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
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
The Hanging Bat
Craft beer heaven
"The Hanging Bat" is craft beer lover's idea of heaven in Edinburgh. If it's quiet enough, I like to take a seat at the bar and chat with the staff...
by
Alasdair
MacQuarrie
The Roseburn Bar
A real Edinburgh pub
"The Roseburn Bar" is a 19th-century pub that's played host to generations of local people. It's a proper Edinburgh pub and I love it on Friday evenings!
by
Alasdair
MacQuarrie
The Royal Oak
A folk music institution
"The Royal Oak" is the beating heart of Edinburgh's traditional music scene. This is a gem of a pub to visit, and I like coming on Friday/Saturday night.
by
Alasdair
MacQuarrie
Bramble
Cocktails by candlelight
"Bramble" in Edinburgh is a dark little hidden bar that serves some of the best cocktails in town. I love this candle-lit, shabby-chic haven...
by
Alasdair
MacQuarrie
The Diggers
Whisky & local charm galore
"The Diggers": a traditional 19th century neighborhood pub in Edinburgh. It's beautifully preserved and friendly. I love its malt whisky & Scottish snacks.
by
Alasdair
MacQuarrie
Bike & Go: Haymarket Station
Cycle Edinburgh!
"Bike & Go: Haymarket Station" is a great first stop for exploring the area surrounding Edinburgh by bike and for cheap! Here are my tips...
by
Alasdair
MacQuarrie
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What to do in Edinburgh?
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138 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
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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 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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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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