THE WITCHERY in Edinburgh - Hotel Review with Photos

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Updated: May 19, 2022

Essentials
• Location: Castle Hill.
• Hotel website: thewitchery.com
• Hotel phone: +44 131 332 7000
• Check prices for Witchery by the Castle

Review of The Witchery by the Castle in Edinburgh, Scotland.

Witchery by the Castle features nine suites, all of which are show-stoppers, with medieval decor, lavish furnishings and bathrooms, and modern comforts.

Witchery by the Castle – Sumptuous Gothic fantasy in the heart of Old Town.

Just steps away from Edinburgh Castle, this restaurant with rooms has long been a destination in its own right. There are just nine suites here, located either above the Witchery at the Castle restaurant and reachable via a spiral staircase, or tucked away in Jolie’s Close across the street. A darkly sumptuous theme prevails throughout, evident in the luxurious fabrics, heavy drapes, four-poster beds, a riot of dark wood, as well as crimson, gold, and antique furnishings. There are deep soaking tubs in the bathrooms, modern comforts such as Bose speakers and discreetly tucked away flat-screen TVs, and private dining areas for two, where guests can choose to enjoy their breakfast hampers. The celebrated restaurant is all candlelit, wooden-beamed medieval splendor, and the service is top-notch.

Witchery by the Castle – Location

Address: 352 Castle Hill.
Area: Super-central location on the historic Castle Hill, a pedestrianized cobbled street at the west end of the Royal Mile which is the main thoroughfare of Edinburgh’s Old Town. Castle Hill teems with visitors during the day but is very quiet at night, even though it’s just a few minutes’ walk from numerous restaurants and bars that dot the historic streets and lanes. Ideal location for sightseeing, shopping, and dining out. Central Edinburgh is hilly but it’s also compact and best explored on foot.
How to Get There: From Edinburgh Airport, take the tram to the Princes Street stop (32 minutes) and walk for 7 minutes (0.4 mile), or take an airport shuttle (8 miles) or Uber/taxi directly to the hotel. From Edinburgh Waverley train station, the hotel is a 7-minute walk (0.4 mile).
Private Transfer: We use and recommend Welcome Pickups car service. Booking through a private car service will cost only a bit more than a taxi – about £40 from Edinburgh Airport – but can be worth it to avoid the long taxi queue and for the convenience of paying ahead.
Handy to: Edinburgh Castle, The Hub, National Museum of Scotland.

Witchery by the Castle – The Basics

Ages: This is a lodging for adults only. All the rooms come with queen or king-sized beds and are geared towards couples.
View: Most of the rooms look out over the Royal Mile. The ones higher up have terrific views of Edinburgh Castle, Old Town rooftops, Princes Street, and the Firth of Forth beyond.
Private Pools/Jacuzzis: No private pools or jacuzzis.
Laundry: No laundry service.
Parking: No parking.
Extras: Turn-down service, complimentary bottle of champagne, cookies, and newspaper delivered to the room.
When to Book: 100% occupancy year-round. Reserve 6 months in advance for the summer high season (May to September) as well as the Christmas/New Year period, and at least a couple of months in advance the rest of the year.
How to Book: Booking.com will have the best rates.
Phone: +44 131 225 5613
Email: reservations@thewitchery.com
Website: thewitchery.com

Witchery by the Castle – Amenities

Pool: No pool.
Spa: No spa.
Fitness Center: No fitness center.
For Disabled Guests: One room potentially suitable for guests with limited mobility (only 2 steps) but not for wheelchair users.
For Families: No family-friendly facilities.

Witchery by the Castle – Food and Drink

Restaurants: The Witchery (noon-11pm) serves flawless contemporary fare that makes the most of Scottish produce (Cairngorm venison, Isle of Mull scallops, Scrabster cod) in some of the city’s most atmospheric surroundings. Eat in the subtly-lit 16th-century wood-paneled dining room or in the Secret Garden. Exceptional wine list. Reservations a must for lunch and dinner. $$-$$$. On weekday afternoons (3-4.30pm), The Witchery hosts afternoon tea, complete with finger sandwiches, cakes, and scones (£30 per person); you can also go for Champagne or Rose Champagne afternoon tea (£40/£47).
Lounge/Bar: No bar. There are numerous watering holes just steps away along the Royal Mile and in the surrounding streets of Old Town.
Breakfast: Complimentary. If you have breakfast at the restaurant, you can choose from a full Scottish breakfast, smashed avocado on toast, eggs Benedict, and other dishes cooked to order. If you breakfast in your suite, the hamper contains a generous spread of freshly baked bread, cereals, smoked meats, cheese, and fresh fruit. Served from 7-11am.
Room Service: Breakfast may be delivered to the rooms in a hamper and each room comes with a private dining area for two. Otherwise, no formal room service but the restaurant will do their best to accommodate you if you want to take something back to your suite.

Witchery by the Castle – Rooms

Room Types: The Vestry Suite • Sempill Suite • The Old Rectory Suite • The Library Suite • The Inner Sanctum Suite • The Heriot Suite • The Guardroom Suite • The Armoury Suite • The Turret Suite • List of all Rooms
Smoking Rooms: The Witchery is 100% smoke-free.
Best Room: On the second floor, the Turret Suite has exceptional views of Old Town and beyond and comes with a four-poster bed, large sitting room, Gothic bathroom with a free-standing silver bateau bath, and separate walk-in rain shower with room for two. Also on the second floor, the Guardroom Suite overlooks the Old Town rooftops. It is particularly spacious and comes with a separate wood-paneled dining area, salon-style sitting room, striking mannequins wearing guard uniforms, and a marble-floored bathroom with free-standing soaking tub.
For Families: No family rooms.

Witchery by the Castle – Local Transport

Walking: The Witchery is as central as can be, right at the top of the Royal Mile, steps away from Edinburgh Castle and The Hub, and within walking distance of the vast majority of Edinburgh’s attractions. The National Museum of Scotland is a 7-minute stroll (0.4 mile), while the Scottish Parliament (0.8 mile) and Palace of Holyroodhouse (1 mile) are both walkable down the Royal Mile. Old Town is full of dining and drinking options as well.
Bus: From various bus stops along Princes Street (0.3 mile) you can catch buses 22, 35, and 36 to Ocean Terminal for the Royal Yacht Britannia. To get to Arthur’s Seat, take one of the numerous buses south along South Bridge Road from South Bridge stop (0.4 mile), including 7, 14, 8, 29 and 37. You have to have exact fare or else buy a day ticket for Lothian buses (£4) or a bus and tram combo ticket (£9).
Tram: The nearest tram stop is Princes Street, a 7-minute walk (0.4 mile) away.
Taxis, Uber: Taxis charge around £20 from the airport to the hotel while Uber charges around £15.

Witchery by the Castle – What’s Nearby?

Recommended Nearby Tours

Invisible Edinburgh – Themed walking tours with homeless people trained as guides. Choose between the likes of Powerful Women (JK Rowling, Maggie Dickson, etc.), Crime & Punishment, and more. Book in advance. Start location: Depends on tour.
The Cadies & Witchery Tours – Entertaining ‘Murder & Mystery’ tours of Old Town conducted by the becloaked Adam Lyal. Expect costumed actors to jump out at you from dark corners off the Royal Mile. Start location: The Witchery Restaurant.
City of the Dead Tours – Spooky nightly tours of Greyfriars Kirkyard, complete with ghostly encounters. The ‘Mackenzie Poltergeist’, a 17th-century ghost of a judge, allegedly haunts the prison in the corner of the graveyard. Depart at 9pm Easter-October; at 8.30pm rest of the year. Start location: “Tree of the Dead” outside St Giles’ Cathedral (0.2 mile).
Mercat Tours – Good range of history walks. Their ‘Ghosts & Ghouls’ tour takes you to the underground vaults beneath South Bridge. Tours start at the Mercat Cross on the Royal Mile (0.2 mile).
The Edinburgh Literary Pub Tour – Fantastic 2-hour walking tour that takes in pubs associated with Edinburgh’s literary history. Meet at the Beehive Inn on Grassmarket (0.2 mile).
Trainspotting Tours – Witty, engaging tour of locations from the 1993 Irvine Welsh’s novel Trainspotting and its 1996 movie adaptation. Adults only. Meet at Docker’s Club in Leith. 20 minutes (2 miles) by public transport.

Best Nearby Restaurants

Amber – This whisky-themed restaurant inside The Scotch Whisky Experience pairs quality single malts with refined takes on classic Scottish dishes. Buzzy and popular with groups. Book ahead. (15m).
Contini Cannonball – Inside the historic Cannonball House, this is a sleek, modern restaurant that serves great Scottish food like ‘cannonballs’ of haggis with whisky sauce, Highland beef, smoked salmon, and creamy Cullen skink (smoked haddock soup). The service is friendly and efficient and you’re just steps from Edinburgh Castle. (75m).
Maxie’s Bistro – Dependable menu of stir-fries, steaks, pasta, and other crowd-pleasers. Grab a table on the terrace outside or dine in the candlelit interior. (100m).
Grain Store – Braised venison shoulder and Orkney scallops with pancetta are among the many elegant Scottish dishes at this atmospheric dining room. Advance booking recommended. (0.1 mile).
Scotts Kitchen – Quality Scottish dishes made from local produce in elegant surroundings. Go for a full Scottish breakfast or lunchtimes specials such as haggis and Cullen skink (smoked haddock soup). (0.1 mile).
Makar’s Gourmet Mash Bar – This informal restaurant combines industrial decor with mostly potato-based comfort food. Fill your belly with rosti fritter stacks topped with pulled pork, smoked sausage, char-grilled aubergine, and more, or opt for more substantial haggis with turnip puree or black pudding mash. Cheap and cheerful. (0.2 mile).
Angels With Bagpipes – One of Edinburgh’s fine dining highlights in an atmospheric 17th-century building. Creative, beautifully-presented dishes crafted from seasonal ingredients. The 2-course lunch is a steal at £17.50 and it’s well worth splurging on the 4-course tasting menu (£45) that might include sea trout with fennel and rhubarb and duck egg custard with rose hip. Reserve ahead. (0.2 mile).
Ondine – Sustainably sourced fish and seafood are on offer at one of Edinburgh’s best seafood restaurant. Slurp your oysters at the Oyster Bar or go for some superlative fish and chips or lobster thermidore. Book ahead. (0.2 mile).
Devil’s Advocate – Follow the narrow closes (alleys) off the Royal Mile to this converted Victorian pump house for some of the best barbecue in town. (0.2 mile).
Checkpoint – Floor-to-ceiling windows, reclaimed schoolroom furnishings, and an unpretentious menu of well-executed comfort food and excellent cocktails make Checkpoint a firm local favorite. (It’s also been rated one of Britain’s 25 coolest restaurants by The Times.) Dinner reservations a good idea. (0.4 mile).
Wedgwood – Foraged greens and imaginative pairings of Scottish ingredients result in the likes of spiced monkfish with preserved lemon and beef tartare with bone marrow at this refined fine dining venue. Unpretentious, laidback ambience. Reserve ahead. (0.5 mile).
Mother India’s Cafe – The concept of Indian street food served in tapas-sized portions was originally pioneered in Glasgow and has made this Edinburgh branch an instant hit. Popular with families and groups; book ahead. (0.5 mile).

Best Nearby Cafes

Edinburgh Larder – A solid local favorite for full Scottish breakfasts with sausages, black pudding, and bacon from local butchers, as well as homemade granola, gluten-free brownies, specialty coffee sourced from small producers around the world, locally blended teas from Eteaket, and more. Soups, salads, and sandwiches served till mid-afternoon. Communal tables encourage socializing. (0.4 mile).
Mums – Ye olde café with retro decor and British and Scottish comfort food on the menu. Come here for fish and chips, shepherd’s pie, and full Scottish breakfasts, with ingredients sourced from the best of local produce and a good range of Scottish craft beers. (0.4 mile).
Brew Lab – One of the best specialty coffee shops in town, with single origin beans carefully sourced from small producers worldwide. Really good cakes and baguette sandwiches also. (0.5 mile).

Best Nearby Bars and Pubs

Jolly Judge – Low-ceilinged, timber-beamed 17th-century pub. Decent ales and convivial atmosphere; perfect for a conversation by the fire. (150m).
The Bow Bar – Huge selection of single malt whiskies, Scottish craft gins, and real ales inside a traditional-style pub. Gets very busy on weekends. (0.1 mile).
Cabaret Voltaire – ‘Alternative’ club, home to eclectic mix of DJ sets, standup comedy, theater, visual arts, live music, and more. (0.4 mile).
Sandy Bell’s – This locally-beloved place had been around since the 1960s and is terrific to catch a traditional Scottish music performance on weekday evenings at 9pm or on Saturday and Sunday afternoons. (0.4 mile).
Brewdog – The Cowmarket branch of the hugely popular Scottish craft beer empire that’s always experimenting and offering new creations. Their Punk AF IPA and Vagabond Pale are justifiably popular, or you can opt for their new range of OverWorks Wild and Sour beers. (0.4 mile).
Dragonfly – Stylish cocktail bar combining oriental art, crystal chandeliers, and 20s-style decor with original cocktails (try the AppleOfM’Aye). Popular with the local glitterati so dress up. DJ sets on weekends. (0.3 mile).
Bannerman’s – Grungy live music institution popular with local students and backpackers, with almost nightly performances by indie, rock, and punk bands. (0.4 mile).
Salt Horse Beer Shop & Bar – Choose from more than 400 beers at the shop or sample the 12 keg brews, alongside cheese and charcuterie platters, Scotch eggs, burgers, and other quality beer snacks. One for true beer buffs. (0.5 mile).
Innis & Gunn Beer Kitchen – Lothian Road branch of a popular Scottish craft beer outlet. The Gunpowder IPA, Bourbon Barrel Scotch ale, and Blood Red Sky stand out. Guest beers from all over the world, plus hearty, meaty dishes to accompany them – beef chilli, Scotch eggs, burgers, and steaks. (0.5 mile).

Nearby Shopping and Cool Shops

Harris Tweed Hebrides – Come here for the famous hand-woven woolen fabrics produced in the Outer Hebrides for over a century. (100m).
Walker Slater – Specialist in contemporary wool for the gentleman and the lady, with stylish, ready-to-wear tweed jackets, skirts, suits, and trousers. Carefully chosen accessories include hats, belts, and hip flasks. (0.1 mile).
The Great Wizard – All the Harry Potter memorabilia that you could hope for, on nearby Victoria Street. JK Rowling is one of Edinburgh’s most famous daughters. (0.1 mile).
Royal Mile Whiskies – One of the best whisky shops on the Royal Mile, with a vast selection of single malts and blended whiskies, both in full-size bottles and miniatures. Also sells bourbon and Irish whiskey. (0.2 mile).
W. Armstrong & Son – Going strong since 1840, this vintage clothing store sells everything from pre-loved kilts and Harris tweed to 1940s dresses and 1970s flares. (0.2 mile).
Bill Baber – In the same family for 3 generations, this designer knitwear store is great for merino wool creations as well as linen and silk items. (0.2 mile).
Fringe Shop – Been to the Edinburgh Fringe Festival? Come here for a range of festival keepsakes, from hoodies, KeepCups, and bamboo t-shirts to vintage canvas bags and the limited edition of Edinburgh-themed Monopoly. (0.3 mile).
Geoffrey Tailor – Sells kilts in every clan tartan imaginable (and can procure any rare ones), and can kit you out in traditional Highland threads. (0.4 mile).
Ragamuffin – One of the best outlets in Old Town for Harris tweed, Scottish knitwear, and cashmere sweaters by Johnsons of Elgin. (0.5 mile).
Edinburgh Book Quarter – Lying between West Port and Bread Street, Edinburgh’s ‘Soho’ is great for specialty bookstores. Main Point specializes in titles on mountaineering, paperback fiction, and philosophy. Peter Bell Books is a must for Scottish history, military, and maps. Edinburgh Books has the largest collection of second-hand books in the city. (0.4 mile).
Kilberry Bagpipes – This one-stop shop sells all things bagpipe, from the pipes themselves to maintenance kits, learning packs, and carry cases. So if you’ve been inspired by some of the street musicians, here’s your chance to pick up some pipes of your own. (0.5 mile).
Cadenhead’s Whisky Shop – In the Cannongate, this is one of the last surviving independent bottlers in the city to buy single malts straight from the cask and whiskies from small, independent distilleries. They sell the good stuff in small, travel-friendly bottles, too. (0.6 mile).

Nearby Attractions

The Scotch Whisky Experience – Walk your way through this entertaining multimedia center that showcases the creation of whisky, from barley to distillation to bottle. All your senses are engaged here and you can also check out the world’s largest collection of malt whiskies. Depending on the tour option, you may get to sample a number of whiskies paired with Scottish nibbles. (25m).
Edinburgh Castle – Perched on the crag of Castle Rock, this historic fortress and former royal residence dominates the Edinburgh skyline. It’s the city’s atmospheric, heavyweight attraction, where you can see the Honours of Scotland (Scottish Crown Jewels), the bed-chamber where Mary, Queen of Scots, gave birth to her son who’d unite the English and Scottish crowns, the National War Museum of Scotland, the prisons inside the Castle Vaults, and the One o’Clock Gun, a WWII Goliath that’s fired at 1pm daily. The views of the city from the battlements are tremendous. (75m).
Writers’ Museum – Take the close (alleyway) that connects the Royal Mile with the Mound to visit this literary museum inside the 1622 Lady Stair’s House. Here you can immerse yourself in manuscripts and memorabilia of Robert Louis Stevenson, Sir Walter Scott, and Robert Burns, three of Scotland’s most famous writers. (0.1 mile).
Real Mary King’s Close – Preserved unchanged for the past 250 years, the lower levels of this medieval lane make for a fascinating, eerie labyrinth that visitors explore with the aid of costumed guides. Ghost stories make up a large chunk of the tour and some of them are genuinely creepy, given the setting. Check out the dolls and teddy bears left by visitors for the ghost of a little girl called Annie. (0.2 mile).
National Museum of Scotland – Spread across 2 buildings – a contemporary and a Victorian one – this terrific museum is a stampede through the history of Scotland, presented using an engaging variety of media highlighting the period from the earliest prehistoric signs of humanity until the 1990s. There are occasional themed exhibitions too, while the older building is home to displays on the decorative arts of China, the Islamic world, Japan, and the West, as well as design and fashion, science and technology, and natural history. (0.4 mile).
Museum of Childhood – Take your kids here to explore the huge collection of dolls, toys, games, and books through the ages. There are engaging exhibitions on various issues related to childhood – education, health and upbringing – as well as digital footage of kids playing street games in the city in the 1950s. (0.4 mile).
Museum of Edinburgh – The exhibitions inside this bright yellow and red 16th-century building tell the story of the city from prehistory to modern times through a series of entertaining exhibits. Look out for the dog feeding bowl and collar that belonged to Greyfriars Bobby, a Sky terrier who maintained vigil over his master’s grave from 1858 to 1872, plus items of national importance such as a copy of the National Covenant of 1638. (0.7 mile).
Scottish Parliament Building – Designed by Catalan architect Enric Miralles, the seat of Scottish government divides opinion. There are a lot of symbolic elements to the concrete creation: from the asymmetrical panels on the front of the buildings representing a curtain being opened (and symbolizing open government) to the journey from the dimly-lit concrete cavern of the entrance hall to the magnificent Debating Chamber, flooded with light. Check the website if you want to see parliament in session. (0.8 mile).
Palace of Holyroodhouse – The official residence of Queen Elizabeth II in Scotland, this stone castle was founded in 1128 as a monastery and grew around a guesthouse attached to the abbey. Self-guided tours lead you through the opulent royal apartments, including the bedchamber of Mary, Queen of Scots, where she watched the murder of her favorite secretary – David Rizzio – by the henchmen of her jealous second husband. Other highlights include the 89 portraits of Scottish kings in the Great Gallery, the ruins of the Holyrood Abbey, and the stunning Queen’s Gallery where changing art exhibitions are held every 6 months. (1 mile).
Holyrood Park (for Arthur’s Seat) – This vast green space, crowned with the rocky peak of Arthur’s Seat (251m), starts right near the Palace of Holyroodhouse. The hike from the palace to the top takes around 45 minutes (2 miles) and you’re rewarded with tremendous views of the city from up there. It’s a favorite place for outdoorsy locals. (1 mile).

Nearby Markets or Grocery Stores

Edinburgh Farmers’ Market – This award-winning fresh produce market takes place year-round from 10am to 2pm on Saturdays in the shadow of the castle ramparts. Come here for organic meats, beer, chutneys, and other preserves, plus seasonal fruit and vegetables. (0.4 mile).
Old Tolbooth Market – A new addition to the Edinburgh market scene, the Tolbooth is open from 11am daily, just off the Royal Mile, and is a good place to browse craft and food stalls and have a coffee or beer as well. (0.6 mile).
Castle Street Fairs – Pedestrianized Castle Street which branches off Princes Street, hosts several craft and food markets throughout the year, from the Easter Fair, Spring Fair, and Summer Fair to the Jazz Festival Fair in July. (0.6 mile).

Witchery by the Castle – The Hotel

The Witchery by the Castle sits right on the western, pedestrianized end of the Royal Mile, steps away from Edinburgh Castle.

Rooms are spread across the original historic building and another one across the street, tucked away in Jollie’s Close.

The historic restaurant is a must-visit.

The restaurant is a destination in its own right, with its exceptionally atmospheric 16-century dining room and a crowd-pleasing menu of contemporary Scottish fare. Book well ahead.

Guests can also dine in the Secret Garden.

If the dining room is booked up, you can choose to dine in the plant-filled Secret Garden instead.

Each of the nine suites has its own distinct, decadent character. The Heriot on the 2nd floor is reachable by stone turret stairs and looks out over Old Town.

The Heriot bathroom is stunning – like a Gothic chapel.

The Guardroom is one of the largest suites.

The Guardroom, also on the second floor, is one of the largest suites, with a tapestry-hung four-poster bed and views of Old Town.

The Guardroom also features a separate, salon-style sitting room.

The Sempill features wood paneling and vintage fabrics.

The subtly-lit, raised ground-floor Sempill has a wood-paneled entryway and dining hall and a four-poster bed draped in vintage fabrics.

One of the more spacious suites, The Armoury looks over the Old Town rooftops from its first floor location.

The Armoury bath is rather splendid, with heavy drapes made from rich fabrics surrounding the bathtub.

All rooms come with a romantic dining area for two, perfect for enjoying the breakfast hampers.

Overlooking the Royal Mile and with views as far as Fife, The Old Rectory has a gothic theme, with an Empire-style bed made from antique pulpits.

The Old Rectory bathroom is the largest of all the suites, with a show-stopping silver bath.

Inner Sanctum features a fireplace and study.

The antique-filled Inner Sanctum features a tapestry-draped four-poster bed, separate sitting area with fireplace, and tartan-lined study.

The Vestry is popular with honeymooners.

All Gothic glamor, The Vestry is a favorite with honeymooners. There’s a hidden TV, organ pipe headboard, views of the Royal Mile, and soaking tub big enough for two in the bathroom.

The Turret is the most sought-after of the nine suites – it’s the largest, with a spacious bedroom and its super king bed overlooking the rooftops of Old Town and as far as the Firth of Forth.

It has a large living room with a fireplace.

The Turret also features a large and splendid sitting room with working fireplace.

The Turret bathroom is a showstopper as well, with a stand-alone silver tub and Gothic decor.

The Royal Mile is Old Town's most famous street.

The hotel sits near the western end of the Royal Mile, Old Town’s largely pedestrianized thoroughfare.

Scotch Whisky Experience offers whisky tastings and exhibitions.

Next door to the hotel is the Scotch Whisky Experience which offers multimedia exhibitions on the creation of whisky, complete with tastings. Inside is Amber, a restaurant that specializes in hearty Scottish cooking with whisky pairings.

Contini Cannonball serves great Scottish food.

A little way further west, Contini Cannonball is another terrific place for Scottish cuisine.

Edinburgh Castle is on the west end of the Royal Mile.

At the west end of the Royal Mile is the unmissable attraction of Edinburgh Castle, complete with its museums and functioning cannon.

Harris Tweed Hebrides sells excellent hand-woven woollens.

The Royal Mile is lined with shops stocking tartan creations, quality woolen goods, and other Scottish items. Harris Tweed Hebrides, is particularly well-known for its hand-woven woollen fabrics.

Royal Mile Whiskies has a great collection of whiskies.

A little further east, Royal Mile Whiskies stocks an incredible range of single malts and blended whiskies.

Across the street, Fringe Shop sells all sorts of souvenirs from the famous annual festival.

Writers' Museums has manuscripts from renowned writers.

Take the close (narrow alleyway) towards New Town and you will hit the Writers’ Museum, complete with manuscripts from some of Scotland’s most renowned writers.

Makar’s Gourmet Mash Bar specializes in potato dishes.

Around the corner is Makar’s Gourmet Mash Bar, an industrial-style bistro where the potato is the star.

It specializes in Scotland's classic dish.

Makar’s Gourmet Mash is a great place to try haggis, neeps and tatties – Scotland’s classic dish.

Devil’s Advocate is a popular barbecue joint.

Another lane off the Royal Mile leads you to Devil’s Advocate, a barbecue joint inside a converted Victorian pump house.

Angels With Bagpipes serves modern Scottish fare.

Walk just a little further east along the Royal Mile to reach Angels With Bagpipes, a stylish bistro specializing in Modern Scottish dishes. Reservations are a good idea even at lunchtime.

Buskers play bagpipes near the hotel every day.

Speaking of bagpipes, buskers playing Scotland’s traditional musical instrument are typically found near the hotel during the day.

Edinburgh Larder serves good Scottish breakfast.

Duck into Blackfriars Street off the Royal Mile for great coffee and equally great takes on a full Scottish breakfast at the Edinburgh Larder.

Old Tolbooth Market has several food and craft stalls.

Duck into yet another lane to explore Old Tolbooth Market with its array of craft and food stalls.

The Museum of Edinburgh showcases the city's history.

About halfway along the Royal Mile, the Museum of Edinburgh explores the city’s history from prehistory to modern times.

The Scottish Parliament building stands out.

Towards the far end of the Royal Mile, the Scottish Parliament building is visually striking and is the seat of the Scottish government.

Palace of Holyroodhouse is the official home of the British Queen.

Walk all the way to the end of the Royal Mile to visit the Palace of Holyroodhouse, the official Scottish home of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and the seat of Scottish royalty for centuries.

Popular Holyrood Park is near the palace.

Beyond the Palace is Holyrood Park, Edinburgh’s popular, hilly green space, a favorite with weekend hikers visiting the craggy peak of Arthur’s Seat.

The National Museum of Scotland hosts excellent exhibitions.

Head down George IV Bridge from the Royal Mile to reach the National Museum of Scotland, with terrific exhibitions on Scotland’s history and culture. In a turret atop the museum, Tower restaurant serves ingredient-driven Modern Scottish dishes; book ahead.