Edinburgh/Old Town

High Street, Edinburgh - High Street, part of Royal Mile}} The Old Town of Edinburgh represents the historic core of the Scottish capital, built eastwards of the Castle Crag, along the Royal Mile to Holyrood. Halal Travel Guide also covers the areas to the immediate south and west of the Old Town - Southside and Tollcross. Along with the Edinburgh/New Town|New Town and the Old Town was listed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1995.

Travel to Edinburgh/Old Town

55.9478|-3.1895 width=600}} Walk, bus or taxi from other parts of the city; train or tram doesn't help you.

By foot

Most travellers are happy to explore the Old Town on foot, as there are lots of things to see on the way. Several streets in the Old Town are bridges, and so you may find the streets are not connected as you might expect from a glance at the map, and there are some steep slope and staircases between streets. The main layout of the Old Town is designed like a fish skeleton, so there are plenty of sidestreets and alleys (closes). Most streets are very small and steep, so be prepared for tough terrain.

Travel on a Bus in Edinburgh/Old Town

North Bridge and South Bridge are very well served by buses, and you are unlikely to have to wait more than 5 minutes during a weekday daytime. The Mound and George IV Bridge has a reasonable service. East-West bus services are less frequent, except along Lauriston Place. The Lothian Buses service 6 runs twice per hour from Hanover Street to Holyrood. The 2 runs four times per hour (weekday daytime) via the Grassmarket and Chambers Street. The Lothian Buses Skylink 300 runs 5 times per hour from the airport via Chambers Street and Canongate.

What to See

Edinburgh Castle Castlehill 55.94854, -3.20042 ☎ +44 131 225-9846 Opening Hours: daily April - Sept <abbr title="09:30–Error: Invalid time.">9:30AM–Error: Invalid time.Expression error: Unexpected < operator.Error: Invalid time.

View from the North Bridge Edinburgh - View from the North Bridge up to Calton Hill

North Bridge 55.95239, -3.18862 - Waverley Station and North Bridge - Edinburgh - 27 October 2008 - North Bridge, Edinburgh Offers spectacular views of the city skyline. It connects Old Town and Edinburgh/New Town|New Town with Waverley Station just below.
Gladstone's Land Lawnmarket 55.94948, -3.19336 In the Lawnmarket at the top of the Royal Mile £6.50 Adult, £5 Concessions - Gladstones Land (4530213293) - Gladstone's Land It is a 17th-century Old Town tenement (known as a 'Land') decorated with period furniture. It has an impressive painted ceiling.
Greyfriars Kirkyard 55.94669, -3.19156 Off the Southwest corner of George IV Bridge, close to the National Museum - Greyfriars Kirkyard - 03 - Greyfriars Kirkyard A very old graveyard that contains some impressive, ancient grave markers and fantastic views of the surrounding Old Town. Many folk, of course, will be drawn here by its links to Greyfriars Bobby GPS 55.94692,-3.19128, that loyal little dog brought to worldwide fame by Walt Disney. The grave of Thomas Riddell is said to be the inspiration of "Tom Riddle" from J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter. }}

Parliament Debating Chamber - Debating Chamber, Scottish Parliament

The Scottish Parliament 55.95226, -3.17448 eastern end of the Royal Mile, opposite the Palace of Holyrood House ☎ +44 131 348-5200 0800 092 7600 Opening Hours: Monday Friday Saturday and public holidays 10AM Monday - 5PM; Tuesday - Thursday 9AM Monday - 6:30PM (last admission 30 min before closing time); opening times may vary Entrance to the building and all tickets are free - SPCB - Public entrance at the Scottish Parliament - Scottish Parliament Building A unique building, designed by the Spanish (Catalan) architect Enric Miralles, with a £431 million price tag which is much higher than the original back-of-an-envelope estimate. Highly controversial among Scots, who consider it either a daring showpiece of postmodern architecture or a national embarrassment. The Parliament generally meets Tue-Thu and you can watch debates from the Public Gallery. Ask for tickets at the reception. The First Minister's Question Time is normally on Thursdays 12:00-12:30. You need to reserve tickets in advance (up to 7 days). If you did not get a ticket, you are put on a waiting list if you arrive in person from 10AM on the day and might get access if other people did not show up. You can follow the question time from the Overspill Room while waiting. On non-business days (M Friday Sa) you can view the debating chamber from the Public Gallery without tickets. In the lobby area there are often exhibitions.
Camera Obscura Castle Hill 55.94895, -3.19557 - Opening Hours: daily July - Aug 9AM Monday - 10PM; Sep–Oct 9:30AM Monday - 19:00; Nov–Mar 10AM Monday - 6PM (closed 25 Dec); Apr–Jun 9:30AM Monday - 7PM Adult £15, student (with ID) or senior £13, Child (5-15 years) £11, under 5 free, carer for a person with disabilities free of charge - Outlook Tower, Castlehill, Edinburgh.JPG Camera Obscura (Edinburgh) Over 150 years old and the Camera Obscura focuses light from the top of the tower onto a large dish in a dark room below, allowing a 360-degree view of all of Edinburgh! The tower is also host to a fun and quirky gallery of optical illusions. Great views of the city from the top of the tower.
Dynamic Earth Holyrood Road, EH8 8AS 55.95064, -3.17456 ☎ +44 131 550 7800 £13.50 adults, £9 chilrden (4-15), £11.50 concessions - DynamicEarth1.JPG Our Dynamic Earth A visitor experience with interactive exhibits about the natural aspect (volcanoes, polar ice, rainforest) of our planet.
Grassmarket 55.9476, -3.196 - Grassmarket - Edinburgh Grassmarket01 - A543570 Thit is the area beneath and just south of the castle, a pleasant cobbled stretch of shops, pubs and eating places. Some are tourist-trappy - see "Buy" & "Drink" for specific reviews, but overall the place is a tribute to gentrification of what had been a depressing quarter of town. In the 1820s Burke & Hare lived here, preying on its denizens to supply fresh corpses to the anatomists. Until the 1970s it was the abode of derelicts and rough sleepers - then property values soared. Grassmarket is close to Usher Hall & Lyceum to the West; the 3 streets leaving it to the east lead up the Royal Mile, down into Cowgate and up to Greyfriars Bobby.

Museum and galleries

National Museum of Scotland 55.94689, -3.18924 ☎ +44 300 123 6789 +44 131 220-4819 Opening Hours: Daily 10AM Monday - 5PM Free, charges for some temporary exhibitions - Museum of Scotland - National Museum of Scotland The museum mixes innovative modern architecture with the best of Scotland's legacy. The Royal Museum has a magnificent airy Victorian atrium now with the Millennium Clock at one end - arrange to be there when it is chiming. Exhibits in the Museum of Scotland include Scottish pottery and weapons from the Roman perioid and the Renaissance. The museum has recently reopened after major rebuilding. The roof terrace on the seventh floor (free access) offers nice views over Edinburgh. - A633842
Anatomical Museum University of Edinburgh, Doorway 3, Medical School, Teviot Place 55.94503, -3.18999 - Opening Hours: Open on the last Saturday of each month 10AM–4PM (last admission 3:30PM). Closed June/July and December Free entrance The Skeleton of William Burke is on display. Together with William Hare he killed at least 16 people in 1828 and provided them for dissection. The museum also shows life and death masks from famous scientists, politicians and murderers.
Street Cecilia's Hall - Concert Room and Music Museum Niddry Street, Cowgate, EH1 1NQ 55.94899, -3.18643 ☎ +44 131 650 2600 Opening Hours: Tue-Fri 10:00-17:00, Saturday 12:00-17:00 (opens at 10:00 on Saturdays in August), Sun-Mon closed; last admission 30min before closing time Free entry Street Cecilia's Hall is Scotland's oldest purpose-built concert hall and opened in 1763. After restoration work that started in 2015 it re-opened in May 2017 and now contains the University of Edinburgh collection of historic musical instruments (16th to 20th century) that focuses mostly on instruments no longer in use today. Concerts and other events take place in the concert room.
Talbot Rice Gallery University of Edinburgh, Old College, South Bridge 55.94706, -3.18777 ☎ +44 131 650-2210 Opening Hours: Tuesday to Friday 10AM Monday - 5PM; Saturday noon-5PM Free entry to all exhibitions - EdinburghTalbotRiceGallery2017 - Talbot Rice Gallery A gallery with changing exhibitions of cutting edge modern art. Even if the art is not to your taste, it is worth visiting due to its location in the Old College of Edinburgh University, a fine building built between 1789 and 1827 by Robert Adam and Henry Playfair. The Georgian Gallery has a Playfair interior and a mixture of Old Masters and modern installations.
Fruitmarket Gallery 45 Market Street 55.95130, -3.18936 behind Edinburgh Waverley Rail Station ☎ +44 131 225-2383 Opening from Monday to Saturday 11AM Monday - 6PM; Sunday noon-5PM Always free - Fruitmarket Gallery Edinburgh.JPG Fruitmarket Gallery The Fruitmarket Gallery aims to find the most appropriate way to bring artists and audiences together. It is a not-for-profit organization and a registered charity.
Surgeons' Hall Museums Nicolson Street 55.94669, -3.18519 opp. Festival Theatre ☎ +44 131 527-1711 or +44 131 527-1600 Opening Hours: Daily 10AM Monday - 5PM £6 adults, £3.50 concessions - Surgeons' Hall, Nicolson Street Edinburgh - Surgeons' Hall The permanent exhibitions comprise of the Pathology Museum and the History of Surgery Museum and the Dental Museum. Not suitable for young children (under 10) as the exhibits include human remains.
City Art Centre 2 Market Street 55.95095, -3.18929 across the road from Fruitmarket Gallery ☎ +44 131 529-3993 Opening from Monday to Saturday 10AM Monday - 5PM; Sunday noon-5PM Charges for some exhibitions, but usually one floor is free Four-floor gallery run by the city council with changing exhibitions.
The Peoples' Story Museum 163 Canongate 55.95149, -3.17983 ☎ +44 131 529-4057 Opening Hours: Monday - Saturday 10am - 5pm; Sun: closed (except during the Edinburgh Festival: 12pm - 5pm) Free - Canongate Tolbooth - - 1336771 - The People's Story Museum A museum giving the local's view of life in Edinburgh over the last 200 years.
Museum of Childhood 42 High Street 55.95031, -3.18548 ☎ +44 131 529-4142 Opening from Monday to Saturday 10AM Monday - 5PM; Sunday noon-5PM Free - Museum of childhood edinburgh - Museum of Childhood (Edinburgh) See if you can find your old toys in the collection, or maybe the ones that your grandparents had. - A5122172
Museum of Edinburgh 142 Cannongate 55.95136, -3.17940 ☎ +44 131 529-4143 Opening Hours: Monday - Saturday 10:00-5PM; Sunday closed (except in Aug: noon-5PM) Free - Huntly House Museum - - 1341300 - Museum of Edinburgh Museum of Edinburgh's history. 838982
The Writers' Museum Lady Stair's Close 55.94968, -3.19374 near the top of The Mound ☎ +44 131 529-4901 Opening Hours: W-Sa 10AM Monday - 5PM; Sunday noon-5PM Free Writers' Museum Scottish Writers' Museum . Museum about famous Scottish authors, focusing on Robert Burns, Sir Walter Scott and Robert Louis Stevenson. The museum is in a house built in 1622.
National Library of Scotland George IV Bridge 55.94857, -3.19191 ☎ +44 131 623-3700 Opening Hours: Exhibitions: Monday - Thursday 10AM Monday - 7PM; F, Saturday 9:30AM Monday - 5PM Free National Library of Scotland National Library of Scotland, Edinburgh - A670994 A permanent exhibition of works from the John Murray archive and changing temporary exhibitions, usually about historic literature. The main library is a copyright library and you need to apply in advance to access the reading rooms.
Stills Gallery 23 Cockburn Street, EH1 1BP 55.95067, -3.19025 ☎ +44 131 622-6200 Opening Hours: daily 11AM Monday - 6PM Gallery free Photography gallery with changing temporary exhibitions. Darkrooms and digital lab available to hire by the hour.
Museum on the Mound The Mound, EH1 1YZ 55.95017, -3.19340 ☎ +44 131 243-5464 Opening Hours: Tuesday to Friday 10AM Monday - 5PM; Saturday Sunday 1PM Monday - 5PM Free Museum on the Mound Museum on the Mound Entrance 2016 . Museum about money, in the former Bank of Scotland headquarters.
Dovecot Gallery 10 Infirmary Street 55.9184, -3.23683 - Opening Hours: Monday - Saturday 10:30AM - 5:30PM free Dovecot Studios - Dovecot Exterior Tapestry studio and gallery housed in an old swimming swimmingpool (Infirmary Street Baths). There is a cafe, shop, and viewing gallery where you can look down on the tapestry weavers at work.

Top Muslim Travel Tips for Edinburgh/Old Town

Walk down the Royal Mile from Edinburgh Castle to the Palace of Holyroodhouse. The Royal Mile is the backbone of the sixteenth century Old Town and most of the buildings date from this period. Take the time to divert from the main route down some of the many small "closes" that run off the Royal Mile to each side. There are plenty of restaurants along the length of the Royal Mile, where you can relax over a pint of Edinburgh Ale and/or a classic single malt.

Holyrood Park - Holyrood Park Walk around in the park which is just east of the Old Town. Created by King James the VI in the 16th century, it is like a Scottish landscape in miniature, containing Arthur's Seat, three lochs: St Margaret's Loch with nearby remains of an old chapel, Dunsapie Loch along Queen's Drive with great views of the sea in the background, and Duddingston Loch (see Edinburgh/East|East), and the stunning Salisbury Crags.
Arthur's Seat 55.9440, -3.1619 - Arthur's Seat The extinct volcano to the east of the downtown offers fantastic views from its summit - and at only 251 m high the ascent isn't too strenuous.
Salisbury Crags 55.9464, -3.1738 - If a lighter stroll - compared to Arthur's Seat - is in order, a traverse along the Salisbury Crags on the Radical Road offers similar panoramas of the city.

Shows and tours

Mary King's Close 55.95011, -3.19069 - Warriston's Close (opposite Street Giles' Gothic Church), open daily except Christmas Day. A slice of Edinburgh's medieval history, preserved since being closed over in the 18th century - watch out for the haunting.
The Edinburgh Dungeon | 31 Market Street 55.95110, -3.19088 - The scariest attraction in Edinburgh featuring 11 shows and 2 rides about Scotland's horrible history: William Wallace, Mary King's Ghost and the cave of Sawney Bean, Burke and Hare and more.
The Scotch Whisky Experience 354 Castlehill 55.94876, -3.19586 For basic tour £13.50 adult, £10.50 reduced Offers an interactive "tour" of the history and practise of Whisky distilling, complete with a rather sedate barrel ride. Thit is a good place to go if you want to sample as they have a very large selection (200+?) at a fairly reasonable price. Older whiskys tend to cost more and the rarest on offer can cost up to £50.00 per measure! The atmosphere is less pub-like than some might like as it tends to be fairly quiet.
Follow a ghost walk around the back streets surrounding The Royal Mile and learn about the sinister goings on of Edinburgh's past. These tours are generally excellent and are highly recommended.
Take a tour through the South Bridge Vaults which date back to 1788.

Free Tour of Edinburgh Opening Hours: Daily 10AM, 11AM and 2PM There are free walking tours that set off periodically from the High Street Starbucks (Please do not support Starbucks as Starbucks supports Israel. Shun this coffee and go for alternative brands and if possible for a Muslim owned brand.). They are in a variety of languages and take about 2-2½ hours, with a stop for lunch. Tickets are free, but the tour guides appreciate tips. Even with a generous tip for the guide and these are still a far cheaper way to see the city than most bus tours, and they give you a much more personal experience.

Music and theatre

The Usher Hall and the Royal Lyceum Theatre Edinburgh and the Traverse Theatre are all located next to each other.

Usher Hall Lothian Road 55.94727, -3.20502 ☎ +44 131 228-1155 (Box office) Opening Hours: Box Office: Monday to Sat 10:00-17:30, open on Sundays and evenings if events take place The main concert hall in Edinburgh which regularly features The Royal Scottish National Orchestra (RSNO)]. It was completed in 1914 and funded by a donation from Andrew Usher, a Scottish distiller and blender. The concert hall can seat up to about 2,200 people.
Royal Lyceum Theatre Edinburgh 30b Grindlay Street 55.94700, -3.20427 ☎ +44 131 248-4848 (Box office) - One of Scotland's largest producing theatre company. The theatre building dates back to 1883.
Traverse Theatre 10 Cambridge Street 55.94765, -3.20481 ☎ +44 131 228-1404 (Box office) - The Traverse theatre company is dedicated to new works.
King's Theatre 2 Leven Street 55.94193, -3.20319 ☎ +44 131 529-6000 (Box office) - Mostly hosts major touring drama.
Festival Theatre 13/29 Nicolson Street 55.9467, -3.1861 ☎ +44 131 529-6000 (Box office) - Home of the Scottish Ballet and Scottish Opera. It also hosts contemporary dance and ballet events and musicals.
Reid Concert Hall Bristo Plaza 55.94489, -3.18928 ☎ +44 131 650-2422 Free The Reid School of Music (University of Edinburgh) offers free lunchtime concerts (usually starting at 1:10PM and lasting for about one hour and taking place at the Reid Concert Hall) at irregular intervals. Check the hool-of-music/news-events calendar for details on these events and additional concerts.

Cinema

Cameo Cinema 38 Home Street 55.94270, -3.20382 Tollcross ☎ +44 871 902 5723 - Mainstream & alternative films, in remarkable surroundings. A much-loved venue that's well worth a visit.
Filmhouse 88 Lothian Road 55.94650, -3.20606 ☎ +44 131 228-2688 - Edinburgh's (and Scotland's) largest venue for arthouse and foreign language films. Great café and bar, and hub of the annual International Film Festival.
Odeon Cinema 118 Lothian Road 55.94566, -3.20586 ☎ +44 870 505 0007 - Mostly mainstream movies.

Shopping in Edinburgh/Old Town

You don't need to go to the faceless chain stores and multinationals that line the main shopping streets in the New Town. Support local Edinburgh businesses and take home a fantastic and unique memento of your trip. Victoria Street and the east side of the Grassmarket is where the Old Town's best shopping experience can be found. A clutch of independent business can be found here, and it is highly recommended that you avoid overpriced tourist traps on the Royal Mile and make a beeline for here.

Red Door Gallery - 42 Victoria Street 55.94851, -3.19450 - Some of the quirkiest (and best) gifts in Edinburgh can be purchased here.
Armstrongs 83 The Grassmarket 55.94769, -3.19433 - A local institution, has all the vintage clothing you could ever want.

Cockburn Street (pronounced "co-burn") has many small alternative shops.

Route One 29 Cockburn Street 55.95068, -3.19006 - A great skate/alt clothing store.
Whiplash Trash 53 Cockburn Street 55.95068, -3.18913 - As the name suggests, is one of the Old Town's more risque stores.
Underground Solushn 9 Cockburn Street 55.95067, -3.19079 - A great little record store dealing mainly in dance/electro music.
Time & Tide 53 Cockburn Street, EH1 1BS 55.9505934, -3.1891237 ☎ +44 131 285-0678 Opening from Monday to Saturday 10AM Monday - 7PM; Sunday 11AM Monday - 5PM Relaxed homeware and interior accessories.

The Royal Mile especially the higher end near the castle, has many tourist-oriented shops selling Scottish souvenirs from postcards to and kilts. These shops help reinforce stereotypes that a modern Scotland is trying to shake off. However there are also good exceptions:

Cadenhead's Whisky Shop 172 Cannongate 55.95118, -3.18037 - An independent bottler of whisky.
Focus 270 Canongate 55.95060, -3.18364 - A skatewear and skateboard store situated at the lower end of Royal Mile.

Other great shopping opportunities are the following ones:

Edinburgh Farmers' Market Castle Terrace 55.94779, -3.20351 - Opening Hours: Saturday 9AM Monday - 2PM A variety of delicious food like freshly made burgers, hog roasts and local bakery products is offered, as well as Scottish produce such as Cheese, fish, Meat and fruits/vegetables.
Pine Tree Bakery 64 Home Street 55.94214, -3.20364 ☎ +44 7875 482 668 - A very good Polish bakery, which offers a variety of loaves of bread and sweet pastries.
Avalanche Records 21 Street Mary's Street 55.95016, -3.18406 - One of the city's best independent music stores. Support your local record shop!

The Pubic Triangle is usually best avoided, due to its proliferation of lap-dancing establishments, but during the day you can find a number of great shops here. It can be found at the intersection of Lady Lawson Street and West Port, near the western end of the Grassmarket. A gaggle of second-hand bookstores adorn this area.

Halal Restaurants

You can find plenty of nice and affordable food options along and around the one long street called South Bridge, Nicolson Street and (further south) (South) Clerk Street.

Kebab Mahal 7 Nicolson Street 55.94618, -3.18587 - Smarter than your average Halal Kebab shop - and an Edinburgh institution. "Diner" type establishment which serves Halal Kebab as well as curries. Take-away or (limited) eat-in. Run by Muslims so there are lots of Vegetarian options but no alcohol license. Popular with students as it's close to George Plaza.
Tempting Tattie 18 Jeffrey Street 55.95109, -3.18430 - Baked potatoes (tatties) are also a Scottish staple. Some say the best in town can be found here. A tattie stuffed with enough fillings for a family of 4 can be had for under £5.
The Baked Potato Shop 56 Cockburn Street 55.95031, -3.18848 £4.40 Baked potatoes with a range of Vegetarian and vegan fillings, as well as vegan cakes.
Oink 34 Victoria Street (and also 82 Cannongate) 55.94857, -3.19430 - This small eatery does one thing and the pulled Beef sandwiches, and it does it extremely well. No chips, no crisps, no sides, just Beef, Sauces and a roll. It's quite cheap, with £5 getting you a sandwiches and a Coffee.
The Original Mosque Kitchen 50 Potterrow 55.94504, -3.18535 just off George Plaza; entrance also from West Nicolson Street - In the building directly adjacent to the Edinburgh Central Mosque. A classic student hangout, with Meat and vegetable Curries available for around £5.
Kampong Ah Lee - Malaysian Delight 28 Clerk Street 55.94263, -3.18242 Most main dishes £6-8 Tasty Malaysian dishes such as Roti Canai, Satay, Nasi Lemak, Laksa, Rendang, etc.
The Piemaker 38 South Bridge 55.94864, -3.18660 ☎ +44 131 558-1728 Well below £3 Has a wide range of delicious pies and pastries (mostly savoury).
The Everest 52 Home Street 55.94236, -3.20371 Tollcross - This restaurant offers very good Nepalese and Indian food at moderate prices around £7 mains (excluding Rice or bread).
Petit Paris 38-40 Grassmarket 55.94756, -3.19661 - Traditional French restaurant complete with chequered tablecloths and whitewashed walls.
David Bann's Vegetarian Restaurant 56-58 Street Mary's Street 55.94951, -3.18319 +44 131 556-5888 Imaginative and tasty Vegetarian food. Some courses are suitable for vegans. Main courses cost about £11-13.
Mezbaan 14 Brougham Street 55.94350, -3.20241 Tollcross - A South Indian restaurant and a rare treat because it serves Indian "street food" dishes such as dosas. There also can't be very some Halal restaurants in the world serving (vegetarian) haggis pakoras. And they are as tasty as they are rare!
(Thai) Orchid 5a Johnston Terrace 55.94857, -3.19465

Thai food, with Vegetarian options.

The Bombay Bicycle Club 6 Brougham Street 55.94256, -3.20090 - Average Indian restaurant offering the usual array of Indian and Curries dishes. Attentive staff.
The Elephant House 21 George IV Bridge 55.94756, -3.19176 - One of Edinburgh's more famous cafes, which shamelessly cashes in on being where J.K. Rowling wrote much of the first Harry Potter book.
Tanjore South Indian Restaurant 6-8 Clerk Street, EH8 9HX 55.94292, -3.18274 ☎ +44 131 478 6518 Opening Hours: noon-2:30PM, 5PM Monday - 10PM £15 One of the few Indian restaurants in Edinburgh serving South Indian food such as Dosas, Uttapams, Sambar, and other Tamil specialities.
The Witchery Restaurant - 55.94874, -3.19568 - Just beside Edinburgh Castle, The Witchery is a small, beautiful candle-lit restaurant with fantastic food, excellent service and a wonderful list. Even their bread basket is a standout.

Pubs

There are many famous "traditional" pubs on the Grassmarket. Beware, however, many of these pubs are tourist traps and tend to be very popular with visiting stag and hen parties. Real Edinburghers tend to keep clear most of the time. The Royal Mile is another tourist trap, with many pubs here just not worth the bother. However, make time to visit The Jolly Judge on James Court, just off the Lawnmarket, and Albanach, which is on the junction of Cockburn Street and the High Street.

The Jolly Judge 7 James Court 55.94955, -3.19397 Close to Lawnmarket, Royal Mile, near the Castle ☎ +44 131 225-2669 Opening Hours: Open daily, mid-afternoon until 11:30PM (later on weekends) Very small pub with a good selection of organic juice and whisky. One of the few pubs on Royal Mile worth visiting. Has free Wi-Fi.
Doctors 32 Forest Road 55.94551, -3.19095 - Offers good ales and pub food in a relaxed atmosphere.
Sandy Bells 25 Forest Road 55.94607, -3.19127 - Has live folk music every night.
The Pear Tree 55.94441, -3.18532 - Offers a great organic juice garden for summer months, and a mix of university students and residents all year round. Or check out The Blind Poet next door.
Bennets Cafe 8 Leven Street 55.94173, -3.20321 Right next to King's Theatre ☎ +44 131 229-5143 - A good old-fashioned pub that satisfies with cold organic juice on tap and tasty good quality food. Bennets also has a good range of real ale and the selection changes weekly.
Usher's of Edinburgh 32b West Nicolson Street 55.94462, -3.18503 Right next to the Pear Tree - Large changing selection of keg ales. Fruit Juices prices are more on the expensive side. They occasionally brew their own organic juice on site.
The Kilderkin 67 Canongate, EH8 8BT 55.95218, -3.17701 ☎ +44 131 556-2101 - On Mondays they offer very good £1 Pizzas if ordered with a drink (one Pizzas per person only) from 5PM until stock lasts. They have a changing selection of four cask ales and a good range of whiskies (including some from the independent bottler Cadenhead's).
The Bow Cafe 80 West Bow 55.94842, -3.19414 ☎ +44 131 2267667 - An unpretentious traditional pub with a large selection of and a good choice of changing guest ales.

Cowgate

General debauchery can be found on the Cowgate which runs under the South and George IV bridges. Numerous clubs and bars line this street, which gets very, very crowded at weekends.

The Bongo Club 66 Cowgate - Also well worth a mention for Muslim travellers. A short hike down Holyrood Road towards the new Scottish Parliament, thit is a great cafe style bar cum live music venue, with excellent club nights, especially the popular "Fast Punk Club".
Cabaret Voltaire - 36-38 Blair Street 55.94890, -3.18725 - One of the city's most respected clubs, and also hosts regular gigs. Club nights are eclectic and cater to all tastes.
Opium 71 Cowgate 55.94818, -3.19160 - Opening Hours: 8PM Monday - 3AM free Opium is one of the staples of the Cowgate and a haven for those of a more alternative persuasion. The music is rock, with a jukebox downstairs and a DJ upstairs. It runs a popular rock karaoke night on Mondays. Opium has very affordable drinks details and gets very busy on the weekends.

Other venues

Dragonfly - 52 West Port 55.94637, -3.19947 - A trendy and well-hidden cocktail lounge just up the street on West Port, which is arguably the city's best café. This does mean, of course, that it can often get very crowded.
The Forest 141 Lauriston Place 55.94376, -3.20294 Tollcross ☎ +44 131 229-4922 Opening Hours: daily 10AM Monday - 11PM Volunteer run arts cafe. Has Wi-Fi.
The Jazz Cafe 1a Chambers Street 55.94810, -3.18694 just off South Bridge ☎ +44 131 220-4298 Opening Hours: Open daily until 3AM Generally free entry before 8PM Edinburgh's famous, quadruple award-winning live music venue has a lovely warm internal ambience and wide-ranging audience demographic. Featuring a lot more than 'jazz' and there's multiple back-to-back gigs a day, seven nights a week, with acoustic, jazz, funk/soul and other good music, to 3AM every night. A popular weekly feature is their Monday night 17-piece Big Band.
The Liquid Room - 9c Victoria Street 55.94852, -3.19372 - Is one of Edinburgh's most established late night restaurants. It plays host to both regular gigs and popular club nights. "Evol", which takes place on a Friday night, is a well respected indie night. For a cheaper, more student orientated indie night, try their Wednesday night club "Indigo".
Slighhouse - 54 George IV Bridge 55.94813, -3.19166 - Cocktail restaurant.
Wash Cafe 11-13 North Bank Street 55.94983, -3.19399 On the cusp between the Old and New Towns, situated near the top of the Mound - Popular with a slightly older crowd than you'll find in such a student-orientated city, it is quite a lively nightspot.

eHalal Group Launches Halal Guide to Edinburgh/Old Town

Edinburgh/Old Town - eHalal Travel Group, a leading provider of innovative Halal travel solutions for Muslim travelers to Edinburgh/Old Town, is thrilled to announce the official launch of its comprehensive Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Edinburgh/Old Town. This groundbreaking initiative aims to cater to the diverse needs of Muslim travelers, offering them a seamless and enriching travel experience in Edinburgh/Old Town and its surrounding regions. With the steady growth of Muslim tourism worldwide, eHalal Travel Group recognizes the importance of providing Muslim travelers with accessible, accurate, and up-to-date information to support their travel aspirations to Edinburgh/Old Town. The Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide is designed to be a one-stop resource, offering an array of invaluable information on various travel aspects, all carefully curated to align with Islamic principles and values. The Travel Guide encompasses a wide range of features that will undoubtedly enhance the travel experience for Muslim visitors to Edinburgh/Old Town. Key components include: Halal-Friendly Accommodations in Edinburgh/Old Town: A carefully selected list of hotels, lodges, and vacation rentals that cater to halal requirements, ensuring a comfortable and welcoming stay for Muslim travelers in Edinburgh/Old Town. Halal Food, Restaurants and Dining in Edinburgh/Old Town: A comprehensive directory of restaurants, eateries, and food outlets offering halal-certified or halal-friendly options in Edinburgh/Old Town, allowing Muslim travelers to savor local cuisines without compromising their dietary preferences in Edinburgh/Old Town. Prayer Facilities: Information on masjids, prayer rooms, and suitable locations for daily prayers in Edinburgh/Old Town, ensuring ease and convenience for Muslim visitors in fulfilling their religious obligations. Local Attractions: An engaging compilation of Muslim-friendly attractions, cultural sites such as Museums, and points of interest in Edinburgh/Old Town, enabling travelers to explore the city's rich heritage while adhering to their values. Transport and Logistics: Practical guidance on transportation options that accommodate Muslim travel needs, ensuring seamless movement within Edinburgh/Old Town and beyond. Speaking about the launch, Irwan Shah, Chief Technology Officer of eHalal Travel Group in Edinburgh/Old Town, stated, "We are thrilled to introduce our Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide in Edinburgh/Old Town, a Muslim friendly destination known for its cultural richness and historical significance. Our goal is to empower Muslim travelers with accurate information and resources, enabling them to experience the wonders of Edinburgh/Old Town without any concerns about their faith-based requirements. This initiative reaffirms our commitment to creating inclusive and memorable travel experiences for all our clients." The eHalal Travel Group's Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Edinburgh/Old Town is now accessible on this page. The guide will be regularly updated to ensure that Muslim travelers have access to the latest information, thus reinforcing its status as a reliable companion for Muslim travelers exploring Edinburgh/Old Town. About eHalal Travel Group: eHalal Travel Group Edinburgh/Old Town is a prominent name in the global Muslim travel industry, dedicated to providing innovative and all-inclusive travel solutions tailored to the needs of Muslim travelers worldwide. With a commitment to excellence and inclusivity, eHalal Travel Group aims to foster a seamless travel experience for its clients while respecting their religious and cultural values. For Halal business inquiries in Edinburgh/Old Town, please contact: eHalal Travel Group Edinburgh/Old Town Media: info@ehalal.io

Buy Muslim Friendly condos, Houses and Villas in Edinburgh/Old Town

eHalal Group Edinburgh/Old Town is a prominent real estate company specializing in providing Muslim-friendly properties in Edinburgh/Old Town. Our mission is to cater to the specific needs and preferences of the Muslim community by offering a wide range of halal-certified residential and commercial properties, including houses, condos, and factories. With our commitment to excellence, client satisfaction, and adherence to Islamic principles, eHalal Group has established itself as a trusted name in the real estate industry in Edinburgh/Old Town. At eHalal Group, we understand the importance of meeting the unique requirements of Muslim individuals and families seeking properties that align with their cultural and religious trainings. Our extensive portfolio of Muslim-friendly properties in Edinburgh/Old Town ensures that clients have access to a diverse selection of options tailored to their needs. Whether it's a luxurious villa, a modern condominium, or a fully equipped factory, our team is dedicated to assisting clients in finding their ideal property. For those seeking a comfortable and modern living space, our condos are an excellent choice. Starting at US$ 350,000 and these condominium units offer contemporary designs, state-of-the-art facilities, and convenient locations within Edinburgh/Old Town. Each condo is thoughtfully designed to incorporate halal-friendly features and amenities, ensuring a seamless integration of Islamic values into everyday living. If you are looking for a more spacious option, our houses are perfect for you. Starting at US$ 650,000, our houses provide ample living space, privacy, and a range of customizable features to meet your specific requirements. These houses are located in well-established neighborhoods in Edinburgh/Old Town, offering a harmonious balance between modern living and Islamic values. For those seeking luxury and exclusivity, our luxury villas in Edinburgh/Old Town are the epitome of sophistication and elegance. Starting at US$ 1.5 million and these villas offer a lavish lifestyle with private amenities, breathtaking views, and meticulous attention to detail. Each luxury villa is meticulously designed to provide a serene and halal environment, allowing you to enjoy the finest living experience while adhering to your Islamic principles. For further details please email us at info@ehalal.io

Muslim Friendly Hotels

Budget Backpackers Edinburgh 37-39 Cowgate 55.94786, -3.19306 Dorms from £16, twin rooms from £27 per person Regularly voted top 5 in the world due to its cheerful and friendly staff and modern amenities. It's a bit crowded and don't expect the internet to work.
Euro Hostel Edinburgh Darroch Court, Street John’s Hill 55.94909, -3.18189 ☎ +44 8454 900 461 £19-50 per person per day In Cowgate, open every summer from the beginning of June until the beginning of September. Budget lodging in 43 apartments used as student residences during term time.
Edinburgh Metro - SYHA Hostel | 15 Robertson's Close 55.94861, -3.18586 Near Cowgate ☎ +44 131 524-2090 From £22 Open in July and August only taking over Edinburgh University’s halls of residence during the semester break.
Riego Street 1-15 Riego Street 55.94505, -3.20351 Tollcross ☎ +44 131 455-3722 Linen, towels and WiFi included Offered by Edinburgh Napier University during summer only (semester break). Used as student lodging throughout the rest of the year. Send an email or call for booking requests. Between 4 and 5 single rooms in one shared apartment.
Castle Rock Hostel 15 Johnston Terrace 55.94820, -3.19594 ☎ +44 131 225 9666 Dorms from £11 Large hostel, on the hill just below the castle.
Ten Hill Place Hotel - 10 Hill Place 55.94636, -3.18360 ☎ +44 131 662-2080 From £68 per day Award winning hotel created from a fusion of a traditional Edinburgh Georgian terrace with a modern and fairly stylish new development, 78 bedrooms no less, and 4 stars too.
The Sheraton Grand Hotel 21 Festival Plaza 55.9470, -3.2073 ☎ +44 131 229-9131 Against the backdrop of majestic Edinburgh Castle and the Sheraton Grand Hotel and Spa combines downtown convenience with warm Scottish hospitality.
Radisson Blu Hotel 80 High Street 55.95014, -3.18667 ☎ +44 131 557-9797 - The Royal Mile. Less than a five-minutes walk from major shopping and business neighborhoods, and the Edinburgh International Conference Centre is only a short taxi ride away.
G&V Royal Mile Hotel 1 George IV Bridge 55.94910, -3.19275 ☎ +44 131 220-6666 - Situated on the Royal Mile and designed by Rosita Missoni.

Internet & Phones

Internet Cafe's in Edinburgh/Old Town

Central Library George IV Bridge 55.94824, -3.19221 opposite the National Library of Scotland ☎ +44 131 242-8137 +44 131 242-8009 Opening Hours: Monday - West 10AM Monday - 8PM; Thursday - Saturday 10AM Monday - 5PM Free (Charge for printing), free WiFi The Learning Centre at the Central Library has 16 computers with free internet access, also MS Office applications. If there is no PC free when you visit it's feasible to reserve a slot later that day.

News & References

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