Weekend: When Your Partner’s a Picky Eater 🍤

This Majestic Scottish City Is Straight Out of a Fairytale

theSkimm

🛏 Any hotel that welcomes guests with a “wee nip of whisky” is one we can get on board with — as is the case at the Scotsman Hotel. Housed in the former headquarters of Scotland’s national newspaper, the boutique hotel pays tribute to its history with accommodations ranging from Reporter Rooms to Headline and Publisher Suites — most of which boast light and airy color palettes, high ceilings, and fantastic views of historical attractions. That’s in addition to a brasserie-style restaurant, a gorgeous Art Deco cinema, and two bars (including The Press Bar).

🏰 At the heart of Edinburgh is the Royal Mile, a historic street (technically, 1.13 miles) that runs through Old Town. Start at the 12th-century Edinburgh Castle to see the country’s crown jewels and the firing of the One O’Clock Gun. Then meander down the bustling cobblestone stretch, which is lined with shops, restaurants, and attractions (don’t miss Advocate’s Close and St. Giles’ Cathedral), before ending at the Palace of Holyroodhouse (aka, the official residence of King Charles III). If you still have time after all that, it’s worth the short climb to the top of Arthur’s Seat, an extinct volcano with unparalleled panoramic views.

🎨 The annual Fringe Festival — which claims to be “one of the greatest celebrations of arts and culture on the planet” — may have just ended, but Edinburgh is bursting with culture all year. Art lovers should visit the Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art, which is housed within two grand Georgian mansions and divided by a lush sculpture park. Theater and dance fans can catch the Scottish Opera or Scottish Ballet at the historic Festival Theatre. And film enthusiasts should see a movie at the century-old Cameo Cinema. Plus, don’t skip Summerhall, which hosts musical performances, theater productions, art exhibitions, and more.

🍴 If you’re looking for a full Scottish breakfast, you can’t go wrong at the newly-opened (and very buzzy) Ardfern. Prefer something lighter? Pick up the cult-favorite crème brûlée danish at Lannan Bakery. Later, for a contemporary take on famous Scottish dishes (like haggis bon bons), grab a reservation at The Bon Vivant. Or, try Baba, which whips up inventive Middle Eastern dishes using Scottish ingredients. And when in Scotland, you must drink whisky (we don’t make the rules), so stop by the Balmoral Hotel’s SCOTCH to sip one of its 500-plus bottles.