The Best Food Art And Cultural Tours In Edinburgh

Chart your own route through Edinburgh with Culture Trip’s ideas for free, self-designed art, cultural and food tours throughout the Scottish capital.

Lovers of art, culture and good food will have no problems filling their time in Edinburgh. The city is bursting with creative hubs, artisanal food markets and – if legends are to be believed – ghosts. Whatever you’re interested in, a self-guided tour is an excellent way to explore the city. Here are some ideas to set you on the right path.

1. Browse the stalls at Stockbridge Market

Farm Shop, Farmers' Market, Market, European, Vegetarian, Healthy

Every Sunday from 10am to 5pm, the main street of well-to-do Stockbridge transforms into a thriving market with all kinds of artisanal foods, fresh produce and handmade crafts on offer. Browse the array of stalls, stopping at whatever catches your eye – there are always new faces to discover, whether it’s your first trip or your 100th. Follow your nose to find gourmet Scottish smoked salmon, jars of tart and sweet preserves, and enough cheese to feed an army of mice. You can probably make a decent charcuterie board from the samples alone, but make sure to buy something to support this local endeavour.

2. Design your own pub crawl

Pub, Pub Grub, British, European

There’s no shortage of cosy pubs in Edinburgh; they’re the epicentre of local life, where victories are celebrated and misfortunes mourned. Rather than book a pub crawl that guarantees nothing more than cheap drinks and forced group fun, do some research and choose your own route through the city. As a relatively small capital, it’s easy to cover ground on foot or public transport, so have a look at some of the best traditional pubs in Edinburgh to create a bespoke tour. The White Hart Inn is a good starting point. This small, characterful pub has records dating back to the 1500s and claims to be both Edinburgh’s oldest (though it’s got some stiff competition) and most haunted pub, with previous patrons, including body snatchers Burke and Hare, roaming the property.

4. Explore Harry Potter’s Edinburgh

Cafe, Restaurant, Coffee Shop, British

If you’ve always dreamed of being a Hogwarts student, Edinburgh is the city for you. It’s where JK Rowling wrote the Harry Potter series, and there are magical corners all over the city to explore. Start your tour of wizardry and witchcraft with a coffee and cake at The Elephant House, where she scribbled away at the first few books. Make sure you visit the bathroom before you leave – while that sounds like an odd tourist attraction, it’s covered in graffiti from visiting fans. From there, explore the cobbles and eclectic shops of Victoria Street (said to have inspired Diagon Alley) and the Greyfriars Kirkyard where you can visit the tomb of the real-life Tom Riddle.

5. Discover art in the city’s galleries

Art Gallery, Museum

Formerly Dean Gallery, but now renamed Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art - Modern Two off Belford Road in Edinburgh

The benefits of visiting a small capital such as Edinburgh is that nothing is more than a short walk or bus ride away, and the art offerings are no different. Princes Street, the main shopping street, is also an artistic hub; a brief walk from any point will take you to the Scottish National Gallery, the Royal Scottish Academy, photography gallery Stills, exhibition space the City Art Centre, and the Scottish National Portrait Gallery.

6. Take a tour of lively Leith

Architectural Landmark

In recent years, Leith has shaken off its divisive (and arguably undeserved) reputation as a bit of a rough area; nowadays, visitors are drawn to these pretty streets, lined with independent shops and creative spaces. Catch an exhibition or an open studio event at artist’s hub Coburg House, which provides workspaces for over 80 designers and makers, or head to The Biscuit Factory, a huge warehouse space now used as an arts hub and venue (no prizes for guessing what its original purpose was), to see what’s on its events calendar. When you’re done exploring for the day, stop to dine at Michelin-star restaurant The Kitchin, or savour a cocktail at incredible Victorian-era pub Nobles.

7. Discover Edinburgh’s history in the Old Town

Museum

As the name suggests, this is the oldest surviving part of the city; it’s even part of a UNESCO World Heritage site. If you really want to tap into Edinburgh’s past, this is where to go. Venture down narrow cobbled closes (alleyways), grab a pint at one of the ancient pubs lining the open square of Grassmarket and finish up at the National Museum of Scotland, which traces the city’s recorded history from the very beginning.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

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