Edinburgh is my favourite place in the world and I love living here but, in August, it is absolutely packed with tourists and it can be frustrating trying to find something to do that is not bustling with visitors. The city becomes chaotic during the Fringe festival so I try to avoid being in the centre as it is not fun squeezing through crowds, trying to dodge being in the background of a photograph, or trying to find anywhere to sit in a cafe.
However, there are plenty of really underappreciated places that are quiet even during all the summer madness, and are some of the most interesting places to visit. If you are looking to find something fun to do in Edinburgh, or just want somewhere peaceful among all the performers then, as a local, here’s where I highly recommend you go.
Overlooked places to visit in Edinburgh
Willow Tea Room
The Willow Tear Rooms are a beautiful place to grab something to eat and is actually right in the middle of Princes Street, but I have never seen it crowded no matter what time I dine there.
It has one of the most breathtaking views of Edinburgh Castle I have ever seen, and it is quite reasonably priced. I often go there to get afternoon tea as it only costs me around £22, which gets you a great selection of sandwiches, cakes, scones and tea choice.
Most tourists do not notice this lovely cafe, as it does look like a closed shop when you see it on the street. The front door is closed, and you need to climb a flight of stairs to access the main eating area.
However, I think the Willow Tea Rooms are probably one of the best kept secrets in the centre of Edinburgh. It has everything you want for a cosy cafe to get something delicious to eat.
If you are visiting Edinburgh it is a fantastic place to get a great picture of the Castle, and it also has a little gift shop where you can buy lots of interesting high-quality Scottish trinkets from artists.
Scotsman Picturehouse
Edinburgh is known for its closes, which are medieval alleyways with stairs that connect to the main streets but actually have lots of shops, pubs and restaurants in them.
Most tourists do not spot them and end up missing out of some of the best areas of the city, and one of my favourite places is the Scotsman Picturehouse located on Fleshmarket Close.
It is a beautiful vintage cinema that shows a mixture of the latest films as well as put-on events for older movies. It is great in summer as they do lots of comedy specials in the evening and in autumn you can enjoy the spookier season with some horror movies.
They only have one screen but it is absolutely beautiful with big plush chairs, and even sofas at the very back of the cinema. Each seat even has a table next to it so you everyone has space to put their snacks on.
This is my favourite place to see movies as they always have something interesting to watch, and the gorgeous bar area is the perfect spot to get a drink or nibble on some popcorn.
Stills
Stills is a photography centre that sits in the middle of Cockburn Street, one of the most famous streets on Edinburgh, but it is surrounded by lots of fun quirky shops so most tourists overlook it.
It is a fantastic place to just pop in to see some incredible exhibitions and everytime I go in I am amazed at the pictures on display as entry is completely free.
However, one of the best parts of Stills is the stillsautomat, which is Scotland’s only analogue photobooth that is over a 100 years old.
You can go inside to get a strip of black-and-white photographs. It is a unique way take some pictures if you are visiting Scotland and is really fun to do, especially with a group of people.
There is always some event going on and even photography courses at Stills so I highly recommend it if you are looking for something unique to do in the city.