Combine your wine tasting with a Capital City Break to Remember.

We’ve put together a handy guide to visiting Edinburgh for locals and visitors alike including things we love to do in the city.

Tempted by Edinburgh Uncorked or Fizz Feast, but have never been to Scotland’s Capital before? Make a weekend of it and immerse yourself in the history, architecture, shopping and culture around a wonderful wine-tasting experience. An easy city to reach and navigate - the central area where many fantastic attractions are located is walkable on foot - there are numerous places to stay in Edinburgh, covering all price points from Airbnbs to 5-star hotels.

Scotland’s national tourist organisation Visit Scotland

VisitScotland has a wealth of information to help you plan your trip and is a great starting point. However, we thought it might be interesting to add in a few tips from us of things to see and do close to the wine fair, which we hope will be of interest to Edinburgh locals too.

Architectural gems to be found everywhere in Edinburgh

The Assembly Rooms on George Street, the space for our first Edinburgh Uncorked Wine Fair, is an impressive place to start. A wonderful example of Georgian architecture, the building has been beautifully restored, complete with crystal chandeliers, gold leaf finishes and giant gilt mirrors. Nearby bar and restaurant The Dome, at 14 George Street, has a rich history and equally impressive facade. Originally the site of the old Physicians’ Hall (1775) designed by renowned Edinburgh New Town planner James Craig, the College of Physicians was forced to sell the property to cover build costs.

The Dome as we know it today opened in 1996 and makes for a glamorous pitstop for lunch, drinks or afternoon tea. You can read all about the history and find menus here. Fully revamped eating and shopping destination St James Quarter is just a short walk from the Dome and well worth a visit, with all you could want to buy, eat or drink under one roof. In the opposite direction, to the West End of the city, Johnnie Walker Princes Street is an eight-floor visitor experience for whisky lovers. Situated in a former department store building, you can enjoy the history of whisky, views of the city from the rooftop bar, food, drink and shopping.

Welcome to the neighbourhood – Edinburgh’s friendly West End

While you’re in the neighbourhood, Edinburgh’s West End is a wonderful area to explore. An eclectic mix of indie shops, bars, restaurants and small businesses, it’s a hidden gem quietly tucked away from the Princes Street bustle. The Palmerston Restaurant offers a set lunch menu from Tuesday to Friday, from £18 for two courses, while La P’tite Folie  offers a good value lunch and wonderful wine options. Dulse Seafood & Wine  created by chef Dean Banks, has a wonderful Scottish seafood tasting menu every Sunday with five courses for £35pp – advance booking is highly recommended.

Edinburgh Castle, volcanic rock and the oldest Crown jewels

For history lovers, Edinburgh Castle, sitting atop extinct volcanic rock slap bang in the centre of the city, is a must-see. Whether you have the time to tour inside to take a look at The Stone of Destiny 15th century cannon Mons Meg or the oldest Crown jewels in the UK, or just walk to the impressive esplanade, the city views alone make it worth your while. Wander down cobblestones from the Castle along The Royal Mile, the processional route for kings and queens for 500 years, which stretches to the Palace of Holyroodhouse, the King’s official residence in Edinburgh and the home of Scottish royal history. Edinburgh World Heritage website is packed with information about the historical buildings lining the Mile and the Edinburgh closes, the narrow alleyways branching off from the Mile which are a stark reminder of the Capital’s medieval days.

History, heritage and Harry Potter moments

Head past the iconic St Giles Cathedral, founded by King David I in 1124, which has been a working church for 900 years. There are guided tours available, but you can just peek inside and feel the sense of history embrace you. Harry Potter fans should detour down Victoria Street in the Old Town, one of the most photographed sites in the city and said to be the inspiration for JK Roling’s Diagon Alley in the famed books. Built between 1829 and 1834, it takes you down to the Grassmarket, one of the oldest parts of the city, which has always been a marketplace and is full of bars, restaurants and independent shops today.

Situated in the heart of the Grassmarket, The White Hart Inn is probably the oldest pub in Edinburgh. Parts of the building and cellar date back to 1516, while the pub itself is said to date from 1740. It was visited by Robert Burns in 1791.

Gothic style and tranquillity in the heart of Princes Street Gardens

Back on Princes Street, in the wonderful Princes Street Gardens, looms the gothic Scott Monument, one of Edinburgh’s most iconic landmarks. Dedicated to Sir Walter Scott, it is one of the largest monuments to a writer anywhere in the world. The surrounding Princes Street Gardens are a joy to explore - perfect for picnics, sitting in the sunshine and people watching. Created in 1820 following the draining of the Nor’ Loch, the gardens today separate the Old Town from the New Town. Spread over 37 acres, this urban park is divided into two parts by The Mound, a manmade hill that connects Edinburgh’s old and new towns, and where the Scottish National Gallery is situated.

Wake up to a Sunday morning food walking tour

After a Saturday afternoon of enjoying fine wines, Sunday morning offers a wonderful opportunity to join food walking tour company Edinburgh Food Safari on a walk through the city’s stunning Georgian architecture. Run by food lover Nell Nelson, who created a food tour she would want to go on herself, the tour takes visitors to foodie establishments run by people who are passionate about food and drink. Starting at the respectable time of 11.30am with scones, jam, cream and tea or coffee in Stockbridge, then whisky and cheese tasting, a visit to the Stockbridge Farmers Market for smoked salmon and butter, then haggis and ice cream to finish off your lunch. You can find all the details and book here

This is just a small taster for anyone keen to make the most of a visit to Edinburgh for a Wine Events Scotland Event – we can’t wait to see you!

Edinburgh Uncorked Wine Fair with Oz Clarke, Saturday 3rd June 2023; 12-3pm or 4-7pm;

The Assembly Rooms, George Street, Edinburgh EH2 2LR.

Tickets cost £30 per person 

Fizz Feast 2023, Saturday 18th November 2023; 12-3pm or 4-7pm.

Edinburgh Academy, 42 Henderson row, Edinburgh, Midlothian, EH3 5BL, United Kingdom.

Tickets from £25 per person.