Many Americans ring in the New Year by watching the ball drop in Times Square, but to kick your holiday festivities up a notch, consider Edinburgh. Scotland’s capital will close out 2024 with a four-day long farewell, capped by a Hogmanay celebration that includes a street party, fireworks and concert in the shadow of Edinburgh Castle. But the festivities don’t stop there. Edinburgh offers an abundance of festive sparkle along with plenty to do for design and food aficionados.
Bundle up to explore the stalls of the East Princes Street Gardens, showcasing everything from handmade crafts to local delicacies. For a dose of winter charm, glide across the Christmas Ice Rink with the stunning Georgian skyline as the backdrop. Book afternoon tea at the elegant Dome, the former Physicians’ Hall built in 1775. The brasserie is renowned for its holiday decorations including acres of twinkling lights.
The best way to soak in Edinburgh’s architecture is to simply stroll around this compact city, taking in Georgian New Town and ancient Old Town which is filled with secret alleyways and hidden gardens like Dunbar Close. Don’t miss curved, colorful Victoria Street, a UNESCO World Heritage site, brimming with independent shops and restaurants.
Edinburgh Castle, perched high above the city, is impossible to miss. See the Crown Jewels and the Stone of Destiny which is used in royal coronations, or plan your visit after dark to see the Castle of Light interactive display.
Edinburgh is home to more than a dozen museums and galleries and must-sees include the National Museum of Scotland to dive into Scottish design heritage and history. Highlights include furniture by Charles Rennie Mackintosh, 17th-century miniature coffins discovered on Arthur’s Seat (an extinct volcano in the city), and Dolly the cloned sheep.
For a taste of the city’s contemporary design scene, head to Dovecot Studios, which is famed for its tapestries and houses an exhibition space. Wander through the Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art, spread across two Georgian mansions to see works from the Scottish Colourists to the iconic Scottish Pop artist Eduardo Paolozzi.
Photo courtesy of Port of Leith Distillery
Hop on the newly extended city tram to the port of Leith to Port of Leith Distillery, the first vertical distillery in the UK. Due to the distillery’s small plot of land, the architects designed the building to be a tall, slim tower. After sampling the whiskey and gin, head to the nearby Royal Yacht Britannia, the former floating palace of the royal family. Interiors are an elegant mix of mid-century modern design with country touches.
Get a taste of Scottish cuisine with a modern twist at the new Montrose. The sister restaurant to the acclaimed Timberyard features a sophisticated wine bar and menu options like pheasant and oysters. Understated Lyla is housed in a Georgian townhouse and celebrates Scotland’s rich larder, with a focus on sustainable seafood.
For a unique stay in a city that has no shortage of glamorous hotels, book a room at Fingal, Scotland’s only luxury floating hotel. This former Northern lighthouse supply ship is a 22-room boutique hotel permanently docked in Leith. Opened in 2019, Fingal showcases nautical details such as brass, polished wood, and a hammered ballroom ceiling that looks like liquid.
Photography courtesy of Visit Scotland unless otherwise noted.
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