Ok, so summer in Edinburgh isn’t usually a conventional one. The weather is always keeping you on your toes, and quite often in your rain jacket. But the city has so much to give whatever the skies decide to do and when they decide to be blue the Capital is unbeatable. So, here is our four-season in one day guide to Edinburgh this summer.
What to pack (remember - the day can go from 24 degrees and sunny, to 10 degrees and rainy!)
- Summer rain mac - Stutterheim is best (brollies are usually useless due to the wind)
- Lightweight jumper - Folk have some timeless summer sweaters
- Extra pair of socks - Bonne Maison are always winners
- Sunglasses - Monokel are the forever king of sunnies
- Wine and snacks
Where to go when it’s sunny
- The Meadows is a wonderful green park space full of going-ons and great for people watching. Grab a coffee from Soderburg and sit watching the world go by.
- Grab an ice cream from Marys Milk Bar and sit on the green patch at the Castle overlooking the Grassmarket.
- Go for a run (haha) up Arthur's Seat, or the not so tenuous, Radical Road around. It's well worth the hike for the views of the City, the Bridges and the sea. After that, swing by Century General Store café for a cheeky bit of cake and coffee.
Oh bother it's raining
- Watch a movie at the 1930’s independent cinema The Dominion
- Go to the National Museum of Scotland. There are always great exhibitions
- Go to Fruitmarket Gallery for wonderful contemporary art and a cracking gift shop.
It’s clearing up – lets go shopping
- Oh, you’re after some great art, then go to Gallery 10. We are a little bias as Paul is our neighbour, however his curation and eye is always outstanding. The gallery specialises in contemporary and applied arts. This is a real find, so keep it on the DL.
- You need some new threads – well I think you can probably predict what I am going to suggest. But, pop your head in Frontiers Woman and Frontiers Man to get yourself kitted out for your true Edinburgh experience.
- You need cheese (who doesn’t), wine and all the good stuff. Go to either Mellis or Valvona & Crolla.
Oh man I'm getting ‘Hangry’
We sure do know that feeling. Our favourite haunts are:
- 27 Elliots – A quirky café, restaurant and supper club with seasonal menu. Everything is locally produced. The menu offers great, high quality comfort food at a reasonable price.
- The Lookout – Amazing restaurant on Calton Hill with fantastic views over the city. It is run by the renowned Gardeners Cottage and offers gourmet, locally produced dishes.
- Café St Honore – Simply the best French restaurant ever!
- Safari Lounge – Quirky pub a little off the beaten track with great fusion style food at a reasonable price.
Picture credits available on request