head to the city’s seaside or get lost in one of the many fine gallery spaces. So, if you’re planning a short trip or even a longer holiday, you’ll be spoilt for choice. Here’s what you should get up to next time you’re in town: 23 amazing things to do in Edinburgh.

There are fascinating stories and anecdotes in every nook and cranny of Edinburgh but the city’s museums, attractions and galleries do a fine job of bringing all of this knowledge together. Whether you’re looking for tidbits about local legends or inspiring tales of innovation, you’ll be sure to find something to keep your interest piqued. Some institutions will teach you about topics like science, nature and geography but elsewhere in the city, there are museums dedicated to everything from harpsichords and childhood toys to optical illusions and medical artefacts. If you’re ready to do some learning, here’s our pick of the best museums in Edinburgh. RECOMMENDED: Full guide to the best things to do in Edinburgh

Looking for a slap-up meal but not up for emptying your wallet? Well, good news – there are plenty of restaurants and cafes in Edinburgh that will satisfy your hunger pangs without breaking the bank. Whether you're after Indian, Thai, Italian or even Scottish dishes for under a tenner, our list of the very best cheap restaurants in Edinburgh has it all. So dig in and enjoy, banishing those money worries in the process. RECOMMENDED: Full guide to the best restaurants in Edinburgh

We can all agree that it's great having plans in the diary but isn't it even better when those plans don't involve spending cash? There are many ways to empty your wallet in Edinburgh – from Michelin-starred restaurants to world-famous tourist attractions. But it's also possible to have a fun day out while you're on a budget. From museums and art galleries to gardens and educational outings, these are our top recommendations when it comes to spending absolutely nothing in the Scottish capital. Happily, the best free things to do in Edinburgh are also some of the best things to do full stop. RECOMMENDED: Full guide to the best things to do in Edinburgh

Edinburgh may be known for its fine landmarks, points of historical wonder and overwhelming beauty but this city has much to offer food and drink enthusiasts too. With its many pubs and bars scattered all over the city, you could spend a day trying out all manner of recipes and concoctions and still won't have scratched the surface on this burgeoning scene. Whether it's a fancy date-night hangout or a quirky dive bar you're after, all tastes and sensibilities are sure to be covered and you may even surprise yourself when it comes to your tipple of choice. Buckfast in a cocktail? A vending machine for ingredients? The choice of over 400 gins? Edinburgh has it all. Take our advice and head to one of these boozers and rest assured, you'll have a phenomenal night (or day!) out.

It's often said that breakfast is the most important meal of the day and though we may hate to admit it, filling up first thing can make for a very fruitful rest of the day. But if you fancy something that little bit more special, why not head to one of the many places in Glasgow that specialise in early morning feasts? From syrup-soaked pancakes and hearty haggis to eggs any-style and pastries baked to perfection, the city's restaurants and coffee shops have it all. So what are you waiting for? Head to one of our top picks for breakfast and brunch in Glasgow to satisfy those cravings. RECOMMENDED: Full guide to the best restaurants in Glasgow

Edinburgh has a rich history when it comes to nightlife and clubbing, from former disco haven Cinderellas in Stockbridge to The Venue on Calton Road, which hosted the legendary Pure for over a decade. Today, the city may boast packed and popular clubs in almost all neighbourhoods, but there are still those special few that are intimate and under-the-radar, drawing in crowds from all over for their unrivalled DJ line-ups and fabled parties. For an unforgettable night out in the city, our run-down of the absolute best clubs in Edinburgh will tell you where you need to go. And if you really want some help? We say fill up at one of many brilliant cheap restaurants in Edinburgh, then grab a pre-club drink at one of the city’s best bars. Round off an evening at one of these and you’ll be getting the very best out of the city at night.  RECOMMENDED: Full guide to the best things to do in Edinburgh

As beautiful and vibrant as Edinburgh is, sometimes we all crave a break away from city life. Thankfully, whether it's serene landscapes or historic gems you're after, the capital is surrounded by so many options for day trips that you'll struggle to decide where to explore first. You could head to a coastal town for some fresh sea air and mountainous landscapes or visit a cultural monument to hear interesting stories about the nation's past. If you're feeling active, there are plenty of walking and hiking routes just a short drive away, as well as wildlife and natural wonders waiting to be admired. If you've worked up an appetite after a big day out, treat yourself to a meal at one of the city’s best restaurants or pubs later in the evening. Then you can start planning your next adventure with our guide to the best day trips from Edinburgh. RECOMMENDED: Full guide to the best things to do 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