ToursByLocals Blog Posts
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Off the beaten track in Edinburgh: five places to visit
Oct 14 2025
Today we welcome local guide Irene in Edinburgh as she shares her favourite off the beaten track destinations to explore with visitors in the Scottish capital.
Hello! My name is Irene, and I have been a tour guide in Edinburgh since 2015. I began guiding after completing a PhD in History of Art at the University of Edinburgh. I have a passion for history, art, food, books, and travelling (not necessarily in that order!).
The best part of my job is meeting travellers from all over the world, sharing Edinburgh's fascinating history with them, and bringing the stories behind its monuments and streets to life. Here are my suggestions for five off the beaten track places to explore in Edinburgh on your first (or fifth!) visit.
Nestled in a quiet, residential area of the city, Inverleith Park is the perfect spot for a peaceful walk. I recommend heading towards the pond: from the north side, you can not only watch ducks and swans but also enjoy stunning views of Edinburgh Castle and the Old Town skyline. It's an ideal location for a picnic on sunny days.
If you're looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the city centre, head to Landform. Situated right in front of the Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art in the west of the city, Landform is an intriguing work that blends sculpture, garden, and land art. Take a seat on the grass or stroll around the Landform to admire its waves and curved shapes. Perfect spot to read a book.
Visit Stockbridge on a Sunday (and only Sundays!) and stroll through the Farmers Market. From locally made cheese and smoked salmon to traditional Scottish tablet, you'll find a wide range of treats to enjoy on the spot or take home with you. This market is a favourite among locals, so some stalls can get quite busy—be prepared to queue for a few minutes!
An independent cheese and wine bar located in the charming district of Stockbridge. I highly recommend it if you're looking to enjoy a glass of wine and some nibbles in a relaxed, local atmosphere. The bread, cheese, and cured meats are all locally sourced, adding a special touch to the experience. In the summer, you can sit at one of the tables outside and watch the world go by.
Yes, this is Scotland, but Edinburgh has more to offer than just whisky! Edinburgh Gin, is a local working distillery located in the heart of the city, and its bar - Heads & Tales - is a hidden gem. Here, you’ll find a great selection of gins and gin cocktails, all served in a beautifully designed space. From the bar, you can even catch a glimpse of the two Edinburgh Gin stills.
This experience comes with a challenge, though: finding the entrance! It might take you a few minutes, but here’s a hint—it’s tucked away down the stairs, behind a wooden door... Good luck!
Planning to explore Edinburgh in 2025 or beyond? Irene holds a PhD and a Masters degree in history of art from the University of Edinburgh, and has been working as a tour guide in Edinburgh since 2015. You can start a conversation with Irene to come up with the perfect Edinburgh and beyond itinerary for you and your travel companions.
Hello! My name is Irene, and I have been a tour guide in Edinburgh since 2015. I began guiding after completing a PhD in History of Art at the University of Edinburgh. I have a passion for history, art, food, books, and travelling (not necessarily in that order!).
The best part of my job is meeting travellers from all over the world, sharing Edinburgh's fascinating history with them, and bringing the stories behind its monuments and streets to life. Here are my suggestions for five off the beaten track places to explore in Edinburgh on your first (or fifth!) visit.
1. Picnic with a view in Inverleith Park
Nestled in a quiet, residential area of the city, Inverleith Park is the perfect spot for a peaceful walk. I recommend heading towards the pond: from the north side, you can not only watch ducks and swans but also enjoy stunning views of Edinburgh Castle and the Old Town skyline. It's an ideal location for a picnic on sunny days.
2. Have a gaze at "Landform" (Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art) by Charles Jencks
If you're looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the city centre, head to Landform. Situated right in front of the Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art in the west of the city, Landform is an intriguing work that blends sculpture, garden, and land art. Take a seat on the grass or stroll around the Landform to admire its waves and curved shapes. Perfect spot to read a book.
3. Find Scottish treats at Stockbridge Farmers Market, Jubilee Gardens
Visit Stockbridge on a Sunday (and only Sundays!) and stroll through the Farmers Market. From locally made cheese and smoked salmon to traditional Scottish tablet, you'll find a wide range of treats to enjoy on the spot or take home with you. This market is a favourite among locals, so some stalls can get quite busy—be prepared to queue for a few minutes!
4. Have a nibble at Smith & Gertrude, 26 Hamilton Pl, Stockbridge
An independent cheese and wine bar located in the charming district of Stockbridge. I highly recommend it if you're looking to enjoy a glass of wine and some nibbles in a relaxed, local atmosphere. The bread, cheese, and cured meats are all locally sourced, adding a special touch to the experience. In the summer, you can sit at one of the tables outside and watch the world go by.
5. Sample gin cocktails at Heads & Tales (1a Rutland Street)
Yes, this is Scotland, but Edinburgh has more to offer than just whisky! Edinburgh Gin, is a local working distillery located in the heart of the city, and its bar - Heads & Tales - is a hidden gem. Here, you’ll find a great selection of gins and gin cocktails, all served in a beautifully designed space. From the bar, you can even catch a glimpse of the two Edinburgh Gin stills.
This experience comes with a challenge, though: finding the entrance! It might take you a few minutes, but here’s a hint—it’s tucked away down the stairs, behind a wooden door... Good luck!
Planning to explore Edinburgh in 2025 or beyond? Irene holds a PhD and a Masters degree in history of art from the University of Edinburgh, and has been working as a tour guide in Edinburgh since 2015. You can start a conversation with Irene to come up with the perfect Edinburgh and beyond itinerary for you and your travel companions.