Edinburgh is a city everybody should find the time to visit at least once in their life. It is a city rich in history, culture and full of secrets waiting to be discovered. Whether you’re looking for cute backstreet coffee shops, a top notch eatery, or maybe a one of a kind vintage shop to find the best pieces that will have people asking, “where did you get that?” Edinburgh has it all. If it’s not somewhere on your bucket list of places to visit, it should be, and these hidden gems will show you exactly why.
Divino Enoteca is an award-winning wine bar and Italian fine dining restaurant that combines classic and the modern in the most effective way. Located off a side street in the heart of Edinburgh’s Old Town, it truly is a hidden gem. If you didn’t know it was there, chances are you’ve walked right past it. The archaic looking wine cellar dressed with sleek decor gives it an essential Italian ambiance. The soft lighting and quiet surroundings create an intimate atmosphere, perfect for any romantic date.
Their wine is a huge selling point; there is a spectacular array of world wines to choose from, that match with any dish from their extensive menu. Not only are the interior, food and drinks sublime, the staff is as well. They are friendly and happy to offer recommendations to any newcomers. With almost too much choice, a beautiful ambiance, wonderful staff and to-die-for food, this place is a “can’t miss.” Don’t worry, you won’t have to take out a loan to eat there; it’s affordable, even on a student budget. Make sure to try the courgette fries!
Brace yourselves, cat lovers – when you visit this place you won’t want to leave! Maison de Moggy is Edinburgh’s first cat cafe and is probably up there with one of the best places in the world, let alone only Edinburgh! For only £8 per person, you can enjoy an hour eating cake and sipping a tea or coffee whilst surrounded by a number of beautiful pure-bred felines. The cafe is set out to be a cat paradise with climbing apparatuses, fluffy baskets and countless number of toys. There are currently 11 cats inhabiting the cafe and all have a unique personality that will have you wanting to take each and every one of them home with you (they aren’t for sale though, trust me I checked).
There is a homely aura complete with friendly cat-nannies, plush sofas and eating areas where you can enjoy delicious food. For any cat lover, this unique experience is a must. There is no better way to spend an hour relaxing than with cake, coffee and cats! To find out more, read about their kitties or reserve a booking, check out their website.
This one of a kind vintage shop is located on Cockburn Street near the Royal Mile. It’s a shop that you may not notice unless you know it’s there. It is what some would call; Hipster heaven. This store is filled to the brim with pieces you can’t find anywhere else. Band merch? They’ve got it. Vintage dresses? Check. Unique jewelry? Tons. The shop has a quirkly ambiance felt directly upon stepping inside. With Bowie jackets, Joy Division shirts and huge old wooden chest advertising sales in the middle of the store, you can’t go wrong. If you love Urban Outfitters, you’ll love Pie In The Sky. Their clothing is entirely unique; you won’t find the same jacket all over Instagram. Prices are pretty low, meaning you can look stylish on a budget!
Located on Victoria Street, Maison Bleue is all sorts of unique; they offer an unlikely combo of Scottish, African and French cuisine. Their interior is what makes it feel like a hidden gem. The neon signs, multicoloured decor, vintage and modern furniture and spiral staircase are unmistakably cool. There is a quiet atmosphere since it’s not located in the centre of Old Town, so you can enjoy a quiet meal without rabble. The staff are friendly and come from various backgrounds. Their knowledge of the food is extensive and they hold interesting conversation. Whether you fancy a traditional Scottish dish or to sample flavours of multiple countries, it’s the perfect place to grab a bite. I strongly recommend garlic fries to go with whatever you decide.
The most haunted graveyard in the world. This is the place that has history spilling out of its gates. It’s a well-known spot in Edinburgh, with thousands of tourists visiting a year. The hidden gem here is whose graves you can find in the cemetery. A famous literary villain has his place in the graveyard; Tom Riddle. Yes, the dark lord himself can be found in Greyfriar’s Kirkyard. Well, not really but many people think the headstone of the real Tom Riddle may have inspired Rowling herself. She did spend a lot of time in those parts while writing the most famous book series in history. If you are an avid Harry Potter fan, this hidden gem is for you. I won’t tell you where to find him; that’s part of the fun. There’s tons of other Harry Potter related gems hidden around Edinburgh if you do your research.
The Pop Up Geeks is a company that specialise in designing bars closely related to TV fans favourite TV shows. When I originally planned my trip to Edinburgh, “The Walking Dead” themed bar in Edinburgh’s New Town was what I aimed to visit. The interior makes you believe you’re in an episode of the show and the drinks are themed appropriately. This idea took shape when an old shut down bar “One Below” became the location for this genius concept. As well as “The Walking Dead”, they’ve hosted a “Game of Thrones” themed bar, which was received extremely well. The bar is open on certain weekdays for a few weeks. If you can get there when a theme is in action, I would highly recommend it.
I know, another eatery, but whenever I visit a new city food is what I most look forward to exploring. This hidden gem is specifically for breakfast/brunch. This place is located on Cockburn Street, hence the name. It’s probably the most Tumblr-esque place I discovered on my trip. The food is #breakfastgoals with plenty of choices, even vegetarian options. There is also traditional Scottish food as well. The staff is friendly and the prices are more than reasonable. The location is perfect for popping in before you spend your day exploring the city.
Now this one isn’t a particular hidden gem, more of a heads up to keep an eye out for the countless number of Instragram-worthy spots. The cobbled buildings and quirky interiors of the shops and bars are a don’t miss if you’re someone who is constantly looking for ways to make their feed a little bit cuter. Make sure you keep on your toes spotting those perfect photo opportunities – there’s hundreds of them!
Although it’s a chain and not necessarily a “hidden gem,”it still deserves an honourable mention. It’s a particularly good one in Edinburgh. It’s a bit out of the way, located on George Street but carries the usual vibe. Though it’s pricey, the food is delicious and the cocktails are a thing of beauty. The waitors will also happily strike up conversation, which will keep you entertained all evening. Even if you’ve been to 100 Hard Rock Cafe’s, this one deserves a visit.
If you love an old-fashioned pub, Deacon Brodie’s Tavern is for you. This one is different than other old taverns in Edinburgh; it’s name was inspired by William Brodie, the famous “Jekyll and Hyde.” It’s known for its immense character. Seeped in history, it’s the perfect stop to quench your thirst. The traditional pub grub and selection of real ales will have you wishing it was your local!
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