5 Things We Love To Do In Lauriston & Bruntsfield

One of the things we love so much about Edinburgh is all of the city’s different areas and how each one has its own identity and unique feel. No matter where you are in the city, there are certain characteristics that make each place feel special, which is one of the reasons why we think Edinburgh appeals to so many people. This is particularly true of Lauriston and Bruntsfield, two places that offer a unique Edinburgh experience.

Lauriston & Bruntsfield

Lauriston is home to one of the city’s most luxurious and sought-after developments, Quartermile, as well as dozens of trendy eateries, and the esteemed Edinburgh College of Art. Often looked over by tourists, Bruntsfield is the quieter of the two places, with a Bohemian feel and home to many Edinburgh locals. In this peaceful oasis, you’ll find some of Edinburgh’s best cafés, favourite brunch spots, and coolest interior stores.

Whether you’re looking for someplace to stay while visiting the city or just keen to explore, continue reading to discover some of our favourite things to do in Lauriston and Bruntsfield.

1. Eat & Drink

Photo: Söderberg

First things first – the food. Lauriston and Bruntsfield are excellent places to enjoy any kind of food. From incredible pastries and award-winning chocolate to artisan coffee and vegan creations, this area has it all. You could spend days eating your way through some of Edinburgh’s favourite foodie hangouts here.

Starting with coffee and sweets, you’ll find Swedish bakery Söderberg, award-winning chocolate at Chocolate Tree, incredible baked goods at Cuckoos Bakery and Artisan Cheesecakes, and outstanding coffee at Artisan Roast, Castello Coffee, and many more. This barely scratches the surface – you could drink coffee and eat treats all day and still not visit every location.

When it comes to something more substantial, you won’t be short of options for the rest of the day. Montpeliers is a favourite among locals, with an extensive menu to suit any meal. Their ‘Fully Monty’ breakfast is one of our favourites. During the summer months, you can sit outside and watch the world go by in their comfy outdoor dining area.

For lunch and dinner, you’ll find just about every cuisine conceivable, with everything from Indian Street food at Tuk Tuk and authentic Japanese cuisine at Harajuku Kitchen to vegan burgers in Thrive Café and contemporary British dining at Three Birds Restaurant.

For after hours, there are loads of trendy bars and pubs to check out in this area. Some of our favourites are the sophistocated Apothecary Bar at Quartermile and the laid-back Henrick’s Bar and Bistro near Tollcross, which has a great pre-theatre menu.

So bring your appetite and head to this food-lovers paradise!

2. Shop for Homewares

Photo: Nordic Living by Biehl

Edinburgh is known for its thriving independent shopping scene and Bruntsfield is a paradise for interior design lovers. It’s one of our favourite places in Edinburgh to go window-shopping for interiors inspiration. Whether you’re looking for Scandinavian simplicity or a pop of colour, you’ll find it in Bruntsfield.

Acanthus Interiors is a chic but cosy shop selling everything you need to bring warmth and personality into your home. They focus on using plant life to decorate and regularly offer workshops in flower arranging.

For the Scandi enthusiasts, you’ll be spoiled for choice here. If you’re looking for a classic item to bring some Nordic charm into your home, Spektakulär has two locations, both filled to the brim with everything from bold prints to colourful kitchen accessories. Or, if you’re looking for that gorgeous piece to complete your home and leave your friends swooning, you’ll be sure to find it in Nordic Living‘s stunning showroom. With so many Nordic shops in one place, perhaps it’s time we renamed Holy Corner as Scandi Corner?

3. Admire the Architecture

Photo: @fed_volpi & @louisa.looking

One thing we love about these areas is the architecture and how unique it is to Edinburgh.

Quartermile is one of the most luxurious and sought-after developments in the city. Formerly the site of the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, this redevelopment is now a mix of stunning properties, leisure facilities, and trendy cafés. When taking a walk around the area, it’s fascinating to see the mix of old and new styles, with the new structures perfectly tucked in next to converted hospital buildings and classic Edinburgh architecture.

Meanwhile in Bruntsfield, handsome and humble streets are lined with classic Edinburgh buildings and a laidback atmosphere makes it a relaxing place to go for a stroll and take in the sights.

4. Play a Round of Golf

When in Rome do as the Romans do, and when in Scotland – play a bit of golf!  This short-course golf (also known as pitch and putt) is believed to be one of the oldest golfing sites in Scotland, pre-dating the 17th century. It was officially founded in 1895 and there are two courses available to play here. Best of all, it’s free!

And not to worry, you don’t have to travel with your own equipment! At The Golf Tavern pub on the edge of the Bruntsfield Links, you can borrow clubs and balls. For £6 you can get their “game and a pint”, which comes highly recommended for that post-game thirst!

5. Catch a Show or See a Film

Photo: @louisa.looking

For anyone seeking entertainment, some of Edinburgh’s best theatres and cinemas are in the area. The Cameo is a trendy art house cinema, located at Tollcross, which shows both independent and mainstream movies and often has exclusive showings of films you won’t see elsewhere. If you fancy a live show, The Kings Theatre is the perfect venue – the interiors alone are worth the visit!

The Dominion Cinema is located in neighbouring Morningside, a 1930s-style picture house, complete with its original Art Deco features. They even show occasional live screenings of theatre, opera and ballet from places like the Royal Opera House and the Vaudeville Theatre.

Visiting Edinburgh this year?
Lauriston and Bruntsfield are ideal locations to stay in.

Planning a trip to an unfamiliar city can be overwhelming, especially when it comes to figuring out where to stay. At Dickins, we can help you decide which area is best for you and your family. We have homes in many of Edinburgh’s most popular places, from the heart of the Old Town to the city’s many quieter residential areas.

We think Lauriston and Bruntsfield is a fantastic place to stay during a visit to Edinburgh, but if we haven’t convinced you yet, take a look at our Lauriston and Bruntsfield properties here and please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us.