Local's guide to BEST OF ROYAL MILE, EDINBURGH: where to eat & hidden spots to relax

Experience Edinburgh's busy Royal Mile through local's eyes in this guide to all of its hidden gems, lesser known experiences and foodie retreats!
Technically, I have already made a guide to Royal Mile about... 6 years ago? But, business in Edinburgh's city centre can be a taxing discipline and thus many local favourites ended up closing down or moving to a different location.
Hence an update!
This time I will take you to the Scottish Parliament, Physic Garden, Dunbar's Close, Black Grape, Moo Pie Gelato, The Chocolatarium and maaaaaany more of my personal favourite spots!
AND we shall ask a local about whether Royal Mile is a good place to live!
#edinburgh #edinburghscotland #royalmile
MAP!
www.google.com/maps/d/u/1/edi...
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[@sandybutton243]

If no one has told you today: every video filmed by you is a delight 🥰I'm back in July and already counting the days 😂

[@Kakibot]

Awwww this is so appreciated, thank you!!

[@ericawaddle94]

I've watched hundreds of Edinburgh videos while planning for my upcoming trip and this video had things that I've never seen before. Great work! I'm super excited to be in your city soon!

[@Kakibot]

That’s the best compliment! So happy to hear I was able to unearth some well kept secrets.) hope you have an amazing trip!

[@pamnewman]

We are from the US, and watched your videos before we came to Edinburgh. We absolutley LOVE your videos and style and it really helped up prepare for our trip! Yesterday we found your pins next to our hotel, and we bought a couple coos & blossoming Scotland pins. We were so excited! Thank you so much and many blessings! ☺️😊

[@iMac76]

Finally! Edinburgh travel videos that are just my speed! My wife and I are visiting Scotland for our long-delayed honeymoon in June.

[@MonikaJeanMurphy]

Thank you for this video! We live in the states (Arizona) and will be in Edinburgh Jun 3-7! You have been a huge help in planning our time here. We have scheduled an underground tunnel tour, a Chocolatarium tour, Castle tickets, plans to hike Arthur’s seat, and so much more than I can list! Thank you for your help! Just a few days away now!

[@Kakibot]

Aaah your trip is now almost over! Hope you had an amazing time - what were your favourite experiences? .)

[@user-mr9gc8ku4u]

I live in Arizona also and I’ll be visiting Edinburgh in September. so excited

[@annemabrie2287]

I'm going to Scotland in a few days, and I always have terrible holiday anxiety beforehand. Your videos help me a lot, thank you so much!

[@Kakibot]

Can relate to travel anxiety!! 🖤 but happy to hear these help .)

[@torirochleau-rice8037]

This video is perfect! Thanks! We visited Edinburgh last summer, and loved it SO much that we are coming again this summer. I appreciate all these fresh ideas for experiencing The Royal Mile. (Now, if I can only figure out how we can see a Highland Cow…)

[@robinbarbour2108]

Thank you so much for all the effort and care you put into your videos. My husband and I are in Edinburgh until June 7 - it is a once-in-a-lifetime trip for us. Your videos (along with other creators like mylittleedinburgh) have helped with planning, sightseeing, and overall ease of navigating a city that is completely different than anything we’ve ever known. We’ve had a blast so far, and still have many days left to explore!

[@Kakibot]

That's so nice to hear! Thank you for letting me know these have been helpful .) I know your trip is now coming to an end - have you discovered anything especially exciting? Did you establish any favourite places for coffee or dining? I'm all ears!!

[@robinbarbour2108]

⁠​⁠​⁠@@Kakibot Yes, we did! We stayed in Bruntsfield and branched out from there. L’Etoile had a fantastic breakfast and coffee (the full English and the quiches were great). Good n’ Plenty Café was my favorite “local” place. Simple, well-priced hole-in-the-wall, and the owner is a HOOT. We spent most of a day in the National Museum, and we climbed Arthur’s Seat today. We’re sad we have to leave!

[@stormrider4477]

Loved this video - I was in Edinburgh last September and felt like i was there all over again! I definitely left my heart there and can't wait to come back. 💗💗💗

[@miriammartin5480]

I started watching your videos to prepare for my upcoming trip in June to Edinburgh, and finally I follow you not only because your videos are really useful, but also because I love them. Thank you!!!

[@Kakibot]

Yay!! So happy to hear you find them useful! 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 Hope your trip goes fantastically!

[@Cristinact]

Your videos are definitely the best guide to Edinburgh! They truly do justice to such a beautiful place.

[@yurijang7122]

Thanks for another wonderful video, you make me proud of living this amazing city Edin!

[@wildsagesafaris]

Loving this “Locals Guide To …” series! It’s a desperate wait between them!!! 😅

[@kathybray2838]

Thank you! I was happy that you did show the little hidden places and lovely places that are so easily missed! Exactly what I was hoping to get to see, as I am an elderly easy chair traveler now. 💕

[@stokeselena]

Love your videos for the great info and for your amazing and bubbly personality!

[@deborahsolimine5438]

LOVED this one😍 I discovered so many places thanks to you and your videos, but after 5 times in Edinburgh I still have little gems to discover along the Royal Mile!! Can’t wait to be back again in autumn and go have a look to the few things I have missed!! I LOVE YOUR VIDEOSSS!!!❤️

[@Kakibot]

I'm sure all these little hidden nooks will look wonderful in autumn!! .)

[@Stuart2562]

It’s lovely having non Edinburgh folks like yourself talking about my hometown and how much you enjoy it ❤

[@TheEmpressgoth]

Thank you for sharing 😊 loved ❤ it

[@mikecastles]

Great video, make the upcoming trip to Edinburgh more exciting. Thank You (we can't wait)

[@scarephin]

Yes, yes, all the yesses. Thank you so much for this expertly crafted guide!

[@Kakibot]

Yay! So glad you enjoyed it! .)

[@kathylindsey3448]

Thanks for managing our expectations of Royal Mile. Wow was it overwhelmingly crowded when we visited last week. Loved Jolly Judge Pub, what a welcome respite that only tried because of you 👏

[@Idamaehoy]

Great video! Very informative and beautifully shot. Thanks so much~

[@Kakibot]

Yay! So glad to hear you enjoyed it! .)

[@claires1177]

My son and I are in Edinburgh having a wonderful time visiting the places you shared with us on this video! Thank you! Dunbar's garden is beautiful!

[@Kakibot]

So happy to hear that! Maybe you'll discover some even more deeply hidden gems! .)

[@WendyBonesTarot]

I'm going to Edinburgh end of June, and your videos have been so informative and enjoyable. Thank you, thank you thank you!

[@karenr37]

Another awesome video, thank you! My husband & I were there in 2018 and would have returned sooner but shutdown….we are finally going back this summer & can’t wait! Your video has so many great finds for food & drink, secret gardens & cool things to see and do 🎉❤😊

[@Kakibot]

Glad to hear you're coming back! I'm sure it will be exciting to see all the newness that has popped up through the five years since your last visit .)

[@darlenesmith515]

It's been so long since I was in Edinburgh that watching your video I realized how much I don't remember! I need to travel there soon. Thanks for sharing, always enjoy your vlogs.

[@Kakibot]

Its fascinating how deep you can dig in that area when it comes to uncovering little spots people didn't know about! I myself keep forgetting about some of them, especially when I am holding a melting cone of ice cream, panicking to find a spot to eat it 😅

[@smolshepherd3907]

My first trip to Edinburgh will be in November, im so excited. You're videos are so informative and I enjoy them so much!💜

[@Kakibot]

I’m so happy to hear that! Hopefully will have time to cover much much more before the time of your trip! .) ✨

[@sophiaashley97]

been looking forward to this video! cant wait to return to edinburgh Xx

[@Kakibot]

COME BACK! I guess you've already done the Christmas time trip, so perhaps the next one could be to experience the full blown festival madness? .D

[@melissaturner3251]

Amazing video guide &places to see. We are going to Edinburgh in September, I'll re-watch the video & take notes! You featured some great off the beaten path areas. We are looking forward to our visit 😊

[@thedesignercpa]

Time to head back to the mile and try all of the food places we missed. Thank you for a great video!

[@Kakibot]

Happy to hear you enjoyed it .)

[@MrTizzay]

This vid has been an incredible resource for us planning our honeymoon!! So excited to get away from the usual haunts and find some nice smaller places and some much-needed places of peace

[@Kakibot]

I’m so glad to hear that! Hope your honeymoon is everything you’re hoping for it to be! ❤️

[@Eli-nc9bv]

Super video, děkuji ♥Moc hezky mluvíš, rozumím skoro všechno (učím se) :)

[@Kakibot]

Tak to mam radost! .)

[@tygrawr]

I had no idea about the secret gardens so next time I'm up I'll be visiting them. Also going through Royal Mile gave me good memories when I visited for concerts and nights in my uni years. Thank you for a wonderful video.

[@Scorpion6174]

Such a beautiful video! Thank you both so much! It's always a treat for me when I see shots of the Royal Mile near St. Giles. I stayed at a hostel right there, next to Mercat Tours, called The Code. So many happy memories right in that corner. So many happy memories in all of Edinburgh. Thanks again! 😊

[@Kakibot]

I did notice that place for the first time ever as I was shooting this! Did you enjoy staying at this place?

[@Scorpion6174]

@@Kakibot It was the absolute best!!! So clean, such a centrally located home base, the waffle breakfast was great, the staff was so courteous and nice, I got to meet fellow artists that were among the staff there,...and drink and draw with them late into the morning.I got to hang out with another staff member who was an amazing vocalist, and listen to her sing, as I drew until the wee hours of the morning. Probably the best bang for your buck,...sorry American slang,...meaning, you got really awesome accommodations and atmosphere, for such a reasonable price. I'll be staying there for sure, when I visit again.

[@Kakibot]

@@Scorpion6174 that does sound absolutely amazing! Would love to make a video about hostels one day, so will remember to include this one! .)

[@Scorpion6174]

@@Kakibot That would be awesome, interesting, and informative! If you do make a video like that, definitely keep The Code on the Royal Mile in mind. It's a great spot, with a fun and friendly staff! 😁

[@elizabethmckown2156]

Love this video! I went to Moo Pie Gelato during my first visit last year and will be stopping there again when I am visiting in August + I already have my Chocolatarium ticket!

[@Kakibot]

You're a woman of action!!! I'm sure you will love the chocolate tour!! .)

[@jeffreyskinner6281]

Wonderful video. Just found your channel and love all your stuff. Clarinda's is my favorite spot!! Thanks for such an in depth look at the Mile.

[@dangerouspea]

Good Job! One of the best videos so far!

[@Kakibot]

Awwww! I super appreciate that

[@aliciah8041]

Just got back from Edinburgh. We stayed near the Royal Mile. Thanks for the memories.

[@iansampson2477]

Thanks for the detail in this video.We are visiting Edinburgh in March 2024 from Australia, found this to be very helpful.

[@eugeniapestana467]

I am going to Edimburgh on April and I love your videos!!!🙏🏻❤

[@vickidash-slesinski746]

We are visiting Edinburgh in 2024 and are enjoying your videos. I’m a little over 30% Scottish and am really excited.

[@joannatillman5431]

I recently returned from a week-long trip to Edinburgh - your videos really helped me get the most out of my time there! (I bought one of your flag pins at the design exchange :)) Thanks so much for all the great info! I miss Edinburgh already.

[@Kakibot]

So happy to hear the videos helped - and thank you for picking up a pin as a little memento! ❤️

[@staceymarrone1177]

So happy to find your channel! I plan on visiting in February or March!

[@Kakibot]

Yay! How long are you planning to be staying? .)

[@claudiawarren4886]

Really enjoyed this tour of the Royal Mile, the interview with your friend Petra and the slow mo photography highlighting the beauty of Edinburgh. Just happened to remember how wonderful it was to walk around Waterstone's Books last year when I went to Edinburgh. If you ever run out of themes for your videos, maybe you could feature Edinburgh bookstores and nearby restaurants. Keep up the great work, Kakibot and Simon.

[@Kakibot]

Simon is a big lover of bookstores (but then again...who isn't!) so I think we will get on that theme soon! There are so many amazing indie bookstores in the centre-adjacent neighbourhoods, would love to feature them all in one video .)

[@user-mr9gc8ku4u]

Coming to Edinburgh after Iceland end of September, this video has me so inspired please send more!!!

[@jamiecotter818]

I loved this video! I just returned yesterday from Edinburgh and wish I would have watched this before we left! But I will be back!! Thank you for sharing. It would be cool for a video of shopping on or near Royal Mile. We wanted to avoid the touristy souvenir shops but it was hard to determine which shops were more local owned, etc. Thanks for all your great content.

[@Zamode68]

Terrific video! Not a fudge fan but the chocolate shop with the Seville Orange chocolate bar will have to to be added to my list as well as the barbecue place. I think there’s lots of little nooks and crannies to explore that you really have to look for. Yes, I would like to go to Edinburgh when the Castle doesn’t have the Tattoo bleachers.

[@radiorachel]

Thankyou so much we have so much planned from these guide and few of your others I told the chocolatarium we herd about it from you ❤❤ ❤

[@Kakibot]

So happy to hear that! And thank you for mentioning me, I try to stay on Chocolatarium's good side, haha

[@dunesebilleau8826]

Great video! I used to live in Edinburgh, and there are so many of these places I never even heard of! Hopefully I can visit them all when I come back for my honeymoon in automn 🙂

[@Kakibot]

That's the best compliment! .) Hope you have a great time when you're back .)

[@gallaghim]

Very interesting to see your perspectives on the Royal Mile. I'm not sure I'd consider that area as a place to live, but this is certainly food for thought. Thanks for highlighting some places on the RM that I'd never heard of 😊

[@Kakibot]

There's definitely a bit of an "alternate plane" to Royal Mile - where you become blind to the Gold Brothers souvenir shops and start enjoying all the rest! I find it's essential to know all the "hiding spots", otherwise one just gets stuck in the strong current of visitors and is pushed up or down the mile losing all autonomy .D

[@sarahelizabeth6342]

Going in a month and staying right at the base of the royal mile. Will visit to all your suggestions..:: they are right up my alley!! (Food and gardens!!) Thank you!!!!

[@Kakibot]

Good spot to stay! Especially early in the morning and later in the day when there are less visitors (the sidewalks are tiny 🥲) You should definitely grab some sort of tasty treat and enjoy it in a form of little private picnic at the hidden gardens! .)

[@lindamahan15]

we are coming to Edinburgh in October, our first (and probably only) international trip. We are in late 60's- We live in a very small rural town so I'm trying to get my bearings and get the most out of our short visit. Your videos I'm sure will prove invaluable. Thank you so much for putting these together

[@yvonne3903]

If you're getting more than two bus rides a day it's worth while getting a day ticket, on and off all day.

[@pernillestrandthoresen2210]

Hei, i just wanted to say your videos will really help me and my friends when we arrive in Edinburgh🥰 I really love your videos!

[@Kakibot]

Yay! Thank you for watching! When is it you’re coming over? .)

[@pernillestrandthoresen2210]

Today actually😄 We will be staying untill the 13.

[@Kakibot]

@@pernillestrandthoresen2210 Oh neat! Hope you have a super fun time - lot of interesting summer season things popping up right now. You could go check out the Neighbourgood market in Stockbridge for some outdoor street food!

[@pernillestrandthoresen2210]

Thank you so much for the tips❤️

[@alternaturel7080]

The best guide to Edinburgh! Its a pity I did not see this video before my visit.

[@Kakibot]

Aw, bad timing! But - there's always next time! Hope you can make it back soon! .)

[@suebrown4743]

This was another great video thank you so much ❤ I'm sooo glad you mentioned Moo pie gelato wow my favourite gelato shop the quality and depth of flavours are awesome. I also love The Fudge House a little pricey but an exquisite treat!

[@Kakibot]

I love that Moo Pie always comes up with something a little bit odd, and it always manages to be absolutely delicious! What was your favourite flavour to have from there?

[@suebrown4743]

@Kakibot's Edinburgh Adventures! I love the vegan dark chocolate, banana and carrot cake but all their gelato is soooo flavoursome. I asked if they could consider black forrest gateau in the future yum yum I'm sure it would be amazing!😋

[@bruhmoment5669]

I would love a video of souvenir shops that are traditional and owned by locals. Going at the end of August and I am excited. Thanks for the video, I learned a lot!

[@ouime7337]

Don’t forget to visit the Camera Obscurer on the way up to the castle.

[@ghighlandchieftain4462]

Great video and I am new subscriber to your channel I love Edinburgh history and trainspotting and day out in Edinburgh

[@Kakibot]

Welcome to the channel! .)

[@ElizabethAbigail]

I've lived in Edinburgh for just over two years and didn't know about Trunk's Close Garden or The Chocolatarium - I'll definitely be visiting those. :)

[@cherry-vz5kx]

Great video.However,we need another, as you said yourself, there is so much to see and do.

[@h-Qalziel]

I would probably also recommend the Camera Obscura, especially if you have kids. It's a great experience full of optical illusions, perhaps a bit touristy, but I hardly ever see people mention it.

[@Kakibot]

It's fun for sure! We couldn't justify the costs for this video, but will try to put it on the list in one of the upcoming ones .)

[@underneaththecape4055]

Absolutely a fudge fan! My mom makes the BEST peanut butter fudge ever! I'll be in Scotland in May, so I'll have to see how it stacks up!

[@MrCherryJuice]

I am very familiar with the Royal Mile, though never pay much attention when walking it. Either I am headed somewhere or the street is very busy. Typically it is both. But this video, is with so many of yours, did what you wanted it to do - remind people like me that there is so much happening on (and just off) the street that warrants our attention. I will definitely take note next time trekking up or down that historic mile. Thank you.

[@Kakibot]

Thank you so much, what a wonderful comment - really means a lot to me, as this is exactly what I am aiming for!!

[@alisongavin2580]

Such a good video , I’m originally from Edinburgh and my brother in law is a manager at the Witchery 😊

[@christinat56]

Wish I saw these sooner, but we’re already planning on going again absolutely loved it❤we stayed in East Lothian at Carberry tower castle. I would love to see some more Castles you can lodge in and Skye or Lochness tours.

[@chicken0horse0]

Hi! I was the person in Black Sheep Coffee that made you cry while you were filming this video. Thanks for this video! I love it. It's extra special because you were filming it while I was in Scotland.

[@chicken0horse0]

Also it was so nice to meet you and I hope you're well!!!

[@Kakibot]

Oh I’m so glad you’re getting back to me because after a couple of days I was definitely like “welp that nice person has taken off forever” 😂 I swear it was a happy cry!

[@thomaschapman7533]

Beautiful and well done! You even mentioned the free concerts at St. Giles 😂

[@Kakibot]

All thanks to you! Consider yourself exploited for my fame 😂 I was meaning to leave a note in but as I was leaving for a road trip the same morning as finishing this edit I forgot a whole bunch of bits that were in the script 🫠

[@JinJinDoe]

Cool! I didn't know you could go in the parliament. And to be fair, none of these areas (except St. Giles church and writer's museum) we knew of when we visited xD Oh well, next visit :) Beautiful footage! The cherry petals are especially, gorgeous.

[@Kakibot]

There's just too much to cover in a single visit! (After all, even we had to go back about 8 times just to make this one video!) Hopefully a good inspiration for future trips? .)

[@stvpett]

I live off of Lawnmarket in Mylne's Court. It is busy during the day and bagpipers all over the place, but I've rarely seen any problems with drunk people or any of that in this part of the Royal Mile. I have to say that the Lawnmarket section of the Royal Mile is fairly quiet at night. With of course the notable exception of festival season in August.

[@IzzyInMiami]

I was just there but I did the mile the other way around. Started from the castle. I wish I had this particular video before my trip. I guess I’ll have it for my next trip. Missed a lot of those places. I did get some of your stuff at the exchange the day I was around. So many pins 🥰Very cute place. ❤

[@Kakibot]

It's so easy to miss some of these: the little secret round garden for example, that's something I only learned about from on of my viewers about a month ago! Thank you so much for supporting me by buying some of my pins!

[@IzzyInMiami]

My pleasure.

[@sebastianheliosz5642]

Thank you for such a beautifully described street. I've been there many times, and you've discovered so many secrets here. I'm from Poland, but I do science in Scotland. You speak English beautifully and I honestly thought you were born in the UK. It was only when I saw the profile, that I found out that you are also Slavic.. Thank you for the videos and I'm going sub

[@Kakibot]

Thank you so much for your lovely comment! It has been an eye opening quest for me too - some of these I've never been to before making this video myself, they are truly hiding in plain sight!!

[@sebastianheliosz5642]

@@Kakibot i.e. we can say that both parties gain, because you make videos on KZbin. We, the viewers, get the best content, and you yourself get to know the hidden treasures of the most iconic cities. WIN WIN

[@BrokenBackMountains]

Used to go to that fudge shop in the 80s when I lived in Edinburgh.

[@timonrose5054]

Hey, Kaki. Your videos are always compelling viewing. Just a detail - who are the musicians playing this lovely background music on this video? Good music helps the viewer tune into the discourse!

[@waynesabados4048]

A few years ago we had the privilege of staying in a townhouse in Reids Court which is right beside Clarinda’s Tea Room. You panned briefly on the red door in Reids Court and that is actually the residence of the Minister of the Cannongate Kirk (where the Queen would worship when she was in Scotland). We can’t wait to go back again!!

[@Kakibot]

That sounds like a wonderful place to stay! Hope you took advantage of the close proximity to tasty treats .D

[@karupe9982]

that intro made me laugh a single loud af "HA", quality material

[@jakeloy]

Love your content! Curious what frame rate you use for this footage?

[@ameliaclark5792]

I’m a tablet fan. My Mum used to make it as a treat.

[@2626stephen]

Edinburgh such a nice place never git sick of visiting. Not sure about visiting all those nice food shops on the royal Mile would you get upto the castle 😂😂

[@Insholent]

I LOVE fudge, but I prefer Fudge Kitchen - idk why, the guy there was always super friendly. We even tried the fudge making experience a few years ago :) I've been in Royal Mile a few times (6 or seven at this point) but I just realized there's so much to see still!

[@Kakibot]

I'm gonna make it my mission to try out the other fudge place too! Very curious about fudge making - did you get to make your own signature flavour? .)

[@deanamocic]

Need to send a suggestion email to Google to at least add more color options to "Saved" pink hearts. Thanks to you and Simon my G-map is all pink in Edinburgh! :D Can't wait to visit again! 😌Warmest greetings!

[@TheFaceCreator]

Hey, great video! Shame it wasn’t up a week ago when I was there😅 I’ll have to come back 😊 Ps: I love your video making 🤩would you mind sharing what camera do you use and editing software? Or if you use presets? No worries if you don’t want to, completely understand 😉x

[@Kakibot]

Oh noooo 🥲 sadly the editing process on this was a beast and took so long to get right! I shoot on Sony a7s III and edit in Adobe Premiere! .)

[@TheFaceCreator]

@@Kakibot Thank you so much! And I can only imagine how long it takes ro edit. I’m sure I’ll be back in Edinburgh eventually 🙂 thanks for making the video :)

[@stevethompson9132]

I recall seeing the gentleman with the Mohawk haircut and Batman suit on the Royal Mile when we were there this last spring 👍🏻

[@BrokenBackMountains]

He is one to avoid. Not the best reputation.

[@jenniferb.5787]

Thank you for this video!! And yes, I agree, the stadium setting at the castle is not ideal...... why do they set it up so early???

[@Kakibot]

It's double baffling to me because when they take it down it takes what feels like a single week? x)

[@joannmoffat3029]

Great video. My hubby is from Galashiels & he took me around this beautiful city when I came over from the states. I can't place your accent...where are you from originally?

[@Kakibot]

I am originally from Prague, Czech Republic! .)

[@TheEmpressgoth]

Yes I am a Fudge fan!

[@Kakibot]

We should start a club!

[@TheEmpressgoth]

@@Kakibot Yes we should!

[@nicolelawsinhang]

I really appreciate how fudge is a big thing in Scotland but I just NEVER got around liking them. They taste just like a block of sugar to me 🥲🥲

[@simonmountney]

It was a joy to find all the extra fun stuffs on the Mile that weren't just tourist traps but I'm sure we missed a few. Where else is worth a visit?

[@annoyedwalrus7803]

It was nice to see some of the gems hiding among the souvernir stores. I really miss Edinburgh, thank you for helping making it bearable.

[@Thumtwiddler]

Ah comedy, don't ya just love it.... hehe nice intro, and since when did touching David Hume's toe become a thing??

[@sarapoarch8326]

I was wondering if you had recommendations on places to eat in Edinburgh that would be especially good for solo dining? I will be there in August, and I know there will be street food and such, but I was hoping to sit and dine a couple times too. It can be a little awkward to eat by yourself in a restaurant, so I thought I would see if you had a suggestion. Thank you!

[@Kakibot]

Perhaps it’s just that I see Asian dining culture as very solo friendly but in my mind spots like Bentoya or Vietnam House at Haymarket (where you will be adopted by a Vietnamese gran whether you like it or not) are great for that sort of thing. But even if you wanted to treat yourself by something like The Palmerston or a nice gastropub/bistro like Herringbone, it won’t look weird to dine alone! Lunches would be quieter so more suited to bringing a book to read while waiting.

[@sarapoarch8326]

Thank you so much for the suggestions! I will add them to my list. Your videos have been incredibly helpful! I haven’t traveled internationally since COVID so you’ve been crucial in helping reduce my travel anxiety! Thank you for all your hard work!

[@steephaniieeeee]

what camera do you film your videos on?

[@Kakibot]

Sony A7s III ! .)

[@lynx8778]

Hey Kat, I'm doing a maraton of your videos, you are encouraging me to move to Scotland, but I was wondering if you can explain how taxes work? I tried to look in other places but I don't get it ;;

[@Kakibot]

Depends - as a freelancer or an employee? .)

[@lynx8778]

If you can do both it would be great, I'm future programmer but I'm also an illustrator, and and what if with a programmer job I get the limit in the 20% and i earn something with my freelance job as an illustrator? I have to pay now more than the 20%? help

[@Kakibot]

​@@lynx8778 Ok so I'm gonna be very rough here - everyone gets about 12k tax-free allowance per year. After that you go to 20-21% income tax on everything over the 12k until you hit just over 40k a year. At that point, anything above the 40-ishK is taxed at 41%. So if you were employed and earned around 40k in your employment, the most likely scenario is the accountant will be taking off the 20-21% and then most of what you earn on your own will be taxed with the 40% band because you are now in the higher earner bracket. Upside is that if you are registered as a self employed person and you do your tax returns, you can also write things off your taxes, your computer, art supplies, software - which at that higher earner rate really pays off. You also have to pay National Insurance - not sure what the situ is if you are also employed, but myself as a 100% self employed person I have to send another couple grand for that. If you get to the 41% threshold, one way of keeping things reasonable is to start putting more money into a personal pension, because for higher earners, HMRC will return 20% off the 40% you paid on taxes during your tax returns. I believe that if you're an employee and your employer deals with your taxes and pension, you still get a £1000 allowance for things like selling stuff on eBay, Etsy, making little amounts of money off a "hobby".

[@lynx8778]

Thank you soo much! that was really helpfull! and thank you for the advice too!

[@avdheshawasthi1027]

✨️🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@thesweetbutterfly50]

My husband and I arrive in Edinburgh onMay 31st which is my birthday. I would like to eat out at a nice place to celebrate my birthday do you have any suggestions?

[@Kakibot]

Hi Linda! I guess it depends on what sort of cuisine you enjoy, personally I really like the Palmerston which is a relatively casual approach to higher end seasonal dining, it's a real darling of local chefs and food critics! But I'd also say it doesn't have the most intimate atmosphere. We do have some great restaurants offering tasting menus, like Purslane (which I loved) and I believe Duthchas is run by the same people so that could be an option too. The Lookout could also be a good option as it is placed right on top of Calton Hill and one can catch some impressive sunset views from it .)

[@Martiina91]

You look so much like Robin Ellacott from the Strike novels🤭🤩

[@Kakibot]

Had to Google her, and oh boy that’s quite the compliment! ✨

[@janw9594]

Scottish tablet over fudge and I’m a chocoholic!

[@njones427]

Went to Scotland in 2022 with my wife and planning to be back in 2025 with the kids!

[@edinburghandbeyond]

It takes 2 months to put the stand up and 1 month to take it down after its setup olly murs and few others are holding concerts

[@jeffasquith7708]

I can't find the map :(

[@user-eq8qk3im2c]

When in May does the Military Tattoo construction begin? I want to avoid it. Thanks for an answer

[@dabsafe]

And where was I? in Deacon Brodie's hae'in a pint o' course!