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.
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Things to do in Edinburgh
Rogue Bros – Fabulous gourmet sandwich eatery
I had Mushroom and Thyme soup that was astonishingly delicious and homemade Apple and Rhubarb Crumble with Creme Pat Custard that was to die for.
By
Mark
Gorman
Dubilaka Cliffs – Sunset spot
"Dubilaka Cliffs" on the outskirts of Edinburgh is for wildflower lovers, campfire setters, bird-watchers and photography buffs...
By
Tamsin
Grainger
Milk Cafe at the Sculpture Workshop – Hmm yummy!
The "Milk Cafe at the Sculpture Workshop" in Edinburgh is far away from the busy centre and has an outside seating area which catches the sun most of the day...
By
Tamsin
Grainger
National Museum Collections Centre – Treasure trove
The National Museum Collection Centre in Granton, Edinburgh is a treasure trove. Book a private visit and see what not many people get to see...
By
Tamsin
Grainger
Piershill Cemetery – Magical mystery
"Piershill Cemetery" in Edinburgh has a large Jewish section (quite uncommon), but the main thing that caught my eye was the tomb of the Great Lafayette...
By
Fiona
Diack
Kukina – The borek place
"Kukina" in Edinburgh is known among my circle of friends as 'the borek place.' But I have to admit: once I had one their gozleme, I could never go back...
By
Fiona
Diack
Pilrig Park – UK's only siege works site
This park holds a hidden treasure from the 16th century! These siege works are believed to be the only ones from the 16th century found in Britain.
By
Sarah
Mackenzie
Dean Cemetery – Hidden stories
"Dean Cemetery" in Edinburgh keeps some fascinating stories hidden in the gravestones. My favorite is that of the man behind the phrase 'botched job...'
By
Fiona
Diack
Campervan Brewery – COVID-friendly beer spot
"Campervan Brewery" and their amazing taproom in Edinburgh is the perfect place for a post-lockdown pint. You should try their Trainspotting beer!
By
Fiona
Diack
Considerat Chocolate – Incredible vegan donuts
Plant based or not, if you love donuts, you HAVE to take a trip to "Considerat Chocolate" in Edinburgh! You won't even notice they're vegan...
By
Sarah
Mackenzie
J.K. Rowling’s Golden Handprints – Hidden finds!
"J.K. Rowling’s Golden Handprints" is one of the tons of Harry Potter-related sights in Edinburgh that most fans miss. Tourists wander right past it!
By
Sarah
Mackenzie
Nott Wine Bar – Charcuterie boards & artisan coffee
Edinburgh's Leith Walk is filling up fast with trendy new coffee shops, bakeries, and local maker stores - "Nott Wine Bar" is one of my favourites!
By
Sarah
Mackenzie
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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!
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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.
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