Set your watch by the One o'clock Gun, fired from Edinburgh Castle's Mills Mount Battery every day except Sundays. The tradition was introduced in 1861 so ships in the Firth of Forth could set their maritime clocks accurately. You can hear it from Princes Street, or wander up to the castle to watch the firing up close.

It's less than a mile from the hotel to this striking Beaux Arts, copper-roofed concert hall. Completed in 1914, the venue stages an eclectic mix of performances, from rock and pop to jazz, blues, and classical works performed by the Royal Scottish National Orchestra and Scottish Chamber Orchestra.

Behind a modern glass facade, the ornate century-old auditorium of this theatre plays host to productions by Scottish Opera and Scottish Ballet. In summer, it's home to the Edinburgh International Festival, and throughout the year you might catch a top comedian, West End musical or variety show.

A two-minute walk from the hotel, this venue combines a stylish bar and restaurant with intimate live-music spaces. Listen to jazz or blues over inventive cocktails in the black-and-gold-themed Speakeasy or dance along to up-and-coming Scottish bands and live DJs in the larger Ballroom.

Hop into a whisky barrel for a virtual distillery tour and an insight into whisky production. The venue displays a collection of more than 3,000 bottles, with the chance to swirl a dram round your mouth at the end of the tour. Dedicated aficionados can compare the flavours of four whiskies at morning masterclasses.

More a G&T person? Walk a few blocks from the hotel to the West End and duck into this basement gin distillery. Take a tour and sip a sample, or sign up to a three-hour gin-making workshop, where you can bottle a one-off custom gin. Hang out afterwards at Heads & Tales bar and order a Gin-It-Yourself cocktail.

Tuck into brunch at this Hanover Street eatery. You can fuel up on jumbo oat porridge with mixed seeds and goji berries or sink your teeth into eggs benedict topped with smoked haddock. Leave room for a side of haggis or black pudding, and clear lingering hangovers with a banana-and-peanut-butter recovery angel smoothie.

The baristas here know how to brew a seriously mean cup of coffee. The nearest café in this small Edinburgh chain is less than half a mile from the hotel on Broughton Street. As well as sipping a flat white, you can indulge in freshly baked pastries or a warming bowl of soup, before exploring Broughton Street's independent stores.