Winning tip: Scottish Poetry Library

Stroll up the Royal Mile and, just past the Canongate Kirk, turn into Chrichton’s Close (next to Starbucks) to discover the haven that is the Scottish Poetry Library, with tasteful modern architecture and a calm and welcoming feel. Browse poetic tomes and biographies, and do buy, at least, a greetings card from Edinburgh’s most literary little gift shop.
• scottishpoetrylibrary.org.uk
John Samson

Craigmillar: the other Edinburgh castle

Craigmillar Castle, three miles from the city centre, is a proper delight. It has all the castle essentials: intimidating curtain walls, stairs to climb, ramparts with terrific views – and don’t miss the arrow-slit window right by the final entrance to the tower. But there’s no furniture, no red ropes and no shuffling lines of visitors to get in the way of the imagination as you roam freely through a castle rumoured to be the only place where the magnificently unfortunate Mary Queen of Scots ever felt truly safe and relaxed. And all for just £5.50 (child £3.30). That’s an £11 saving on the more famous Edinburgh Castle. Enough for a couple of pints in the Sheep Heid Inn on the way back to town …
• historic-scotland.gov.uk
crocodarl

Live music at Whistle Binkies

An unassuming door off the Royal Mile leads downstairs into this energetic live music venue and bar. The lineup is eclectic as is the crowd, and although this isn’t genteel by any stretch of the imagination, it is authentic, atmospheric and the drinks won’t hurt your pocket. Watch local bands with odd names (ska band Sea Bass Kid wowed us) or those from further afield. With a mix of genres the only thing certain is that you’ll be dancing in no time.
• whistlebinkies.com
Katie MacKinnon

Bruntsfield: for proper wee individual shops

The stretch of road from King’s Theatre on Leven Street towards Morningside has a number of little treasures: trying and buying teas at Pekoe Tea (no 20) or, two doors up, getting all you need to prepare a complete chilli at Lupe Pintos. Across the road there’s the Harajuku Kitchen – a lovely Japanese restaurant – and up from that there’s Drinkmonger and then Nordic Outdoor. And once you’ve finished shopping and eating head for the Golf Tavern, pick up a couple of clubs and – no matter how rubbish or drunk you are – it’s fun to hit a ball around Bruntsfield Links, the original home of golf.
norman37

Mary King’s Close

We were escorted down this underground street by a guide in 17th-century clothing who described the horrors of living in Edinburgh, particularly during the plague. We were shown dark, dismal rooms and told a number of dark, depressing stories about their inhabitants. We learned a lot about life (and particularly death) in 17th-century Edinburgh. At the end we had our photograph taken and in it both my husband and I look as if we’ve seen a ghost.
• realmarykingsclose.com
jenjens

The Union canal

This restored canal runs from the heart of Edinburgh out to Falkirk, through lovely lowland countryside. There are pubs, restaurants and three scary high stone aqueducts; and at the far end it connects to the Forth and Clyde Canal via the Falkirk Wheel, the world’s only rotating barge elevator. Barge tours are available, but residential barges and boats can also be rented.
• scottishcanals.co.uk
outRIAAge

Soup genius

Union of Genius by the university campus claims to be Scotland’s first soup cafe. It does at least two vegan soups a day and many others, plus amazing olive bread. And you will probably make friends at the one dining table they have.
• unionofgenius.com
Madders Hyde

Rose Street

I travel to Edinburgh often and my favourite budget area is Rose Street. It runs parallel to Princes Street and is full of bars and restaurants so when I arrive late I don’t need to venture too far for delicious food (the Mussel Inn is a favourite) and real ale (the Kenilworth is outstanding).
Fuzzgin

Dominion cinema

This is a must if you are into art deco and movies. It’s a step back in time with a red carpet feel, including glamorous movie star photographs on the walls. Pay a little extra for the Golden Screen tickets, and sit in comfy reclining chairs with footrests, enjoy complimentary drinks and snacks (bubbly if you pay a bit more). It’s certainly a change from modern cinemas, and the staff are sweet and approachable. It’s a wonderful nostalgic experience.
• dominioncinemas.net
SoniaG2016

Sheep Heid Inn

The Sheep Heid Inn is Edinburgh’s oldest pub and a great place to meet locals from the city or Duddingston village because of its welcoming ambience, log fire and low-beamed ceiling. There are great views over Edinburgh’s skyline from the garden and traditional Scottish pub games are always going on inside – you’ll probably be asked to join in. Hearty grub might include Angus beef pie.
• thesheepheidedinburgh.co.uk
funinfinland

The Archivist’s Garden

Created in 2010, this plant-packed space is tucked away behind General Register House. An aim is to focus on ancient traditions and folklore before the knowledge of such customs and beliefs is lost. Each plant tells a story. Rowan trees, for example, were traditionally planted to ward off witches and evil spirits. In gardens where rosemary is planted, they say, the woman is the boss. Birth, marriage, death, heraldry, tartan and famous Scots all feature, with excellent information boards about the 57 species. And entrance is free.
• nrscotland.gov.uk
gwenkinghorn