Sundays.
Discover Local Edinburgh: What to Do Around Mercure Edinburgh
At Mercure, we believe you shouldn't need a guidebook to feel like you belong somewhere. That's the idea behind Discover Local: since 1973, every Mercure hotel has been built around its neighbourhood, not just dropped into it — from the décor on the walls to the flavours on the menu. Step into any Mercure and our teams are on hand with the kind of tips you won't find in a guidebook: the market stall locals queue for, the bar where nobody speaks English, the walk that skips the crowds. They live here. They know. Discover Local isn't a generic city guide — it's a short, honest list of the restaurants, markets and neighbourhoods our own hotel teams actually recommend to guests, updated as the city changes around us. Below, you'll find our picks for Edinburgh, an interactive map to help you find your way, and answers to the questions travellers ask us most. So — where will Discover Local take you?
Our map pins local favourites such as Dean Village, the Water of Leith Walkway and the National Museum of Scotland's rooftop, alongside our Mercure hotels.
Edinburgh in 5 picks
Stockbridge Market
Sundays only, small and local, for producers rather than souvenirs.
Leith Market
Saturdays, on the waterfront in Edinburgh's old port district.
Edinburgh Farmers' Market
Saturdays on Castle Terrace — the city's original.
The Pitt
a weekend street-food yard in Leith, with live music and craft beer.
Stockbridge's independent shops
a neighbourhood built for browsing, not queueing.
Explore Edinburgh's Best Local Spots with Our Interactive Map
What's on the map in Edinburgh
We've mapped local spots in Edinburgh, from riverside walks to the city's best rooftop view.
Walks & hidden corners
Dean Village
A former mill village on the Water of Leith, five minutes' walk from Princes Street. The mills are gone, but millstones and carved plaques remain around Well Court. Wander its quiet lanes and look up at Dean Bridge.
Five minutes' walk from Princes Street · Historic village · Perfect for a peaceful stroll
Water of Leith Walkway
Edinburgh's river path runs nearly 21 kilometres from Balerno to Leith, along old rail lines and away from traffic, passing Dean Village. The full route takes about five hours – a shorter stretch works just as well.
Balerno to Leith · Riverside walk, about 21 km · Great for families and walkers
Thomson's Tower, Dr Neil's Garden
A secluded garden on Duddingston Loch, home to Thomson's Tower: built in 1825 to store curling stones, it's where the rules of curling were first written down. Restored in 2008; contact the garden to arrange a visit.
Duddingston Loch · Garden and historic tower · Ideal for quiet and curiosities
McNaughtan's Bookshop
A booklover's paradise of rare editions and old books – browse for the Scottish authors behind Peter Pan, Sherlock Holmes and Jekyll and Hyde.
Bookshop · Perfect for book lovers
Stockbridge Market
Every Sunday, a small park between Saunders Street and Kerr Street fills with street food from around the world, fresh local produce and crafts.
Stockbridge · Sunday market · Made for street food
Museums & landmarks
National Museum of Scotland rooftop terrace
The National Museum of Scotland has welcomed visitors since the late 19th century, from Scottish history to Dolly the Sheep. Its best-kept secret? Take the lift to the Rooftop Terrace for a panoramic view over the Old Town.
Old Town · Museum and viewpoint · Great for views
Thistle Chapel
Completed in 1911 to designs by Robert Lorimer, home of the Order of the Thistle, Scotland's most prestigious order of chivalry. Look closely at the carvings: there are angels playing bagpipes.
Royal Mile · Chapel · Perfect for architecture
Museum on the Mound
In the former head office of the Bank of Scotland, the history of money through design, technology and security. See Scotland's oldest banknote, then try cracking a safe.
The Mound · Museum · Ideal for curious minds
The Chocolatarium
Award-winning tours show how chocolate is made, ending in a tasting room of over 40 flavours – from classic dark and milk to haggis, chilli and whisky. Brave enough?
Chocolate tour · Made for a sweet treat
FAQ
It's better reached by bus or tram — allow 20 to 25 minutes.
Castle Terrace, Saturdays.
Take the lift to the seventh-floor Rooftop Terrace of the National Museum of Scotland for a panoramic view over the Old Town and its landmarks.
Yes. This former mill village on the Water of Leith is just a five-minute walk from Princes Street and is one of Edinburgh's most peaceful corners, with historic buildings and the Dean Bridge.
The Water of Leith Walkway follows the river for nearly 21 kilometres from Balerno to Leith, away from traffic. You can walk a shorter section, for example around Dean Village.
Where to sleep
These Mercure hotels appear on our map:
- Mercure Edinburgh City - Princes Street Hotel
- Mercure Haymarket Hotel
- Mercure Livingston Hotel