Edinburgh is one of the most beautiful cities I’ve visited. How did it take me 29 years before I went? I don’t know. But I’m glad I didn’t leave it any longer! After spending a long weekend in the Scottish capital, I’m back with another travel guide. Here are the best places I found on my trip (and all have a sustainable edge too!)
Best Coffee: Ante
1b Haddington Pl, Edinburgh, Scotland, EH7 4AE
If you love coffee like I love coffee, you have to make a bee-line for Ante. This coffee shop and bakery is the sister store of Spry, a restaurant and wine bar sat a-top Ante. Here, they serve the best flat white I had all weekend – I was literally walking about the city, sipping and sighing in delight. They’re also well worth visiting if you like hot chocolate (dark chocolate with sea salt, anyone?) as well as delicious pastries, galettes, and more.
Best Vintage Store: Godiva
9 West Port, Edinburgh, Scotland, EH1 2JA
Edinburgh is famed for its independent shops and the same goes for vintage stores. Godiva Boutique has to be the jewel in Edinburgh’s vintage crown, with true vintage displayed throughout the store, across mens, womens, and accessories. There were great coats, knitwear, hats, and even a gorgeous pair of chocolate brown boots that I wished I could have taken home with me. Plus, prices are reasonable, and they even offer a student discount.
Alongside Godiva, make sure to bookmark: Elaine’s Vintage Clothing, Epoca Vintage, Skinny Pig
Best Fashion Store: Treen
2-4 St Stephen Place, Stockbridge, Edinburgh, Scotland, EH3 5AJ
Treen exists in the beautiful area of Stockbridge, although I had already crossed paths with founder Cat before visiting in person. Here, Cat and her team curate sustainably-made womenswear and menswsear, as well as homewares and accessories. Brands include Embassy of Bricks and Logs, Girlfriend Collective, Hvisk, Jakke, Komodo, Nudie Jeans, and more. It’s the perfect place to try before you buy!
Like Treen? Also check out: Dandelion & Ginger, Kestin, Meander
Best Donuts: Considerit
3, 5A Sciennes, Newington, Edinburgh, Scotland, EH9 1NH
Ok, I’ll be honest, I wasn’t prepared to have a ‘Best Donuts’ category when planning our recce in Edinburgh, but Considerit deserves a category unto itself. This plant-based bakery and chocolatier is tucked away in Newington, but is well worth the 30-minute walk from the city centre. You’ll find rows and rows of indulgent donuts (the biscoff was incredible) as well as good coffee, good chat, and a good place to sit and warm up. Bookmark it if you haven’t already!
Best Charity Shop: Save The Children
112 Nicolson St, Newington, Edinburgh, Scotland, EH8 9EJ
I love scouting out charity shops whenever I go on a city break, and Edinburgh had some of the finest. My favourite had to be the Save The Children on Nicolson Street, which was incredibly well curated. From the Christmas jumper rack, to the colour-coordinated rails, I basically had to be thrown out the shop because I spent so much time in there. There’s also neighbouring charity shops on either side, so if you like to thrift, this is your street!
Best Homewares: Lifestory
53 London Street, Edinburgh, Scotland, EH3 6LX
Before leaving Edinburgh, I wanted to pick up a few presents, including one to myself. Naturally, I headed to Lifestory, a contemporary homeware boutique that stocks some of my favourite brands (Le Bonne Shoppe socks, Notem stationery, Rains bags, and more). I wish I lived closer, because the store really gives me interior inspiration. I’ll be back!
Like Lifestory? Also go to: Curiouser & Curiouser, The Paper Gallery
Best Restaurant: David Bann
56-58 St Mary’s Street, Edinburgh, Scotland, EH1 1SX
Finally, let’s talk restaurants. If I’m honest, half the reason I travel is to try out a new city’s restaurants, and Edinburgh has some of the best. David Bann has to be my top recommendation – this vegetarian restaurant serves a select menu of traditional meals that are hearty enough for meat-eaters to enjoy, while carefully catering to vegans and vegetarians. The service was also five-star – thank you to Sabdah for looking after us on our first night, after the long train journey to the city!
More sustainable restaurants to try: Eleanore, The Gardener’s Cottage, Sora Lella, Spry, Timberyard
Planning on visiting Edinburgh? I’d love to know if you visit any of my recommendations!
