Last week, I shared all the spots in Central Edinburgh: the must-sees and classic tourist activities. This week, we're switching things a little bit. I want to take you beyond the usual and show you 6 places around town that feel a little bit more hidden, and less touristy. I first discovered these places as a tourist myself, but now that I live in Edinburgh full time, they've become part of my daily life. They are the places that let you experience the city like a local, and I can't wait to share this little selection with you!
So let's not wait any more time, here are 6 hidden gems in Edinburgh you don't want to miss!
LAURISTON CASTLE
The entry to the site itself is free. If you're like me, you will be more interested in walking around, seeing the gardens and the beautiful view. It is one of those places that feels like a secret escape from the city. I only went for a morning walk in the grounds, but honestly, that was enough to fall in love with it. The gardens are peaceful, the view over the Firth of Forth is gorgeous, and it feels miles away from the busy streets of Edinburgh.
There’s a little café on site: Mimi's Bakehouse, which turned my walk into an even better morning. I grabbed a hot chocolate and a brownie (10/10 recommend), sat down for a bit, and just enjoyed how calm everything was. It’s the kind of place where you don’t need to do much, as just being there is enough. I haven’t been inside the castle itself yet, but from the outside it looks beautiful, and the gardens alone are worth the visit. Lauriston Castle Gardens mainly operates as a park and you will often seeing people going there for a walk with their dog, and it’s not crowded, not touristy, and that’s exactly why I loved it.
CRAMOND ISLAND
Talking about Firth of Forth, Cramond Island is one of its several islands. It is one of those spots that feels like a tiny adventure without even leaving the city.
The island is only accessible on foot, but there’s a catch: you have to pay attention to the tides if you want to cross. The causeway is completely covered by water at high tide, so planning your walk around low tide is part of the fun (and part of the thrill). When I went, it felt like stepping into a completely different world. The walk over the sandy causeway is peaceful, and once you’re on the island, you get gorgeous views back toward the city and the Firth of Forth. There’s something about being surrounded by water. It’s perfect for a morning adventure. Or just to wander around. Just make sure you time it right, getting stuck would definitely not be as fun as my calm, breezy walk.
In addition to the island itself, you can also go for a walk on the beach and in the village. It is such a lovely place, and you should also stop at The Harbour, it's a local pub and the mac & cheese are absolutely lovely!
SPRINGVALLEY GARDENS
The Wild West in Springvalley Gardens. Most likely, you didn't see that one coming! Also known at El Paso, it's a lane in Morningside that makes you feel like you have stepped in the American Wild West (more specifically a ghost town). It was originally built as an advertisement for a local furniture company, and over the years, it became a tourist attraction. Sort of! It is one of the hidden gems I have visited the first time I came to Edinburgh, a couple of years ago.
The site showcases façades of a jail, general store, ticket office, blacksmith, and a cantina. There used to be a railway station as well, apparently. Behind these façades, the buildings are now used as art studios, galleries, and apartments. (For some reasons, I thought I had more pictures, but it seems like I was wrong!)
THE PENTLAND HILLS
If you’re looking to escape the city without actually leaving Edinburgh, the Pentland Hills are perfect. Just a short drive or bus ride out, and suddenly you’re surrounded by rolling hills, open skies, and fresh air. I love going for a walk there. It feels like a proper mini-adventure, with trails that range from easy strolls to proper hikes if you’re feeling energetic. Bonus point, I live nearby!
The views are amazing, especially on a clear day when you can see the whole city stretched out below and the Firth of Forth in the distance. It’s peaceful, it’s beautiful, and it’s the kind of place that reminds you why living in Edinburgh can feel like the best of both worlds: city life and nature on your doorstep. Think about downloading an app like AllTrails if you want to be adventurous, it will show you different paths you can take around the Pentland Hills.
PORTOBELLO BEACH
This one is still touristy-ish, however it is my favorite beach in Edinburgh. Portobello Beach is the kind of place that makes you forget you’re in a city at all.
I went for a stroll there one afternoon in November, and the combination of sand, sea, and the promenade instantly put me in a chill (and almost holiday) mood. It’s much less crowded than the city centre, so you can actually enjoy the waves, watch the locals walking their dogs, or grab a coffee from one of the little cafés along the front. I love how versatile it is, you can go for a long walk, sit on the sand with a book, or even just people-watch while sipping something warm. And honestly, even in cooler months, it has a charm of its own. Portobello Beach feels like a secret little escape that’s still completely accessible, and it’s one of those spots that locals quietly treasure.
SOUTH QUEENSFERRY
Queensferry is one of those places that feels like a little getaway without even leaving the Edinburgh area. I went there for a stroll along the waterfront, and the views of the Forth Bridges are absolutely stunning.
The town itself is charming, with narrow streets, quaint shops, and a few cozy cafés where you can stop for a coffee or a bite. What I love about Queensferry is how peaceful it feels compared to the city. You can wander along the shore, watch the boats go by, and just enjoy the slower pace. It’s the kind of place that makes you feel like you’ve discovered a quiet corner of Scotland, even though it’s just a short trip from Edinburgh.
I hope you enjoyed reading this article, and maybe discovering these places! I'll see you soon, right here as always. In the meantime, have a lovely day!
