Hi, I’m Sorna. I’ve been an Edinburgh local since I was about 4, and still chose to stay here for university because of how absolutely captivating the city is. As I always say to students who are thinking about studying medicine here, the city you choose for university isn’t just going to be the place you study – it’s going to be 5-6 years of the most exciting years of your life, and choosing Edinburgh makes that time a genuinely fantastic and enjoyable life experience.
That being said, I thought that I would make a handy local’s guide to the parts of Edinburgh that I personally love, for any newcomers to the city (or for people that just want to see a bit more of it!). Google will be happy to provide you with Edinburgh’s bigger tourist attractions, but check out the list below for other spaces and events that you might enjoy!
Nature and the outdoors
Edinburgh’s Royal Botanic Garden is beautiful all year round and has a special light show during the festive season.
The Dean Village is very picturesque and perfect for all your Instagram needs. The Water of Leith is the river running through it.
The Royal Observatory sits at the top of Blackford Hill. Visit for a tour of the stars plus gorgeous views of the city below.
A visit to Saughton Rose Gardens (left) will make you feel like royalty taking a stroll through your manicured garden, and Dunbar’s Close (right) is a secret walled garden just off the Royal Mile.
You can find The Kelpies just a short drive away from the city, with lovely walks down the nearby canal. Another spot for a nice walk is Cramond where you can talk a walk over the sea to the island, but don’t forget to get back before high tide!
Other places for your outdoor adventures:
⦁ Water of Leith: the perfect river-side walk
⦁ Pentland Hills: possibly hundreds of walking paths and stunning views
⦁ River Almond: another lovely river-side walk
⦁ Edinburgh Butterfly and Insect World: a chance to be surrounded by flowers and butterflies all year round
Food and drink: Pubs, bars and restaurants
City Cafe is a lovely cafe on Nicolson Street, just along from Old College. It has a warm and friendly atmosphere with great brunch options. Kampong Ah Lee (right) is on Clerk Street, also close to central campus. Maybe I’m biased as a Malaysian but this is my absolute favourite restaurant in Edinburgh! (Don’t be afraid to ask the staff to tone down the spice if you’re not a fan – I have to do that sometimes too)
The Christmas Market (left) comes to Prince’s Street Gardens every festive season and you can sample a huge selection of tasty treats at the stalls. The Pear Tree (right) is really close to George Square and is a favourite pub amongst students, for both discounted drinks and sports event (and has a great beer garden).
Other places I recommend you try:
⦁ Red Box Noodles (West Nicolson Street): Mix and match your toppings and sauces for your favourite style of noodles
⦁ Papii Café (Hanover Street): The best loaded waffles in town
⦁ Mary’s Milk Bar (Grassmarket): Delicious ice cream with a view of Edinburgh Castle
⦁ Albert Dock Basin and Leith Shore: Good for exploring new foods
⦁ The Pantry (Circus Place): Gorgeous Stockbridge café with delicious smoothies
⦁ Maison de Moggy/Chihuahua Café (Grassmarket): Enjoy some coffee and cake while petting some adorable pets!
⦁ The Brass Monkey (Drummond Street): Reclining beds to relax on, plus occasional movie screenings
⦁ Grassmarket pubs: Plenty of them around for a good pub crawl
⦁ Stockbridge market: Good for locally sourced food and drink, as well as art and textiles
Arts
It goes without saying that the Fringe Festival (left) puts Edinburgh on the map every summer, as it’s one of the world’s largest arts festivals – here’s hoping it reopens in 2021! In terms of galleries, the Scottish National Portrait Gallery (centre) and Scottish National Gallery are just two of Edinburgh’s huge art exhibitions with regular events for all ages. Edinburgh is also packed with museums, the National Museum of Scotland on Chambers Street (right) is packed to the brim with exhibits on anything from whales to robots to space travel.
A few more of my favourites:
⦁ Scottish National Galleries of Modern Art: For your more eccentric art needs, with wide fields perfect for picnicking
⦁ Dominion Cinema: Recline on sofas while watching your favourite movies on the big screen
⦁ Usher Hall: Regular music performances, theatre shows, and concerts
⦁ Lyceum/King’s Theatre/Queen’s Hall: Your go-to spots for theatre, ballet, and classical music
⦁ Writers’ Museum: Celebrates the greatest Scottish writers
⦁ The Stand Comedy Club: A good giggle on a night out
⦁ Supercube Karaoke Rooms: Whether you’re musically talented or not, it’s still a fun night out with friends
Just for the views
There are plenty of beautiful views to enjoy throughout Edinburgh. Circus Lane has got to be one of the most picturesque streets and I would recommend a visit before strolling through the rest of lovely Stockbridge.
I would also recommend taking in the photogenic Vennel Steps for classic Edinburgh architecture with narrow streets and a view of Edinburgh Castle.
These are just a handful of the top spots I enjoy the most in Edinburgh – I hope that list convinced you that whatever you’re interested in, Edinburgh has you spoiled for choice for what to do here!
An alluring article with well researched content as only a true local can 👏👏
Terrific Sorna thanks for sharing your enthusiasm and love for Edinburgh. Your top spots of Edinburgh are beautiful There are a few even I have not visited yet:) Shows being a medical student in Edinburgh is not all work and no fun! Well done