A split city stay in Edinburgh lets you experience two entirely different sides of the city in one visit. From classic to contemporary, lively to laid-back, we’ve got something for all tastes and interests.
And if you think you know food and culture in Edinburgh, you may be surprised. Offering something far beyond haggis and the busy summer festival season, throughout the year Edinburgh is a city buzzing with entertainment and creativity, and a mouthwatering range of both local and global flavours.
We’ve created this 4-day itinerary that weaves together some of the best food, drink and culture experiences to feed both your curiosity and your appetite.
Please note that some of the suggestions here may require a little pre-planning (such as buying tickets for a show or booking a table for food).
Day 1: The full Scottish
You chose Scotland as your destination for a reason – so your first day is dedicated to the best of Scottish food, art and entertainment.
Nothing quite hits the spot like a full Scottish. Crisp tattie scones, black pudding, bacon and sausages. Loved by us locals, The Caledonian Cafe is the perfect family-friendly and affordable breakfast spot. Offering a wide range of breakfast, brunch and lunch options, including many vegetarian choices, you’ll find them in the Gorgie area of the city. After fuelling-up, hop on Lothian Buses 3, 25 or 33 from nearby Stewart Terrace, which’ll take you to Princes Street in the city centre, and our next port of call.
With free admission (charges may apply for special exhibitions) The National Galleries of Scotland is a network of open-daily galleries (National, Portrait, Modern One and Modern Two), each offering a unique window into art’s rich history and exclusive exhibits. Whether you’re drawn to portraiture, landscapes, or modern sculpture, these galleries invite you to explore and be inspired at your own pace.
Step into the National Galleries of Scotland: National and lose yourself in centuries of world-class art, from 1300 to 1945. Wander through stunning rooms filled with masterpieces by Vermeer, Titian, Rembrandt, Velázquez, and the Impressionists. Then explore the Scottish galleries showcasing the finest works of Scotland from 1800 to 1945. Discover the bold creativity of pioneers like William McTaggart, Anne Redpath, Phoebe Anna Traquair, Charles Rennie Mackintosh, and the Glasgow Boys.
A 25 minute walk from Princes Street in the West End, National Galleries Scotland: Modern comprises two galleries: Modern One and Modern Two, with both providing an interesting and unique perspective on modern art. Modern One focuses on contemporary exhibitions, and has showcased many different artists, including Robert Adam, Eileen Agar and John Alexander. While at Modern Two it’s all about landscapes, abstract pieces and sculptures, located both inside and outside, from the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Don’t miss out on taking a peek at the recreation of Eduardo Paolozzi’s London studio to see how the artist created his renowned pieces of art. In need of a freshly baked homemade scone to keep you going until lunchtime? Be sure to pay a visit to Paolozzi’s Kitchen (named after the artist) at Modern Two.
Next up, we’re heading to the popular neighbourhood of nearby Stockbridge. You can choose to walk the 25 minute route or take Lothian Buses number 24 or 29.
Our stop for a late lunch is The Scran and Scallie, Edinburgh’s leading gastropub. With a focus on classic pub dishes, but with a new and modern twist, the seasonal menus are comprised of locally sourced ingredients. Alongside food, they offer a full range of drinks, including a large selection of wines, locally brewed ales and a wealth of whiskies. Relaxed and welcoming, this is the perfect place for reimagined pub classics and fabulous drinks before heading out to an evening show.
The good news is that in Edinburgh, comedy fans don’t need to wait until Fringe season for an evening of laugh-out-loud comedy. The best of Scottish Fringe comedy is distilled every Thursday night at The Stand, a legendary basement comedy club used as a testing ground for the likes of Kevin Bridges and Frankie Boyle. You’ll also find a packed calendar the rest of the week, too.
If you want to carry on the evening, why not head to Tipsy Midgie in the Southside area of the city. Several buses will take you there including the 5, 9, 31 and 33, or enjoy a leisurely 30 minute stroll, before you sample the delights of Scotland’s national drink. Voted Scotland’s Best Whisky Bar 2023, 2024, and 2025), Tipsy Midgie has the largest selection of single malt whisky in Edinburgh, and they cater to all budgets. Alongside the whisky, they also offer chocolate and whisky pairings, cheese and whisky pairings, distillery showcases and much more.
Day 2: Worldwide discoveries
Edinburgh is a city full of history and culture. What better way to spend day two of your visit than by exploring the history of the world and enjoying some fantastic theatre.
Inspired by the organised chaos of the Singaporean food and drink culture, Singapore Coffee House in Canonmills is a must-visit. Perfect for enjoying good food and coffee away from the busy and fast-paced city, they offer bold and flavourful breakfast and lunch options, and coffee and tea made using traditional Singaporean techniques (which uses no machines).
After you’ve had your caffeine fix, take the number 8 bus to your next stop: Dynamic Earth. This is Edinburgh’s world-class science centre and planetarium, telling the story of Earth from the Big Bang. Go through volcanoes, fly through the universe faster than the speed of light and explore our planet in a way you haven’t done before. Plus, there’s an amazing planetarium to explore the skies. End the visit with a trip to their cafe, which has a seasonal menu and a tasty selection of cakes and treats, and overlooks Arthur’s Seat (an extinct volcano), Salisbury Crags and the architecturally renowned Scottish Parliament.
A 20 minute walk from Dynamic Earth, dive into the neon-lit buzz of Edinburgh Street Food, where global flavours collide, and you can pair bao buns with Parisian hot chocolate, and tacos with craft beer. With 11 independent food vendors and three bars all under one roof, it’s a food lover’s dream.
You may want to stretch your legs now before the evening’s entertainment, so from Edinburgh Street Food take the 30 minute walk into Lothian Road, at the far end of Princes Street. Alternatively, Lothian Buses routes 1, 15, 16 and 34 will take you close to our next stop. This evening, it’s time for some world-renowned theatre at the Royal Lyceum Theatre Edinburgh. Since opening in 1883, this 658-seat theatre has been a theatrical institution within the city, participating in the Edinburgh International Festival since the festival’s conception in 1947. Forthcoming shows include a new staging of Tennessee Williams’ iconic, The Glass Menagerie, an acclaimed stage production of the hit movie, The Shawshank Redemption and the world-premiere of One Day The Musical.
Day 3: Breaking the mould
Time to embrace Edinburgh at its most imaginative. Think art without walls, cocktails inspired by fandoms, and perception-shifting independent theatre – today is all about bold choices and unexpected fun!
First up, discover quirky, contemporary installations in the open air at award-winning Jupiter Artland, a sculpture park and gallery set in 100 acres of woodland and meadows just outside the city. Within the unique artwork, a range of events are also on offer, including wild swimming, wild dining dinners and sunset Thursdays. And if you want to fully immersive yourself, why not book an overnight stay in the on-site artist’s house, which sleeps 6 people.
After a day’s exploration, jump on Lothian Country’s X27 bus for a 45 minute journey into Edinburgh city centre and the evening’s entertainment. With so many great places to visit, you won’t be stuck for ideas, but if you fancy a spectacular theatre with productions of all genres and themes, ranging from pantomime to Shakespeare, head to the Traverse Theatre. Many famous faces have trod the boards here, from Billy Connolly to Alan Cumming. Or if the art you’ve seen so far has you itching to create your own masterpiece whilst enjoying some drinks, Boozy Brushes hosts unique and experimental events for all artistic abilities. Find them at Le Monde on George Street. Classes are taught by a professional artist and all supplies are provided. You can even win a prize if your masterpiece is voted the best by other participants!
After creating your masterpiece, head to The Cocktail Geeks, a short 13 to 20 minute walk away from the Traverse or Le Monde. Cocktail lovers can sample the pop-culture-themed menu of the moment (fancy a taste of Jurassic Park or Stranger Things?). There’s a new theme, a new menu, and a new world, every four months, so you can come back again and again.
Day 4: Living the high life
©Murray Orr
Indulge yourself on your final day with elevated eats and refined surroundings. Today is about lingering in beautiful spaces and savouring every detail, from award-winning art to intimate fine dining.
A trip to the Edinburgh Larder is a solid choice to get your day off to a great start. With three locations in the city, including a hidden gem just off the Royal Mile, fill up on the full works, porridge, waffles, filled rolls and more.
It’s then a short 15 minute walk to today’s first culture-fix: National Galleries of Scotland: Portrait. Opened to the public in 1889, this gallery holds both modern contemporary portraits of icons such as Billy Connoly, Emeli Sande and former Doctor Who Ncuti Gatwa, alongside portraits of Scottish historical figures including Mary Queen of Scots and Robert Burns. Once you’ve finished viewing, visit the gallery’s Café Portrait for a coffee and some cake to tide you over until evening. Alternatively, take a short stroll to The Cobbled Roastery on nearby Thistle Street, where its own ethically sourced, roasted speciality beans are accompanied by delicious pastries and cakes.
Fancy enjoying aperitifs with a view of the Firth of Forth, followed by sustainable seafood and seasonal plates? You’ll find all this, and more, at Lyla, one of the city’s latest Michelin star spots. Experience a 10-course dinner tasting menu, with a view of the chefs creating these spectacular dishes with an open kitchen.
To finish of the day’s adventures, how about unwinding at a retro-style cinema? Everyman Edinburgh is in St James Quarter on Princes Street, and features five screens and two grand bars, serving signature cocktails and delicious stone-baked pizzas that can be delivered straight to your seat – what better way to relax and experience all the recent blockbusters. It’s a 15 minute walk from Lyla, or take Lothian Buses 4,5, 19 or 34 bus to Princes Street.
Whether you’re a foodie, culture buff, or arts fan, a split city stay in Edinburgh ensures you get a full taste of what Edinburgh really has to offer.
This project is funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund
