How To Get Off the Beaten Path in Edinburgh

Carve your own path through one of Europe’s oldest botanic gardens, or take a walking tour to hit all the highlights. A haven of serenity, the Royal Botanic Garden has multiple trails winding through its sprawling grounds of more than 70 acres (28 hectares).

Admire its remarkable collection of diverse plants (including more than 1,000 species of rhododendron, which put on a dazzling display in spring), elegant Victorian glasshouses, a giant water lily pond, and a rock garden. And don’t miss the view of the city skyline, one of the best in Edinburgh.

With so many eateries clustered in Edinburgh’s hotspots, it can be tricky to figure out where to dine. A good rule is to get away from the most obviously tourist-oriented businesses on or near the Royal Mile. Instead, head for the smaller spots on less-trafficked streets.

On the edge of the New Town, Broughton Street is a good bet, as is Stockbridge and, further afield, Leith. Taking a food tour is a great way to let the experts make the decisions for you—your guide will know exactly where to find Edinburgh's hidden gems for food and drink.

You can’t leave Scotland without a dram or two of the national drink, whisky. But you should also take the opportunity to indulge in a few glasses of gin, one of Edinburgh's hidden treasures. The vast majority of gin produced in the UK comes from Scotland, and the country is home to more than 100 gin distilleries, a few of which are based in Edinburgh.

Enjoy the local gin scene with a visit to Pickering's Gin Jolly Distillery or the Secret Garden Distillery and sip cocktails at a dedicated gin bar such as 56 North, close to Edinburgh University.

Related: 7 Must-See Neighborhoods in Edinburgh

Many visitors overlook the fact that Edinburgh’s setting along the Firth of Forth puts it within easy reach of a handful of golden beaches. And that makes heading for the sand and sea one of the more unique things to do in Edinburgh (or rather, just outside of it).

If you’re lucky enough to be in town on a sunny day, take the bus to the coastal suburb of Portobello for a dose of retro seaside charm, or continue along the coast to the quieter beach of Gullane. From there, walk along the coast to Yellowcraig Beach, then reward yourself with a pint at a village pub in Dirleton.

Around a half hour’s drive south of the city (accessible by public bus), the sprawling Pentland Hills Regional Park offers an escape from the crowds and a taste of the great outdoors right on Edinburgh’s doorstep.

You can stretch your legs along more than 62 miles (100 kilometers) of waymarked paths over rolling hills and lush moorland. If you don’t want to walk alone or want to learn more about the area’s natural history, book a guided tour.

Stretching 12 miles from Balerno at the foot of the Pentlands all the way to the port of Leith, the Water of Leith Walkway is a lovely leafy route for walking or cycling on a day trip outside of Edinburgh.

The path follows the river running through the heart of Edinburgh, but you don’t have to tackle the entire length. The stretch from Dean Village to Stockbridge is one of the prettiest, complete with woodland on both sides and interesting remnants from the area's mill days.

Escape from the hustle and bustle of the city at serene Dr. Neil’s Garden by Duddingston Kirk. Overlooking Duddingston Loch on the lower slopes of Arthur's Seat, this quiet, verdant space is one of the most peaceful places in the city and certainly worth a visit.

Tucked away at the end of the Old Town, close to the Scottish Parliament Building, Dunbar’s Garden is close to the Royal Mile, yet the crowds feel worlds away. The 17th-century garden has winding pathways, herbs, flowers, shrub gardens, and benches ideal for relaxing—it feels like one of Edinburgh's secret spots.