At the west end of Princes Street you’ll enter the West End, a neighbourhood with a huge range of culture and entertainment.
1. The heart of Edinburgh’s cultural life
The West End is home to many of Edinburgh’s best theatres, cinemas, art galleries and restaurants, so you’ll always find something interesting to do.
The street that marks the border between the West End and the rest of the city is Lothian Road. Much of the area’s cultural life happens here, in venues such as the Usher Hall, the Royal Lyceum Theatre and the Traverse Theatre, which host a huge number of events throughout the year, including classical concerts, dance, opera and many other shows.
Naturally, in August all three host shows from the Fringe and the Edinburgh International Festival.
Nearby is the Filmhouse, the independent cinema that has long been home to the Edinburgh International Film Festival.
2. Go out for dinner or drinks
You’ll find some very original restaurants in the West End, such as Ghillie Dhu, in a former church, which offers a very Scottish experience. Try some of the best local produce and join traditional events such as ceilidh nights, Scotland’s traditional dance.
Other interesting places include The Rat Pack, a cocktail bar where the piano is the star, and Whighams Wine Cellars, with live jazz and a good wine list.
For beer lovers, The Hanging Bat is a must, with its collection of beers from all over the world. See more ideas in our guide to the best cocktail bars in Edinburgh.
3. Discover Edinburgh’s gin
If you like gin, don’t miss Edinburgh Gin. Its distillery and bar are not in the West End itself but at Arch 16, The Arches, East Market Street (EH8 8FS), near Waverley Station, where you can see how gin is made, join a guided tasting and even make your own gin.
There is also a bar with a huge range of gins, where the bartenders will always be happy to recommend a cocktail. See more ideas in our guide to the best cocktail bars in Edinburgh.
4. See St Mary’s Cathedral
Another highlight of the West End is St Mary’s Cathedral, seat of the Diocese of Edinburgh of the Scottish Episcopal Church.
Don’t confuse it with Edinburgh’s Catholic cathedral, also called St Mary’s, on York Place.
The West End is also the gateway to Dean Village and the Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art, both a short walk away.
Location
One way to reach the West End is to walk to the end of Princes Street, where it meets Lothian Road. You can also get there from the Grassmarket, through the West Port.
Get directions to the West End.