Lothian Buses Edinburgh
Hop-on hop-off for less
All major cities have bus tour companies, many of which have open-top varieties and take you around the tourist sites. However, Edinburgh is renowned for its efficient, local bus service, Lothian Buses, and given the weather, you may prefer to take one of those. Day tickets, where you can jump on and off as many as you want, are £4.40 per adult if you use your bank card to tap in, which is great value.
The Lothian Buses number 1 will take you to Gorgie City Farm (live animals for all the family), the Usher (concert) Hall which is opposite the fantastic, independent Filmhouse, the whole length of Princes Street and Seafield Cemetery with its Commonwealth War Graves.
Number 16 will take you from Edinburgh city centre to Leith, the Shore, Ocean Terminal, Britannia, Newhaven Harbour and Wardie Beach.
The 35 begins at Heriot Watt University Campus with its famous lawn, left over from the 18th-century pleasure gardens of Riccarton House. It passes Burton’s Biscuit Factory, St Michael’s A-listed Parish Church, goes along Bread Street where the milk wagons once rattled over the cobbles, and through Pubic Triangle (guess the establishments there!). It then takes you past the Museum of Childhood, the Canongate Kirk and Scottish Parliament where you can alight for Arthur’s Seat and Salisbury Crags.
There are 40 Lothian Buses in all, special deals on night buses (midnight - 4.30 am), and the Lothian Country and East Coast buses will take you right out of town to our neighbouring beaches and castles.
Find your way with 138 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
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The Leith Collective
Design and art shop
"Scottish Design Exchange" is in Edinburgh's Leith, hidden in a shopping mall called Ocean Terminal. It's not high concept, it's things you'd actually buy.
by
Mark
Gorman
Sabzi
Punjabi street food
"Sabzi" in Edinburgh used to be a Blockbuster video store, then it became a pop-up restaurant. Now it serves wonderful heart-warming Punjabi street food!
by
Sarah
Mackenzie
S. Luca
Ice cream and sweet treats
"S. Luca" has been one of my favorite places in Edinburgh since I was a kid. What they're famous for is their own brand of ice cream - and I love it!
by
Catriona
Laxton
Green. Leith
Plant shop with social mission
"Green. Leith" is a refreshing and colourful addition to the well-known street in Edinburgh. They really take green plants & accessories to a new level!
by
Sarah
Mackenzie
Muschat's Cairn
Gory history under rocks
I have to confess I've walked past the spot thousands of times before I actually realised it was anything to pay attention to!
by
Fiona
Diack
Leith Victoria Swim Centre
An architectural gem
The "Leith Victoria Swim Centre" in Edinburgh is a beautiful pool surrounded by an ornade, Baroque, cast-iron colonnade. Well worth a visit!
by
Tamsin
Grainger
Pickles
Cosy wine bar
"Pickles" is a tiny wee wine bar in Edinburgh. The bar has a rustic Scottish feel to it, but the main reason I like it is their cheese and wine...
by
Fiona
Diack
Union Brew Lab
A unique coffee experience
"Union Brew Lab" Edinburgh is one of the original hipster coffee shops in the city. JK Rowling hasn't written a book here yet!
by
Fiona
Diack
Manna House Bakery
Incredible bakery/eatery
"Manna House Bakery" in South Queensferry in Edinburgh has great views over the Forth Rail Bridge. Come here for the super value-for-money homemade food!
by
Mark
Gorman
Craiglockhart Hill
The overlooked hill
Craiglockhart Hill is one of Edinburgh's 7 hills. In contrast to Calton Hill, Castle Hill and Arthur's Seat, even many locals can't name this one!
by
Fiona
Diack
Corstorphine Hill
Not just the zoo
The zoo is one of Edinburgh's most popular tourist attractions. Next to it is "Corstorphine Hill" that's in my opinion much more interesting to explore!
by
Fiona
Diack
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