Living right in the centre of Edinburgh (with no garden), I welcome the glory that house plants are currently basking in. Edinburgh has lots of florists and little places to pick up home greenery, but my favourite is Grow Urban.
Located in a restored corner unit of an old Edinburgh building, this independent shop is packed full of foliage and also has its very own coffee shop. They serve locally roasted coffee alongside fresh cakes and are always on hand to give plant advice. As an added bonus, there's even a little potting shed in the back, stocked with tools and plant extras.
Walking into the shop, I step straight out of the busy city and right into a jungle. There are plants from floor to ceiling; cacti, palms, Calathea - you name it, it's there! It's the perfect place to destress and enjoy a slice of nature. I recently spotted someone fully embracing the beauty of the shop; sipping coffee and making sketches of its interiors.
Grow Urban's manager, Graham, is one of the nicest people in town. He's always around to greet customers with a welcoming smile and (more importantly) he knows everything about plants!
Find your way with 138 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
"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!
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"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!
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"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!
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I have to confess I've walked past the spot thousands of times before I actually realised it was anything to pay attention to!
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The "Leith Victoria Swim Centre" in Edinburgh is a beautiful pool surrounded by an ornade, Baroque, cast-iron colonnade. Well worth a visit!
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"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!
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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!
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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!
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"Little Free Library" in Edinburgh is a project for neighbourhood book exchanges. It has really caught on here -- look for the birdhouse mini libraries!
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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...
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"The Cactus House" is one of my favourite little hidden gems (and photo stops). This impressive doorstep is adorned with flowers, cacti and so much more!
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