The back story
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The back story
The Southside and the Meadows: university and green space
The University’s Old College, the National Museum, the Meadows, the Festival Theatre and Holyrood Park.
Area guide · Edinburgh
The Southside: museums, the Meadows and the hill
Old College, the Festival Theatre, the Meadows, Holyrood Park, Prestonfield and Craigmillar Castle.
What's onThis week in Edinburgh
What to see and do
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Royal College of Surgeons
Surgeons’ Hall Museums
Historic surgery, pathology and dental collections in one of Scotland’s oldest museums.
Nicolson Street, Edinburgh EH8 9DWExplore View on map
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Historic Environment Scotland
Holyrood Park and Arthur’s Seat
The royal park beside the palace: Salisbury Crags, Duddingston Loch and the climb to Arthur’s Seat.
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Historic Environment Scotland
Craigmillar Castle
A tower-house castle on the city’s southern edge, with links to Mary Queen of Scots.
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University of Edinburgh
Talbot Rice Gallery
The University of Edinburgh’s gallery in the Old College.
Old College, South Bridge, Edinburgh EH8 9YLExplore View on map
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Clerk Street
The Queen’s Hall
An independent live-music venue in a former church on Clerk Street: classical, jazz, folk and rock.
Clerk Street, Edinburgh EH8 9JGExplore View on map
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Capital Theatres
Festival Theatre and King’s Theatre
Musicals, drama, dance and comedy at Capital Theatres’ two stages: the glass-fronted Festival Theatre and the Edwardian King’s.
Nicolson Street, Edinburgh EH8 9FTExplore View on map
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Tree-lined paths
The Meadows
Edinburgh’s great open park south of the Old Town, crossed by tree-lined paths.
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Self-guided
Arthur’s Seat
The climb to the top of the old volcano in Holyrood Park, for the view over the city and the Forth.
Where to eat
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One MICHELIN Star (2026)
Condita
A small dining room on the Southside with a set surprise menu.
15 Salisbury Place, EH9 1SL, EdinburghExplore View on map
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In the MICHELIN Guide
Argile
Modern cooking on Argyle Place, by the Meadows.
21 Argyle Place, EH9 1JJ, EdinburghExplore View on map
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At Prestonfield House
Rhubarb at Prestonfield
Prestonfield House’s dining rooms, below Arthur’s Seat.
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Swedish bakery
Söderberg
A Scandinavian bakery: buns, sourdough and Swedish pastries baked daily, with coffee and brunch.
Bars
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Late-night bar and diner
Paradise Palms
A late-night bar and diner on Lothian Street: tropical cocktails, vegan and vegetarian food and DJs.
Where to stay
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Below Arthur’s Seat
Prestonfield House
A five-star country house in its own grounds below Arthur’s Seat, with Rhubarb restaurant: the Witchery’s sister.
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Bristo Place
Hotel du Vin Edinburgh
A boutique hotel with a wine cellar and a bistro on Bristo Place, by the university.
11 Bristo Place, Edinburgh EH1 1EZExplore View on map
Health and wellness
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