With a variety of attractions, landmarks, eateries and bars, there's plenty to keep you occupied in the West End of Edinburgh. Here's a look at five places to visit to appeal to all tastes, whether you're after craft beer, delicious grub or a stroll by a stream.
Edinburgh Gin Distillery
Nestled beneath all the footsteps of the West End is Edinburgh Gin Distillery. You can see the wonderful small-batch gin being made, have a tour of the distillery and mooch around the gift shop. The day wouldn’t be complete without a sample or two either.
Edinburgh Gin Distillery, 1A Rutland Place
Affogato
If your palate needs cleansing after several straight gins, head to Affogato for arguably the best ice cream in Edinburgh. They serve authentic Italian gelato made in the New Town with an array of Scottish flavours including Irn Bru and cranachan. It's open until 10pm if you're after alternative scran on your way home.
Affogato, 36 Queensferry Street
The Hanging Bat
'Happiness is measured in schooners.' For those of a beery persuasion, the Hanging Bat will provide you with a stupidly good range of craft brews to get your paws on. Tens of taps will leave you spoiled for choice. Whether it is local offerings from the likes of Tempest and Pilot, or the fantastic bottle collection from further afield, there will be something to cater for every possible drinking need. Top notch scran as well, though too cool to serve chips.
The Hanging Bat, 133 Lothian Road
Bluerapa
While Edinburgh has a fantastic repertoire of Thai restaurants, the food at Bluerapa is nothing short of spectacular. Do not be deterred by the somewhat sparse exterior and interior, nor the endearing spelling mistakes on the menu; the dishes will speak for themselves. The family-run restaurant offers mains from a very reasonable £9.95 per person and allows you to BYOB. No frills, friendly and fun.
Bluerapa, 6 Torphichen Place
Dean Village
John Mason https://www.flickr.com/people/91451979@N00/
Though it’s a contentious issue whether the Dean Village falls into West End territory or New Town area, it should not be left undiscovered either way. Just a five-minute walk from Princes Street, you can enter Dean Village and walk along the serene Water of Leith. The old milling area, which in some places resembles a nineties Alpine ski resort, features some incredibly beautiful buildings. When you're spotting kingfishers and herons along the natural stream, you won't believe you’re bang in the middle of the city centre.
Looking to explore further? See five things to do in Edinburgh's New Town.