Location: Southside & Holyrood
Top Things to do in Southside & Holyrood
10 Things to do in Southside & Holyrood That You Shouldn't Miss
Edinburgh is Scotland’s capital city, renowned for its heritage, culture and festivals.
Take a long walk around the centre to explore the World Heritage Sites of the Old Town and New Town, as well as all the area’s museums and galleries. Then stop for a delicious meal made from fresh Scottish produce before heading out to take in one of Edinburgh’s many events — including the famous summer festivals of culture, or the Winter Festivals of music, light and ceilidhs.
Restaurants in Edinburgh
1. Pickering's Gin Distillery
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1,224 reviews
Pickering's Gin is distilled by hand at the Summerhall Distillery, Edinburgh's first exclusive gin distillery to open in 150 years. We are delighted to host guided tours and tastings. Please visit our website to book a tour and to check availability. Tours last approximately 80 minutes. For a mere £15 a head you can: - See our wacky 'Old Workshop', filled with our own inventions - Learn how hand crafted, small batch gin is made - Marvel at the botanicals room, still and bottling line - Sample all four Pickering's gin expressions - Get a wee G&T kit to take home - Explore the labyrinth of exhibitions and events within Summerhall Summerhall Distillery.
Reviewed By colinb319
Fantastic little distillery! A great tour with a very knowledgeable guide who talked us through the history of gin and the journey of the two founders and a passionate team in creating exceptional, delicious gin! A real treat and a must see.
2. Barney's Beer
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 21 reviews
Welcome to Edinburgh’s Longest Established Non-Continuously Operating Brewery! Ever wondered what really goes on inside a Brewery? You’re welcomed in to Barney’s Brewery at Summerhall to do just that. You’ll be given samples of our most popular beers, shown the ins and outs of our small brewery, and given a lesson on Brewing history and science by one of our Brewery Professionals.
Reviewed By Florian_HSLU
This is a very authentic brewery located at an accomadation and invitinng place close to the city center. Great guys with lots of positiv energy and a good attitude. We enjoyed a tour organsised by Scot Beer and Brewery tours which I can only recommonend. Great experience for the whole group - not only for strong beer drinkers ;-)
3. Edinburgh International Events
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 142 reviews
The Edinburgh International Festival is one of many festivals that take place in the beautiful vibrant city of Edinburgh. The festival is a world-class event, bringing in artists from all over the world, and follows the Edinburgh Fringe Festival every August. It is recommended to book accommodation well in advance to have a chance of finding anything near the centre.
Reviewed By madmadeleine - Los Angeles, United States
I want to review the Fringe Festival however, tripadvisor only has a listing for the main festival and not for the Fringe. They should change that. The Fringe Festival is huge and it is not the main festival. It only exists because 70 years ago the snooty people who ran the main festival turned away several groups of performers who came to participate, and instead of going home with their tails between their legs, they started the most lively and inclusive arts festival in the world. Over 3000 different performances over one amazing month in August. They deserve their own listing. There were so many choices. With over 400 pages of show descriptions, the Fringe guide included a map and several comprehensive indexes including show title and venue. I used it along with the Fringe site and the Fringe app to find shows, and then used a low tech solution, pen and paper, to create a one page calendar with time slots so we knew what show were were headed to next. We had an amazing time. If you love theatre, music, comedy, street performers and being in the center of a lively arts scene, book your lodgings early and go. I wore my Fitbit and it told me I averaged walking about 9 miles a day and climbing the equivalent of 33 flights of stairs. The venues are distributed throughout the Old Town and the New Town and walking is the best way to get around. Traffic is often snarled so taking a taxi or a bus would probably be slower. Wear comfortable walking shoes and get in shape. It is a kind of marathon.
4. Upright Gallery
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
A small independent art gallery in Bruntsfield Edinburgh.
5. Holyrood Distillery
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 210 reviews
Holyrood Distillery is an exciting new attraction and single malt whisky distillery in the heart of Edinburgh. It includes a guided experiential tour, a gin distillery, a whisky distillery, a tasting bar and shop.
Reviewed By aebruce - Falkirk, United Kingdom
From the word go (despite us being a few minutes late!) we were made very welcome. The girl on reception (sorry, didn't catch your name) was lovely and very helpful, later helping me pick gin and Marcus our guide was very friendly, informative and made the tour interesting and fun. The building itself is stunning and despite restrictions we thoroughly enjoyed our tour and will definitely be back. Look forward to tasting the whisky when it is ready and I am just trying my first gin now and it's great. Thanks Date of experience: October 2020  This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC See all 141 reviews Holyrood Distillery 208 Reviews #14 of 475 things to do in Edinburgh Ways to Experience Holyrood Distillery Private Lowland whisky tour - Build your own... This private Whiskywheels tour is fantastic for those wishing to sample what the Lowland whisky... from£290.00 More Info The Big Whisky Tasting Tour - Private Whisky... ++ The Big Whisky Tasting Tour +++ Four stops from a choice of eight + +12 or more whiskies to... from£390.55 More Info Edinburgh Private Gin Tasting Experience Love gin? Love history? Love it even more when they both coincide? Then come along with one of... from£80.00 More Info Related to items you viewed  Pickering's Gin Distillery 1,195 Reviews Distilleries  The Scotch Whisky Experience 6,460 Reviews Distilleries  Edinburgh Gin Distillery 2,505 Reviews Distilleries  Grassmarket 1,882 Reviews Historic Sites  Edinburgh Zoo 8,567 Reviews Zoos  Loch Leven Brewery 30 Reviews Breweries Shop Tickets & Tours Shop Now Day Trips & Excursions Sightseeing Tickets & Passes Outdoor Activities Walking & Biking Tours Multi-day & Extended Tours Private & Custom Tours Reviews (208) Finish Your Review Traveller rating Excellent180 Very good12 Average1 Poor1 Terrible0 Show reviews that mention All reviews visitor experience great tour great fun gin tour aroma room short walk from the city centre drinking whisky our tour guide liqueur stuart gins tasting distilling production shop auld invention Selected filters FilterEnglish 1 - 6 of 194 reviews  Whiskywonderer Reviewed 1 week ago Lovely way to spend a rainy afternoon! Review of: Whisky Tour and Tasting Lovely distillery, very friendly and knowledgeable staff. The tour was very informative and the guide was great. If you are a whisky fan and visiting Edinburgh, I would highly recommend visiting Holyrood distillery. Date of experience: September 2020 Thank Whiskywonderer This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC  nursekerry05 Reviewed 2 weeks ago via mobile Brilliant Booked for my husband who is a whisky fan. We both thoroughly enjoyed the tour and learnt so much. Also enjoyed the interactive activities. Rachel the tour guide was lovely and full of interesting facts. She also made sure we had a covid safe experience. Enjoyed the flight of drinks at the end. Would definately recommend. Date of experience: October 2020 Thank nursekerry05 This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC HD-Edinburgh, Digital Marketing Manager at Holyrood Distillery, responded to this reviewResponded 2 weeks ago Thanks for the lovely review, and for your visit - we really REALLY appreciate your support especially during this uncertain time! Come back soon! Report response as inappropriate This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of TripAdvisor LLC  GraceCharlotte11 Leeds, England, United Kingdom Reviewed 5 September 2020 Nice outdoor drinks Came here for some post-walk drinks in the lovely outdoor courtyard. Really impressed by the service. Our waiter was really knowledgeable about the drinks and recommended some fantastic cocktails - all of their own invention. All table service, distances tables, track+trace and plenty of hand sanitizer available. Felt very safe. Date of experience: September 2020  Thank GraceCharlotte11 This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC HD-Edinburgh, Digital Marketing Manager at Holyrood Distillery, responded to this reviewResponded 5 weeks ago Great! So pleased you could come to visit! Report response as inappropriate This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of TripAdvisor LLC  Anne B Reviewed 30 August 2020 All in all a very pleasant way to spend a couple of hours Review of: Gin Tour and Tasting Took part in the Gin tasting tour at Holyrood distillery on Saturday 29/08/20, Stuart our guide was funny and informative telling us all about the process and history of gin. We tasted two gin liqueurs and two gins and afterwards we sat out in the garden area and had pizza and gin cocktails there is also a shop where you can purchase gins etc Date of experience: August 2020 Thank Anne B This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC HD-Edinburgh, Digital Marketing Manager at Holyrood Distillery, responded to this reviewResponded 5 weeks ago Thanks for coming Anne! Report response as inappropriate This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of TripAdvisor LLC  RandolphGardener Scotland, United Kingdom Reviewed 26 June 2020 Entertaining afternoon!!! I am not a constant drinker, but if it is a good liquor to taste and have a good conversation I am ready to do it, it was very informative to know how the whiskey is made and its varieties, take Great tour ???? - Holyrood Distillery Holyrood Distillery Edinburgh - Things to Do Edinburgh Scotland United Kingdom (UK) Europe Edinburgh Hotels Flights Holiday Rentals Restaurants Things to Do Forum Best of 2020 More £GBP United Kingdom  © 2020 TripAdvisor LLC All rights reserved. Terms of UsePrivacy and Cookies StatementCookie consentSite MapHow the site works This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in United Kingdom. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. more 
6. Festival Theatre
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 425 reviews
If you like a little added sparkle with your live entertainment then the prestigious Festival Theatre is the place for you. Built in 1994, the impressive glass facade imposes a sense of occasion as you enter the sleek and contemporary foyer spaces. Enjoy a drink in our spacious bars and take in the insipring views across to Arthur's Seat - but don't let the modern entrance fool you - the traditional 1915-seat auditorium, with its sumptuous decor and lavish fittings, has all the grandeur and splendour you need for a truly special theatrical experience.Designed as Scotland's premier dance and opera house in 1994, the stage is the largest in Scotland, providing the perfect platform for world-class contemporary dance and ballet, and excellent acoustics make it a number one venue for opera, musicals and concerts. The Festival Theatre continues to provide the best programme of dance and opera in the country, as well as a variety of world-class productions across all artforms. Home to the International Festival in the summer, and Christmas shows in winter, you'll find unmissable entertainment here all year round.
Reviewed By OriginalJim9357
The Theatre Clean, bright, well organised with no problems my first visit seat at Les Mis was in the stalls and my second was in the upper circle which gave me a superb view of what was going on at the back of the stage. good venue. Les Mis Great energy from the cast and solid performances throughout and for me, Javert and Valjean were the stand outs. I didn't think Madame Thernardier's voice had the commanding presence that it requires but don't get me wrong Sophie-Louise Dann has a superb voice .... maybe it was the way she was directed .... or just me? Although I like this production and the way background graphics was used in particular, when Valjean was rescuing Marius through the sewers .... I think it should be kept for tours only. The revolving stage from the original production gives an opportunity for changing the audience perspective with a simple half turn e.g. the barricade swinging round to reveal Enjorlas and Gavroche post battle. All in all though am just delighted to have been able to go watch Les Mis a mere 45 minutes from my home. :)
7. Dynamic Earth
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,647 reviews
A visit to Dynamic Earth is like nothing else on Earth. It's a chance to experience the primeval forces of nature as they shaped our planet, to journey through space and time and even go on a 4DVENTURE around the world. You'll be embarking on the interactive adventure of a lifetime - the lifetime of our planet. As if this wasn't enough, Dynamic Earth is home to Scotland's only 360 degree full dome film theatre. We have a variety of films showing throughout the year.
Reviewed By BeckyC526
We visited on 9th February and had an excellent family day out. The staff were really engaging and friendly without being overbearing and from the moment you enter the building there are things to do. The attention to detail for each section of the tour was really something and each area was its own sensory experience full of learning material. We loved it as two adults for what we could learn and our 18 month old daughter was enthralled by the lights and sounds. There was a lot on offer for the entrance fee, as well as the tour there is a 360 showdome and a soft play area. We didn’t use the showdome on this occasion as our little one was getting tired but we can’t wait to see it in action. The cafe food was actually edible and there was good choice. The gift shop had lots of the usual soft toys and trinkets but it also has a nice selection of maps, science kits, minerals and lots of interesting books. I was particularly impressed with the books on offer. Overall I highly recommend a visit and i cannot believe that this was our first visit after 12 years of living in Edinburgh. We will definitely be back soon.
8. Arthur's Seat
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 21,026 reviews
Arthur's Seat is one of four hill forts, dating from around 2,000 years ago. Situated within Holyrood Park, as well as it's rich cultural heritage, the park offers walks, solace, wildlife, volcanic geology and unparalleled vistas of the city from its many vantage points. The park has several Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) designations due to its exceptional range of grassland habitats and its internationally important volcanic geology. Ranger service on site.
Reviewed By holland21 - Stirling, United Kingdom
Arthur’s Seat is a massive hill in Holyrood Park in Edinburgh and if you’re feeling fit you can walk and/or climb it and of course you can drive round it, able to stop along the way to marvel at the views around the city and beyond, depending if you’re looking North, west south or east and see so many landmarks near and far. I would say that this is a must see and do when visiting Edinburgh !
9. Holyrood Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,693 reviews
Holyrood Park is a unique historic landscape in the heart of the city, whose dramatic crags and hills give Edinburgh its distinctive skyline. Within the park is a wealth of history and archaeology spanning thousands of years. Arthur's Seat is one of four hill forts, dating from around 2,000 years ago. As well as it's rich cultural heritage, the park offers walks, solace, wildlife, volcanic geology and unparalleled vistas of the city from its many vantage points.
Reviewed By Protopunk
Standing at 882ft... Looms over Edinburgh with great view from the top. My childhood playground... Park as a whole is great for a day out, with three lochs..dunsapie and st Margaret's are man made but duddingston is a natural loch with a lot of waterfowl and the innocent railway path running beside it. The ruinous st Anthony chapel was a medieval hospital and is a popular viewpoint.the views along the coast to east lothian and fife never cease to amaze me, there is also a community centre on perimeter of park, by holyrood palace with a scale model of the park and Arthur seat and info on many events which are held in the park throughout the year, park is ideal for kids with plenty space to burn off energy, it is a must see for visitors from abroad too...not many cities can boast an extinct volcano in the centre of town. It is easily accessible from the Royal mile and ideal if one wants to visit holyrood palace and the parliament. I'm fortunate that I grew up nearby and played in holyrood park, now I'm older I appreciate it more than I did in childhood... I'd recommend a visit any time any day.
10. Palace of Holyroodhouse
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 11,500 reviews
The Palace of Holyroodhouse is the official residence in Scotland of Her Majesty The Queen. Open throughout the year, the Palace of Holyroodhouse stands at the end of Edinburgh's Royal Mile. Explore the Palace's close associations with some of Scotland’s most well-known historic figures such as Mary, Queen of Scots and Bonnie Prince Charlie, and learn how today it is used by The Queen when carrying out official engagements in Scotland.
Reviewed By mvidro - Washington DC, United States
We bought the "Royal Tour" entry, which entitled us to see Holyrood itself (with excellent headset guides and in-room docents for additional questions), a garden tour (EDWARD, our guide was great), and the Queen's Gallery around the corner (showing "Russia, Royalty & the Romanovs"). We spent roughly five hours touring the facility, including lunch in the cafe. Holyrood was one of the highlights of Edinburgh -- don't miss it!
