Enchanting Edinburgh
A bewitching city year-round, the scottish capital is at its absolute best as the weather warms
Throughout the summer, art, music and fashion collide in Edinburgh, spilling out onto the streets to create one of the world’s most happening hot-spots.
With the promise of heady summer days just around the corner, the ‘This is My Edinburgh’ campaign is set to show the majestic city’s many sides, giving visitors special offers, insider tips and even suggestions for the ultimate Edinburgh experience, whether you’re into vintage fashion or edgy modern art.
Voted one of the world’s top 25 destinations by Tripadvisor, Edinburgh is best known for its world-famous summer festivals. No less than seven take place between June and September, from the Book Festival to the International Film Festival. But there’s plenty more to discover.
Fashion bible Vogue loves Edinburgh’s chic boutique shopping, especially independent stores, like Pam Jenkins and Jane Davidson. The city is packed with the best designer names, from Mulberry to Anne Fontaine.
And when dusk falls, Edinburgh really comes to life. There are more Michelin- starred restaurants here than in any other UK city, bar London, and cocktail bars pepper the streets. Clubs such as Lulu on George Street are home to the champagne-sipping jet-set, whilst at the cave-like Cabaret Voltaire you can spot the next up-and-coming band. Or head to The Forest Cafe for everything from poetry recitals to ‘knit-ins’.
For the morning after, the green fields of the Meadows or the stunning views from Arthur’s Seat offer easy ways to blow away the cobwebs. www.thisismyedinburgh.com
REBECCA’S EDINBURGH
Rebecca Henderson, 25, is a Wedding List Manager at Jenners department store. She shares her Edinburgh: “Everyone knows Edinburgh is a beautiful place, but it’s only when you’re here you realise it’s packed full of hidden gems; you never know what you’ll find next. Whenever I am in the Old Town I always pop into the Red Door Gallery. It’s a lovely boutique in the Grassmarket that showcases up-and-coming designers selling unique, affordable artworks and jewellery.
One tip I give people is to pop into the George Street Antique Fair at Masons Hall. It’s a haven for curios and one-off pieces. When it comes to eating-out, you’re spoiled for choice. The Dome Garden Café is a lovely sun trap on Rose Street.
In the summer-time you get to enjoy the buzz outside and the gorgeous green spaces too. The atmosphere is laidback and you meet loads of different people from around-the-world.”
WHAT’S ON THIS SUMMER?
JUNE – WHAT TO DO?
[ 16 – 27 June ]
EDINBURGH INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL
One of the world’s leading film events
[ 12 – 20 June ]
EDINBURGH COLLEGE OF ART DEGREE SHOW
A display of the work of some 400 young artists
WHERE TO STAY?
Hotel Missoni – the world’s first Missoni hotel
WHERE TO SHOP?
Harvey Nichols on St Andrews Square
JULY – WHAT TO DO?
[ 30 July – 8 August ]
EDINBURGH JAZZ & BLUES FESTIVAL
Live music in the parks, concert halls and streets
[ 30 July ]
EDINBURGH ZOO
Raise money for endangered animals by walking barefoot across broken glass
WHERE TO STAY?
The centrally located Rutland Hotel
WHERE TO SHOP?
Mrs Smith in the West End
AUGUST – WHAT TO DO?
[ 6 – 30 August ]
FESTIVAL FRINGE
The largest arts festival in the world spread over 200 venues offering
[ 13 August - 5 September ]
EDINBURGH INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL
The finest classical music, theatre, opera and dance
WHERE TO STAY?
Room 552 of the Balmoral Hotel – JK Rowling finished Harry Potter there
WHERE TO SHOP?
Victoria Street for colourful, cobbled charm
SEPTEMBER – WHAT TO DO?
[ 29 July – 5 September ]
EDINBURGH ART FESTIVAL
The most exciting modern visual arts
ARTHUR’S SEAT
Go to the Farmer’s Market for a picnic before enjoying views from the top of Arthur’s Seat
WHERE TO STAY?
The Chester Residence – a collection of four chic Georgian Townhouses in the West End
WHERE TO SHOP?
Armstrongs is Edinburgh’s largest vintage emporium full of retro finds
Log onto www.thisismyedinburgh.com for more on what’s happening in Edinburgh over summer
www.edinburghairport.com
www.edinburghshopper.com
www.essentialedinburgh.co.uk
www.edinburghfestivals.com
www.stayinedinburgh.net
