Al Fresco Edinburgh: The Dickins Edit

If May signals one thing to us it’s the real start to al fresco season in Edinburgh. We’ll be starting the day with a really good coffee and perfectly flaky pastry perched at a pavement café and watching the world go by. From there the day unfolds with wanders, stops for ice cream and street food discoveries. As evening draws in, it’s time to chase golden hour with a cocktail and sunset views of our glorious city. Join us as we map out the perfect day and explore some of the top places in Edinburgh for outdoor living at its finest.

Morning: Coffees and Pastries

Let’s start the day with one of our favourite pastimes: tracking down some of the best bakeries and coffee spots in Edinburgh.

Pavement Cafes

Edinburgh is packed full of incredible indie coffee shops and coming into summer it just gets better as we grab a table outside with a coffee and pastry and watch the world go by. Just a few of our favourite spots coming up.

Williams & Johnson Coffee Co, Leith

Start your day at Williams & Johnson in Custom Lane in the vibrant port area of The Shore, in Leith. Sit alongside the harbour, watching the world go by. It’s a super-chill spot and just perfect on a sunny day. Bring a book, bring a friend, bring your doggo and you’ll have one of those life-feels-soooo-good-right-now moments. One of our go-tos is the seasonal granola here. Delicious.

Ante, Leith Walk

Ante in Haddington Place on Leith Walk will forever be one of our favourites for its beautiful, creative food and drink, kind, friendly service and just its vibe. We love the seasonal coffees, currently tahini and rose flat white, and the creative pastries. Grab a table outside-it’s a real sun trap- and watch the world go by.

Wellington Coffee, City Centre

Tucked away at cellar level, Wellington Coffee has earned its status as a cult favourite among locals for its seriously good and beautifully poured coffee. The outdoor seating is prime territory. A handful of tables also spill out onto the pavement, offering the perfect perch for people-watching on George Street. An all-time Edinburgh classic which we return to again and again.

Cairngorm Coffee, West End

Another one of our go-to coffee spots for consistently good coffee and friendly service is Cairngorm Coffee. On a sunny corner in the West End, you’ll find it’s always full of locals as well as visitors. Grab a sunny table outside, perfect for people watching while enjoying a coffee and an indulgently irresistible raspberry cheesecake brownie.

Patina, Edinburgh Park

Always so worth hopping on the tram for a visit to Patina, located a 20 minute ride from the city centre. It’s such a great vibe, bright and sunny and a must visit for great coffee and pastries. It has loads of outdoor seating but it gets busy fast so get there early. All their bakes are delicious and you may need more than one visit!

Dune Bakery, South Queensferry

Another one a little out of town but one of our very favourites is Dune Bakery in South Queensferry. The pastries are outstanding, constantly changing with incredible weekend specials to keep you coming back for more. A couple of our favourites have included apple crumble and custard Danish and Sticky Toffee Pudding Croissant. The sea salt focaccia is also insanely good! They have a handful of tables outside; alternatively, grab a bench with stunning views of the Forth Rail Bridge; or take a walk along to Dalmeny Beach.

Mid-Morning: Scenic Walks

After coffee, it’s time to explore. Edinburgh with all its glorious outdoor space is a city best seen on foot and spring/summer is the perfect time to get out and explore again.

Water of Leith, Stockbridge to Dean Village

Take a riverside stroll along the Water of Leith from Stockbridge to picturesque Dean Village. If you’re lucky you may spot a resident female otter with her cubs, a badger, a grey heron, a kingfisher or woodpecker. From medieval times onwards, Dean Village served as a grain-milling hub, The river powered the mills that helped feed and sustain the growing city. You can still see the iconic 19th-century Well’s Court, originally built to house mill workers. Continue along the path to the impressive Dean Bridge, with the Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art just a short walk away.

Calton Hill

Set in the very heart of Edinburgh, Calton Hill rises above the city to offer panoramic views of Edinburgh and beyond. Its elevated position makes for unrivalled views of Edinburgh’s famous skyline taking in iconic landmarks like Edinburgh Castle, Arthur’s seat and Old Town as well as a bird’s eye view of Princes Street. It’s one of the city’s most popular visitor destinations as it’s just a short flight of steps off Regent Road that brings you to the top. It’s always been the perfect place to watch the sun set over the skyline, and it’s now even more inviting with a cocktail on the terrace of Café Calton perfectly perched at the top.

Arthur’s Seat

Climb Arthur’s Seat, the dramatic peak that rises above Edinburgh from the heart of Holyrood Park. Formed 350 million years ago, this ancient extinct volcano offers some of the finest panoramic views in the city, stretching from Old Town to the Firth of Forth. Follow the main path and you can reach the summit in 30 minutes or take in the crags, wild grasses and swans at Dunsapie Loch. Or for a gentler walk, take the Southern edge of the park along Duddingston Low Road leading to Duddingston Village. Here you can settle into the courtyard of The Sheep Heid Inn established in 1360, where generations of locals (and even a few monarchs) have stopped for a drink.

Dr Neil’s Garden, Duddingston

Nestled beside Duddingston Loch, in the historic and charming Duddingston Village, once a rural parish separate from the city, Dr Neil’s Garden is an incredibly special spot that even many locals have yet to discover. Created in the 1960s through the dedication and hard work of local doctors Andrew and Nancy Neil, the garden is a real hidden gem and offers a peaceful haven for quiet reflection. Sheltered beneath the shadow of Arthur’s Seat and set beside one of Scotland’s oldest buildings, Duddingston Kirk, it also enjoys beautiful views across the wildlife-rich waters of Duddingston Loch.

Lunch: Al Fresco Dining

After working up an appetite, it’s time for a relaxed outdoor lunch.

Street food & Casual Bites

Portobello Beach

Portobello is a brilliant spot for relaxed casual bites by the sea. This coastal neighbourhood is perfect for lunch and a laid back beach vibe on a sunny day. It gets busy at the weekend and has a welcoming high street filled with some brilliant indie shops, cafés, and eateries. It’s just a 20–30 minute bus ride from Edinburgh’s city centre, making it an easy escape to the sea. If you haven’t yet, you definitely need to check it out!

Shrimpwreck

Head to the prom for very cool, fresh-from-the-sea, huge big flavour streetfood from Shrimpwreck  This is one of our favourites so get to Edinburgh’s beach and grab one of their famous shrimp buns- battered king prawns, pickles, red onion and Marie Rose sauce, a fish finger sarnie or a banging smash burger! So good!

Civerinos

Or grab a table overlooking the beach and feast out on a huge slice of everyone’s favourite Civerinos pizza, from their retro, pastel-coloured location. Vodka sausage, chicken schnitzel or good old pepperoni, they’re all so good! They also do a vegan Margherita. Be sure to order a portion of their zeppole too, perfect for sharing.

Sandwich Spots

Croccante & Co, West End

We love the huge, freshly-baked and made in front of you Italian schiacciate from Croccante & Co. We tried a Bologna-packed full of mortadella, burrata, sun dried tomato and pistachio pesto. So flavoursome, crispy outside, soft inside. 10/10

Mootz, Stockbridge

If you’re in Stockbridge, and craving something seriously satisfying, Mootz is a must. Its huge, beautiful schiacciate are again a 10/10. We tried the Reuben & Mootz and both are delicious.

Markets

If you’re in Edinburgh over the weekend, why not head to one of the city’s vibrant markets and pick up something delicious for lunch on the go? Leith and Grassmarket Markets are both on Saturdays and Stockbridge on Sundays. Time and again we go back for a chicken paella from Lovely Paella, some yakisoba noodles from Harajuku Street Food, and the best vegan kebab (really!) from Planet G

 

Fish & Chips

The Fishmarket, Newhaven

Does anything feel more nostalgic than a chippy? On a sunny weekend we love to head to the historic fishing port of Newhaven harbour and make a beeline for The Fishmarket. Go for a good old haddock and chips or push the boat out and try their salt and chilli cod bites, mussels mariniere, battered squid or monkfish. Don’t forget the tartare sauce and wash it down with a Leith Pilot beer or Thistly Cross cider. All food is cooked to order, there’s outdoor seating for your takeaway or eat it in the harbour. Totally worth the long queue!

Pavement Restaurants

For a light lunch and a glass of wine in the sun, is there anything better than finding that one free table in a packed streetside restaurant-feels like winning the lottery!

Contini, George Street

We love to head to George Street for a chilled rose or a cocktail in the sun alongside some food and people-watching. Contini in George Street never disappoints for some rosemary focaccia, a big sharing plate of antipasti and some delicious small plates followed of course by a tiramisu.

Fishers, The Shore, Leith

An Edinburgh institution and another of our favourite lunch spots is Fishers on The Shore. Settle in with a big bowl of mussels and chips, or a seafood platter and a glass of chilled wine, either at one of the outside tables on the Shore or just inside in the lively bar area, which feels reassuringly old-school.

Le Di-Vin, West End

Pull up a chair at one of the pavement-side tables at the charming Le Di-Vin, with its Parisian vibes and relaxed atmosphere. It’s another great wee spot for a glass of wine and some nibbles while people watching in the West End.

 

Picnics

Gather with friends and family for a picnic or BBQ in the Meadows. Pick up a huge slice of pizza from Civerinos Slice in Forrest Road or grab a delicious fresh, sourdough sandwich from Soderberg at Simpson Loan or Lister Square.

 

Afternoon: Ice Cream & Drinks

Those rare sunny, lazy afternoons in Edinburgh call for ice cream and a good beer garden or pavement bar.

Ice Cream

Ciccetta’s, Bruntsfield

Why not try the new kid on the block causing a stir on insta. Rebecca Fuller, who grew up in Australia, has fulfilled her dream of opening her own gelato shop. With its butter yellow shopfront and pastel interior, Ciccetta’s is scooping up unique gelato flavours. How do you like the sound of Campfire Smoke: smoked milk gelato, toasted marshmallow, maple pecans and smoked Maldon sea salt? You’ll also always find vegan flavours here.

Mary’s Milk Bar, Grassmarket

Mary’s Milk Bar, Edinburgh’s iconic gelato spot, has a cute retro vibe and you’ll always find something deliciously creative and surprising on the menu. How about Almond and Orange Blossom,  Rose Choc Chip or vegan Malted Chocolate Oat? The flavours change on a daily basis.

Joelato, Stockbridge

Joelato in Stockbridge also serves up hand made, natural and delicious flavours. We love Lemon Mascarpone, Strawberry Cheesecake and Pink Lemonade Sorbet.

 

Beer Gardens

The Cumberland Bar, New Town

The Cumberland Bar is a great option for a sunny afternoon cider. It’s a traditional, friendly, old-school pub, nestled in a peaceful New Town street, with a large secluded and leafy beer garden.

Teuchters Landing, Leith

The pub at Teuchters Landing is the former waiting room for the Leith to Aberdeen steamboat ferry. It has a large beer garden and pontoon that is very popular on a hot day.

 

Pavement Bars

Spry Wines, Leith Walk

Spry has got to be one of our favourite neighbourhood wine bars in Edinburgh. Serving up natural wines, it feels effortlessly stylish and relaxed. Sit out on one of their benches or pavement tables, or at one of their large windows (best seat in the house) and watch the world go by.

Tigerlily, City Centre

Right in the city centre, why not take a break from shopping and grab one of the tables outside Tigerlily?  It’s a perfect, pretty suntrap for people watching and a cocktail.

Good Brothers Wine Bar, New Town

Head down to our very own Dundas Street in New Town and seek out one of our favourite, friendliest tucked-away spots in the city. Good Brothers is perfect for a glass or two and you may find it difficult to leave their wee courtyard once you settle in!

The Green Room, West End

Tucked away down one of Edinburgh’s cutest little cobbled streets, The Green Room feels like a hidden gem of a wine bar. Settle in at one of the sunny tables on William Street for a relaxed glass or two.

 

Evening: Sunset Drinks

And to end the evening could there be anything better than a sunset drink with a seriously breathtaking view?  Whether its al fresco or on a roof terrace, here are our two top spots for the best end to the day.

Café Calton, Calton Hill

The ultimate al fresco sunset drink spot in Edinburgh, Cafe Calton is perfectly perched atop Calton Hill. With the most spectacular panoramic views across Edinburgh, its terrace is the perfect golden hour spot to watch the sun setting over the city with a cocktail in hand.

W Deck, St James Quarter

W Deck is, quite simply, the city’s standout rooftop for drinks. Set atop the 12th floor of the five-star W Edinburgh, it has sweeping 360-degree views across Edinburgh. And you can just imagine how stunning the views are at sunset. For an elevated, effortlessly stylish drink with a view, it’s the one.

W Deck (Photo: @wedinburgh)

From early morning coffee to sunset cocktails, Edinburgh on a sunny day is made for al fresco living. If you’re planning a visit over spring/summer, whether for a short break, a longer corporate stay or a relocation, we’d love to help you find the perfect home to explore it all. Our Dickins’ homes from home make the perfect base for your Edinburgh stay. Explore our handpicked homes and experience the city’s very best al fresco spots, Dickins-style.

And if you’re a local, we’d love to know-which of your favourites have we missed? Let us know in the comments!

If you’re looking for more Edinburgh inspiration, explore our other blogs and discover what makes this city so special year-round.