- Restaurants -

Monster Mash is good indeed for cheap and cheerful, but The Outsider on George the IVth Bridge is great for a sophisticated dinner: won’t break the bank, healthy options, great decor, really nice staff, wonderful atmosphere and (if you’re lucky enough to get a window table at the back) a brilliant view to the castle.

If they’re fully booked their sister restaurant The Apartment on Home Street is very alike, but a bit less trendy. Similar to this are Howie’s chain of restaurants, there’s loads of them so you’ll probably have one near where you stay too.

For breakfast/brunch/coffee, Always Sunday on the Royal Mile is my absolute favourite. Also Elephant Cafe is nice though, but both are often very busy.

In New Town, a French restaurant La Petite Folie at 61 Frederick Street do great cheap-ish lunch. If you’re around the Newington area (near Arthur’s Seat & The Meadows), there’s a lovely French place there (at 69 Causewayside) called La Bonne Vie. They do great lunch offers too but you might have to book in advance (0131 667 1110).

If you like sushi, Izzi on Lothian Road is THE place for you. I’d eat there every day if I could.

- Sights -

My favourite must-sees are the view from Calton Hill and the view from the rooftop terrace of the National Museum (see I’m too lazy to climb up any bigger hills :).

Also, Dean Village & the walk to National Gallery of Modern Art along the Water of Leith is great, if you have time, you can read more about the area here: http://www.stuckonscotland.co.uk/edinburgh/dean-village.html

The old town in general is full of beautiful old buildings. Victoria Street and the Royal Mile are definite must-sees.

Also, the Botanical Gardens are quite nice if you’re into gardens. If you happen to be here on a Saturday when the Edinburgh Farmer’s Market is on, you should def go and see it. More here: http://www.edinburghcc.com/farm_market.htm

Hope you like Edinburgh! :)