YOUR GUIDE TO THE VIBRANT CAPITAL OF SCOTLAND

Words: L. Thorpe

With a rich tapestry of history, culture and style, Edinburgh is a must-visit UK destination. Though you may be inclined to think of castles, history and the surrounding landscapes when visiting the capital of Scotland, Edinburgh’s fashion and culture scene has its own tale to tell.

From haute cuisine to stylish shopping, including our flagship Edinburgh Moss store, Edinburgh has it all. Here’s our guide to everything the city has to offer and what to do in Edinburgh.

Lannan Bakery

WHERE TO HEAD IN EDINBURGH

Edinburgh is home to plenty of stylish boutiques, vintage shops, designer stores and fashion retailers, one of the many reasons why we chose to open up our new flagship store in the city. Moss Edinburgh is located in the heart of the city’s fashion and retail centre St James’ Quarter, where you can find all your favourite men’s suits in Edinburgh, along with Custom Made, casualwear, suit hire and styling advice.

For unique Scottish fashion, explore independent boutiques in the Grassmarket area, offering everything from traditional kilts to contemporary Scottish designs. Or, take a stroll down the Royal Mile where you’ll find some traditional Scottish fashion and jewellery.

Edinburgh also boasts a vibrant culinary scene, with Michelin-starred restaurants like Number One, Ondine and The Kitchin leading the high-end side, along with plenty of other eateries to choose from. Looking for something that’s a little lower key? The Rock Salt Cafe is perfect for breakfast, brunch and freshly roasted coffee, while Fishers has locations in Leith and in the city, serving up fantastic seafood. The Roseleaf, The Bon Vivant and the Lannan Bakery are three more relaxed food spots that serve up seasonal, locally-sourced food in the city.

Dive into Edinburgh’s bar and pub scene by visiting stylish bars like Mistral or Bramble, or make your way towards Leith for plenty of evening hang out spots. For panoramic views of the city while sipping on cocktails, venture to The Lookout by Gardener’s Cottage. There’s even hidden speakeasies dotted across the city too – look to venues like Panda & Sons and Hoot the Redeemer. If you’re interested in the world of liquor, take one of the world-famous whisky tours that are dotted around the city.

Edinburgh Castle

THINGS TO DO IN EDINBURGH

A trip to Edinburgh isn’t complete without a visit to Edinburgh Castle, an iconic symbol of the city. Explore its historic chambers and witness breathtaking views of the cityscape. For something a little different, you can always go for an underground city tour of Edinburgh to visit some of the city’s oldest, deepest vaults.

To further fill your cultural cup, visit the Scottish National Gallery for classical art, or the Fruitmarket Gallery for contemporary exhibitions. There are also art halls and venues like The Usher Hall and Queen’s Hall for concerts and performances. To explore the very best of history, art and design, head to the National Museum of Scotland where you’ll find a wealth of fascinating exhibits. As for animal lovers, Edinburgh Zoo will delight children and adults alike.

Every August, Edinburgh bursts with creative energy as thousands of artists globally descend on the city to showcase their talents. From theatre and comedy to dance and music, the Edinburgh Fringe Festival is a dynamic, open-access celebration where established and emerging artists mingle. The streets of Edinburgh become a vibrant stage for artistic expression.

If you’re visiting in December, head to the Edinburgh Christmas markets. Explore charming stalls for unique gifts and crafts, indulge in traditionally Scottish and international treats, and soak in the festive atmosphere. Whether sipping mulled wine, enjoying city views from the Ferris wheel, or basking in Christmas lights, the markets are a great way to celebrate the festive season in true Edinburgh style.

St James Quarter

WHEN TO VISIT EDINBURGH

The best times to visit Edinburgh depend on your preferences and the type of experience you’re looking for in the city. Here’s some info that’ll help you decide when to visit:

• Summer (June to August): This is peak tourist season due to the milder weather and longer days. Edinburgh experiences various festivals, including the renowned Edinburgh Festival Fringe, in August. Expect larger crowds, but the outdoor events, festivals, and a lively atmosphere will make up for it.
• Spring (March to May) and Autumn (September to October): These shoulder seasons offer a good balance between decent weather and fewer crowds. You can explore the city comfortably without the peak-season hustle.
• Winter (November to February): Winter in Edinburgh is festive, especially with the Christmas markets and decorations. While you’ll probably want to wrap up warm, it’s well worth a visit. January and February can be a bit quieter.

Whatever the weather, if you’re looking for menswear in Edinburgh, we’ve got you covered with our new Moss Edinburgh flagship store. Visit us at St James Quarter from the 6^th of March.