It may be built on seven hills but Edinburgh is a surprisingly compact and walkable city.
Visitors can easily saunter across the city center in an hour, making sightseeing simple. However, to truly experience the Scottish capital, it’s essential to venture beyond the Old Town and explore its other vibrant neighborhoods.
From lovely green spaces to bustling street food markets and great nightlife, as well as amazing coffee and art galleries, these are some of Edinburgh’s best neighborhoods.
Edinburgh Old Town
The best neighborhood for sightseeing, live music, and clubbing
With its centuries-old buildings, narrow alleyways, and cobbled streets, the Old Town is by far the most atmospheric and vibrant area in central Edinburgh.
The Royal Mile, which connects Edinburgh Castle to the Queen’s official Scottish residence, the Palace of Holyroodhouse, is a must-see. Nearby, you’ll find Arthur’s Seat, an extinct volcano perfect for a rewarding hike with panoramic views of the capital.
Some of the best traditional pubs can be found in the Old Town, while food lovers should not miss the fabulous street food and craft market in the Grassmarket every Saturday. For those looking for an exciting nightlife experience in Edinburgh, head to Cowgate for its bars, live music venues, and nightclubs, including the world-renowned Sneaky Pete’s.
Edinburgh New Town
The best neighborhood for shopping and cocktail bars
Flanked by Princes Street Gardens and providing incredible views of Edinburgh Castle, the area along Princes Street is part of the city’s main shopping precinct. Here, you’ll find George Street and Waverley Mall, along with the new St James Quarter.
The New Town is renowned for its chic restaurants, coffee shops, and lively pubs. A Rose Street pub crawl is highly recommended, where hidden gems like cocktail bars such as Lucky Liquor, Bramble, and Panda and Sons can be discovered.
Some of the finest boutique hotels in Edinburgh are located here, including the upscale Tigerlily and Le Monde on George Street, alongside the luxurious Balmoral Hotel, which deserves a spot on your wishlist.
West End & Haymarket
The best neighborhood for theatre, art, and film
The West End shines as a cultural hub of the capital. Lothian Road is home to the stunning concert venue, The Usher Hall, alongside two of Edinburgh’s top theatres, The Lyceum and Traverse, plus the arthouse cinema Filmhouse.
The Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art sits on Belford Road, while a visit to the picturesque Dean Village, a former grain milling village on the Water of Leith, is a worthwhile excursion.
Moreover, there are plenty of bars and restaurants where you can savor some of the tastiest cakes and coffee in Edinburgh’s West End. From Lovecrumbs in the West Port to Cairngorm Coffee on Melville Place, you will certainly find something delightful to indulge in.
Tollcross & Bruntsfield
The best neighborhoods for brunch and independent shops
Tollcross and Bruntsfield are family-friendly areas bustling with activity. Bruntsfield Links is often filled with families enjoying their daily adventures, basking in the lush greenery.
These neighborhoods are brilliant for independent shopping, with Bruntsfield Place overflowing with great boutiques, artisan coffee shops, and plant stores. For steak enthusiasts, head to Chop House Bruntsfield. Classic brunch options abound at Honeycomb & Co. and Project Coffee, or you can try the all-day breakfast at Tollcross’s SEVEN Neighbourhood Cafe.
Additionally, Tollcross is home to the iconic Cameo cinema, one of the oldest in the UK, along with many traditional pubs like Bennets Bar, famous for its whisky selection, and the bustling end of the Union Canal, stretching from Falkirk to Edinburgh.
Stockbridge
The best neighborhood for weekly markets and thrift shops
Stockbridge is one of the more affluent neighborhoods in Edinburgh and truly comes alive on weekends. The Stockbridge Market every Sunday is a vibrant spot for soaking up the local atmosphere while enjoying bites from local vendors.
Raeburn Place serves as the main street, offering everything from homeware shops to cheesemongers, patisseries, and cozy cafes. Stockbridge is also a haven for thrift shops and charity stores, making it a great destination for bargain hunters. Visitors will enjoy the charming St Stephen Street, lined with vintage boutiques on one side and a collection of basement pubs and cocktail bars on the other.
Leith
The best neighborhood for community spirit and vibrant nightlife
Leith is not only dotted with bustling pubs, bars, and restaurants, but Leith’s main street, Leith Walk, is alive with European delis, Asian supermarkets, and a wide variety of culinary delights that highlight the area’s multicultural spirit.
Around The Shore, you can find even more bars, restaurants, and cafes, plus the weekly Leith Farmers Market every Saturday. Close by, The Pitt showcases a weekend street food market featuring award-winning food trucks. At the top of Leith Walk, you can experience some of Edinburgh’s best gay bars located on Greenside Place and Broughton Street.
For stunning 360-degree views of Edinburgh, make your way to the top of Calton Hill, where you’ll encounter the National Monument of Scotland, also known as ‘Edinburgh’s Disgrace’. Don’t miss the Collective gallery, housed in the former City Observatory.
Portobello
The best neighborhood for families and a beach experience
Although a beach may not be the first thought when envisioning Edinburgh, the seaside suburb of Portobello makes for an excellent family outing, just a 30-minute bus ride from Princes Street.
While Portobello’s 99 ice cream is its famous highlight, the local food scene is equally vibrant. The high street offers an array of cafes, bakeries, and bars, with the best fish and chips in Edinburgh found at St Andrews Takeaway.
Along the promenade, you’ll discover delicious pizzas by the slice from Civerinos Prom Slice, exquisite street food from The Little Chartroom on the Prom, and top-notch coffee from The Little Green Van, plus the nostalgic Nobles Amusements arcade.
The Bottom Line
For those seeking a comprehensive experience of Edinburgh, exploring these diverse neighborhoods is essential. Each area offers its unique vibe, delicious food, rich history, and cultural highlights for everyone to enjoy!
