Ann Lee: My Edinburgh Top Five

Our students and recent graduates share their top five Edinburgh favourites, from recommendations on what to do and see in the city, to tips on best studying spots and how to make the most of your time at University.

Ann Lee (BEng Mechanical Engineering, 2021), who is Operations Lead for the University's rocketry club Endeavour, shares her top picks for new students.

Sightseeing location

Cramond Beach (pictured) and Portobello. Cramond is literally at the end of the number 41 so you just have to sit in the bus after class to get there and it is stunning! Portobello is a nice classic one, not as beautiful but with nice paths.

Also Blackford Hill and the Pentland Hills for a bit of hiking.

The beach at Cramond

Activity or experience

BBQ in the Meadows. Hands down the best.

Fountain Park and Ocean Terminal has bowling alleys, pool tables, roller skating rinks, cinemas, arcade, laser tag, mini golf, and more! A great place to have fun with friends.

Would highly recommend doing a day trip around Scotland, the pictures really don’t do it justice!

The Meadows

Place to eat

  • Redbox: cheap and nice stir-fry noodle, close to central.
  • The City Café (on Blair Street): American style bar with a pool table
  • Bonnie Burrito: the superior burrito place 

Studying spot

The KB Murray Library is great, nice and quiet and not as crowded. Only downside is that it closes too quick.

The James Clerk Maxwell Building (JCMB) is another great location, especially one of the secluded single desks.

The Murray Library at the King's Buildings

Advice for new students

Edinburgh has a brilliant bus system, and a bus pass can be a really good investment if you take the bus a lot!

Remember to take a break and visit the wonderful places that people are suggesting. Good luck!