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The Canongate in Edinburgh

Things to Do in The Canongate, Edinburgh

The eastern part of Edinburgh's Old Town, historically a separate burgh controlled by Holyrood Abbey. It contains the Museum of Edinburgh, the Canongate Tolbooth, and the Canongate Kirk.

The eastern part of Edinburgh's Old Town, historically a separate burgh controlled by Holyrood Abbey. It contains the Museum of Edinburgh, the Canongate Tolbooth, and the Canongate Kirk.

  • The ChocolatariumThe ChocolatariumChocolate Shop
  • Guajira Café & CoffeeGuajira Café & CoffeeCoffee Shop
  • Gordon Nicolson KiltmakersGordon Nicolson KiltmakersSpecialty Store
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By TripSapien · Updated September 3, 2026

Top things to do in The Canongate

  • The Chocolatarium in The Canongate, Edinburgh

    The Chocolatarium

    4.9 · 3.1k
    Chocolate Shop

    A chocolate experience in Edinburgh offering hands-on chocolate-making adventures, tastings, and tours for all ages.

    Every day
    10 AM – 5 PM
  • Gordon Nicolson Kiltmakers in The Canongate, Edinburgh

    Gordon Nicolson Kiltmakers

    4.8 · 237
    Specialty Store

    Store specialising in traditional Highland dress and accessories, also providing kilt hire.

    Mon–Tue
    9:30 AM – 5:30 PM
    Wed
    10 AM – 5:30 PM
    Thu–Fri
    9:30 AM – 5:30 PM
    Sat
    9:30 AM – 5:30 PM
    Sun
    12 PM – 4 PM
  • The Fudge House of Edinburgh in The Canongate, Edinburgh

    The Fudge House of Edinburgh

    4.7 · 646
    Candy Shop
    Mon–Fri
    10 AM – 5 PM
    Sat
    10 AM – 5 PM
    Sun
    Closed
  • Scottish Poetry Library in The Canongate, Edinburgh

    Scottish Poetry Library

    Library

    Urban library focusing on Scottish & international poetry, with a kids' area, readings & gatherings.

    Mon–Thu
    10 AM – 3 PM
    Fri
    Closed
    Sat
    Closed
    Sun
    Closed
  • Museum of Edinburgh in The Canongate, Edinburgh

    Museum of Edinburgh

    4.7 · 4.6k
    History Museum

    Classical 1832 building housing 18th-century anatomy specimens & visiting medical exhibitions.

  • Cadenhead's Whisky Shop in The Canongate, Edinburgh

    Cadenhead's Whisky Shop

    4.8 · 219
    Wine Shop

    This shop known as Scotland's oldest independent bottler offers a big whisky selection and tastings.

  • The Royal Mile Gallery in The Canongate, Edinburgh

    The Royal Mile Gallery

    4.6 · 109
    Antique Market

    Bright store dealing in antiquarian prints plus historical British and international maps.

    Every day
    10 AM – 5 PM

Where to eat & drink in The Canongate

  • Guajira Café & Coffee in The Canongate, Edinburgh

    Guajira Café & Coffee

    4.9 · 722
    Coffee Shop· £10–20
    Mon
    Closed
    Tue–Wed
    9:30 AM – 5 PM
    Thu–Fri
    9:30 AM – 5:30 PM
    Sat
    9:30 AM – 5:30 PM
    Sun
    9:30 AM – 5 PM
  • Clarinda's Tearoom in The Canongate, Edinburgh

    Clarinda's Tearoom

    4.7 · 1.5k
    Tea House

    Homemade sweet treats, light bites and specialty teas in a time-warp tea shop with chintzy decor.

    Mon
    Closed
    Tue–Fri
    9:30 AM – 4:30 PM
    Sat
    9:30 AM – 4:30 PM
    Sun
    9:30 AM – 4:30 PM
  • The Comedy Cellar Edinburgh in The Canongate, Edinburgh

    The Comedy Cellar Edinburgh

    5.0 · 1.6k
    Bar
    Every day
    7:30 AM – 10:30 PM
  • Piggs in The Canongate, Edinburgh

    Piggs

    4.8 · 1.3k
    Tapas· £20–40

    Traditional tapas & sandwiches are complemented by wine at this down-to-earth Spanish bar & cafe.

    Every day
    12 PM – 11 PM
  • Tempting Tattie in The Canongate, Edinburgh

    Tempting Tattie

    4.7 · 1.4k
    Takeaway· £10–20

    Cheerful counter-serve for takeaway specializing in baked potatoes with hearty fillings.

    Every day
    11:30 AM – 9:30 PM
  • Edinburgh Gin in The Canongate, Edinburgh

    Edinburgh Gin

    Rooftop Bar· £10–50

    A gin distillery and tourist attraction offering tours, gin and chocolate pairings, and tasting sessions, with a first-floor bar and a rooftop bar.

    Mon–Wed
    12 PM – 8 PM
    Thu–Fri
    12 PM – 10:30 PM
    Sat
    12 PM – 10:30 PM
    Sun
    12 PM – 8 PM
  • Loudons in The Canongate, Edinburgh

    Loudons

    4.4 · 827
    Brunch· £10–20

    A bright and airy restaurant with several locations, known for its all-day dining menu with a strong brunch focus and extensive options for various dietary needs.

    Mon–Fri
    8 AM – 3 PM
    Sat
    8 AM – 4 PM
    Sun
    8 AM – 4 PM
  • Santu Coffee in The Canongate, Edinburgh

    Santu Coffee

    4.7 · 296
    Coffee Shop· £1–10

    A coffee importer specializing in directly sourced Brazilian specialty coffees from farmers with whom the founders lived and worked.

  • Wedgwood The Restaurant in The Canongate, Edinburgh

    Wedgwood The Restaurant

    4.7 · 959
    British· $$$

    Seasonal Scottish produce and foraged herbs prepared with occasional Asian touches in a chic decor.

    Every day
    12 PM – 1:45 PM, 5 PM – 10 PM

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The Canongate map

Ranked using weather, setting, ratings, and review volume.

Map of The Canongate with pinned top attractions (1 through 10)
  1. 1The Chocolatarium
  2. 2Guajira Café & Coffee
  3. 3Gordon Nicolson Kiltmakers
  4. 4The Fudge House of Edinburgh
  5. 5Clarinda's Tearoom
  6. 6The Comedy Cellar Edinburgh
  7. 7Piggs
  8. 8Tempting Tattie
  9. 9Scottish Poetry Library
  10. 10Edinburgh Gin

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