Explore the city like never before
Hidden gems of Edinburgh
The National Museum of Scotland
I hear you – The National Museum of Scotland isn’t a hidden gem. No. Scotland’s jewel in the crown of museums is known by most people who visit Edinburgh. But what people miss is the rooftop viewing platform on the 7th floor which offers a 360-degree view of the city. It’s one of the best places to see the city from and grab a bite to eat and a cup of coffee at the same time.
Price range: Free
Location: Chambers Street, EH1 1JF
Opening times: 10am - 5pm
The Scotsman Picturehouse
This multiplex cinema is nestled beneath The Scotsman Hotel. Accessed via a narrow close, it’s easy to walk by completely unaware. The interior oozes the golden age of Hollywood with plush seats and individual tables and lamps. Here you can expect to watch a mix of classic and modern flicks and can even have a cheeky cocktail in hand while you do so.
Price range: £10 - £94 (package dependant)
Location: 20 North Bridge, Edinburgh, EH1 1TR
Opening times: Open Wed - Thurs (2pm - 8:30pm), Fri (9am - 10:30pm), Sat (1:30pm - 10:30pm) and Sun (9:30am - 10pm). Closed Mon - Tues.
Lowdown
Looking for a place to escape. This cutting-edge coffee shop is easy to miss – located underneath the ever-busy George Street, it’s easy to walk by completely unaware. And because it’s right in the centre of Edinburgh, you can stop by and grab a coffee, read a book or plan your next adventure over something freshly baked while all the hustle and bustle continues right overhead.
Price range: £
Location: 40 George Street, Edinburgh, EH2 2LE
Opening times: 9:20am – 5:30pm
Kyoto Friendship Garden
There’s nowhere better to relax and reset than Edinburgh’s Kyoto Friendship Garden. Located on the outskirts of the city centre in the grounds of Lauriston Castle, it’s one the of the top three Japanese gardens in the UK… if that isn’t a reason to visit, we don’t know what is. You’ll find cherry blossom trees and tranquil water features that’ll get you more than a few likes on the ‘Gram.
Price range: Free
Location: Kyoto Friendship Garden, Lauriston Castle, 2A Cramond Road South, EH4 5QD
Opening times: From 2pm
Stockbridge
If you fancy a change of scenery, head to Stockbridge. This quaint little area is a village hidden within a big city – full of trendy independent shops, cafes and restaurants, and nightlife make it perfect place to explore at anytime – we recommend the Antiquity Bar. Plus, on Sunday morning’s you’ll find a small farmers market which sells incredible local products.
Price range: Free
Location: Stockbridge
Opening times: We recommend first thing
Wild West Morningside
This town ain’t big enough for the both of us. Who’d have thought that the Scottish capital would be home to the Wild West. The remains of an old South Western Furniture Company ad gimmick in the mid-‘90s, it’s now a ghost town reminiscent of a southwestern American cowboy town. It has a jail, cantina, and general store —so, you’ll feel like you’re on the set of your favourite Wild West film.
Price range: Free
Location: Morningside Road, Morningside, Edinburgh, EH10 4CQ
Opening times: We recommend after lunch
Popular route offers
Looking for more inspiration?
Visit Scotland with LNER
We've partnered with Visit Scotland to showcase Scotland's exciting events, surreal scenery and dazzling day trips to various locations from Edinburgh with LNER.
Staycation ideas by train
There's so much to see and do along the East Coast mainline. Get inspired for your next trip.
Days out in Edinburgh under £20
Going away for the weekend in Edinburgh doesn’t have to break the bank. From belly laughing to breathtaking views – here are a few budget friendly places we recommend checking out on your next trip away with LNER.