In a nutshell
- We’ll show you 11 Edinburgh hidden gems — authentic, exciting, and well away from the tourist crowds.
- Looking for Edinburgh secret spots? We’ve got 6 lesser-known places that most visitors walk straight past, plus honest food and drink recommendations along the way.
- We’ll also tell you which events in Edinburgh are genuinely worth your time — and which ones to plan your trip around.
- Our personal favorites: The Vennel Viewpoint, Waterstones Edinburgh, and Dean Village.
6 Places in Edinburgh That Not Everyone Knows
The Vennel Viewpoint
What do you need to know? The Vennel Viewpoint is the name for the historic sandstone steps near the Grassmarket. The steps sit right at the foot of Edinburgh Castle and make for a seriously great photo spot.
Is it worth it? Absolutely — even if the climb is a bit of a workout. From the Vennel Viewpoint you get one of the most incredible views of Edinburgh Castle in the whole city — breathlessness practically guaranteed, haha. The combination of the castle backdrop, the stone steps, and the historic buildings is straight out of a movie.
Waterstones Edinburgh
What do you need to know? Waterstones is essentially a bookstore chain — but the branch on Princes Street in Edinburgh is something special. It’s huge, and it has a café on the top floor with a stunning panorama over the city.
Is it worth it? We were a little worried this spot would be overrun with influencers — the photos really do look amazing on Instagram. But not at all. We got a window seat right away, there were no lines, and the café prices are totally reasonable too.
Our tip: We stopped by the bookstore and café right after our castle tour. The proximity to the castle is perfect, and it’s a great place to warm up when the weather turns on you.
Dean Village
What do you need to know? Dean Village is a quiet residential neighborhood right along the small Water of Leith river — less than a 15-minute walk from the Old Town center. This is also where the Water of Leith Walkway leads down to Edinburgh’s Leith.
Is it worth it? In Dean Village, it’s easy to forget you’re actually in Edinburgh. The neighborhood is so quiet and idyllic it feels like a small village somewhere in the English countryside. Even though it’s one of Edinburgh’s best-kept secret spots, there are always a few visitors here wanting to take photos — but it never feels crowded.
Topping & Company Booksellers
What do you need to know? Topping & Company is a bookstore that exists in only four cities worldwide. In Edinburgh, you’ll find it in a gorgeous historic building at the foot of Calton Hill.
Is it worth it? It’s not just the huge selection of books — there’s also tea with a view of Greyside Parish Church. But wait, that’s still not everything. The store carries loads of books signed by their authors. How cool is that!
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Calton Hill
What do you need to know? Calton Hill is a 103-meter-high hill northeast of Edinburgh Castle, home to an art gallery and the National Monument of Scotland.
Is it worth it? Calton Hill is a fantastic alternative to the popular Arthur’s Seat viewpoint. The big advantage here is that it’s even easier to climb, and the adjacent Broughton Street has plenty of great cafés waiting for you at the bottom.
Our tip: We headed straight to Calton Hill on the day we arrived in Edinburgh. Getting a first overview of the city from up there before really diving in is absolutely worth it — it instantly helps you get your bearings.
Circus Lane in Stockbridge
What do you need to know? Stockbridge — north of Edinburgh Castle — is another neighborhood that rarely sees many tourists. Lots of locals live here, and especially along Circus Lane you’ll find charming little cafés and bistros tucked into Georgian and Victorian terraced houses.
Is it worth it? We love discovering off the beaten path spots that are completely beautiful and totally relaxed — and that’s exactly what Circus Lane in Stockbridge delivers. It’s the perfect place for a chilled afternoon and seriously great for photos too.
By the way: One of the most beautiful boutique hotels in Edinburgh is located right here in Stockbridge — The Raeburn.
Hidden Gem Restaurants and Cafés in Edinburgh
Scottish Breakfast
What do you need to know? The Scottish Breakfast isn’t the name of a restaurant — it’s one of the classic dishes you’ll find on plates all over Edinburgh. Think bacon, sausages, black pudding, potato scones, baked beans, haggis, toast, fried egg, sautéed mushrooms, and tomatoes.
Is it worth it? The Scottish Breakfast is seriously filling, incredibly generous, and reaaaally delicious. Okay, black pudding and haggis are an acquired taste — but with such a wide variety on the plate, there’s something for everyone. You should definitely try it at least once.
Our tip: You’ll find the Scottish Breakfast at pretty much every café and restaurant in the city, and many hotels in Edinburgh also include the individual ingredients at their breakfast buffet.
Zebra Coffee Edinburgh
What do you need to know? Zebra Coffee is a small café on Bank Street, right on the Royal Mile. The big draw is their huge selection of stuffed cookies — cookies filled with Nutella, pistachio cream, Happy Hippo cream, and more. Plus great coffee, tea, and cold drinks, of course.
Is it worth it? We stumbled across Zebra Coffee by chance and immediately made a mental note to come back the next day — good thing we did. The stuffed cookies are not only massive but also incredibly good! One cookie and a coffee later, we felt like we were about to burst, hehe.
Our tip: Zebra Coffee is a perfect stop after a guided tour of Edinburgh. It’s centrally located, the coffee is great, and honestly — what more could you want after a day of exploring?
Frankenstein & Bier Keller
What do you need to know? Frankenstein & Bier Keller is a combination restaurant and bar set inside a former 19th-century church. Every hour on the hour, Frankenstein’s monster comes to life in a little show complete with sound effects.
Is it worth it? We came for a snack and the monster show — and the atmosphere in the bar is truly one of a kind. The rock music adds perfectly to the horror theme. The cocktails are on the pricey side at around £12, but the fries are worth ordering — perfect for munching during the Frankenstein show.
Cool Events in Edinburgh
Burns Night in Edinburgh
What do you need to know? Burns Night always falls on January 25th — a celebration in honor of Scotland’s national poet Robert Burns, who was born on that day. Throughout the evening, so-called Burns Suppers are held in restaurants and bars all over the city.
Is it worth it? Burns Night is a wonderfully convivial evening where you work your way through a traditional Scottish menu while listening to Burns’ poems and songs being recited in the bars. It’s a really special way to experience local culture.
Our tip: You can learn more about Robert Burns at the Writer’s Museum in Edinburgh’s historic center. It’s a great attraction in Edinburgh and admission is completely free!
Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo
What do you need to know? The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo may not be one of Edinburgh’s secret spots for locals — it’s actually Scotland’s biggest music festival — but many visitors have never heard of it. The festival takes place every August on the esplanade directly in front of Edinburgh Castle.
Is it worth it? For Scots, this is a massive event. And if you want to witness the spectacle and hear the world’s best bagpipers in action, the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo is the place to be. Just be aware that tickets are seriously expensive, starting at around 200 euros.
