Edinburgh’s Southside

South of the Old Town, around the Meadows, you’ll find a large residential area that includes the neighbourhoods of Newington, Marchmont, Bruntsfield and Morningside. Here are the top four things to do there.

1. Visit the University of Edinburgh

You’ll find a great student atmosphere in this area, thanks to the University of Edinburgh’s central campus, around George Square and Bristo Square.

That makes it a very lively place: the libraries, the student residences and the nearby Meadows set the pace of life here. It’s also full of small cafés, pubs and restaurants at very good prices (see our guide to cheap eats in Edinburgh). Some of its pubs are stops on our beer tour through Old Town and Southside pubs.

You’ll also find busy arts venues, such as the Cameo cinema, the Queen’s Hall concert venue and the multi-arts complex Summerhall.

2. See a show at the Fringe

Every August, Edinburgh is transformed by the biggest arts festival in the world, the Fringe.

If you are in town, head to the Southside: the University of Edinburgh buildings around George Square and Bristo Square host some of the most interesting shows and activities of this truly international festival.

3. Enjoy a sunny day in the Meadows

The Meadows is young people’s favourite park on sunny days in Edinburgh, with impromptu barbecues and games of football and rugby, and a festive atmosphere all day long.

In June, the Meadows Festival brings live music, a market, fairground rides and sports competitions. If you’re in Edinburgh, don’t miss it.

4. Play golf on one of Scotland’s historic courses

To the west of the Meadows is Bruntsfield Links, a park where golf has been played for centuries.

It was once a 6-hole course, and today it is a short-hole course, with 36 holes in summer and 9 in winter. It isn’t big, but you can boast about having played on one of the earliest golf courses in the world, in the country that invented the game.

It’s free, and even if you’re not a great player you can join in. Just watch your swing, as people walk through!

You can hire clubs at The Golf Tavern during the summer season. The published packages include club hire plus a soft drink or coffee for £7, or club hire and an alcoholic drink for £10. Hire isn’t available in winter, so check before you go.