Hidden Gems for Edinburgh

1. Hidden Gem Edinburgh – Contini Restaurant:

This former banking hall is modelled after a Florentine Palazzo and provides everything you would expect from a fabulous, authentic and contemporary Italian restaurant. It is set in the busy shopping and dining district of George Street in the heart of Edinburgh’s city centre. The beautiful dining room, with its sculpted pillars, high ceilings and simply outstanding interior design creates a unique atmosphere. The owners of Contini love to work with small-scale producers and to use good quality, locally-sourced, sustainable food. They even make their fresh pasta and focaccia every morning. You can come here for breakfast, lunch, cocktails and dinner. This restaurant is really worth a visit!

2. Hidden Gem Edinburgh – St. Giles Cathedral:

While it is perhaps not a hidden gem, the St. Giles Cathedral is truly a must-see while visiting Edinburgh. Situated between Edinburgh Castle and the Palace of Holyroodhouse, St. Giles was built during the ninth century. It’s quite small for a cathedral, but it is stunning and it’s free to visit. The most noteworthy part of the church is its magnificent stained-glass windows, which flood the cathedral with a beautiful light. In the southeast corner of the Cathedral, visitors will find the Thistle Chapel, which was designed by Robert Lorimer. It contains stalls for the 16 knights, the sovereign’s stall and two royal stalls. Look out for the bagpipe-playing angel amid the vaulting!

3. Hidden Gem Edinburgh – The Pantry Café:

The Pantry is a relaxed and charming café restaurant on the corner of North West Circus Place in Stockbridge. The food here is simple, delicious and prepared with love. They serve exquisite breakfasts, brunches, and lunches as well as afternoon tea, all with menus reflecting the finest seasonal ingredients. The interior combines unique mosaic walls, punctuated by a smattering of contemporary art, with warm wooden tables. The atmosphere invites you to relax and people watch as the diverse clientele changes on a daily basis – spanning from mothers and babies to foodies and students.

4. Hidden Gem Edinburgh – Dean Village:

Just five minutes away from Princes Street, lies Dean Village, a beautiful oasis right by the Water of Leith. Dene means “deep valley” in Scots and the village was a prosperous hamlet for over 800 years. If you walk along the walkway following the Water of Leith, you will find the Dean Bridge. The small bridge stretching across the river and the charming stone houses dating from the seventeenth century create a particular, idyllic atmosphere; you will feel like you entered a time machine! After walking around, you can also browse exhibitions in the Dean Gallery and the Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art. The best part is that many of their exhibitions are free.

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