It’s A Winterful Life

Edinburgh is a city of contrasts. From dramatic landscape to sweeping cityscape, famous tales to intriguing secrets, Edinburgh is blessed with a colourful and exhilarating culture.

Embrace your sense of wonder with a winter city break at our luxury hotel in the Scottish capital.

Scroll down to marvel at Edinburgh’s famous sights and hidden gems.

Or skip straight to our special offers and take the first step on your winter adventure.

Restaurants in Edinburgh

Our city is lucky enough to boast a few Michelin-starred restaurants, including The Kitchin, Martin Wishart and Condita.

That said, if you’re feeling adventurous, Edinburgh’s smaller independents are not to be missed! For a truly unique experience, a must-try is Aizle.

There’s no menu - just choose your ingredients and be surprised. For wine, charcuterie and artisan eats, Herbie of Edinburgh adds a little luxury to your lunchtime bites.

If you’re not sure what you’re in the mood for, head to Stockbridge Market to sample a range of light bites for everyone, including the best Scotch eggs in the country by Scotch & Co.

Culture in Edinburgh

As a city famous for festivals, there’s always something exciting going on in our city.

If you’re an art lover, we’re sure you’ll already have the National Portrait Gallery on your list, but what about seeing some contemporary art at the Fruitmarket Gallery?

If history is more your thing, the Museum of Scotland tells the story of our region in depth, from geology to society. Throw yourself into medieval Edinburgh in a trip to The Real Mary Kings Close, and see the winding streets hidden beneath the Royal Mile. No one could forget about Edinburgh Castle, keeping watch over the city atop its incredible volcano base.

Outdoor Activities in Edinburgh

If you can brave the chill, the hike up to Arthur’s Seat offers breathtaking views.

If a slow meander is more your thing, the waterside neighbourhood of Leith is endlessly picturesque and full of hidden alleys and buildings to explore.

Princes Street Gardens is a great spot for a picnic, holding many monuments and coming alive with the Christmas Markets from November to January. Before dinner, grab a hot chocolate and wander up to Calton Hill to watch the sunset cast a beautiful glow over the cityscape. When night falls, brave the spooky side of the city with a ghost tour.

Bars in Edinburgh

From welcoming pubs to luxurious bars, Edinburgh has an extensive range of drinking spots.

With their neon arrow, The Lucky Liquor Co literally points you in the direction of an amazing cocktail. Be surrounded by history in Cannonball Bar, named after the cannonball lodged in the wall facing Edinburgh Castle.

Hidden behind a barber-shop facade, the award-winning speakeasy Panda & Sons serves crazy cocktails and craft beer. Wizardry fans, add a little magic to your stay with an immersive mixology experience at The Cauldron. For an unmissable experience, take a tour around one of our famous gin or whisky distilleries.

Shops in Edinburgh

Edinburgh is home to an abundance of unique independent shops, from vegan fashion retailer Treen to quirky homeware store An Independent Zebra, both found in Stockbridge.

Hit up Princes Street or the Royal Mile for a quick shopping spree in the middle of your city adventures. If you’re wanting to splurge, the newly built St James Quarter has all your favourite shops and is right next to our boutique hotel in Edinburgh. Come Christmastime, the Edinburgh Christmas Markets are amongst the most famous in the world.

Rainy Day Activities in Edinburgh

We wish we could promise a dry trip to Edinburgh, but our city is just as wonderful in drizzly weather.

If you still want to embrace nature, the Royal Botanic Garden is an urban jungle with thousands of plants. Be mischievous in the Camera Obscura & World of Illusions, which is also a fantastic place for a photo op.

For a quiet break from the busy city, curl up with a good book by the fire in the Golden Hare bookshop. Alternatively, handcraft your own delicious Edinburgh souvenir in a chocolate class at The Chocolatarium.

Things To Do Near Edinburgh

Venture a little out of Edinburgh City Centre and discover more incredible Scottish sights.

Take a trip over to Falkirk to see the Kelpies; two magnificent horsehead structures that are the largest equine sculptures on the planet. Ride the train to North Berwick, a seaside town with amazing shops and food that is yet to be discovered by the masses. Further inland, Roslin is home to stunning Scottish architecture and Roslin Glen, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Did you know Edinburgh also has another castle outside of the city centre? Craigmillar Castle is perfectly preserved and just 20 minutes from our luxury hotel.