It dazzles with somewhat lots of lights and has pre-recorded choirs tuned to lighting display…read more Sure it's good but I wouldn't say I was overwhelmed by it. Mind you saying that it's good for kids and it's free. I can't complain too much as it was free. It's set on the Royal Mile and it's a ticketed event. It last around 20 mins and your welcome to wander through the lights whilst listening to the choirs. There is about 4 choirs that sing a song each. All very good but pre-recorded. It's a lot of standing/ walking around and it's outdoors, so wrap up warm and be prepared for the seasonal Scottish weather because you ain't protected - at all! I had a good time, but I'm sure the kids would enjoy it too if you have them!

I first laid eyes on the Street of Light on the bus home. Oooh, shiny; I was drawn to the dazzling…read morebright lights in the distance. So, I made sure to visit the next evening that I was close by. I didn't take part in one of the free ticketed choir events but just walking through the tunnel of light was a dazzling thing in itself. Of course, it's not unmissable as others too have said, but it's a pretty nice little addition to Edinburgh this Christmas and could have you feeling in the festive spirit. This is a teeny tiny bit tainted by the 'Virgin Money' sponsor that shines from every illuminated archway. But yes, ooooh...shiny, indeed.

Judi and I went there today, and were pleasantly surprised at the presentation, we expected an old…read morejail or something. I won't ruin your surprise if you don't know, but id highly recommend a visit. The staff were incredible from the front of shop to the crew inside. Well done you guys and well worth a visit.

Gord and I headed to the Edinburgh Dungeon Sunday afternoon. We thought we were signing up for an…read moreactual tour of dungeons but it turns out it was a theatre production. Despite it not being what we thought we'd be experience, we enjoyed it. The actors played their parts well and it was was fun, interactive and entertaining.

Art and very good Art it is…read more You forget these Vaults quite easily on Market Street as they just merge into the city backdrop. They don't get used like this so it's a great way to use a space and i hope it's the start of something special for artists. The musty vaults host a series of arts and entertainment. I fell in love with two particular artist's work - David Martin and Miriam Mallalieu apart from the bit where I almost crapped myself going into Miriam Mallalieu's "Charnel House for Roadkill"!! We went in the daytime so know real entertainment to hear, but to see there were plenty of cool artists!

It's an exhibition - it's a party - it's a wonderland it's…read moreall of these things. And more. Every year Edinburgh's art scene opens the Vaults on Market Street and turn them into a world of its own. Sculpture, Fine Art, film, music, installation art and performances will take hold of you as soon as you step in. You will forget your everyday life for a couple of hours and feel like floating in a creative aquarium. I forgot that I was still in Edinburgh. the tickets at 10- 15 Pounds seem expensive but you'll be able to see several bands and DJ's and judging from their Opening Night yesterday, it's spectacular and I would (and will) happily spend it again. And they are a charitable fund! Oh and if you are too busy at night: the exhibition Vaults are open during the day - for free.

The Grand Gallery, which is the grand entrance, is bright with natural light. We viewed the stuffed…read morebody of Dolly the sheep, the first successful cloning of a mammal. We mainly focused on the Natural World galleries- Animal World & Animal Senses due to limited time. I'm amazed by how many species there are. The displays were interesting and informative. What's even more amazing is that the entrance is free!

It's the museum on Chambers Street. The entrance is in the round tower that is across the street…read morefrom Greyfriars Bobby. You might as well rub his nose for good luck before crossing over. There is a beautiful & bright atrium in the heart of the museum. You can see all 4 floors from this spot as you look up from the first floor. There are galleries and exhibits all around it. We started our journey on the ground floor of the tower in the Kingdom of the Scots, and then worked our way up and over. It truly is the perfect place to go on a rainy morning. The best part is that it's free admission, but donations are always welcomed. There were many highlights for me. The Maiden that was used for public executions in Grassmarket, Mercat Cross, and Castlehill was certainly eerie to look at along with some of the torture devices used back in that period. The display of items belonging to Mary, Queen of Scots was presented beautifully. Especially that lovely jeweled necklace. The exhibits of the Americas was nicely done. I even saw a gut parka on display that was similar to one we saw in Alaska earlier this year. The displays of musical instruments and ceremonial dance costumes was vibrant & interesting. I was drawn to the Bloody Empire display. It was a very artistic expression of anarchism in the form of wallpaper. It's unique. I have to say the same thing about the Slit Gong musical instrument that is said to bring out the voices of a dead ancestor. Very creepy stuff! The subject matter lightened up a bit as we walked through the technology & industry part of the museum. It was cool to see "The Hawk" as well as the display of bicycles and phones (including a Mickey Mouse one). But, I think the best part was the spectacular view of Edinburgh from the open rooftop. It would have been better on a sunny day, but it was still a great sight to see. It's worth taking those outdoor spiral steps up to see it. I love that there's a mini garden with upland grasses and plants along the lookout walls of the roof. A nice little touch. We spent about 2 hours here, but could have easily stayed longer. There's a balcony café on what is technically the 3rd floor of the building (2nd floor when looking up from the main atrium). There is a fee-based exhibit called "Monkeys Our Primate Family" that may be of interest to some. It ends on 30 Nov 2025. Overall, the museum is great fun for all ages. It's a great way to learn more about the Scottish innovators throughout history.

We decided to stay and have a cocktail at the VooDoo Rooms after exploring the Midnight Lunar…read moreMarket. What a vibe this place has going on! We were lucky enough to just show up and grab a semi-circle shaped booth by the bar without any wait. We LOVED that a) the cocktail menu clearly stated "All drinks vegan, please inform staff of any allergens before ordering" and b) that they had the shape of the glassware next to the drink name. The bartender even took some time to make recommendations based on both what was most popular with customers and what the house/staff favorites were. We ended up going with the Porty Licks (gin, pineapple liquor, passionfruit, toasted almond topped with edible flowers) and Green Room (bourbon, peach liquor, lemon, peach, basil yuzu). Both were really well balanced drinks! Next time I'd get the King Khan (spiced rum and a mango oat lassi) or the Hare Krishna (mango, oat milk, chilli, coconut cream, and cardamom - sounds like a lovely non-alcoholic beverage and dessert)!

This place is a gem! I greatly appreciate a vegan option, an actual tasty one at that! The mushroom…read morestroganoff was perfect! It was so flavorful! My non vegan friend even picked into my plate. Great drinks! The staff were friendly and attentive! The decor of this place was amazing; looked like something out of a movie. I'll definitely slide by on my next trip!

Cab Vol is great if you're into less mainstream music than you'll hear in a 'normal' club. And if…read moreyou don't mind sweat dripping off the low ceilings onto you at least once a minute, or drinking out of plastic cups. I have to honest, it's not my thing. I've been dragged along on a handful of occasions by friends, and each time I go i'm determined that this will be the time I have a great night there and leave at 3am completely converted. It's been four years, and it hasn't happened yet. That has a lot to do with the people that go though, as opposed to the club itself. On tuesdays this place pulls in a lot of "rahs" from Edinburgh Uni, thinking that wearing weird coloured skinny jeans suddenly makes them alternative. It doesn't, and their huge back-combed blonde hair dos look even more ridiculous than normal.

Went as a solo female and had a blast great edm music everyone was polite no creeps a few friendly…read moremen but nothing uncomfortable or weird dance floor opens at 11z

Found this place on December 23 after dinner in the neighborhood and looking for a nightcap…read more Followed the music down the stairs and discovered a jam packed bar with a (guessing) 20-piece jazz band and dressed-to-the-nines patrons. We worked our way through the crowd to the back of the bar and found some very cool sunken booths with couches and tables. Took ages to order our drinks at the bar, but the atmosphere and music was awesome. Haven't been to a jazz club this cool since Georgetown (D.C.) in the 80's.

Okay so if you are a music lover and love being in an intimate place with live music...this place…read moreis for you! During my October 2014 birthday trip, we were looking for a place to dance and drink and while we were out at dinner someone at the next table suggested we try this place. We weren't far from it (or really anything in City Center which is one of the many awesome things about Edinburgh) so we walked over to it. The venue is tiny (can't imagine how they're doing during all of the pandemic social distancing and all) so there was a small line outside. We chatted it up with the other people waiting and smoking and the hostess. Once inside it was totally 1960s beatnik dive bar cool and quaint. It was dark with original old wood bar and banquettes, small round tables and mismatched chairs and cushions. There was a small raised stage at the back of the room and there was a four piece band onstage when we got inside. I should also mention that this place at least when I went is an after hours club. They were open until 4 am. Awesome right? YUP! We made friends with everyone around us and not around us because we are those extroverted people. We drank a lot like I don't even remember all the booze. Danced and had multiple nights of good clean fun. What could be better?!

The most unique museum I have ever been to. Beware...this is Not for the squeamish…read more Surgeons' Hall Museums is an award winning Museum that is home to one of the largest and most historic pathology collections in England. It showcases the history of surgery and is so different from anything you have ever seen. I'm not in healthcare, I don't like anything that has to do with disease, yet, I couldn't stop looking. I was so intrigued. There was room after room of jars with body parts and showcases of how they see certain diseases. I couldn't stop looking. Venture up to the top floor to see the robotics and AI surgery exhibit....so interesting. to see the wave of the future. No photos allowed but it is worth the $10 entry fee.

I wasn't sure what to expect when we came here today but I've never seen anything like this museum…read morein my life! The Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh was founded in 1505 and was originally used as a teaching museum for students of medicine. Its vast collection opened to the public in 1832. Here you will learn about the history of surgeries- how the medical field started and where it is headed. It was also fascinating to learn about William Burke and William Hare who murdered sixteen people in 1828 and sold the corpses to Robert Knox for dissection at his anatomy lectures. And I've never seen so many bones and organs on display! Many of the specimens show the results of certain diseases or injuries. Plus there are many historical surgical instruments, paintings and illustrations on display. There is also a section on medical advances like robot-assisted surgeries- something I have benefited from. No pictures are allowed so you'll have to come see it all for yourselves!

Anatomical Museum is based in the Medical School of University of Edinburgh. It is open to public…read morelast Saturday of each month between 10am and 4pm. One of the highlights is William Burke's skeleton. Yes, Burke as in Burke and Hare, the pair who sold the corpses of their victims for medical dissection. After they were caught, Hare testified against Burke, Burke was hanged, Hare was released and disappeared. There is something ironic about the fact that Burke's skeleton ended up on display in the museum. There are skeletons and skulls of many different species on display. The most impressive ones are the elephant skeletons in the entrance. You can also enter into an anatomy lecture theatre, which I believe is still in use. I haven't been to Surgeons' Hall Museum, but I suspect that these two museums are similar. Overall, I enjoyed my visit to the Anatomical Museum. I didn't have a problem with the skeletons and bones, but walked past the displays of dissections rather fast:) It is not a big museum. So you can combine a visit there on a Saturday morning with lunch or some other activity outside.

The Anatomical Museum is a bit hard to find, but is open to the public on the last Saturday of the…read moremonth. Just give yourself a minute to find it. One if the photos I included here is of the old set up which is a bit more theatrical than the current, but I suppose less practical. The other photo is a pano view of the downstairs doorway where the elephants stand today. Photos are not allowed upstairs. The museum has animal skeletons as well as a few notable human forms including the last man who was sentenced to be executed and given to the medical school, and William Burke for which the museum is probably best known. I would not suggest bringing young children as the specimens are fragile and many are not behind glass. There are also some which may be too much for sensitive visitors, like foetuses in various stages, or a body which had been preserved (embalming possibly? I've forgotten). The museum is free, and definitely an interesting way to spend a few hours. Just one more thing to keep in mind, this is usually closed to the public and is most often a place for students to study the specimens. They will probably be there if you visit and they appreciate being able to ignore you.

So glad this place has finally reopened! It's a lovely spot to grab probably the cheapest pint you…read morecan get in Edi.

Cute vibe and enjoyable atmosphere. Very cheap and does not take cash. Fun for young people…read more Enjoyed the drinks until a staff member literally ripped my half full glass off of the table and MARCHED away before I could even object. That was crazy. I did go back for another though.