Kirstyn Smith

Edinburgh is dripping with grandeur. Given the castle towers majestically over the city’s splendid buildings, and there are gorgeous palaces and galleries dotted throughout the streets, what better place is there to get a flavour of high society? And thankfully, Auld Reekie boasts a splendid roster of cafes, hotels and moving vehicles (we’ll explain later) offering posh sandwiches, scones, and even some fizz, if you’re feeling really fancy. So without further ado, here are the Scottish Capital’s finest spots of a drop of tea and a slice of cake. RECOMMENDED: 🥐The best breakfast and brunch spots in Edinburgh🍝The best restaurants in Edinburgh right now🥂The very best bars in Edinburgh At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines. 

Edinburgh is top notch, but in its most touristy months, it can be a little, you know, much. So if you’re looking for a day off from the hustle and bustle and the Harry Potter fans, we’ve got good news: there’s loads of great spots nearby for a day trip, and you can reach them all by public transport or a quick drive.  On our list you’ll find coastal towns, mountainous landscapes, cultural monuments and more, where beach walks, quaint shopping streets and rigorous hiking routes await you. Our top tip? Stop for lunch, and then head back to Edinburgh for a great dinner and pub trip. That’s where the good stuff is, eh? Here are the best day trips from Edinburgh.  RECOMMENDED:📍 The best things to do in Edinburgh 🎨 The best art galleries in Edinburgh🏰 The best attractions in Edinburgh🏘️ The best Airbnbs in Edinburgh This guide was updated by Edinburgh-based Arusa Querishi. At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines.