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Local Picks - Things To Do in Edinburgh

If you want to experience Edinburgh like someone who actually lives here, this is the place to start. All the things to do listed here are carefully chosen by our Edinburgh Local Expert team. These aren’t just popular spots picked by an algorithm or ads, but genuine recommendations from people who know the city intimately, often from years of wandering around town and chatting with neighbours.

Our local experts update this list regularly to reflect the seasons and new discoveries, so you'll find suggestions that feel right for right now. Plus, you might find a tip slipped in here and there, like grabbing a late afternoon coffee in Canonmills before a stroll up to Craiglockhart’s less busy paths. It’s about real experiences, not flashy tourist traps.
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A local tip to try

If you find yourself exploring Edinburgh’s New Town, take a moment to step off George Street and wander through Queen Street Gardens if you can; they're one of the few private gardens you can glimpse through the railings. During warmer months, the mix of floral displays and the calm here is a quiet contrast to the city’s busy streets. Also, time your visit to the nearby Stockbridge Market on a Sunday morning - it’s a great place to bump into true locals while grabbing some fresh produce or a homemade pastry.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are answers to common questions about how our local picks work.

The Local Picks are chosen by our in-house Edinburgh editorial team, all of whom live in the city and have first-hand experience of the spots they recommend.

The picks are reviewed and refreshed throughout the year to reflect seasonal changes, new openings, and fresh local favourite discoveries.

No, all recommendations are strictly independent and based on genuine local knowledge, not influenced by advertising or payments.

Absolutely. Because the picks come from locals with up-to-date insight, they often highlight experiences off the usual tourist radar or lesser-known gems within well-trodden areas.

The picks cover the city widely, from Leith and Portobello to Stockbridge and the Old Town, aiming to showcase the variety of what Edinburgh offers.

Yes, our local team includes seasonal notes so you can enjoy something Edinburgh locals favour whether it’s a snowy winter walk or a sunny summer sit in the Meadows.

Explore Things To Do Categories

City Tours (1544 places) If you’re thinking about city tours in Edinburgh, you’re in for something a bit different than your average sightseeing show. The best tours here mix history with stories you won’t find in any guidebook. Take a ghost tour through the Old Town on a chilly evening, and you’ll hear about hauntings linked to Mary King’s… Explore
Family-Friendly Experiences (1406 places) Edinburgh has a way of keeping kids entertained that doesn’t feel like a chore for the adults tagging along. You’ll find loads of spots that invite curiosity, like the National Museum of Scotland where dinosaurs roar and gadgets fascinate. Kids often run straight to the science and history exhibits that are as… Explore
Heritage Sites (1226 places) If you’re heading to Edinburgh and have even a small passion for history, the city’s heritage sites are where you’ll want to spend your time. There’s something about walking the stone steps of Edinburgh Castle that makes old stories come alive,imagine standing where kings and queens paced centuries ago, with the Old… Explore
Historical Landmarks (1224 places) Edinburgh is a city where history isn’t just behind glass,it’s all around you. Walk up the Royal Mile and you’ll feel the weight of centuries underfoot, with cobblestones leading past old closes and majestic buildings. Edinburgh Castle, perched high on its volcanic rock, isn’t just a photo op; it’s a place where you… Explore
Cultural Tours (1220 places) Edinburgh’s cultural tours offer a way to see the city beyond just the big landmarks. You can wander alleys in the Old Town guided by storytellers recounting tales of the city’s literary greats like Robert Louis Stevenson or hear about the real bodies behind the myths of Mary King’s Close. And if spooky history is… Explore
Attractions & Tickets (1132 places) Edinburgh’s got this unique mix of history, culture, and quirky spots that locals never seem to tire of. You’ll want to book tickets ahead for the big draws like Edinburgh Castle and the Palace of Holyroodhouse,lines can get brutal, especially in summer. If you’re into offbeat stuff, try the Real Mary King’s Close… Explore
Tastings (1038) • Guided Walks (852) • Private Tours (784) • Day Trips (756) •

Top Things To Do in Edinburgh

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Top Things To Do in Edinburgh

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