Insider Edinburgh Tips By @myedinburgh

We love sharing our tips about and experiences in the beautiful city we live in, but we are also always keen to hear what other people’s favourite places are. So in order to get a fresh perspective on things we decided to ask Olli, the person behind Instagram account @myedinburgh, to share some of her insider advice about where to go and what to see in Edinburgh. Read and learn!

Could you tell us a little bit about yourself?

I’m Olli. I’m lucky to live in one the world’s most amazing cities and I feel the urge to share it with others. I moved to Edinburgh almost 3 years ago and instantly fell in love with the city. Edinburgh definitely has its own character and unique charm.

What’s your all time most liked photo/photos you’ve shared on @myedinburgh?

My most liked photos tend to be of the Edinburgh Castle and that doesn’t surprise me at all. The Castle is the jewel of the city! It’s magnificent and beautiful. It dominates the skyline of Edinburgh and can be seen from all parts of town.

What’s you favourite place/places to photograph in Edinburgh?

It might sound a bit clichéd but it has to be the Royal Mile. The whole street has a very different character with lots of tiny cute closes that run down towards the hill in the direction of New Town. I keep discovering lots of different things to capture, and it is a very long street – just over a mile long right?

Could you name a few spots where you can get a great snap of the city?

To make the best shots of Edinburgh you need to be prepared to do a bit of hiking or at least walking up some steps. The nearest to the centre would obviously be Calton Hill. If you feel more adventurous and the weather is good then head to Arthur’s Seat or the Radical Road in Holyrood Park. Both allow you to take in Edinburgh’s breathtaking skyline. Also, the Castle Rock provides one of the best views over both the Old and the New Town as well as beautiful views of the Pentland Hills.

You recently attended our Rock House InstaMeet on Calton Hill, what did you think about the house?

It was my pleasure to be part of the InstaMeet in Rock House where I got to meet some interesting bloggers. When I saw where Rock House is I knew straight away that we would be spoiled with some impressive views! But the house itself was the star of the day. Its just perfect in every way – traditional décor yet with a stylish contemporary finish. Every window provides wonderful Edinburgh views! It’s ideal for spending a long weekend in style and would make any special event unique.

Any “secret” Edinburgh gems you’d like to share with us?

I prefer to keep my secret spots secret, sorry!

Edinburgh’s most picturesque street in your opinion?

This is a difficult question as there are so many pretty places here. But I think is has to be one of Edinburgh’s spectacular crescents – Moray Place is grand and absolutely stunning! I’m also in love with gorgeous Georgian architecture of the New Town! No wonder it’s one of the most desirable postcodes in the city.

If your friend came to visit for only one day, where would you take her/him?

In fact I just had one of my best friends visiting Edinburgh for the first time. This is what we did – we started with the Castle of course. Then we went on the fascinating vaults tour to discover the city under Edinburgh! Afterwards, Calton Hill for Edinburgh’s must-see views and a drive around Arthur’s Seat, Morningside and the New Town. To finish the day we had dinner accompanied by the views of the Castle reflecting the sunset. It was stunning and made me feel very proud to show off the city I live in.

You’re hungry and want a restaurant that never lets you down – where do you go?

Chaopraya on Castle Street, Henderson’s on Thistle Street, and The Scran and Scallie on Raeburn Place in Stockbridge – they’re all very different but they always deliver great food and a pleasant atmosphere.

What’s your favourite place to grab a coffee?

Artisan Roast probably have the nicest coffees in town. Although I’m always on the lookout for independent coffee shops not only serving good coffee but also with an interior that is warm, welcoming and soulful.

Where would you go if you fancy a nice drink or cocktail?

Bramble Bar! Delicious cocktails and beautifully presented! Quite a cosy place, so don’t be late on a Friday or Saturday night if you want a table. However, personally I prefer to sit at the bar to see how the skilled mixologists create those wonderful drinks. It always amazes me how easy it looks and how hard it actually must be.

For any tourists coming to Edinburgh this year – what’s the one place you would urge them to visit?

Everyone knows the top outdoor spots. But if the weather’s not cooperating, how about one of Edinburgh’s many exhibitions? If you’re interested in seeing some ancient treasures then why not visit the current Celts exhibition in the National Museum of Scotland (on until September). Also coming up is the Inspiring Impressionism exhibition in the Scottish National Gallery (May – September) featuring over 100 masterpieces from all over the world. Should be fascinating!

Do you have any favourite Edinburgh festivals you wouldn’t want to miss?

Edinburgh is famous for its festival season of course! For me the favourite one is the Fringe! Who doesn’t love to have a laugh? Lots of famous performers visit Edinburgh with their shows in August. I’d advise people to book tickets early to avoid disappointment and to not miss your favourite comedian. If you’re not afraid to take a risk – then there is a huge amount going on at the Free Fringe. You can start as early as midday and roll from show to show until well after midnight! It’s an amazing experience! Where else is this possible? Incredible!

Finally, what are your 3 favourite Instagram accounts to follow?

@ellabonbella_x is one of my favourite accounts at the moment. Ella posts pictures from Bristol and Bath. Her photos are bursting with colour, very cheery and positive. These two cities are dear to me as I was lucky enough to live there before moving to Edinburgh.

@susie_wright – Susie is a very gifted illustrator from Edinburgh who inspires me to do my own sketching.

@etivecreations – a photography and film gallery by James, a talented young film maker. There are so many beautiful accounts really!

Travelling to Edinburgh?

If reading this made you want to pencil in a date for a trip to Auld Reekie, give Dickins Edinburgh a call and we’ll find you the perfect self catering holiday home in the centre of Edinburgh – within your price range.

Take a look at our properties here and get in touch!