Although there are now plenty of tourist ‘haunts’ across the city, including the obvious attractions like Edinburgh Castle, the tour buses and most of the Old Town, there are so many great things in Edinburgh they could also see and do while here.
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Most of my suggestions for the great things tourists could enjoy in Edinburgh are away from the city centre, including taking a trip to Cramond, Portobello Beach and Craigmillar Castle.
5. Local football
With hundreds of thousands of tourists descending on the Scottish Capital every year, there must be many football or even just sports fans that visit here. Which begs the question, why are visitors here not taking in the local 'fitba' on offer? In the top flight we have Hibs and Hearts in action in Edinburgh normally during alternate weekends, while further down the Scottish football pyramid tourists could head to Ainslie Park to see Spartans or Meadowbank to see Edinburgh City in action. | SNS Group
6. Craigmillar Castle
Craigmillar Castle was recently ranked as the number one ‘hidden-gem’ location in Edinburgh, with tourists seemingly unaware of this piece of history at the back of Niddrie on the south-eastern edge of the city. Mary Queen of Scots fled here following the murder of David Rizzio, her private secretary, before a plot was hatched to murder Mary's husband, Lord Darnley. Today you won't be faced with any unexpected surprises. Kids can let off steam by playing hide-and-seek in its labyrinth, climb the tower house or enjoy a picnic feast fit for a king or queen in its courtyards. | Submitted Photo: Third Party
7. Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh
The Royal Botanic Garden in the Inverleith area of Edinburgh is a truly stunning place where visitors can experience an extravaganza of plants from around the world, learn about the Garden's rich and diverse Living Collection, and discover a history dating back to the 17th century. | Submitted Photo: Visit Scotland
8. The Shore
More tourists should head down to the Shore in Leith for an afternoon in the sun by the water or in the evening to try out the area's award-winning restaurants and bars. Boats line the harbourside where the sun sets slowly on hot summer nights, making The Shore a quiet and idyllic location: perfect for a relaxing evening and an intimate meal. A short tram journey from the city centre is all that tourists need to take get to to this lovely and sometimes forgotten part of Edinburgh. | Johannes Valkama - stock.adobe.com