Edinburgh for 40th birthday celebration?

[neverbeenskiing]

DH turns 40 at the end of May so I'm thinking of booking a 2-3 night break in Edinburgh. Neither of us have been before so those of you who know the city, would you say it's a good destination to celebrate a special birthday?

Please hit me with your suggestions for

Hotels- I'm looking for somewhere special, maybe a bit quirky, as close to the city centre as possible, preferably not a chain.

Restaurants- I'd like to take him somewhere really nice but not pretentious, with a good atmosphere

Things to do- is there enough for 3 nights, or would 2 be better? What are your favourite attractions? Any hidden gems?

DH loves live music and comedy, he enjoys visiting galleries and museums, so any recommendations in those areas would be great.

I had a lovely lunch at Timberyard earlier this year. If you went before November, you could see the new Grayson Perry exhibition. Do leave time to walk up Arthur’s Seat and generally have a walk around the city.

Edinburgh’s definitely a good location for a special birthday, but I suppose a lot of it depends on what your DH is into. There’s certainly enough to fill 3 or 4 days. In that time, I’d recommend Arthur’s Seat, the castle, Johnnie Walker Princes Street and The Real Mary King's Close. If he’s into art, then I’d also do one or two of the big galleries like the Scottish National, modern art or the portrait gallery. If he’s more into history then maybe Holyrood and/or the National Museum of Scotland. Other great things to do include The Chocolatarium, Camera Obscura and a day trip on the train to Glasgow.
For somewhere quirky to stay, look at Tigerlily or The Witchery. I haven’t stayed in either but they are both rated very highly.
For good meals that aren’t pretentious: Dishoom, Tattu, Makar’s Gourmet Mash and Scran and Scallie.

I took my OH for a big birthday last year. We did the Mountebank Comedy Walk, The Royal Yacht Britannia and whisky tasting at Jeffrey Street. We ate at Howies and Makar's Mash Bar and on the actual day had breakfast at the Ivy and dinner at Chaproaya (Thai rooftop restaurant). There's so much more to do and lots of great places to eat and drink.

Definitely a good destination based on his likes!
Hotel suggestions (depending on budget!):
The Raeburn in Stockbridge
Nira Caledonian
Fingal (it's a ship!)
Prestonfield
The Witchery
Eden Locke
The Rutland
The Four Sisters Boatel (narrow boats)
Market Street Hotel