Spring has sprung, and while you might be in the throes of planning your annual holidays, you don't need to wait or travel far to find a worthy destination right here in Scotland.
Edinburgh, renowned for its stunning medieval architecture and hilltop castle, is also one of the country's most pedestrian-friendly cities, making it a breeze to get around without a car.
But what if your appetite for adventure stretched beyond Princes Street, the Royal Mile and Edinburgh Castle? Express reporter Katherine McPhillips, a proud Edinburgh resident, has a location in mind – and it is every bit the hidden gem as she claimed it is.
"One of my personal favourites is Portobello, a seaside suburb of Edinburgh that offers plenty of attractions but is often overlooked by tourists," she said. "Portobello is famed for its Victorian promenade and pristine white beach, both of which are ideal for visiting now that the weather is warming up.
"What I love most about this area is the lack of chain stores, making it a haven for those who appreciate unique independent shops."
One mistake she noticed visitors make every year was "sticking to the city centre and failing to utilise the local bus services to explore the quieter parts of the city". With the weather now getting warmer, she said now is the perfect time to visit Portobello, its stunning Victorian promenade and glorious white beach.
Bibliophiles and coffee aficionados are in for a treat too, reports the Express. Katherine explained: "As an avid reader, I'm particularly fond of the Portobello Bookshop. You're sure to discover something intriguing there, and just next door is Tanifiki, a cosy coffee shop renowned for its Rwandan coffee beans."
Katherine is not the only Edinburgh native who was alone in singing Portobello's praises. Dave, who was raised in Portobello, added: "The promenade is worth walking down as there is always something different happening, and it always looks beautiful no matter the weather.
"Princes Street Gardens are lovely, but I would prefer walking to Figgate Park, which has great views but almost never has any tourists."
Another Edinburgh local, Leonie, gave her recommendation for a great restaurant after being in the Scottish capital for five years: "For food, my favourite place is the Shrimp Wreck in Portobello, but who doesn't love seafood?"
Edinburgh allows locals and visitors alike to dodge the throngs even a stone's throw from the city centre, provided you're clued up on prime spots.
Katherine said: "A hidden gem with a stunning perspective of Edinburgh Castle is the Willow Tearooms, yet it often flies under the radar, leaving many tourists none the wiser.
"Another tranquil haven just a hop, skip, and a jump from larger tourist drawcards is Dunbar's Close Garden. Nestled close to the Royal Mile, it offers an idyllic stroll amid its enchanting scenery.
"For those eager to delve into history beyond the National Museum, Mary King's Close comes highly recommended as an eerie subterranean byway where once, during the era of the Black Death, residents were shuttered away, leading to tales of hauntings that persist to this day."
Leonie gushed: "I really love the Queen's Drive path around Arthur's Seat, especially by the loch where you can sit by one of the smaller hills and read. Even if it gets busy, it is usually very peaceful!"
Story Saved
You can find this story in My Bookmarks.Or by navigating to the user icon in the top right.
