I’m an American living in Edinburgh. Here are 6 of my favorite underrated places to explore.

Arthur’s Seat, an ancient, extinct volcano, is a defining landmark of Edinburgh’s skyline and often tops lists of must-see attractions.

Although I love its ridge walk and summit hikes, I think it tends to overshadow its equally striking and lesser-known neighbors: the Pentland Hills and Blackford Hill.

I gravitate toward the Pentlands, which offer about a 62-mile network of trails for a range of abilities, less than an hour from the city center.

Blackford Hill also presents itself as a less-crowded but equally scenic alternative to Arthur’s Seat, complete with wooded walking trails through a nature reserve and sweeping views, all about 20 minutes from downtown.

Although Stockbridge has become a popular neighborhood in northern Edinburgh thanks to its charming village feel and selection of shops and boutiques, as a local, I think there’s much more to this area than travelers may realize.

For example, I love how easy it is to access nature — whether it’s taking in skyline views from Inverleith Park, strolling through the Royal Botanic Garden, or trail running along the Water of Leith, a 22-mile river that winds through the city.

One of my favorite weekend routines is visiting the Stockbridge Market on Sundays to stock up on fresh flowers, artisanal goods, and produce from local vendors.

And while you’re in the area, I also think it’s worth exploring the plethora of art galleries, such as the Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art, which showcases some of the best contemporary Scottish art in the city, in my opinion.

One of my favorite parts of living in Edinburgh is how easy it is to access nature, and Cramond Island serves as a peaceful coastal escape from the bustle of the city.

Just northwest of the city center, Cramond Island is connected to the shore of Edinburgh via a tidal causeway, allowing individuals to walk across the Firth of Forth to this island during low tide.

I always recommend this unique experience, and think it’s a great opportunity to explore Cramond’s rugged terrain and scattered wartime bunkers while basking in the picturesque views.

Just make sure to check the tide chart beforehand to ensure you have enough time to return to the mainland.

When people think of Scottish cuisine, traditional dishes like haggis, fish and chips, and sticky toffee pudding may come to mind.

Although these classics are arguably delicious, I think Edinburgh’s food scene has evolved far beyond them, with the buzzy neighborhood of Leith helping to lead the way.

I always recommend dining at Eleanore, a family-run restaurant known for its innovative, artfully presented small plates, as well as its sister restaurants, Ardfern and The Little Chartroom.

My favorite 2025 opening, Barry Fish, is nestled along Leith’s Shore and boasts sublime seafood. From their signature pastrami to a lobster and smoked fish agnolotti, I think every dish is outstanding.

And for quicker bites, I always stop by Alby’s — an Edinburgh institution beloved by locals and visitors alike — for its flavorful focaccia sandwiches.

Although whisky might be Scotland’s most famous drink, fewer people may know that the country is also a major gin producer, responsible for about 70% of the UK’s gin.

Two of my favorite local distilleries are Edinburgh Gin and Lind & Lime, which both offer beautifully designed and immersive tours and tastings.

I especially enjoy Edinburgh Gin’s rhubarb and ginger liqueur and appreciate Lind & Lime’s emphasis on sustainability and organic ingredients in crafting their signature London Dry.

Many visitors don’t realize that Edinburgh has a hidden “underground city,” a maze of vaults beneath Old Town that dates back centuries.

Originally used for storage, the vaults were later associated with disease, crime, and ghostly lore — all of which contribute to Edinburgh’s reputation as one of the most haunted cities in the world.

The city is also home to more than 250 narrow medieval alleyways, or “closes,” most of which are located off the Royal Mile. Some notable ones include Advocate’s, Bakehouse, Old Fishmarket, and The Real Mary King’s Close, each of which carries its own history.

The history of both the vaults and closes offers a haunting glimpse into Edinburgh’s layered and often overlooked past — one I believe is worth exploring.

This story was originally published on November 26, 2025, and most recently updated on August 27, 2026.