If you're keen to keep those spirits high and start the new year in style, the Scottish capital has plenty to beat back the January blues. With a story that never ends, Edinburgh is a place where hot new launches and fascinating history exist happily side by side. It's an exciting, ever-evolving and easy to reach city that's so compactable and walkable it offers unrivalled value for time.

So why not start as you mean to go on in 2022 and freshen things up from the outset. Whether you're after a great place to eat or stay, want to create unforgettable memories or learn a new skill, Edinburgh has got you covered. Here's our pick of what's recently opened or is coming very soon, assembled with the help of the experts at Forever Edinburgh, the official guide to the city.

One of Scotland's most iconic whisky brands, Johnnie Walker Princes Street, can't wait to welcome you to its new Edinburgh home, which combines immersive experiences and unique personalised mementos with exclusive cocktails and cuisine served from a rooftop bar where you can soak up glorious views of Edinburgh Castle and beyond. Multi-Michelin starred chef Gordon Ramsay, is behind the newly opened Bread Street Kitchen & Bar on St Andrew Square, a modern, all-day restaurant which benefits from the influential chef's touch of class and boasts Scotland-inspired dishes alongside favourites like Beef Wellington.

If you'd prefer to be overwhelmed with mouth-watering options then Bonnie & Wild's Scottish Marketplace aims to deliver. This St James Quarter contemporary social dining experience brings together the country's best independent food and drink producers under one roof. St James Quarter is also the home to a swish new branch of the fabulous Duck & Waffle, famed for its quirky meals that offer a twist on the classics.

Vegetarian and vegan diners will be rushing to check out the newly opened Hendersons in Bruntsfield. The brainchild of Barrie Henderson, it draws on his grandmother Janet's local legacy whilst offering a fresh approach. And those who prefer their food spicy should head to Radge Chaat on West Tollcross, a new Indian street food destination from Scottish celebrity chef Tony Singh.

If you're visiting the city and looking to stay somewhere central then BrewDog's DogHouse Edinburgh is a fun and brilliantly unusual accommodation option that's laden with comforts. Located just a few minutes from Waverley Station and the Royal Mile, the innovative beer brand offer 20 apartment-style rooms complete with in-room beer taps, record players, two onsite bars and much more. And, as the name suggests, it's all totally dog friendly.

Currently under construction is Europe's first Virgin Hotel, which cleverly and respectfully incorporates Victoria Street's landmark India Buildings in Edinburgh's Old Town. It will feature 225 rooms and multiple dining and drinking outlets, including the brand's flagship Commons Club – which offers cocktails and culinary excellence, and promises a membership experience without dues. While coming soon to Edinburgh's St Andrew Square is Gleneagles' first city hotel, all-day restaurant, roof terrace and members' club, dubbed Gleneagles Townhouse. With bookings commencing this spring, it promises to be 'a place to gather and be glorious'.

Shoppers are already flocking to the aforementioned St James Quarter, a buzzy new development home to many of the best new eating, shopping and entertainment experiences in town, with lots more to come. And if you're really looking to spoil yourself, then may we suggest a trip to one of the highlights of this new shopping district, H Beauty Edinburgh, Harrods' first ever Scottish store, boasting the best in beauty, skincare, hair care and wellness experts. Complete with a champagne bar, it's the classiest possible destination for some well-deserved winter retail therapy.

The sweet-toothed amongst you are sure to be tempted by the prospect of visiting COCO Chocolatier in South Queensferry who offer a variety of experiences, including tasting evenings and the wonderful-sounding Chocolate School.

Finally, one for the sportily inclined to watch out for in 2023, the international surf park legends Wavegarden are currently transforming Craigpark Quarry near Ratho into the home of a Wavegarden Cove. In combination with the nearby Edinburgh International Climbing Arena, which has just opened a new beginner-friendly slab wall, it's set to put Ratho on the map as an outdoor adventure destination.

If that all isn't enough, then do head on over to Forever Edinburgh's Official Guide to Edinburgh at edinburgh.org for loads more ideas about what to do in the city.