The Edinburgh Local Experience
When you’re visiting the city, it can be hard to make sure you’re experiencing Edinburgh in the most authentic way possible. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of our favourite local hidden gems for you to explore during your stay. From grabbing a refreshing pint from a local pub to buying a gift from a local shop to remember your time in the city, we’ve got you.
The best way to start your day is always with something refreshing and tasty - Edinburgh is known for its abundance of unique pubs, restaurants and brunch hotspots, but these are just a few of our favourites:
Grab a drink & something tasty
This fantastic bar & kitchen can be found in Edinburgh’s West End and has an excellent menu full of unique drinks and seasonal food to pick from.
Fancy something caffeinated? Located in the bustling Bruntsfield Neighbourhood, Matcha Sando is a locally owned Matcha bar offering fresh matcha both iced and hot. They also offer a selection of hot sandwiches and food to pair with your drink.
They offer discounts to locals, and always have something new on the menu!
Prefer something more traditional? Discover The Conan Doyle Pub, located just off Broughton Street. It’s a fantastic location to grab a draft before you head to watch a show at the Edinburgh Playhouse. Will you be headed here?
Explore somewhere new
In a historical City like Edinburgh, you’re surely spoiled for choice when it comes to exploring the cobbles - that’s why we’ve picked some of our favourites, to make sure you don’t miss out on the highlights.
Cockburn Street
The sister wynd street to the famous Victoria Street. Cockburn Street is home to a range of unique and quirky shops for you to explore and splurge in. Some of our favourites include Pie In The Sky, Eden and the STILLS AUTOMAT shop (for a vintage photobooth experience).
Take a stroll up the wynd and also discover something new - let’s not forget the Minalima store, stocked full of Harry Potter & gorgeous memorabilia.
If you’re headed down to New Town, make sure you don’t skip Devil Advocate’s Close, home to a beautiful photographic close, but also the Devil’s Advocate Bar. A real hidden gem.
Leith
Leith is a popular suburb of Edinburgh with a fantastic range of shops & businesses to explore, including the Ocean Terminal shopping centre. The Leith collective, in particular, can be a great place to find a memorable gift from your time in the City. The collective only sells UK artists’ works, with all of the profits going to the artist. It’s a great way to support and discover new creatives.
Shop local business
When it comes to entertainment in the city, the list is truly endless - but here are some of our favourites, guaranteed to enhance your stay with us.
Lighthouse Books- Edinburgh’s first radical bookshop, full of unique literature and non-fiction to browse through.
The Scottish Design Exchange - Located on George Street, with all the proceeds of its purchases going to the artists.
Halibut & Herring - Located in the Bruntsfield neighbourhood, it’s a fantastic location to shop for a unique gift.
Stay again?
Reward yourself with a future stay at one of our aparthotels or any of our other unique individual units across the City of Edinburgh. You can book your stay directly today for the best rates. Click here.
We’ll see you soon.