Where I'll be When the World Ends

Lighting of the torches just before the new year

This torchlight procession opens up Edinburgh's Hogmanay celebrations. Almost 15,000 people carrying torches march through Edinburgh's streets to get to Calton Hill.

Rolling Down Calton Hill

Calton Hill is my favorite spot in Edinburgh. It has an excellent view of all the highlights of the city: the castle, Arthur's Seat, all the spire tops and domes, the Forth River, Holyrood Palace... If you haven't got much time in Edinburgh, you...

Fool, Edinburgh, Scotland

The clothing and gifts here are all fair trade. Most come from cooperatives in India and Africa. —Gaynor Salisbury

308 Morningside Rd. 44/(0) 131-447-1040. This story appeared in the November/December 2010 issue. Photo by Martin Westlake. See all...

The Zulu Lounge, Edinburgh, Scotland

The owners are a South African brother and sister, and they do great coffee. Try their Elephant Soup, which has lentils, peanuts, and a type of African dried meat calledbiltong. —Gaynor Salisbury

366 Morningside Rd. 44/(0) 131-466-8337. This story...

Henri’s Fine Food and Wine, Edinburgh, Scotland

The deli is right down the road from Loopy Lorna’s. It’s the only place in Scotland to get the best French butter, and they sell some delicious rare cheeses. —Gaynor Salisbury

376 Morningside Rd. 44/(0) 131-447-8877. This story appeared in the...

Oxfam Bookshop, Edinburgh, Scotland

I love old books, and this secondhand shop has a huge range, from classics to modern literature. —Gaynor Salisbury

204–206 Morningside Rd. 44/(0) 131-446-9169. This story appeared in the November/December 2010 issue. Photo by Martin Westlake. See...

Dominion Cinema, Edinburgh, Scotland

This cinema has big comfy sofas, and you can take a glass of wine in with you. —Gaynor Salisbury

18 Newbattle Terr. 44/(0) 131-447-4771. This story appeared in the November/December 2010 issue. Photo by Martin Westlake. See all of Gaynor Salisbury’...

Canny Man’s, Edinburgh, Scotland

Outside there is a beer garden with benches and colorful tablecloths. Inside, there is bric-a-brac everywhere, including an old penny-farthing bicycle. I go for a traditional drink of real ale, like Belhaven. They have a brilliant selection of...