Edinburgh has some fantastic areas to enjoy, including the peaceful oasis of Dean Village, and the bustling nightspots of the Grassmarket and the Shore in Leith.
There are also some great areas on our doorstep, a stone’s throw from Scotland’s capital city, including the tranquil and eye-catching historic towns of South Queensferry and Linlithgow, as well as the incredible countryside on offer for you to enjoy at the Pentland Hills, overlooking Edinburgh from the south.
Check out our photo gallery below to see my 11 favourite areas in and around Edinburgh.
5. South Queensferry
A stone's throw from Edinburgh, South Queensferry is a lovely place to visit with the family for a fun day out in the sun in the shadows of the Forth bridges, with lots of great bars, shops and eateries dotted along the quaint cobbled High Street, offering fantastic views out across the Firth of Forth towards Fife. And it appears it is also a great place to live with the town's population continuing to grow in recent years, with many Edinburghers moving out of the Capital for a quieter life. | Iconic Media Photo: Lisa Ferguson/Scotsman
6. Dean Village
Only a short walk away from the city centre is Dean Village, a peaceful and pretty village next to the Water of Leith, and for me the prettiest part of Edinburgh. The charming area is one of the most sought-out residential parts of Edinburgh. There are plenty of interesting things to see in and around Dean Village, including visiting the Dean Cemetery, the Dean Gallery and the Gallery of Modern Art. | Getty Photo: Getty Images
7. Linlithgow
This lovely historic and peaceful West Lothian town is a great place to visit with the family to see the sights including Linlithgow Palace, or head out with friends for some drinks in some of the town's many great watering holes, including here at the Four Mary's pub on the High Street. And with Linlithgow being just 20 minutes away or so by train or car, it's a real hidden gem on our doorstep. | Submitted Photo: Third Party
8. Stockbridge
Another bustling Edinburgh area, there are so many great shops, bars and restaurants in Stockbridge to enjoy with friends and family. However, there are also lots of peaceful nooks and crannies in this area, including here at Circus Lane, perhaps one of the most photogenic streets in Scotland's Capital city. | chris2766 - stock.adobe.com Photo: Adobe