I should begin this blog by saying, we love Edinburgh! Emilie has been studying Fashion at the University of Edinburgh: Edinburgh College of Art for the past three years and is now practically a local, while I take every opportunity to visit.

Edinburgh is Scotland’s compact, hilly capital and is packed with historical sites to explore. It has a medieval Old Town and elegant Georgian New Town with gardens and neoclassical buildings. Looming over the city is Edinburgh Castle, home to Scotland’s crown jewels and the Stone of Destiny, used in the coronation of Scottish rulers. Arthur’s Seat is an imposing peak in Holyrood Park with sweeping views, and Calton Hill is topped with monuments and memorials.

Whether you’re on a flying visit or indulging in a long weekend, this city has so much going on. Here’s our guide on must-see cultural spots, as well as our favourite places to stay, eat and drink!

Where we stayed

Old Town Chambers – our home from home.

5-star serviced apartments situated at Roxburgh’s Court via Mary Kings Close, a stone’s throw from the Royal Mile.

This is our home from home; modern well-equipped apartments offering the luxury of a top hotel with the space and independence of your own home. Direct access to the Royal Mile – a 5-minute walk to the castle or 10 minutes to Princes Street. Whatever apartment you’re in, the views are amazing. Everything here is top notch!

Where we ate

Love Crumbs – our favourite place for tea and cake!

Located at 155 West Point (a 2-minute walk to Grassmarket) this is our go-to after an afternoon of shopping. A cosy cafe with mismatched tableware, we love the quirky window seat allowing you to watch the world go by! Artisan coffee and a wooden dresser full of the best handmade cakes give it a gorgeous homely feel.

The Witchery – Restaurant and Suites situated at the Gates to Edinburgh Castle at the top of the Royal Mile.

Living up to its name the ambience here is amazing; oak panelling, tapestries and candlelight sets the mood. The menus cater for almost every offering including Theatre, A La Carte (deep pockets required) and a Three Course Set Menu which is great value for money. We chose the set menu (purely for choice) which was delicious; the staff are attentive in the best possible way (no hovering by the table!). We were celebrating my birthday, a lovely treat!

We asked if we could view the suites and were given the opportunity to visit the following day between check in/out. With 9 suites in total, we visited The Old Rectory. Tucked away at the top of a winding stone staircase, we found a huge room overlooking the Royal Mile with a Gothic style bed, a lovely fireplace, quirky antiques and hidden doors. A great place to stay if you’re seeking glamour, opulence and luxury.

The Devil’s Advocate – bar and restaurant. Can be found in an old Victorian pump house in Advocates Close, just off the Royal Mile

Our favourite place for a drink, cocktail, lunch or dinner. The food here is always amazing, as are the staff. Great place to try ‘different’ cocktails or unusual whiskeys.

1. Zara cable knit jumper with bobble hat

Zara cable knit Jumper, River Island Jeans, Dune ankle boots. Bobble Hat from Heritage of Scotland.

Add a Tommy Hilfiger puffa coat to keep out the cold (and boy, can it get cold!) – perfect for walking around town and sightseeing.

2. Mango leather jacket with All Saints dress

Next Scarf, Mango Leather Jacket, All Saints Dress, Kurt Geiger Ankle boots

My birthday dinner outfit. The Witchery was a five-minute walk so even I managed the cobbles in heels!

3. Ralph Lauren Polo Jacket with leather look jeans

Ralph Lauren Polo Jacket, Top Shop Blouse, Next Leather look jeans, Bertie Ankle Boots.

One of my favourite looks, it works for any occasion; bar, theatre or dinner.

What to see and do – our top 5 cultural picks

1. Edinburgh Castle – Visit the website

2. St Giles Cathedral – Visit the website

3. Mary Kings Close – Visit the website

4. Princes Street – Visit the website

5. Dean Village – Visit the website