ViewpointsFree
Arthur’s Seat
Holyrood Park
An extinct volcano in the middle of the city, with a rewarding climb and a panorama.
- Suggested time: 2h 30m
- No booking needed
- Suits: Families · Photographers
Open daily; best in good weather
Edinburgh
9 quieter places to add to the big sights: viewpoints, markets, walks, small museums and local favourites.
9 places in Edinburgh
Hidden GemsFree
Dean Village
Dean Village
A peaceful former milling village beside the Water of Leith, a short stroll from the West End.
- Suggested time: 1 hr
- No booking needed
- Suits: Couples
Open-air; always accessible
Day Trips~£20
Rosslyn Chapel and St Andrews Day Trip
Roslin (12 km)
A richly carved 15th-century chapel and the seaside town of St Andrews, both a short trip away.
- Suggested time: Full day
- Booking recommended
- Suits: Everyone
Trains and buses run daily
Hidden Gems~£20
The Real Mary King’s Close
Old Town
A guided tour of preserved 17th-century streets and houses buried beneath the Royal Mile.
- Suggested time: 1h 15m
- Booking recommended
- Suits: Culture lovers
Daily; guided tours
Hidden GemsFree
Stockbridge Village and Sunday Market
Stockbridge
A village-like neighbourhood of indie shops, cafés and a Sunday market, a short walk from the New Town.
- Suggested time: 2 hrs
- No booking needed
- Suits: Food lovers
Market on Sundays; shops open daily
Hidden GemsFree
Water of Leith Walkway
Dean Village to Leith
A leafy river path from Dean Village through Stockbridge to the Shore at Leith, with old mills and bridges.
- Suggested time: 2 hrs
- No booking needed
- Suits: Outdoor lovers
Open-air; always accessible
Hidden GemsFree
Greyfriars Kirkyard
Old Town
A historic churchyard with atmospheric gravestones and a statue of Greyfriars Bobby, the loyal terrier of legend.
- Suggested time: 45 min
- No booking needed
- Suits: Culture lovers
Open-air; daytime
Hidden GemsFree
Portobello Beach
Portobello
Edinburgh’s seaside, a wide sandy beach with a promenade, cafés and a Victorian pool.
- Suggested time: 2 hrs
- No booking needed
- Suits: Beach lovers
Open-air; daytime
Hidden gems are the quieter alternatives to the headline sights. Prices, hours and booking advice are approximate, so check the official site before you go.