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A few days wandering around Edinburgh is all it takes to realise that this city has so much more to offer than just the well-known highlights. Of course, Edinburgh is famous for its iconic castle and atmospheric streets, but it’s the unexpected hotspots that really complete a city trip. From that one cosy pub with traditional Scottish live music to a hidden restaurant tucked away in a dark alley, serving beautifully crafted fine dining dishes. And yes, we’ve also tracked down the best coffee spots, because for us, a city break simply isn’t complete without good coffee. In this article, we share our personal experiences and tips for places where you can truly experience the real Edinburgh. Curious where to meet locals, how to avoid the crowds, and which spots you really shouldn’t miss? Keep reading!
This is how we experienced Edinburgh: between locals, pubs and surprising hotspots
Edinburgh feels alive at any time of day. One thing that really surprised us was how busy every pub is, even on a Sunday, packed with locals celebrating the weekend together. Pint in hand, laughing and chatting in centuries-old pubs. And being able to order haggis for breakfast as part of a traditional Scottish breakfast? That was another eye-opener.
During this city trip, we fully immersed ourselves in the vibrant life of the city. We found the perfect balance between romantic dinners and the unmistakable Scottish pub atmosphere. The World’s End and The Auld Hundred turned out to be much more than just pubs. They’re places where you experience local life, history, lively crowds and flowing pints at their very best. By not planning everything in advance, we ended up discovering the best addresses along the way.
So our main tip? Look for that mix: enjoy a long, relaxed evening at a great restaurant, then blend into the local pub scene afterwards, and start the next day at a cosy coffee spot, or grab a coffee to go and walk towards Dean Village.
Surprising hotspots in Edinburgh
Edinburgh is home to all kinds of restaurants and bars, ranging from traditional Scottish pubs to trendy wine bars and Michelin-starred restaurants. These are our personal favourites, places we genuinely enjoyed and would happily return to.
1. Merchants Restaurant
Tucked away in a small alley in Old Town, you’ll find Merchants Restaurant. It’s not a large restaurant, and that’s exactly what makes this spot so special. The interior is slightly dark, but atmospheric lighting and dried flowers hanging from the ceiling create a cosy and intimate setting. It’s the perfect place for a long, relaxed dinner. The menu features refined fine dining dishes, and you can also opt for a three-course menu. The gnocchi with spinach was our absolute favourite, although the roasted rhubarb with apple crumble for dessert is something we still think about. They also serve excellent wines and cocktails, so settling in for a proper evening here is very easy to do.
2. Rodizio Fazenda
One of our favourite restaurants in Edinburgh is Fazenda, located on George Street. This Brazilian-Argentinian restaurant is known for its excellent meat dishes and its unique rodizio dining experience. Various cuts of meat are served at your table, including beef, pork, lamb and chicken. The meat is carved straight from the skewer onto your plate. Much of the meat comes from local Scottish farms and is prepared using traditional Brazilian techniques. Alongside the meat, make sure to try the grilled pineapple. It’s surprisingly good!
Fazenda also offers an extensive buffet with side dishes, and both the cocktail and dessert menus are well worth exploring. For dessert, we recommend the Brazilian Sweet Treats, a selection of classic mini desserts.
Fazenda is a popular hotspot in Edinburgh, so we strongly recommend making a reservation in advance, sometimes even a few weeks ahead.
3. Spanish tapas at PIGGS
This tapas bar in Edinburgh’s Old Town was a happy coincidence – and what a find. After reaching the top of Arthur’s Seat, we walked back towards the city centre and found ourselves in need of a good meal. While wandering around, we stopped in front of PIGGS, where plenty of locals were enjoying drinks inside. PIGGS is a small Spanish spot with just a handful of tables. You can sit by the window at the front, along the bar, or at a few larger high tables in the back, and that’s about it. Because of its size, it feels cosy very quickly and also fills up fast. All wines are Spanish, and for those who enjoy it, you can also order sangria here. The menu features classic tapas such as patatas bravas, but be sure to check the chalkboard with daily specials, these are often the real highlights.
4. Coffee spot: Artisan Roast Coffee
Artisan Roast Coffee is a small coffee shop located in the Bruntsfield neighbourhood. It’s well known for its excellent coffee and relaxed atmosphere. Besides coffee, you can also enjoy freshly baked croissants, muffins, cakes and sandwiches. It’s a popular spot with both locals and visitors and a great place to slow down for a moment.
5. The French bistro Côte
The charming French bistro Côte is a great choice for anyone who loves French cuisine. They serve regional specialities and classic dishes for both lunch and dinner. The menu includes favourites such as escargots, bouillabaisse, coq au vin, tarte tatin and crème brûlée. Côte also offers an extensive wine list featuring wines from various regions in France. The interior is stylish and elegant, with that unmistakable French bistro feel that makes it easy to linger a little longer.
6. Breakfast at Braw Brunch in Fountainbridge
Looking for a great breakfast or brunch spot in Edinburgh? Braw Brunch is definitely one to add to your list. The menu features popular brunch dishes such as avocado toast, as well as a traditional Scottish breakfast, complete with haggis (worth trying at least once). You order at the counter and everything is brought to your table. And the coffee here is genuinely very good, which makes Braw Brunch an excellent way to start your day.
You’ll find this breakfast spot in the Fountainbridge neighbourhood, which is definitely a great area to stay in Edinburgh. Our hotel tip here is Moxy Edinburgh Fountainbridge.
The best pubs and bars in Edinburgh
Edinburgh truly starts to feel like Edinburgh the moment you step into a pub where locals are already gathered at the bar. These are the pubs and bars where we felt that atmosphere the most.
1. The World's End
Along the famous Royal Mile, you’ll find plenty of bars and pubs, but one that truly stands out is The World’s End. First of all, it’s the kind of pub you can easily pop into while strolling along the Royal Mile. And secondly, it’s a classic Edinburgh pub located in a historic part of Old Town, with a dark, traditional interior that immediately makes you crave a pint. For us, this is the place to be.
2. The Auld Hundred
Rose Street is well known for its pub culture, and the place to go here is The Auld Hundred. It’s traditional, lively and cosy, one of those places where you step in for one drink and suddenly realise an hour has passed. What you can expect are great pub vibes, a solid selection of beers and whiskies, and on the second floor, a snug and typically Scottish restaurant serving tasty pub-style dishes.
3. The Last Drop
The Last Drop is located on the Grassmarket, and its name refers to the square’s history as a site of public executions, where “the last drop” could quite literally be your final drink. If that sounds gloomy, don’t worry – it really isn’t. Today, The Last Drop is a lively bar in one of the most atmospheric parts of the city. Especially at weekends, there’s often live music, making it a great place to spend an evening.
4. The White Hart Inn
Also located on the Grassmarket is The White Hart Inn, a pub often mentioned as one of the oldest in Edinburgh, with roots dating back to the 16th century. If you’re looking for places with real character and history, this is definitely one to add to your list.
Do you need to book restaurants in Edinburgh in advance?
Yes, for fine dining restaurants and smaller venues, it’s definitely a good idea to make a reservation, especially on Fridays and Saturdays. However, when it comes to pubs, coffee spots and many brunch places, you can often just walk in without a booking. Our approach is usually to reserve at most one restaurant for dinner and leave the rest open, allowing room for spontaneous discoveries along the way.
How to stay spontaneous in Edinburgh (without queuing everywhere)
Edinburgh is lively, and that’s part of its charm. If you don’t want to spend your trip standing in queues at all the hotspots trending on social media, there’s really no need to plan every minute. Skip the trending lists for a while, wander down a side street, and choose spots where locals are gathering – that often says more than reviews. Think in terms of discovering great neighbourhoods rather than ticking off individual must-sees. Smaller venues are often the most charming, but they can fill up quickly, so it’s smart to have a backup plan within walking distance and stay flexible. This way, you avoid stress and can fully enjoy the friendly, vibrant atmosphere that Edinburgh is so well known for.
How to get to Edinburgh?
Flying is the fastest and easiest way to reach Edinburgh from most European cities. Direct flights are available from many major airports, and the journey from central Europe typically takes around 1.5–2 hours.
You can compare flights and prices easily via Skyscanner to find the best deals from your location.
If you prefer booking everything in one go, you can also check package city trips that include both flights and accommodation. We usually opt for a flight + hotel combo to make the trip stress-free and get straight to exploring the city.
Where to stay in Edinburgh?
If you want to be close to the main attractions, both Old Town and New Town are great choices. As you might expect, these areas are very central. For a slightly quieter, more local experience, we also recommend the neighbourhoods of Stockbridge and Fountainbridge. Here, you’re just outside the busiest areas but still within walking distance of the city centre. You get more of a neighbourhood vibe, with charming boutiques and cosy cafés, a perfect way to immerse yourself in local life.
Our top hotel tips:
Moxy Fountainbridge in the Fountainbridge neighbourhood. Spacious rooms, a stylish rooftop terrace, and just a 20-minute walk from Edinburgh Castle.
The Raeburn in the charming Stockbridge area. Walking distance to Dean Village and the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, with cosy rooms in a Georgian building.
More Scotland inspiration: from Edinburgh highlights to the Highlands
If you’d like to combine these hotspot tips with the classic Edinburgh highlights, check out our article on what to do in Edinburgh during a city trip. We share the top sights and practical tips for planning your visit, including recommendations for visiting in December, when the city is extra festive and atmospheric.
Craving more after Edinburgh? Combining your city trip with a visit to the Scottish Highlands is a great idea. With our Scotland road trip itinerary, you can explore Scotland in two weeks. The article is packed with tips for nature, beautiful stops along the way, and practical advice to help plan your journey.
Still not convinced that Scotland is a truly beautiful destination for a holiday? We can hardly imagine it, but just in case… here are 5 reasons to book your trip to Scotland today!
Travander
At Travander, we’re all about exploring hidden gems, unique destinations, and off-the-beaten-path travel experiences. Our motto, “Let’s Travel and Wander,” reflects our passion for discovering both local treasures and faraway adventures. As experienced travel bloggers and travel consultants, we share insider tips, personal stories, and practical advice to help you make the most of every trip. From city breaks and weekend getaways to tailor-made travel itineraries, we guide you to the most beautiful and inspiring places. Explore the world with Travander and let us spark your next unforgettable adventure!
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