Just a few minutes’ walk from Princes Street, you’ll find the cobbled Georgian streets of the West End. With charming architecture, colourful shop fronts and a laid-back bohemian vibe, this area is one of Edinburgh’s best kept secrets – that is until now.
If you’re in the city, the West End should definitely be on your bucket list of places to visit. In fact, we think you should spend a whole day here. From Boutique shops to fabulous delicatessens, art galleries, trendy wine bars and unique dining experiences that naturally come with a Scottish twist, the West End has it all. Here’s our guide on how to spend 24 hours in Edinburgh’s West End.
10pm-9am Haymarket Hub
Stay overnight at the new Haymarket Hub. This place is brilliantly located for trips to Edinburgh as it’s opposite the train station and on the tram and bus route from the airport. Also, it’s the first hotel in Scotland to have ‘Handy’ phones which help you to keep in touch and navigate your way around the city – perfect if you’re prone to getting lost like us!
9am-10am The Westroom
Bright and airy, breakfast at The Westroom will be the perfect start to your day. The food here doesn’t disappoint and the kitchen serves up brilliant brunches at the weekend. There is something for everyone and every appetite at The Westroom. Think modern classics like avo and eggs on toasted sourdough to the full Scottish breakfast which of course includes haggis. If you like starting the day with something sweet try the eggy bread, served with rashers of bacon and lashing of maple syrup, it’s absolutely delicious. They do a blooming lovely spicy Bloody Mary too. If you can’t get a table at The Westroom, we’re also huge fans of the breakfasts at Milk and Loudons.
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10am-12am The Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art
A twenty minute walk from The Westroom, passing some of Edinburgh’s most spectacular architecture and over the Water of Leith, takes you to two impressive galleries that make up the National Gallery of Modern Art. Here you can see works by Dali, Picasso, Warhol and Bacon. The walk to this museum and the exhibitions on offer will definitely satisfy the culture vulture within.
12.00pm-1.30pm Exploring the West End’s boutiques
Cobbled Georgian William Street is home to some of Edinburgh’s best boutiques and independent shops including Odyssey Boutique. Named as one of the UK’s Most Stylish Boutiques by Stylist Online, this lingerie and swimwear store is a must visit for fashionistas. Make sure you get a private lingerie fitting with owner Sarah Connelly who, according to ‘The Lingerie Power List 2017’, is one of the most influential people in lingerie retail. Or check out Just g, Frontiers Man & Woman and Studio One which are also fabulous. If you’re into antiques there are some great stores in the area including James Ness & Son and Goodwins Antiques which both sell stunning pieces of antique jewellery.
1.30pm-2.30pm Lunch
Grab a soup, salad or a sandwich for a good cause at Social Bite on Shandwick Place – this social enterprise café which is staffed by homeless people and runs a pay it forward scheme is loved by George Clooney and Leonardo di Caprio, who have both paid it a visit on trips to the city.
2.30 – 3.30pm Time to relax
The West End is home to some great urban spas, which are perfect for taking a little time out to relax and have a bit of a pamper. There’s Breathworks for reiki and massage, or a relaxing facial at Sleeping Beauty Salon, winner of the Herald Look Awards 2016 for Beauty Salon of the Year.
3.30pm – 4.30pm Gin Discovery Tour
The Edinburgh Gin distillery is regularly ranked one of the top 20 visitor attractions in Edinburgh on Tripadvisor and is a must visit when in the West End. Learn the story behind Edinburgh Gin and discover how it’s distilled. Go on an intimate tour of the distillery; taking in Edinburgh’s distilling past in the exhibition area, then experience up close in the still room how it’s made today using the two copper stills. The tour includes an Edinburgh gin and tonic or a miniature bottle of Edinburgh Gin to take home. For only a tenner this experience is a steal.
4.30pm – 5.30pm Afternoon Tea time
No trip to the West End is complete without paying a visit to Patissier Maxime for their amazing cakes. Offering a true taste of France, this little gem sells the best sweet treats in Edinburgh. No joke.
5.30pm – 6.30pm Preen and Polish time
Don’t waste anytime by going home to get ready before heading out on the town. Instead, have a quick blow dry at the legendary flagship Charlie Miller salon on Stafford Street. If you’re travelling with your man, he can have a quick beard trim at Ruffians whilst you get your locks done. You can assure him that he’ll probably have the best shave of his life here – Ruffians has loads of rave reviews online and is even loved by The New York Times.
6.30pm – 7.30pm Pre-dinner cocktails
No city break is complete without pre-dinner cocktails and we’ve found just the place. Shortlisted for Bar of the Year 2017 by Food & Travel Magazine, The Voyage of Buck is home to Patron Perfectionist 2017 Mike McGinty so you’re guaranteed an excellent aperitif. This exciting concept bar features original cocktails inspired by cities around the world, including Havana, Paris, Taipei and Cairo. However, you’re in Edinburgh so we recommend staying true to the city and ordering a triple malt Scotch whisky or a whisky sour before letting the drinks menu lead your further afield.
7.30pm – 9.30pm Dinner
Serving up great brasserie style food with an emphasis on locally-sourced Scottish produce, Otro is the new place in town. The restaurant is housed in a beautiful Georgian terrace and the decor of this place is simply stunning. If you are looking to push the boat out a bit then head to The Galvin’s restaurant The Pompadour at The Waldorf Astoria – this is fine dining at its best from Head Chef Dan Ashmore, with stunning views of Edinburgh Castle from the dining room to boot.
9.30pm Post dinner drinks ‘til late
A few doors away from The Waldorf Astoria is Ghillie Dhu which offers live Scottish music every night until 3am. When you are there its worth trying the whisky flight. From highland to lowland, you can choose three whiskies from the menu to enjoy. If you’re unsure of which ones to order, just ask one of their whisky experts to help.
If you’re more a cocktail than a whisky lover then head to Sygn or Indigo Yard – both great for a party and open until 1am.