From trendy Stockbridge to quirky Leith, Scotland’s capital has a neighbourhood for everyone. But tucked away just off Princes Street, you will find the most exclusive of them all – Edinburgh’s West End. This quiet area is a celebration of striking architecture and cobbled streets lined with small local businesses, galleries, theatres and some of the city’s best dining experiences.
Standing proudly in the heart of the West End is The Bonham, our stylish 4-star hotel and restaurant. We welcome hundreds of visitors through our doors each year, all eager to experience the best of the West End. We are always asked to share our local recommendations, must-visit spots and hidden gems – so we’ve pulled together a little guide just for you.
The history of the West End, from past to present
The West End masterplan was designed in 1813 by Gillespie Graham as the city needed to expand to accommodate its growing population. The vision was a mix of Victorian and Georgian terraces, charming cobbled streets and exclusive squares, which quickly attracted the upper echelons of society. Today, the area is known as the financial district and is alive with independent shops, businesses and eateries, as well as theatres and art galleries – a popular spot for both visitors and locals. Its distinctive character has also made it a popular filming location for movies and TV shows, including One Day, Avengers: Infinity War and Good Omens.
Where is Edinburgh’s West End?
The West End of Edinburgh is just off the western end of Princes Street and between city centre neighbourhoods Stockbridge to the north and New and Old Town to the South and East.
The chic area is easy to get to, just a short walk from the city’s top attractions, including Edinburgh Castle. The nearest train station – Haymarket – connects the area across Scotland, and the West End tram stop leads directly to Edinburgh Airport.
Things to do in Edinburgh’s West End
Whether you’re looking to spend a weekend or just visit for a morning, afternoon, or evening, there’s plenty on offer in the West End.
Cultural highlights
Edinburgh’s West End is packed with cultural gems and must-visit attractions. The Usher Hall has welcomed icons from The Rolling Stones to Ella Fitzgerald, Fleetwood Mac and David Bowie onto its stage, and is a great spot to catch a live performance of some of the biggest names in entertainment visiting the city.
Theatre lovers will enjoy the Lyceum and Traverse Theatre, both offering a calendar of exceptional productions to choose from throughout the year. Art enthusiasts must explore the Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art. Spanning over two impressive buildings – Modern One and Modern Two – the galleries are free to enter and showcase a variety of well-known works by Salvador Dali and Pablo Picasso, as well as “wacky and wonderful” pieces by up-and-coming artists. Iconic landmarks like St Mary’s Episcopal Cathedral, the Gladstone Memorial, and the Melville Monument stand waiting to be discovered and offer a glimpse into Edinburgh’s rich past.
Don’t miss the Castle Terrace Farmers Market every Saturday from 9 am to 2 pm, where local delicacies and fresh produce are waiting to be browsed under the backdrop of the iconic Edinburgh Castle.
The best shopping spots
The West End is a haven of stylish boutiques and independent treasures waiting to be explored. Neighbours Solo Menswear and Frontiers on Stafford Street specialise in the finest high-quality fashion brands, offering the latest menswear, womenswear, shoes and accessories.
Pippin is an independent emporium of gifts, homeware, accessories, books, jewellery, and baby items on Haymarket Terrace. It’s perfect if you’re looking for a high-end souvenir to take home. Paper Tiger has been championing Scottish products since 1981 and now offers stationery, gifts, homeware and an impressive Jelly Cat collection from its store on Stafford Street.
A standout gem in the West End is the Scotland Shop on Queensferry Street, a beloved destination for many of our guests. Founded from a love for Scottish culture, fashion and fabric, the shop offers a specially curated selection of high-end clothing, interiors, gifts and textiles. With over 500 clan tartans available, you’ll be sure to discover your family tartan.
The Scottish Gantry offers the very best Scottish whisky, gin, vodka and craft beers. Whether you’re looking for a gift or to treat yourself, you can try before you buy at their residence on Queensferry Street and seek out the expertise of their knowledgeable team. They even host exclusive charcuterie and pairing evenings; check their website or social media for upcoming dates. For wine connoisseurs, be sure to head to WineKraft on Brandon Terrace. Created by the Good Brothers (siblings behind some of the city’s most trendy wine bars), they stock a carefully chosen selection of the most outstanding wines from across the world with a strong focus on sustainability and supporting small businesses.
A stroll through Edinburgh’s West End
The Water of Leith is the main river that runs through Edinburgh, from the Pentland Hills to the Firth of Forth at Leith. The accompanying walkway is easily accessible from the West End and is the perfect spot for a peaceful weekend stroll surrounded by nature, which is beautifully reflected in the water. There are so many historical points and hidden gems along the way that we have written a separate blog dedicated to it.
With plenty of exit points, it can be as long or as short as you like. But be sure to stop off at Dean Village, once the centre of the milling industry, now a not-so-hidden treasure. This idyllic walk feels like a step back into the past and far removed from the hustle and bustle of the city above, with many beautiful historic buildings to discover.
Local favourites: Where to eat in Edinburgh’s West End
The West End is home to some of Edinburgh’s best places to eat. From cosy breakfast spots to fine dining and speciality coffees to champagne afternoon tea, here are a few of our favourites:
Cosy breakfast spot – Whether you’re looking to sit in for a quiet breakfast or grab a takeaway to eat on the go, head to The Palmerston (on Palmerston Place), where great coffee and deliciously unique pastries are on offer in an elegant setting.
Charming lunch location – Treat yourself to our Boozy Snoozy lunch for something a little different on a weekend. Served Friday to Sunday, imagine a relaxed afternoon choosing three delicious courses while sipping great wine in our opulent surroundings.
Your go-to coffee stop – A relatively new addition to the West End, our coffee stop of choice is the wonderful Meh just round the corner on Drumsheugh Place. If the sun is shining, we suggest getting your coffee (and a homemade sweet treat) to go and enjoy it in the beautiful surroundings of Charlotte Square.
Elegant dinner for two – No. 35 at The Bonham, our lavish restaurant, offers unique European-inspired dishes with a distinctively Scottish twist. It is a perfect spot for a date night where our opulent surroundings are sure to impress. After enjoying an exquisite meal, you can head to our bar & lounge, where our expert team can serve you the perfect cocktail to end the evening.
A Classic Afternoon Tea in luxury surroundings – Join us for a traditional afternoon tea at The Bonham, where delectable delights including classic sandwiches, cakes and freshly baked scones are perfectly accompanied by a selection of Brodies tea from around the world. Or you could upgrade to a glass of our finest Louis Dornier et Fils Brut Champagne to raise a cheers to the occasion.
Chic cocktail bar – Encore, a speakeasy cocktail bar hidden under the West End Brasserie, is perfect for a girl’s night out. The extravagant 1920s Parisian décor is the ideal setting, and they offer an impressive cocktail menu for you to sip your way through.
The finest wine bar – Le Di Vin is a little piece of France standing proudly on Randolph Place and is one of the best wine bars in the city. They have many loyal fans and are even featured in The Sunday Times Top 25 wine bars in the UK. As well as offering the finest wines, you can also enjoy small French plates and sharing platters. They even host quirky events throughout the year which are popular with locals, so booking in advance is recommended.
Hidden gems of the West End
For art lovers, The Bonham Hotel is a collector’s dream – home to 35 impressive artwork installations from the collection of Richard H. Driehaus, the late Founder of the Driehaus Museum in Chicago. Amongst these exquisite treasures is a stunning Tiffany floor lamp with a Nasturtium shade, which is guaranteed head turner with all of our guests. In reception, you will find a spectacular J. & L. Lobmeyr Chandelier dating back to 1872. In our exclusive Library, you can observe the remarkable Portrait of a Lady Writing by Jean Raoux. Browse our brochure before your visit and see how many pieces you can discover.
The Library of Mistakes is a truly one-of-a-kind hub of financial and business curiosities, where its founders share a strong vision of learning from past mistakes. This free-to-enter public space on Melville Street Lane was opened in 2014 and hosts over 2,000 books within its walls. They also host a busy events calendar, focusing on economic education and its own Library of Mistakes Podcast.
Be sure to follow Edinburgh’s West End Instagram account, @edinwestend. They an an excellent job of sharing their local knowledge and the latest news and happenings in the area. It is an excellent resource for staying connected to everything the West End has to offer.
Where to stay in Edinburgh’s West End
The Bonham Hotel at the heart of the city’s West End is perfectly positioned to explore the area and the attractions beyond. Book directly with us, and you’ll not only stay in Edinburgh’s most stylish hotel, but you can also save 20% off our room-only rates.