Today I want to tell you about secret Edinburgh. I used to think I knew the Scottish capital. I’ve been traveling here since I was five, after all. But on recent trips I’ve discovered that while I know the Royal Mile and Princes Street well, I’ve missed out on a lot of the less obvious parts of the city. So I’ve made a point of going back to discover under-the-radar Auld Reekie. And it’s beautiful.
Secret Edinburgh
The difficult thing about finding secret Edinburgh is that there’s not much motivation to do it. The city is so pretty that even the touristy parts dazzle me.
I could walk up the Royal Mile, meander down Victoria Street, and take in Edinburgh Castle on every trip and not tire of it all.
But I’ve made three trips to to the Scottish capital in the last six months, and on each one I’ve uncovered more of secret Edinburgh. Some secluded spots are hiding in plain sight, while others have taken a bit of exploring to find.
But they’ve all given me a new appreciation for a city I didn’t think I could love more than I already do.
1. View from the Scott Monument
I’ll start my secret Edinburgh list with the view from the Scott Monument. Despite being the star of Princes Street Gardens, I never knew I could climb the landmark for panoramic vistas of the city.
When my boyfriend suggested we do it, I thought he was joking. But when I realized he was serious, I wondered how I had traveled to Edinburgh so many times without knowing about it.
So we went. And we climbed. And we swooned (or I did, anyway). The views of the Edinburgh Old Town, castle, and buildings climbing the extinct volcano were amazing.
Seeing Princes Street Gardens and the Scottish National Gallery and getting close to the Georgian facades of the buildings on Princes Street was breathtaking.
2. The Real Mary King’s Close
But going up above the ground isn’t the only way to be enchanted by the city. Going down under it has the same effect. On one trip to Scotland I took a tour of The Real Mary King’s Close, another part of secret Edinburgh hiding in plain sight.
Located underneath buildings off the Royal Mile, this subterranean warren of 17th-century streets offers insights into the city’s past and evokes a lost era. If you want to follow in my footsteps, you can book tickets here.
3. Stockbridge, Edinburgh
Away from the bustle, the third place I’ve discovered in secret Edinburgh is Stockbridge. This neighborhood is in the city center, but it’s just far enough from the big attractions that it manages to keep a low profile.
Stockbridge is worth exploring for cobbled stretches like Circus Lane that challenge London’s loveliest mews for the title of “Prettiest Street in Britain”.
Terraced houses line the roads like well-trained soldiers, and there’s no shortage of lovely cafes, shops, and restaurants on St Stephen Street.
4. Dean Gardens
Next to Stockbridge lies Dean Gardens, a beautiful green space bisected by the Water of Leith. The very name of the river enchants me, and as soon as I see this part of secret Edinburgh I’m besotted.
Beyond the river, Dean Gardens is full of surprises. St Bernard’s Well looks straight out of antiquity. Its neoclassical columns surround a statue of Hygieia, the Greek goddess of health.
It sits on the site of a natural spring discovered in the 18th century and adds an air of romance to the park.
Beyond the well are high bridges and fairy-tale woodlands, all of which combine to make this one of the most beautiful hidden places in the city.
5. Dean Village, Edinburgh
But just outside Dean Gardens is perhaps the prettiest place in all of secret Edinburgh. Dean Village is straight out of a storybook, from the bucolic river to the half-timbered cottages.
Once known for grain milling, Dean Village is now home to some of the city’s most beautiful historic buildings and an abundance of charm.
The maze of mews above it is equally picturesque, full of houses with high windows and colorful doors. Cobblestones round out the scene with their signature patterned lines, and the whole place is lovely.
Secret Edinburgh and Beyond
There’s more of secret Edinburgh to discover, though, and I look forward to getting off the beaten path again on my next visit. If I can tear myself away from the main attractions again, that is.
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Dean village looks so charming:)
Yeah! It really is.
Love Stockbridge and Dean Village! It’s where my sister lives so I spent a lot of time in that part of town, some really great restaurants there too (must do a post sometime!).
Wow, that’s amazing that your sister lives there! It must be so fun to visit her. I would love to read your restaurant recommendations for the area.
Edinburgh does look beautiful! And as always your photos are amazing! I can’t wait to see where you go next.
Thanks, Blaise! I’ve got some exciting trips coming up in the new year, so hopefully there will be some good photos ahead.
I finally went to Dean Village a few months ago but I was rushed and the weather wasn’t great, so I’m dying to go back! I’m glad someone has FINALLY climbed Scott Monument hahaha, I’ve been wondering for years whether it’s worth it and no one I know or meet has ever done it! And it’s one of those things I never get around to on my short visits. Stockbridge is also on my list. 🙂 There’s a street somewhere as well that’s all old Western style, I can’t remember exactly where it is but I want to see it! Leith is also lovely. 🙂
Wow, a Western style street sounds great! I hope you get to explore it soon (and that you get better weather for Dean Village next time). The Scott Monument is definitely worth a climb. It amazes me how few people do it.
Hi 🙂
The Western style street it’s located in the neighborhood of Morningside, on a tiny area behind Marks&Spencer. It’s quite famous but it’s not a great thing to be honest. But you should go just to walk along Morningside Road and Bruntsfield, and if you still have some energy left, you can should Blackford Hill and go to see the views from the Royal Observatory 🙂
Thanks for the tips! That’s really helpful. I’m amazed by how many gems there are in Edinburgh.
Edinburgh is so beautiful! I’ve lived here for four months but have yet to discover these places, thank you for the tip! Definitely gonna have to do some exploring when i’m back in the new year 🙂
You’re welcome! I hope you enjoy exploring them.
I love Edinburgh but I never got round to seeing more than the usual tourist hotspots (which are a joy to see too!) every time I’ve been there. But thanks to you, now I know where I’m going next I’m up there 🙂
I’m glad you’ve been inspired! I hope you have fun exploring them.
in month of april onwards there is a boat cruise which takes you to three places to see seal. Its not very popular but must have.
Thanks for the tip! That sounds like a great thing to do.
My favourite part to easily escape the crowds is the Royal Botanical Gardens, then walk from there to the National Gallery of Modern Art by the river (going through some spots mentioned by you).
That’s great! I love the gallery of modern art.
Hi I love your post off the love lost Edinburgh I work with Edinburgh council and even I have not found most off the lovely places that you have found
Thanks!
Hi….just wondering if Stockbridge & Dean village are within walking distance of say the Royal Mile?
They are for me, but I like to walk!
These are some of the best ideas I’ve seen yet. I’m leaving in a week to Ireland and my cousin booked cheap tickets to Scotland for 4 days. Flying into Edinburgh and departing from Glasgow. She’ll be driving of course! If you have other pointers on maybe places to stay I’d be much appreciated! Thanks sara
I’m so glad to hear that! I’ve written a lot of blog posts about both cities (and places in between), including lots of places to stay.
Thank you for your suggestions and photos! Going to visit in August and very much looking forward to the visit.
You’re welcome! I’m glad to hear that.
Hello I’ve just literally returned from an amazing stay in Edinburgh and I did 4 of the things you’ve mentioned sadly got soaked in deans village and missed the gardens! But also Dunbar close garden is worth seeing as well off royal Mile. Definitely going back x
I’m glad you had a good time despite the rain!
Beautifully written and deeply appreciated! Have only been once and seen the usual there, so it’ll be a treat to return and explore!
Thanks! I hope you can go back someday soon.
Hi. We are headed over in Oct. do you have any refs for places to stay that don’t cost an arm and leg?
Yes! Please use the search box to find my Edinburgh itineraries. They have hotel recommendations. Thanks!