Things To Do

Brucefield Industrial Park, 5 Rennie Square, Brucefield Industrial Estate, Livingston EH54 9DF

In photos: Edinburgh's 10 best real ale breweries

Moon BIngo review - bonuses, bingo games, and more. Image – supplied.

Ad Feature Moon BIngo review - bonuses, bingo games, and more

Jarvis Cocker of Pulp performing on stage at Finsbury Park in London. Picture date: Saturday July 1, 2023. Photo by PA/ Victoria Jones.

Pulp at Edinburgh Hogmanay: All you need to know

Unit 1 Almondvale Ave, Livingston EH54 6QX

CAMRA names the 20 best pubs in the Lothians

Where: 3-5 Rose Street, Edinburgh EH2 2PR.

CAMRA names the 25 best pubs in Edinburgh

Edinburgh Dungeon's Death Cell attraction runs from October 7-31. Photo by Nick Mailer Photography.

Dungeon takes visitors back in time with old city prison's 'Death Cell'

Located in the hills of the Scottish Highlands, Shrek’s Swamp is a stumpy, secluded haven fit for a solitude-seeking ogre… and for the first time ever, a handful of his biggest fans.

Inside Shrek's Swamp which is hidden away in the Scottish Highlands

The world's best restaurantst have been named by Tripadvisor – and Edinburgh has dominated the winners list for Scotland, and is ranked as the second best city in the UK for eating out.

Four Edinburgh restaurants named best in UK

There will be plenty of great opportunities to take selfies inside John Lewis' stunning Christmas shops.

In pictures: John Lewis opens Christmas shops

Taylor Swift's record-breaking Eras Tour will be shown in Edinburgh cinemas this October

Taylor Swift's Eras Tour film is coming to Edinburgh

A view overlooking the Christmas Market in Edinburgh. Photo by Stephen Bridger/ Getty.

Christmas market named best in Scotland and one of best in UK

Pulp will headline this year’s Hogmanay celebrations in Edinburgh – marking the first time iconic band have played in the city in over 20 years. Photo: Victoria Jones/PA Wire

Indie legends Pulp to headline Edinburgh's Hogmanay

Located on the site formerly housing the Twelve Triangles bakery on Easter Road, Kitchen Table by Twelve Triangles is now open.

Kitchen Table by Twelve Triangles opens on Easter Road

Take a look through our picture gallery from The Botanist Edinburgh's official launch party.

12 photos from The Botanist launch party

Miju, a new Japanese restaurant, has opened its doors on Dalry Road in Edinburgh. Photos: Miju

New Japanese restaurant opens in Dalry

Imagine if you could learn about the city and at the same time learn how far the world of doughnuts has come - now you can

I tried Edinburgh's new Underground Donut Tour and left feeling full - review
The two-mile walking tour integrates Edinburgh’s rich history with doughnuts rich in filling – and the combination seems to work well

The charming and tranquil site has undergone two years of refurbishment and recently recived a five star rating from VisitScotland

Tranquil camping and glamping site awarded 5 stars by VisitScotland

Starbank Park in Trinity is a stunning walled garden, a ‘Victorian Park’ which has been restored to its former glory by the active Friends of Starbank Park group, with some pollinator-friendly planting along the way. Central to the park's design and history is Stabank House, once the home of the Victorian Prime Minister William Ewart Gladstone’s aunt and uncle. The house was bought in 1891 by Leith Town Council and was a museum from 1920 to 1931, but is now a private house again. The Friends - who celebrate their 10th anniversary this year - use the side building where the history of the park is on display. It won ‘Best Neighbourhood Park UK’ in 2018 and in 2021 Prince William and Catherine, Princess of Wales, visited the park with Fields in Trust and planted an apple tree. Doors Open weekend will see a harvest display and guided tours, children’s crafts, chalk drawing and a planting demonstration as well as a history display and talk. Open: Saturday, September 23, and Sunday, September 24, 10am - 4pm

17 more venues to visit on Doors Open Days

Evening News editor Rhoda Morrison recommends going pumpkin picking this autumn. She said: "I know it's an obvious one, but one of my favourite afternoons of the whole year is my annual trip to the pumpkin patch. It's been a tradition in our house for several years now, and usually involves a pumpkin spiced latte for the way there, and a change of shoes for the drive back. I love wrapping up warm, pushing the wheelbarrow and picking out the best pumpkins to carve. And more recently, watching my wee nephews pick out their favourite pumpkin has just made it even more fun. The fun usually continues into the next day with a pumpkin carving competition. I've already got my tickets booked for next month, and I can't wait."

10 things to do in autumn in the city

Where: 8-9 Teviot Place, Edinburgh EH1 2QZ. Rating 4 out of 5. One Tripadvisor reviewer said: B'een visiting this place regularly since 2017 and can safely say I have always had a really good experience'.

In pictures: Edinburgh’s best Thai restaurants

On the corner of the top of the Mound where the street meets the Royal Mile is Deacon Brodie's tavern, named after the crooked councillor himself. The original Brodie family lived on Brodie's Close on the opposite side of the Lawnmarket.

In pictures: 12 of Edinburgh’s oldest pubs

The Omni Centre has been put up for sale for £65 million by owner Nuveen.

Edinburgh’s Omni Centre put up for sale

The five Live at the Apollo comedians coming to Edinburgh, clockwise from left - Ria Lina, Ignacio Lopez, Alfie Brown, Helen Bauer and Esther Manito. Photos supplied by Flick Morris PR.

Five 'Live at the Apollo' comedians set for Capital shows

Edinburgh University's Ashworth Labs at King's Buildings in Blackford were built in the late 1920s to house the university's zoology department. (Note the beautiful stone animal plaques on the exterior.) Now they are part of the ever-expanding School of Biological Sciences at the university. On Doors Open Day the labs will have exhibits, interactive displays and tours of the University’s Natural History collections. Open: Saturday, September 23, 10am - 4pm.

Another 21 places to visit on Doors Open Day

Edinburgh Cocktail Week 2023: Here’s a look at some of the 100 venues that will be serving £5 cocktails. Submitted image

Ad Feature Edinburgh Cocktail Week: The venues serving £5 cocktails

We asked our readers where are the most beautiful places in the capital. Do you agree with their choices?

Photo: Gary Campbell-Hall flickr, Spencer Means flickr, subberculture Wikimedia Commons, Jorge Franganillo flickr

The 15 most beautiful places in Edinburgh

Edinburgh Castle has witnessed many of the defining events in Scotland’s history. Sieges were fought over the mighty stronghold. Royalty lived and died within its walls. Just the sight of the Castle Rock has terrified and inspired countless generations.

Free Historic Scotland sites to visit this winter - in pictures
We take a look at all 28 historic sites set to open for free on the first Sunday of every month this winter

The Dar al-Arqam mosque at the Lauriston Place was built as a church, designed by Archibald Scott in Gothic style and completed in 1859 and originally used by the United Presbyterian Church. It later became disused and was purchased by the Muslim community in 1980. It was used primarily as a social club and suffered fire damage, but opened as a mosque 2012. It is named Dar al-Arqam, after the first building used by the early community of the Prophet Muhammad in Mecca as a place of teaching. Visitors will have the chance to see how the church has been converted into a mosque while maintaining the original beauty of the building. Open: Saturday, September 23, 1pm-4pm

Another 25 places to visit on Doors Open Days

Take a look through our picture gallery to see 12 of the most beautiful pubs in Edinburgh, according to our readers.

The 12 most beautiful pubs in Edinburgh

The Junction of Hanover Street and George Street.

33 photos showing how much Edinburgh has changed

Where: 2 Glasgow Road Corstorphine, Edinburgh EH12 8HL. Rating: 4.5 out of 5. One Tripadvisor reviewer said: 'We had the set lunch menu which was ridiculously cheap when taken with the size of portions and the quality of the food'.

The best Chinese restaurants, according to customer reviews

The Cocktail Geeks' latest pop-up bar in Edinburgh is inspired by the HBO TV series The Last Of Us. Photos: The Cocktail Geeks.

The Last Of Us themed bar opens in Edinburgh

'ABBA: The Movie – Fan Event' is coming to cinemas in Edinburgh for two nights only.

‘ABBA: The Movie’ to return to Edinburgh cinemas

Where: 15-17 W Register St, Edinburgh EH2. Time Out says: Nothing will make you feel whole after a heavy night out quite like a Snax breakfast will.

Freshers week: 11 brilliant cheap places for students to eat

The shortlist for the Turkish Restaurant and Takeaway Awards (TURTAs) has been announced – and five Edinburgh restaurants have made the cut.

Five local Turkish restaurants nominated for awards

Italian Trade Agency brings free cheese tasting events to Scotland. Picture – supplied.

Ad Feature Italian Trade Agency brings free cheese tasting events to Scotland

Adorable three-legged cheetah Ashanti pictured at Five Sisters Zoo in West Calder, after amputation surgery. Photo by Rachel Flynn (Four PR & Marketing).

Adorable three-legged cheetah recovers from amputation surgery

Vue cinemas is celebrating Batman Day 2023 by bringing some of the most iconic films back to the big screen this weekend.

Edinburgh cinemas to screen three iconic Batman films

Some of the acts appearing at the first Leith Comedy Festival next month. Clockwise from top left: Joe McTernan, Jamie MacDonald, Billy Kirkwood, Marjolein Robertson, Fiona Herbert, Rosalind Romer, Liam Withnail and Giulia Galastro.

Brand new Leith Comedy Festival coming soon

The Historic Sundays initiative will run from October to March, with locals able to access historic sites across the country on the first Sunday of every month. Photo by Rob McDougall.

'Historic Sundays' offers free access to heritage sites this winter

The Riding of the Marches parade makes its way up the Royal Mile past St Giles' Cathedral.

Riding of the Marches - in pictures

These are the 10 best Indian restaurants in Edinburgh according to Tripadisor reviews

The 10 top-rated Indian restaurants in Edinburgh

This group's sunflower-themed outfits and big smiles show how much they enjoyed this year's MoonWalk.

15 fabulous photos from the MoonWalk 2023 which saw hundreds take part

Edinburgh Zoo has confirmed the death of red panda Kitty.

Edinburgh Zoo announces death of red panda Kitty who was an 'amazing mother'

Next to the gates of the Palace of Holyroodhouse, the Abbey Strand buildings have been witness to more than five centuries of Scottish history. The oldest parts date back to around 1490 and were used as a weapons store during the reign of James V; as courtiers’ lodgings for Mary, Queen of Scots and James VI and I; as a sanctuary for 6,000 people in debt; and a site of taverns and tearooms. Today, the Abbey Strand Centre hosts school visits, workshops and lectures. Open: Saturday, September 23 and Sunday, September 24, 10am-3pm. Guided tours available at 10am, 11am, noon, 2pm and 3pm.

17 buildings to visit on Doors Open Day

Where: 4 Charlotte Lane, Edinburgh EH2 4QZ. Rated 4.5 out of 5. One reviewer wrote: 'Great service, place very clean and the pizza was very nice!'

Edinburgh’s 10 best Italian restaurants

The world-famous Royal Botanic Gardens, with its many exotic plants and stunning shrubberies, is perfect picnic destination.

Six places for a perfect picnic in Edinburgh

Puffin’ Rooms, who have gone down a storm with their Liverpool bar, are coming to the Edinburgh Quartermile development.

Trendy new cocktail bar opening at Quartermile

For the first time this Christmas The Polar Express Train Ride is arriving at Edinburgh’s Waverley station. Picture – supplied.

Ad Feature Tickets go on sale for the Polar Express Train Ride Edinburgh

Flight Club Darts have confirmed they will opening a venue in Edinburgh's St James Quarter on November 17 this year.

Flight Club darts bar gets opening date

Rugby fans in can watch all the action from the World Cup unfold at Innis & Gunn’s Edinburgh taprooms, while enjoying the latest lager launch from the brewer.

Innis & Gunn invites locals to sample new lager

Where: 33a St Stephen Street, Edinburgh, EH3 5AH. Dish Cult said: From its commitment to sustainable sourcing to its creative menu offerings, Purslane has become a destination for foodies seeking fine dining in a non-formal environment. With an emphasis on contemporary British cuisine, the Michelin-recommended restaurant reimagines classic dishes while incorporating international influences. Head chef and owner Paul Gunning (who has worked at some of London’s top hotel restaurants) is at the helm of the venue, which is found at the New Town end of Stockbridge. Around 80% of Purslane’s suppliers are in this neighbourhood, making it uber-local and eco-friendly, and the dining room’s artwork is by a burgeoning British artist, Andrew Lennie. Choose from five and seven-course tasting experiences and a lunch menu.

Top 10 Edinburgh restaurants for traditional British grub

Oktoberfest marks 10th anniversary in Edinburgh: Tickets now on sale for one of the most fun events in the city. Picture – supplied.

Ad Feature Oktoberfest is back in Edinburgh: Full details unveiled

Shakedown, a burger and milkshake restaurant, is set to open up in Corstorphine. Photo: Kesar Hassan

American-style eatery coming to Corstorphine

The five-star museum at the former Lady Victoria Colliery at Newtongrange, offers a unique insight into an industry which has been vital to the area and the community.
Doors Open Day tours on Saturday, September 9, are free of charge. And the museum is open as usual with standard admission charges. Tours are suitable for over-12s. There is no disabled access to the undercroft tour, but the museum itself is fully accessible. Open: Saturday, September 9, 10am-5pm.

17 places in Lothians to visit on Doors Open Day 2023