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Bruntsfield Links
Just south of the popular Meadows park, Bruntsfield Links provides a quieter green space without the crowds. Stop by charming wine bar Margot for brunch—try their French toast with ginger-poached pears and bay-leaf custard, or hot smoked trout with leek fritters. Return later for oysters, small plates, and natural wine. Grab a window seat or outdoor table to admire Arthur’s Seat glowing pink and gold at sunset. For dinner, sister restaurant LeftField offers the same stunning views in an elegant setting.
Portobello Beach
Edinburgh’s seaside escape is no secret, but even on busy days, it feels spacious compared to southern beaches. Only the central areas near cafés get crowded—there’s plenty of room to find your own quiet spot. Grab a fish finger sandwich at Shrimp Wreck or a slice of Civerino’s pizza with a Bellfield beer. Don’t miss the excellent ice cream at Oscar’s Gelato. Take Lothian Buses 19 or 26 from Princes Street.
Hidden Closes on the Royal Mile
Even in the heart of festival chaos, Edinburgh’s narrow alleyways (or “closes”) offer peaceful retreats. Dunbar’s Close, near the bottom of the Royal Mile, is a 17th-century-style garden with benches—perfect for a quiet break. Grab a Brazilian coffee and pastel de nata from Santu Coffee and enjoy the calm. Nearby, Lady Stair’s Close houses the free Writers’ Museum and is another great spot to pause.
The Shore, Leith
Often compared to Copenhagen, Leith’s waterfront is a food and drink hotspot. Sip a local beer by the river at Malt and Hops or visit Moonwake Beer Co’s taproom. For lunch, Domenico’s serves huge takeaway sandwiches (pre-order to skip the wait). For seafood, Barry Fish is this summer’s hottest reservation. Take the tram to The Shore.
Royal Botanic Garden & Canonmills
A true gem, the 72-acre Royal Botanic Garden dates back to the 17th century. Relax among the trees and enjoy skyline views from Inverleith House. Nearby, Singapore Coffee House serves kaya toast and roti canai, while Betty and George is a cozy spot for tea and cake. For a proper meal, The Tollhouse offers a great set lunch by the river. Take Lothian Buses 9, 23, or 27 from The Mound.
Stockbridge
This lively neighborhood has some of the city’s best food without the festival crowds. For a picnic, pick up deli treats at Herbie of Edinburgh or schiacciata sandwiches from Mootz General Store (try the mortadella with stracciatella cheese and pistachio pesto). If you don’t mind waiting, grab pastries from cult bakery Lannan. Enjoy your feast in Inverleith Park, with its pond, swans, and plenty of space for kids to play.
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Stockbridge
This is a great playpark. You can also walk from Stockbridge along a lovely wooded stretch of the Water of Leith path. For a hearty Italian trattoria-style lunch, try Sotto or the excellent-value set lunch at Stockbridge Eating House. Catch Lothian Buses 29, 33, or 37 from South Bridge.
Newhaven
Take the tram to the final stop and explore Newhaven Harbour. Stroll along the waterfront to Wardie Bay, a hidden beach and a favorite local swimming spot. Head back to Newhaven and grab fish and chips from The Fishmarket to enjoy by the harbor, watching the boats gently bob in the water. Stay for sunset with a glass of wine on the terrace before hopping on the tram back to the city center. Edinburgh Trams run to Newhaven.
Arthur’s Seat & Holyrood Park
A mountain right in the city? It’s iconic—and the perfect escape. The main path to the top can get crowded, but there are plenty of quieter trails to explore. Stick to the marked paths—some drops are steep. For an easier option, follow Queen’s Drive around the base of the mountain, passing Dunsapie Loch and St Margaret’s Loch, with sweeping views of the city, the Firth of Forth, and the Pentland Hills. The walk takes about 90 minutes and is bike-, buggy-, and wheelchair-friendly. Grab a sandwich from Alby’s Southside for the trip.
Union Canal: Fountainbridge
The canal path stretches all the way to Glasgow via Falkirk, so you can walk as far as you like. Start at Lochrin Basin and stroll to Harrison Park (1.2 miles), passing colorful houseboats and the Leamington Lift Bridge. For a longer walk, continue to Slateford Aqueduct (2.5 miles), which carries the canal 152 meters above the Water of Leith. A nearby path leads to the Water of Leith Visitor Centre, with restrooms and a café. Stop at Kafe Kweer for coffee and veggie lunches or The Fountain for pub food before heading back along the canal.
The Pitt, Granton
Recently reopened in a new waterfront location, The Pitt is a must-visit street food spot with views across the Firth of Forth. Vendors rotate, but current options include Choola (Nepalese street food) and Lazeez (Lebanese wraps). There’s a large indoor bar and regular events. Nearby, Soul Water Sauna offers hot saunas and cold plunge pools—a great way to work up an appetite. From here, you can walk along the promenade to Cramond Village (2.3 miles) and, if the tide allows, even cross to Cramond Island. Catch Lothian Bus 22 from Lothian Road to Waterfront Avenue, then walk 10 minutes. Open Thursday to Sunday.
Getting Around
Lothian Buses and Edinburgh Trams are contactless—just tap on and off. Single fares are £2.20, capped at £5 per day. Use the Edinburgh Bus and Tram app to plan routes and check live bus times.
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