Meadowbank Stadium is filled to capacity each year when it hosts Edinburgh's largest fireworks display. There is no bonfire or Guy, but the light show is set to be spectacular, with rockets shooting high above the city to the sound of music.
Available :
Nov 2013 (annual)
The magnificently plush Rhubarb in South Edinburgh is located in opulent boutique hotel Prestonfield. Come for the decor but also for the fine food. Main courses include dishes such as pigeon with Muscat dressing and the assiette of Rhubarb's desserts is worth waiting for. There are also some excellent vegetarian and seafood options, like the sea bass and artichoke ravioli.
Available :
Daily
Held every year at the top of Edinburgh's Calton Hill, the Beltane Fire Festival is a modern take on an ancient Celtic fertility ceremony. Costumed revellers dance around the hill accompanied by drummers, musicians and spectacular props.
Available :
30 Apr 2011 (annual)
Hosted in the grounds of the Holyrood Palace, the Foodies Festival returns to Edinburgh. With demonstrations from celebrity chefs, cooking classes and a farmer's market - shop, taste and learn at this event no food fan wants to miss.
Available :
Aug 2011 (annual)
Mela, from Sanskrit, is an Asian subcontinent community festival. Edinburgh's ethnic communities have followed suit since 1995 and celebrate Scottish diversity with their own Edinburgh Mela. It is now held on Leith Links.
Available :
Sep 2013 (annual)
At stylish Borough in Edinburgh, let skilled barstaff mix you one of their cocktails. The venue itself is airy and open-plan, furnished with orb lighting and large sofas to help you relax in style.
Available :
A new addition to Edinburgh's museums, the HBOS Museum on the Mound explores the heritage of the city through artefacts and information on trade, technology, art and design, crime and security and money. Exhibits include the oldest Scottish bank note (from 1716).
Available :
Daily; not Mon
With 23 main evening concerts on selected Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays the Scottish Chamber Orchestra enlivens Edinburgh's musical scene, often with principal conductor Robin Ticciati at the helm. Although the delightful Queen's Hall is home, it also plays the larger Usher Hall.
Available :
Oct 2012 - May 2013; Tue, Thu, Sat, and Sun only (annual)
99 Hanover Street is one of the New Town's most relaxed bars. Rococo-style decor and a screen showing silent movies make it a good place to meet friends. There is an extensive cocktail list, and DJs and live music regularly.
Available :
Daily
Enchanting Ragamuffin in the Royal Mile stocks reasonably priced designer knitwear, slippers, stuffed animal toys, bags and gifts by young British and international designers. All products use natural fibre like boiled wool and linen, and are strictly fair trade.
Available :
Daily
Scotch whisky is in plentiful supply at the legendary Port O' Leith Bar in Leith. The decor is an over-the-top collection of flags and nautical paraphernalia. Many local characters drink here: chat to them to hear a tale or two.
Available :
Daily
At family-run Geoffrey (Tailor) Kiltmakers and Weavers in the Old Town, there is a large selection of classic Highlander kilts for men, women and children. Or forget tartan and choose from the selection of 21st Century Kilts made from leather or denim.
Available :
Daily
The intimate, relaxed Jazz Bar in the Old Town is Edinburgh's only dedicated jazz venue. Opened by jazz musician and organiser Bill Kyle in 2005, it has a varied programme of DJs and live jazz and soul every night.
Available :
Daily
The Belle Epoque Edinburgh Playhouse in Leith remains true to its origins as a variety theatre. This is the place to see blockbuster musicals such as Chicago or Mary Poppins, as well as Russian ballet, rock concerts and opera.
Available :
Daily
A popular pre-club venue for Edinburgh's hipsters, Pivo has a selection of Czech lagers on tap as well as a shooter menu for those looking to really make a night of it. The low-ceilinged bar features DJs spinning a variety of music from hip-hop to soul and Latin.
Available :
Each Wednesday Cabaret Voltaire is the venue for the ever-impressive We Are...Electric. Bringing a dance music hit to the middle of each Edinburgh week, We Are...Electric features well-known DJs alongside newcomers and residents.
Available :
Wed only
Inspired Michelin-starred chef Martin Wishart creates wonders from fresh ingredients at his restaurant in Leith. Starched tablecloths create a pure, minimalist atmosphere where food is the primary feature. Every course is a surprise, for example scallops and artichoke in hazelnut butter and coffee sauce. The enormous cheese selection in between courses is recommended.
Available :
Daily; not Mon or Sun
The award-winning National Museum of Scotland building in the Old Town showcases Scotland's history. The imaginative displays bring to life the light and dark sides of Scottish life. Look out for replicas of Scottish burghs and Dolly the Sheep.
Available :
Daily
Friendly coffee boutique Artisan Roast in the New Town roasts hand-picked, ethically sourced coffee beans. Admire the ornate coffee roaster while sipping some of the best coffee and hot chocolate in Edinburgh, and savouring locally made organic Coco chocolates.
Available :
Daily
Nestled snugly inside The Balmoral Hotel in the New Town, Michelin-starred Number One offers a first-class menu with Franco-Scottish overtones. Red lacquered walls and gold velvet seats create an atmosphere of restrained luxury. Young British artists' work decorates the walls. Try the chef's spectacular seven-course tasting menu which offers wine pairings. It opens only at night.
Available :
Daily
Ecco Vino is a simple enoteca in the Old Town's steepest street, just off the Royal Mile. More than 50 kinds of Old and New-World wines line the walls. There's also a traditional Italian menu that includes antipasti, pasta and salads, making it an attractive choice for relaxed dinners and drinks.
Available :
Daily
Domenico's is an unfussy, super-cosy neighbourhood bistro and a hit with Leith residents, so booking is essential. The Italian food is delicious, plentiful, and served with panache. Just beware, diners that order an entrée often don't have room for a dessert, as the portions are huge. The antipasti and the seafood main are both good options.
Available :
Daily
The simple but impeccably turned out Siam Thani is a neighbourhood favourite in Broughton. It serves classic, fresh Thai food at very reasonable prices, and the service is quick and faultless. The vegetarian menu is very good, but the cheap set-lunch menus and pre-theatre menus are also recommended.
Available :
Daily
Sandy Bell's is a landmark pub in the Old Town. It might be small but it's full of character. Gaelic overtones, warm vibes and good beer make it a favourite with locals. There's live music almost every night and at weekends.
Available :
Daily
The trendy, vibrant and very popular Outsider restaurant in the Old Town focuses on no-nonsense, simple eating and fresh ingredients. There are no entrées, but the main courses are ample, the service is fast and the desserts creative. Try the lemon myrtle cheesecake. The restaurant also has superb views of the Castle and Old Town.
Available :
Daily
The wonderfully old-fashioned Royal Mile Whiskies shop in the Old Town contains over 300 varieties of single malts, blended whiskies and bourbons. Its staff are helpful and very knowledgeable; sample tastes are provided on request.
Available :
Daily
One of Edinburgh's oldest pubs, Café Royal Circle Bar is tucked away in a small New Town street. A traditional Victorian pub with wooden bar and tile-pictures of inventors, this is a relaxing place to enjoy a pint of ale.
Available :
Daily
Espionage is a large club spread over five floors, just off the Grassmarket in the Old Town. Open until late, it has themed rooms such as the Lizard Lounge and Kasbar. The lower floors can get busy when the student crowd arrives.
Available :
Daily
Howies has helped spearhead Scotland's culinary rebirth. Gone are stodgy deep fried foods, replaced by fresh Scottish ingredients cooked in imaginative ways. Try haggis croquettes or meaty pheasant stuffed with apple and apricot and wrapped in bacon. There are three other Howies around Edinburgh to enjoy too.
Available :
Daily
Located at Harvey Nichols, the Forth Floor Restaurant boasts superb views that stretch as far as the Firth of Forth on a clear day. There's also quality cuisine here, with succulent dishes using fresh Scottish produce. The menu includes venison, oxtail and vegetarian risotto with lime and ginger. The ambiance is simple and relaxed.
Available :
Daily
A spin off of the multi award-winning delicatessen on nearby Elm Row, the Vincaffè in Edinburgh's city centre holds the same values as its big sister. Created to mark the 70th anniversary of the deli, great Italian dishes served in comfortable surroundings make Valvona & Crolla Vincaffè a great place for a pre-theatre bite.
Available :
Daily
Housed in a former 17th-century storehouse, The Grain Store Restaurant has candle-lit stone walls that create an antique atmosphere perfect for intimate dinners. Home-made bread and classic recipes using local produce make it an excellent all-rounder. Loch Fyne oysters, venison and guinea fowl are all great choices. Lunches are great value and the classic Old Town view is one of the best.
Available :
Daily
Sunday's Taste is Edinburgh's longest-running gay-friendly night. Famous for its raucous atmosphere and filling The Liquid Room weekly, it celebrated its 400th night at the start of 2004.
Available :
Sun only
The decor in the Old Town's Maison Bleue displays Moroccan influences like the menu. Downstairs the walls are adorned with retro paintings, while upstairs the windows look over picturesque Victoria Street. The menu offers bouchées (bites) and excellent-value set menus. Try haggis balls in whisky sauce or classic Berber couscous.
Available :
Daily
The oldest and most beloved department store in Edinburgh exudes old-world grandeur. Browse six floors of beautifully displayed fashion, homewares, cosmetics, gifts and toys, and a small whisky shop. The top-floor food hall and café are heaven for foodies.
Available :
Daily
The Witchery, just a few steps from Edinburgh Castle in the Old Town, has a reputation as one of the city's best restaurants. Dine by candlelight in a beautifully restored 16th-century building that exudes medieval luxury. The small but exquisite menu features delights like pistachio-crusted wild sea bass, Scottish game, and oysters. Come for romantic dinners or opt for excellent-value lunch menus.
Available :
Daily
Take a light-hearted, child-friendly barrel ride through the making, storing and imbibing of Scotland's national drink at The Scotch Whisky Experience in the Old Town. The ticket includes a dram of whisky, and a visit to the well-stocked shop is recommended.
Available :
Daily
The two actor-guides in the Literary Pub Tour take visitors around old and new Edinburgh with dramatised stories of the city's literary wits. Starting at the Beehive Inn, it takes in historic pubs and quirky landmarks, ending at the Café Royal.
Available :
Nov 2012 - Feb 2013; Fri only (various dates)
Nargile in the New Town is the only Turkish restaurant in Edinburgh. It has a warm, simple decor with Byzantine-style motifs, and the service is excellent. The "banquet meals" for two people are a feast and a bargain, or try the succulent moussaka-like lamb and Nargile aubergine special. There are also excellent vegetarian choices.
Available :
Daily; not Sun
With submissions requested from any artist, the RSA Open at Edinburgh's Royal Scottish Academy is an exhibition of small works in the Lower Galleries. It offers a range of new and established names in works of various media.
Available :
Nov - Dec 2013 (annual)
08457 76 76 76
