Gay Edinburgh Edinburgh City Guide

Curation by Yasmina Rodríguez, words by Laura Tucker

Scotland’s cultural capital comes carved through with cobbled streets overlooked by hilltop medieval castles all within a rugged yet pristine woodland landscape. Edinburgh is her name, nicknamed Athens of the North thanks to her beautifully preserved medieval old town sat beside the elegant, neoclassical builds of the Georgian New Town. Clamber up Calton Hill to Arthur’s seat for sweeping views of the city and a playful, down-to-earth vibe that carries down to street level. The city’s strong creative community is felt full force in August during the esteemed Edinburgh Fringe Festival when cutting-edge theatre, comedy and performance take over, transforming the city into a den of endless possibility and playful wonder. All year round, however, visitors have no end of opportunities to enjoy the city’s amazing pub scene, bustling bistros and specialist delis, as well as a vibrant gay scene centred on a place known as ‘the Pink Triangle’ at the top of Leith Street. Confused about where to go and what to see in Edinburgh? Let Mr Hudson’s Edinburgh gay travel guide lead the way.

The best hotels in Edinburgh

Live the life of a laird at one of Edinburgh’s many luxury accommodation offerings, often housed within centuries-old homes with quaint, old-world interiors. The Dunstane Houses is one such beauty to offer all this, based out of a pair of stately Scottish villas in the well-heeled area of West Coates, just 10 minutes from the city centre. Allowing for much-needed tranquillity amidst grand Victorian sandstone architecture, The Dunstane Houses offer spacious yet cosy rooms that are decked out with soft wool throws, Afghan rugs and deep-soaking tubs alongside more quirkier accents such as orange velvet chaise longue and peacock-feathered wallpaper. The Orkney-inspired restaurant presents a novel tapas-style menu made using quality, local ingredients and when noon hits, guests can choose from over 100 single malt whiskies from the custom-made cabinet at the bar. Next up in our Edinburgh gay city guide is Hotel The Witchery by the Castle, equally as opulent, with its outsized four-poster beds, velvet-lined walls and gothic touches. All the rooms at the Witchery offer something special, including love seats, walk-in dressing rooms and tapestries all within view of Edinburgh’s Royal Mile. Have an indulgent breakfast hamper served in the room or settle in the restaurant among celebrity guests.