Edinburgh, the capital of Scotland, also known as the "Athens of the North," is a top destination if you want to explore the history and travel back in time. The city was able to save its medieval Old Town and neoclassical New Town, which was later recognised as one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

To take advantage of every bit of the Edinburgh trip, consider checking the last-minute deals at Voyage Privé. Some discounts there (on travel, accommodation, and experiences) reach up to 70%. Take a look at them just here: https://www.voyage-prive.co.uk/offers/last-minute-edinburgh 

Now, let's talk about the must-visit places in the town. And yes, it's not Edinburgh Castle, The Royal Mile, or Holyrood Palace. Read on for more! 

Dr Neil's Garden 

Located in the historical village of Duddingston, Edinburgh, this garden features a 12th-century church overlooking Duddingston Loch. Since its construction in the 1960s, most locals come here for the tranquil atmosphere and stunning views over the landscape. 

Now, you can find a variety of plants in the garden, including conifers, heathers, alpines, rhododendrons, and even azaleas — no wonder Reverend John Thomson, a notable landscape painter, used this garden as a studio.

Panda & Sons

Moving to the nightlife scene, Panda & Sons is a bar situated in the heart of Edinburgh's New Town.  Interestingly enough, it was designed as a vintage barbershop, making the experience more mysterious while transferring you back to the history. 
The bar is known for its signature cocktails, which elevate the experience by using freezing techniques like liquid nitrogen and flash freezing. Our tip is to try "The Emperor's New Clothes" and "The Fennel Countdown."

In 2024, Panda & Sons was ranked No. 30 in The World's 50 Best Bars 2024. So, book your visit in advance – it gets super busy! 

Gilmerton Cove

Have you ever thought of taking the trip through an underground network? You can do this at Gilmerton Cove, which has underground passageways and chambers that are hand-carved from sandstone.  It is located just under the streets of Gilmerton, a southeastern suburb of Edinburgh. 

The Cove was first officially mentioned in 1721 when George Paterson, a local blacksmith or baker, was accused of selling alcohol on the Sabbath in his 'caves'. However, archaeological evidence suggests that the Cove may be much older than initially thought.

The guided tours are available. Check the official website for more information. 

Best time to visit Edinburgh

The best time to visit Edinburgh depends on your preferences for weather, events, and crowd levels. For example, the city offers the mildest weather from May to September, making it perfect for exploring its historic sites and parks. The summer months, particularly July and August, are the warmest, with average highs around 19°C. 

It is great for quieter sightseeing, with fewer tourists and lower accommodation prices from April to May and September to October. The spring and autumn foliage in Edinburgh's parks is gorgeous during these times.

From November to March, the weather is colder, with average highs around 8°C (46°F). This season offers unique experiences like Christmas markets and Hogmanay celebrations. Prices for accommodations may be lower, but the days are shorter.