Luxury

Top Attractions

The Scotch Whisky Experience 

Whether you’re already a connoisseur of the ‘amber nectar’ or just curious to learn more about Scotland’s national drink, you won’t want to pass up a visit to the home to the world’s largest collection of Scottish whiskies. The Scotch Whisky Experience offers a variety of different tours and ‘nosings’ to suit your tastes, and for something extra special, you could even arrange for a private tasting session hosted by one of the centre’s experts.

Palace of Holyroodhouse 

As the King's official residence in Edinburgh and once home to Mary Queen of Scots, it doesn’t get any more exclusive than The Palace of Holyroodhouse. The best way to explore is after-hours, on an exclusive evening tour, when the baroque palace is closed to the general public. Enjoy a glass of champagne while the expert guide talks you through the history of this magnificent edifice.

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Dining Out

Whether you’ve had a hard day’s exploring or spent a busy morning shopping, a spot of light refreshment in the shape of afternoon tea is probably called for. You could enjoy a traditional tea at the Balmoral Hotel’s Palm Court, or head to the Forth Floor at Harvey Nichols for a more contemporary take on proceedings. 

Leith

Edinburgh boasts a fantastic selection of Michelin-starred eateries to get your teeth into. In particular, down at The Shore in Leith you’ll find two within a few hundred yards of each other. The celebrated Restaurant Martin Wishart is here, as is The Kitchin, whose chef patron Tom Kitchin is a familiar face from TV cookery shows.

For those seeking a light evening supper with a splash of superyacht glamour, Fingal, Scotland’s first luxury floating hotel, serves innovative, seasonally inspired dishes bursting with flavour, with ever-changing views out to the historic Port of Leith. Sample a cocktail from their innovative menu which features 10 completely unique creations, all with a nautical twist and a hint of Fingal’s rich history.

City Centre

Dining out in Edinburgh city centre can be difficult – but only because of the sheer volume of terrific, high-class eateries to choose from. Notable highlights include the Michelin-starred 21212  and Number One at The Balmoral, while The Witchery by the Castle is the place to see and seen. It’s Edinburgh’s equivalent of the Ivy and everyone from Jack Nicolson to Catherine Zeta-Jones has dined there. Discover more about this iconic Edinburgh restaurant and hotel in the video below featuring James Thomson OBE, owner of The Witchery by the Castle, on having reached the 40 year anniversary milestone in his career as one of Edinburgh’s and Scotland’s leading hoteliers and restaurateurs.

Witchery_03.08.2021 from Raw Film Productions on Vimeo.

Read about even more great foodie finds in our food & drink section >

Nightlife

With an upbeat vibe and vibrant atmosphere, the Epicurean Bar on the ground floor of the Radisson Collection hotel near the Royal Mile is achingly cool. Here you can order aromatic infusions and colourful cocktails using home grown flowers and herbs from the hotel’s EvoGro hydroponic.

Rated as one of the world’s top 20 bars by industry bible Bartender magazine, Bramble  is a subterranean hideaway and haven for the city’s trendsetters. Indulge your tastebuds with some of the finest concoctions you’ll ever taste and relax in the shabby chic surroundings.

From the Swarovski crystal-studded walls to the underlit, sound-responsive dancefloor, Lulu drips with decadence and luxury. Book one of their many table packages in advance to enjoy VIP entry, private seating area and a selection of premium champagnes and spirits served by your own personal barstaff.

Read more about Edinburgh's nightlife > 

Designer Shopping

When it comes to style, Edinburgh is home to a unique mix of designer brands and unique one-off boutiques. Multrees Walk is a dedicated luxury retail hub, home to a slew of top names like Mulberry, Louis Vuitton and Canada Goose. Nearby, on Thistle Street, you’ll find Jane Davidson, a trendy womanswear boutique.

If you’re looking for a more bespoke service, or would like some fashion advice, then you can take advantage of a personal shopper service at both Harvey Nichols.

Uncover more fabulous shopping finds in Edinburgh > 

Relaxation and Pampering

If you want to relax in style, then you really are spoiled for choice in Edinburgh. One of the main highlights is the fantastic One Spa thermal suite and pools. As well as indoor and outdoor rooftop hydropools, facilities at the £6 million centre include bio saunas, hammams, aroma grottos, a tepidarium and laconium and much more. They offer a large range of treatments to soothe and calm including a number of Ayurvedic treatments. Other top options around the city include Pure Spa and two-time winner of UK Salon of the Year, Zen Lifestyle, while most of the capital’s top hotels also have their own exclusive spas and treatment centres.

For more ideas and suggestions for great days out in Edinburgh and top things to do why not have a look at our 24 hour and 48 hour itineraries.

Forever Edinburgh: Giving you inspiration for great days out and top things to do in Edinburgh.