Discover our locals' 138 hidden gems in Edinburgh
C'mon! Explore Edinburgh beyond the Royal Mile with Spotted by Locals! From secret gardens to local haunts in Leith, our Spotters unveil the true Scottish spirit of the city.
City guides by those who know Edinburgh best!
City Guide made by Locals from Edinburgh.
Know your way in Edinburgh like a local.
Spotted by Locals
✓ Discover Edinburgh through the eyes of a local!
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✓ Our locals share their personal favorite spots in Edinburgh
Check out our latest hidden gems in Edinburgh
Things to do in Edinburgh
The Leith Collective
Design and art shop
"Scottish Design Exchange" is in Edinburgh's Leith, hidden in a shopping mall called Ocean Terminal. It's not high concept, it's things you'd actually buy.
by
Mark
Gorman
Sabzi
Punjabi street food
"Sabzi" in Edinburgh used to be a Blockbuster video store, then it became a pop-up restaurant. Now it serves wonderful heart-warming Punjabi street food!
by
Sarah
Mackenzie
Green. Leith
Plant shop with social mission
"Green. Leith" is a refreshing and colourful addition to the well-known street in Edinburgh. They really take green plants & accessories to a new level!
by
Sarah
Mackenzie
S. Luca
Ice cream and sweet treats
"S. Luca" has been one of my favorite places in Edinburgh since I was a kid. What they're famous for is their own brand of ice cream - and I love it!
by
Catriona
Laxton
Muschat's Cairn
Gory history under rocks
I have to confess I've walked past the spot thousands of times before I actually realised it was anything to pay attention to!
by
Fiona
Diack
Leith Victoria Swim Centre
An architectural gem
The "Leith Victoria Swim Centre" in Edinburgh is a beautiful pool surrounded by an ornade, Baroque, cast-iron colonnade. Well worth a visit!
by
Tamsin
Grainger
Pickles
Cosy wine bar
"Pickles" is a tiny wee wine bar in Edinburgh. The bar has a rustic Scottish feel to it, but the main reason I like it is their cheese and wine...
by
Fiona
Diack
Manna House Bakery
Incredible bakery/eatery
"Manna House Bakery" in South Queensferry in Edinburgh has great views over the Forth Rail Bridge. Come here for the super value-for-money homemade food!
by
Mark
Gorman
Craiglockhart Hill
The overlooked hill
Craiglockhart Hill is one of Edinburgh's 7 hills. In contrast to Calton Hill, Castle Hill and Arthur's Seat, even many locals can't name this one!
by
Fiona
Diack
Corstorphine Hill
Not just the zoo
The zoo is one of Edinburgh's most popular tourist attractions. Next to it is "Corstorphine Hill" that's in my opinion much more interesting to explore!
by
Fiona
Diack
Little Free Library
Birdhouse book stops
"Little Free Library" in Edinburgh is a project for neighbourhood book exchanges. It has really caught on here -- look for the birdhouse mini libraries!
by
Sarah
Mackenzie
Antony Gormley Sculptures
River statues
The "Antony Gormley Sculptures" are six human-like statues across Edinburgh. Four of them are actually in the river! I love introducing visitors to them...
by
Sarah
Mackenzie
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What to do in Edinburgh?
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Our local Spotters share personal tips and secrets about their city. Nothing sponsored! These unique insights can’t be found in traditional guidebooks. Discover the city through the eyes of a local!
Go off the Beaten Path Gems
We focus on hidden gems and unique places that aren’t crowded with tourists. Our Spotters’ tips help you avoid the crowds and have truly special experiences, far from the tourist masses.
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Hi! Nice to meet you.
We are Spotted by Locals. An online travel community publishing city guides in 80+ cities. Our hand-picked local writers and photographers create all the content.
Our 488 Spotters (and counting) live in the cities they write about, speak the local language, and regularly update their tips. Their insights help around 1.4 million travelers each year discover the hidden gems of cities.
With insider advice from locals, we offer a unique, sustainable travel experience, allowing travelers to slow down and immerse themselves in the local culture, beyond the tourist hotspots.
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