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Edinburgh hidden gems

Go off-piste on your next adventure.

      Explore the city like never before

      Sometimes, it’s nice to do things a little differently. From breathtaking views to experiencing the Wild West of Scotland, here are a few things to see and do on your next LNER adventure that will make you feel like a local.

      Book cheap train tickets to Edinburgh, plus you can save up to 47%* with LNER Advance tickets if you book 4 weeks in advance. Now that's saving the smart way!

      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

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      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.

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      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

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      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

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      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

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      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

      Find out more

      Popular routes to Edinburgh

      London Kings Cross to Edinburgh 

      Friday 5 June 2026
      First Class from
      £109.20

      York to Edinburgh

      Wednesday 15 July 2026
      From
      £22.90

      Newcastle to Edinburgh

      Sunday 5 July 2026
      From
      £13.90

      Looking for more inspiration?

      We want to help you make the most of every trip with LNER. That’s why we provide the guides, inspiration and the tools you need when travelling to an LNER destination. Here are a few related guides that will help you get inspired.

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        Visit Scotland

      • Staycation ideas by train​

        There's so much to see and do along the East Coast mainline. Get inspired for your next trip.

        Staycations

      • 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.

        Days out under £20

      Go by train and relax!

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