Historic Sites in Wester Hailes

"Right over the road from Holyrood Palace is the Scottish Parliament building, a relatively new addition to the city, from where the governing of Scotland takes place. It’s possible to visit the Scottish Parliament, either as part of a guided tour, or you can pop in yourself and see government at work. It’s free to visit, both on a guided tour or self-guided, although you need a ticket (free) if you want to watch a debate in the chamber."

"The Scottish Parliament Building may be a lot more modern than other entries on this list, but it’s all the more striking for it. Designed by Enric Miralles in a post-modern, metallic style, the building was officially opened just over a decade ago in 2004. Its design aims to mirrors the natural beauty of the landscape around it, and the building itself is comprised of an array of abstract shapes."

"The Scottish Parliament at Holyrood officially opened in 2004. This is where Members of the Scottish Parliament (MSPs) meet to debate Scottish issues. It is open to the public and there are free guided tours available, generally on Mondays, Fridays and Saturdays."

"This beautifully preserved 19th-century village is one of Edinburgh’s favourite hidden gems. Despite being the subject of countless Instagram photos over the years, it remains a tranquil haven in the city. As if frozen in time, this romantic gem is filled with little alleyways, storybook bridges and charming architecture, all set alongside the Water of Leith River."

"Dean Village is one of Edinburgh’s hidden treasures, located just outside of the city and besides the picturesque Water of Leith. Historically, Dean Village was a key player in Edinburgh’s milling industry, and you can still see signs of this heritage today. Explore the village to find millstones and stone advertisements for bakeries."

"Picture perfect and pretty as a postcard, Dean Village first started out as a settlement on the fringes of the city where local millers would live. Once upon a time, eleven mills donned the river, driven by the water’s current. Now, the former mills and millers’ houses make up some of the most prime real estate in Edinburgh."

"The John Knox House dates back to 1470, making it one of the oldest buildings in Edinburgh, as well as the oldest on the Royal Mile. Today, it’s a beautifully maintained museum that showcases the house and those who lived here, with special attention paid to the Scottish Reformation. Although it’s not on every tourist’s trail, those who do their research will be well rewarded with a fascinating trip back through time."

"The John Knox House dates back to 1470 and it is associated with the Scottish Reformation. Even though the name-giver John Knox only lived in the house for a brief period in the 16th century, his association with the house stuck throughout the…"

"The stripped-down, low-fi, traditional art of storytelling has had something of a resurgence in Britain over the last decade or so, and…"

"Located close to the castle and featuring a vast cobbled square surrounded by pubs, restaurants and shops, it’s the perfect place for dinner and/or to have a drink in a relaxed atmosphere. In the past, in addition to being a market place, Grassmarket square was also the place where public execution took place. Hopefully nowadays, the atmosphere is a lot more joyful!"

"This area of town is often bustling with people so there's always a buzz about this weekly market. It's widely regarded as a top place to be for those looking to get their hands on some stunning jewellery, crafts and artwork. Paella and hot Latin foods are regularly served up by the stall holders along with treats like cupcakes and macarons."

"Walk down Victoria Street (there’s a fantastic whiskey bar there – The Bow Bar – which is my favorite in Edinburgh’s Old Town!) and you’ll end up on the Grassmarket, a cute historic square with tons of pubs and a fabulous view of the Edinburgh Castle. Visit the Edinburgh Castle"

"If you want to save money when visiting the city’s popular attractions, consider purchasing the Royal Edinburgh Ticket. This is a pre-paid attraction pass which includes FREE entry to royal sites including, Edinburgh Castle, Royal Yacht Britannia, and the Palace of Holyroodhouse."

"The Royal Mile ends at the Palace of Holyroodhouse. This palace is the official residence in Scotland of Queen Elizabeth. She resides here about one week every year. When the Queen is not here, the Palace is open for visit."

"Dean Cemetery was inaugurated in 1846 and belongs to a beautiful hamlet located very near the city centre called Dean Village. It is one of the most remarkable cemeteries in Edinburgh and if it weren’t for the gravestones it could pass as a tranquil park full of trees."

"This ruined medieval castle was built in the 14th century and gradually added to over the centuries until it fell into disrepair in the 1700s. Mary, Queen of Scots recuperated here after an illness following the birth of her son, James VI, who would later become James I of Great Britain after the Union of the Crowns. The structure is a fascinating example of a medieval castle and much of it still stands, including the tower house and the defensive walls."

"Lulu bar and nightclub has a classy vibe with really tasty cocktails, located on George Street in a Georgian building house this 21st century nightclub is certainly stylish and Insta worthy!. If you like to get dressed up for a night out, this is the perfect club for you. This venue features a Saturday Night Fever style dance floor, with plenty of comfy seating areas so you can have a drink and a break from dancing."

"If you like to get dressed up for a big night out and you’re looking for a trendy venue then Lulu on George Street might just tempt you. The club is underneath the popular Tigerlily and it features a classic Saturday Night Fever-style lighted dance floor. There are plenty of sofas and seating areas for a rest between dances and there’s also a VIP area and private rooms for hire."

"Amid the swanky shops and bars of George Street (Edinburgh’s answer to Chelsea), Lulu is a decadent slice of luxury. Cocktails and bubbly are the order of the day, with full-on magnums of champagne served on ice. For the full VIP treatment, request to be put on the guest list, or book a private booth with table service."

"This multi award-winning Japanese restaurant and takeaway serves a variety of sushi, tempura, teppan and more. The food is outstanding, and the restaurant's elegant interior and ambience makes it the perfect date night restaurant for sushi lovers. As with all the best restaurants, we advise you to book in advance."

"If you’re going to visit one sushi restaurant in Edinburgh, make it Kanpai. It’s the most expensive restaurant on this list, but it’s also easily the best sushi in the city. The presentation of their food is superb, and the menu is full of inventive dishes."

"A post shared by Gavin (@thatnydguy) on Mar 12, 2017 at 6:07am PDT. Simplicity is right at the heart of the philosophy behind Kanpai. This eatery offers diners the three key ingredients of sushi, sake, and tempura."

"Image SourceThe market is an ideal place in Edinburgh to explore shops from leading-edge designers to fashion origins. The market is filled with designers, artists, and individuals selling crafts and classy clothes. Take a look for designer hats at Fabhatrix and Mr. Wood’s Fossils and if what you are looking for are old trend hats then Armstrong’s is the place to be."