Edinburgh is the big and beautiful capital of Scotland, and like most capitals, it has its famous tourist hotspots. Exploring the stories hidden within Edinburgh Castle, summiting Arthur’s Seat, and wandering through the National Museum of Scotland are all essential activities for first-time visitors. But that doesn’t mean you should stay on the path most travelled! Here are some of our favourite secret places and hidden gems in Edinburgh.
You can visit Edinburgh with CrossCountry; just catch a train to Edinburgh Waverley from key locations such as Aberdeen, Birmingham New Street, and Newcastle.
Best Hidden Food Gems in Edinburgh
The tastiest food in the world cannot be found in chain restaurants and fast food establishments; the best food is cooked with as much love and devotion as expertise and experience.
Edinburgh’s hidden food gems all have something that makes them special, whether that’s a deep appreciation and mastery of their cultural cuisine or a drive to cook with local, environmentally conscious produce.
Uwagboe’s Kitchen & Grill
Uwagboe’s Kitchen & Grill is the number one spot for authentic Nigerian cuisine right in the heart of Scotland. It was also the first Nigerian restaurant in Edinburgh, so they’ve been serving up incredible West African cuisine for years.
Their passion for food and community is apparent in the service, generous portions, out-of-this-world flavours, and warm welcome.
On the menu, you’ll find a wonderful assortment of eats, including a rich plant-based menu. The smoky jollof and plantain are an obvious choice for vegans, but you could also try the plant-based egusi – a popular West African soup, thickened by melon seeds.
The rest of the menu also promises great flavours and an exciting chance to try something great if you’re new to Nigerian cuisine. A great place to start is their street food menu, where you can try succulent beef suya, flavoursome Nigerian noodles, and grilled tilapia with plantain.
Uwagboe’s is located on Leith Walk, around a twenty-minute walk from Edinburgh Waverley or a fifteen-minute bus journey.
Little Capo
Little Capo is a tucked-away destination for lovers of ‘Italian-ish’ food. The cosy orange restaurant has a relaxed, chic atmosphere with a menu to match.
In a typical Italian restaurant, you could expect a tantalising medley of pasta, focaccia, burrata, risotto, and Parmigiano Reggiano. However, the classics are given a little twist here; think burrata with apple or salami with pickles. Everything on the menu is engineered for the ultimate taste experience.
Little Capo is located on Howe Street, roughly a fifteen-minute walk from Edinburgh Waverley. With its intimate bar seating, it makes for a fantastic and unique first date spot!
FIN & GRAPE
You’ll find FIN & GRAPE in the neighbourhood of Bruntsfield. The elegant and intimate restaurant focuses on Scottish fish, great wines, and sharing food.
The culinary execution here is top-notch, whether you choose their set sharing menu or save the smoked sea trout and salted pollock mousse for yourself.
FIN & GRAPE is on Colinton Road, which you can reach by bus from Edinburgh Waverley. Just walk to Princes Street and catch a bus to Holy Corner; it’s a two-minute walk from there.
Hidden Places to Spend the Day in Edinburgh
Exploring the hidden gems in Edinburgh is a great opportunity to discover the community that uplifts and sustains the city. There are so many boundary-pushing, thought-provoking artistic and theatrical projects happening around the area, just waiting to be found.
Scot-ART
Scot-ART turns underused spaces into vibrant community hubs, and you can find them all over Edinburgh. St Margaret’s House, once a disused office building, is now home to a range of creative exploits, from printmaking studios and martial arts dojos to a theatre and exhibition space.
There’s also Summerhall, an equally exciting place to visit, hosting thousands of Fringe shows and home to the lovely MF Coffee Shop.
St Margaret’s House is a scenic walk from Edinburgh Waverley, which will take roughly thirty-five minutes. We recommend walking through Holyrood Park, as you’ll get the chance to admire St Margaret’s Loch as well!
Museum of Scottish Fire Heritage
Edinburgh is full of great museums, and you could easily spend a full day exploring them. One you shouldn’t miss is the Museum of Scottish Fire Heritage, which explores multiple interesting themes, like the early days of firefighting and what it’s like to be in this brave profession.
The museum is educational and illuminating for all ages. Kids can dress up, see vintage fire engines, and learn all about fire safety. There are decades' worth of equipment to discover, from the historical to the high-tech.
The Museum of Scottish Fire Heritage is a twenty-minute walk from Edinburgh Waverley. Alternatively, you can catch a bus to Shrubhill, and it’s a five-minute walk from there.
If you’re planning on exploring some secret places in Edinburgh, don’t forget to book Advance rail tickets via our website or the CrossCountry app. Before you travel, make sure to check scheduled train times to find the best journey for you. If you need more information, you can contact us here.
Info
At the time of publishing, all information given is correct. Details of events, businesses, and locations included may be subject to change by third parties. Please make sure to check any details with organisers before you travel.
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