The new face of travel is slow and considered. Through five comprehensive city guides that promote living like a local, Vogue Singapore’s May ‘Escape’ issue takes you into the heart of the underrated creative capitals around the world that are ripe for exploration. Don’t expect any of the usual haunts or Instagram-famous tourist spots. Here, you’ll find insider recommendations driven by authenticity and connection.
Edinburgh offers charm in spades. Nestled between rolling hills and shimmering seas, it is here that Scotland’s rich history, vibrant culture and breathtaking landscapes all come together. Gorgeous architecture surrounds you at every turn—from the iconic Edinburgh Castle in the heart of the city’s medieval Old Town, to the neoclassical townhouses and quaint gardens of the elegant New Town—as verdant hills and scenic waterways provide tranquil escape.
But what makes the city truly come alive is its thriving creative scene, evident in everything from small comedy clubs and independent bookstores to famous festivals like the Edinburgh Fringe and the Edinburgh International Book Festival. All through the year, intriguing exhibitions, unmissable music gigs and fascinating theatrical productions cement the city as a must-visit for any creative soul. Below, find a curated list of recommendations for where to play, eat and stay in Edinburgh to experience the best of its vibrant spirit.
1 / 8
Belmond’s Royal Scotsman
There is no better way to experience the picturesque sights of Scotland than aboard a Belmond train. With lavish suites that echo Edwardian elegance, extravagant dining cars that serve world-class dishes and a Dior Spa, The Royal Scotsman is a veritable castle on wheels. Each day welcomes new idyllic places to disembark and explore, while each evening brings live entertainment and traditional ceilidhs to immerse you in the best of Scottish culture.
2 / 8
Independent bookstores
Scotland is a literature-lover’s city and nowhere is this more evident than in the capital’s vibrant independent bookstore scene. You can spend hours at Topping & Company, browsing through the store’s three floors of shelves that rise up to the ceiling. Award-winning Golden Hare Books curates a gorgeous selection of titles with design in mind, and Rare Birds Book Shop is dedicated entirely to women’s writing. Contemporary titles by local authors that we recommend picking up a copy of? Hex by Jenni Fagan, Poyums by Len Pennie and Grimoire by Robin Robertson.
3 / 8
Summerhall
This is where the city’s creative spirit comes alive. All through the year, this award-winning arts hub—which was previously a veterinary college—is home to intriguing exhibitions, unmissable music gigs and fascinating theatrical productions. There’s even a radio station, microbrewery and a distillery within its halls. When you’re done exploring, grab a coffee at the cosy MF Coffee Shop or opt for a pint at The Royal Dick.
4 / 8
Stockbridge Farmers’ Market
Head down to Stockbridge on Sunday mornings for the weekly farmers’ market, where you’ll find a buzzing hub of culinary and crafty finds. Expect everything from handcrafted dessert creations to artisanal pet treats. Traders rotate frequently, but regular favourites Lovely Paella and Harajuku Kitchen are must-tries.
5 / 8
The Lookout
For the restaurant with the best view of the city, head up the iconic Calton Hill for a meal at The Lookout. Full-length windows envelop this intimate space for a gorgeous panorama of the city—a backdrop as impressive as the meal itself. Menus change with the season to showcase the best of local produce, with contemporary dishes that allow each ingredient to shine.
6 / 8
Mary’s Milk Bar
This adorable retro ice cream shop is where you’ll find the best gelato in the city (and some say, all of Scotland). Flavours rotate daily, handcrafted every morning using only the freshest ingredients, so every visit yields something delicious to discover. Head there early to beat the queue and savour the delectable treat on the Vennel steps next to the store with a view of Edinburgh Castle.
7 / 8
Porteous Studio
What was once a blacksmith’s workshop hidden amid the cobbled lanes of Edinburgh’s Old Town is now Porteous Studio—a masterclass in conscious minimalist design. Within this compact two-person studio apartment, all furniture comes crafted from a single native oak tree by local cabinet-maker Namon Gaston, perhaps the best example of designer-owner duo Eilidh Izat and Jack Arundell’s focus on local craftspeople, materials and techniques.
8 / 8
Gleneagles Townhouse
Lavish chic is the name of the game at this members’ club that functions as a boutique hotel. Interiors exude a Georgian charm accentuated with art deco flourishes—marked by pastel velvets, scalloped edges and painted panelled walls—and service is energetic and personalised, with the concierge team happy to help sort out private tours around the city. A stay here isn’t complete without a visit to the property’s all-day restaurant The Spence, which is nothing short of incredible.
The May ‘Escape’ issue of Vogue Singapore is available online and on newsstands now.
