A selection of the EICC team's favourite places in Edinburgh, which are off the well-known tourist trail. Listing by proximity to the EICC.
The Edinburgh Farmers’ Market takes place every Saturday from 9am to 2pm on Castle Terrace under the backdrop of Edinburgh Castle. You'll find a huge variety of fresh local produce from over 50 specialist producers.
Now in its 16th year the Edinburgh Farmers' Market has been listed by Lloyd Grossman as one of the World’s Best Farmers’ Markets.
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Head 10 minutes south of the city centre by foot and you'll find the neighbouring areas of Bruntsfield and Morningside, just beyond the beautiful green expanse of the Meadows and Bruntsfield Links.
Take a ten minute walk north of the city centre to the area of Stockbridge with its stylish bars, cafes, art shops and boutiques. Visit on a Sunday, between 10am and 5pm, to enjoy the weekly food and crafts market.
A stroll along the Water of Leith, which cuts through Stockbridge and Dean Village, will take you to The Shore at Leith, heading east, or Roseburn and Murrayfield, heading West. The stretch of walkway between the Modern Art Galleries and Stockbridge is a particularly beautiful spot.
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Summerhall, the former Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies in Edinburgh, is now a creative hub for the arts with studio and workshop spaces, and an exciting year round programme of public events.
Arthur’s Seat, the highest point of Holyrood Park, is the remains of a volcano which can be climbed and explored via the many footpaths. Stone and flint tools found here reveal human activity as far back as 5000 BC.
Enjoy a drink or a meal in Edinburgh's oldest pub, The Sheep Heid Inn, which can be found on the south side of Arthur's Seat in Duddingston Village.
Duddingston Village is also home to Dr Neil's Garden - one of Edinburgh's true hidden gems. These remarkable gardens lie next to the twelfth-century Duddingston Kirk, where the lower slopes of Arthur’s Seat meet Duddingston Loch. The garden is the result of the imagination, dedication and sheer hard work of Drs. Andrew and Nancy Neil.
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The Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh (RBGE) is a world-renowned scientific centre for the study of plants, their diversity and conservation. Take a walk around and admire the beautifully manicured gardens.
Stop for coffee and refreshments in one of the two cafes, at the East Gate or The Terrace, or enjoy lunch or afternoon tea in the Gateway Restaurant - part of the John Hope Gateway Visitor Centre, at the West Gate.
The Royal Botanic Garden is located next Inverleith Park, which offers stunning views up to Edinburgh Castle - making it a popular spot with locals to view the end of Festival and New Year fireworks from.
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Take Lothian Bus number 11 through Morningside to The Hermitage to start this 2.75 mile walk. It combines the wooded nature reserve of the Hermitage of Braid with an ascent of Blackford Hill and fantastic views.
Blackford Hill is also home to the Royal Observatory Edinburgh which welcomes groups and offers public astronomy evenings.
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Take Lothian Bus number 22 from the city centre to The Shore at Leith for an eclectic choice of places to eat and drink in a setting which mixes historic sites with contemporary developments.
Seafood lovers can choose from The Ship on the Shore, for their fish platters, The King's Wark, or The Shore Bar & Restaurant - which does live Jazz every Tuesday and Thursday evenings.
For upmarket dining, Leith is home to two of Edinburgh's five Michelin starred restaurants - The Kitchin and Martin Wishart.
The Roseleaf Bar & Cafe offers a fun twist on the traditional afternoon tea with their Mad Hatters Tea Parties - or if you are there early in the day they also do wonderful breakfasts.
Sample a little piece of local history with a drink at the oldest pub in Leith, The Carriers Quarters, which was established in 1785, or a visit to see the newly restored Lamb’s House. Now home to the Icelandic Consulate, Lamb's House is where Mary Queen of Scots stayed after returning to Edinburgh from France on 19 August 1561. A section of the property has been converted into self-catering apartments and is available for holiday rentals.
Visit The Shore on a Saturday between 10am and 5pm to enjoy the weekly market.
Located four miles north west of the city centre, Cramond is an historic fishing village on the Firth of Forth complete with a quaint row of whitewashed houses, cafes and a small sandy beach.
Cramond is popular with locals who visit to walk and cycle on the beachside paths.
It’s also possible to walk over the causeway to the island at low tide - just refer to tide times which are sign-posted before the crossing.
Another lovely walk which can be done in the same area is along the River Almond to the Cammo Estate. On your return the Cramond Falls Café or Cramond Gallery Bistro will provide some welcome refreshments or lights lunches.
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