New to Edinburgh? Edinburgh Guide
Starting university in a new city can feel a little overwhelming, but one of the best ways to settle in is to get out and explore. And Edinburgh is the perfect city is the best place to do it. With historic streets, green spaces, cosy neighbourhoods and incredible views, there is so much to discover beyond the university campus.
Whether you’re looking for somewhere to take your new flatmates, a good spot for a weekend walk, or just somewhere to escape the library for an afternoon, here are some Edinburgh favourites to add to your list.
Arthur’s Seat
One of Edinburgh’s most famous landmarks, Arthur’s Seat is a must for anyone new to the city. Sitting in Holyrood Park just a short walk from the Royal Mile, this ancient extinct volcano rises 251 metres above sea level. So expect incredible views.
The walk to the top can be a little challenging in places, but the views are more than worth it. On a clear day, you can see across Edinburgh, over to the Firth of Forth and beyond.
It usually takes around one to two hours to complete the walk, depending on your route and how many times you stop for photos. It’s also a great one to do with your new coursemates or flatmates; just keep the weather in mind!
Calton Hill
If you want amazing Edinburgh views without quite as much effort, Calton Hill is the perfect alternative.
Just a short walk from the city centre, the hill gives you panoramic views across Edinburgh. And you can treat yourself to a little treat at cafe calton and take in the views.
Calton Hill is particularly worth visiting around sunset, when you can watch the city light up below you. It’s an easy way to get one of those classic Edinburgh views without committing to a full hike.
Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh
Not every day in Edinburgh needs to involve climbing a hill. If you’re looking for somewhere peaceful, the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh is a beautiful place to spend an afternoon to literally smell the flowers.
Covering 72 acres, the Botanics are home to thousands of different plant species, as well as impressive trees, gardens and glasshouses. And its free.
Dean Village & the Water of Leith
For somewhere that feels completely different from the busy city centre, head to Dean Village.
This picturesque area sits alongside the Water of Leith and is full of historic buildings, cobbled streets and riverside views. From Dean Village, you can follow the Water of Leith walkway towards Stockbridge, making it a lovely walk when you want to explore without heading too far out of the city.
It’s also one of those places that makes you realise just how much of Edinburgh there is to discover beyond the main tourist attractions.
Stockbridge & Circus Lane
Carry on towards Stockbridge and you’ll find one of Edinburgh’s most popular neighbourhoods with students and locals alike.
Stockbridge has a village-like feel, with independent shops, cafés, restaurants, charity shops and plenty of places to stop for food or coffee. Make sure to take a little detour to Circus Lane, one of the city’s prettiest streets.
It’s the perfect place for a relaxed afternoon when you don’t have anywhere you need to be.
Victoria Street & the Grassmarket
For a taste of Edinburgh’s Old Town, head to Victoria Street. Its colourful buildings and curved shape make it one of the most recognisable streets in the city, and it’s packed with independent shops and places to eat. Perfect place to capture for Instagram
At the bottom, you’ll find the Grassmarket, a lively area surrounded by pubs, restaurants and some great views of Edinburgh Castle.
It’s also a good starting point for exploring some of the smaller closes and hidden streets around the Old Town. Don’t just stick to the Royal Mile — some of Edinburgh’s best little discoveries are tucked away just off it.
National Museum of Scotland
When the classic Scottish weather arrives, the National Museum of Scotland is the perfect place to escape the rain.
Located in the Old Town, the museum has everything from Scottish history and culture to science, technology, nature and world history. Best of all, general admission is free, making it another great option for students.
You could easily spend a few hours here, so it’s worth keeping in mind for those days when you’ve made plans with friends but the weather has other ideas.
Edinburgh Castle
Of course, no Edinburgh list would be complete without Edinburgh Castle.
Sitting above the Old Town, the castle is one of the city’s most famous landmarks and is packed with centuries of Scottish history. Even if you don’t go inside, there are plenty of places around the Old Town where you can get great views of it.
For one of the best photo spots, head to The Vennel, where you can capture the castle rising above the historic buildings of the Grassmarket.
Explore the Royal Mile
The Royal Mile is one of the first places most people visit when they arrive in Edinburgh — but don’t just walk from one end to the other.
Take your time exploring the small closes, courtyards and side streets that branch off the main road. You’ll find historic buildings, tiny shops, cafés and plenty of hidden corners that are easy to miss if you’re rushing through.
It’s also a great place to bring friends and family when they visit you at university.
Portobello Beach
Yes, Edinburgh has a beach!
Portobello is just a short journey from the city centre and is home to a long stretch of sandy beach, cafés and places to grab an ice cream.
On a sunny day, it can feel like you’ve escaped the city completely. It’s ideal for a summer afternoon with friends, a walk along the promenade or simply sitting by the sea when you need a break from studying.
Bruntsfield & Morningside
If you’re looking to experience a more local side of Edinburgh, explore Bruntsfield and Morningside.
Both neighbourhoods have a relaxed atmosphere, with independent cafés, restaurants, charity shops and plenty of green space. They’re a great change of pace from the city centre and perfect for a lazy weekend coffee or an afternoon wandering around with friends.
Edinburgh’s spooky side.
Edinburgh has a seriously creepy history, so if you’re looking for something a little different, try a ghost or underground tour.
The Old Town is full of stories about murders, ghosts, plague victims and the people who once lived beneath the streets. Tours take you into some of the city’s historic closes and underground spaces, giving you a completely different perspective on Edinburgh.
It’s also a fun option for a group of new friends — especially if you’re brave enough to go after dark!
Make Edinburgh Your Own
The best thing about moving to Edinburgh is that you don’t have to see everything at once. Start with the big landmarks, but make time to wander without a plan too. You’ll quickly find your own favourite café, viewpoint, park or little street.
A great first Edinburgh day could be Dean Village → Water of Leith → Stockbridge → New Town → Victoria Street → Grassmarket, finishing with food or drinks with your new flatmates.
So, once you’ve ticked off Arthur’s Seat, Calton Hill and the Botanics, don’t stop there. Get lost down a few side streets, explore a new neighbourhood and see what you find — that’s when Edinburgh really starts to feel like home.
Photo by Mark Newbury Unsplash
