Living right in the centre of Edinburgh (with no garden), I welcome the glory that house plants are currently basking in. Edinburgh has lots of florists and little places to pick up home greenery, but my favourite is Grow Urban.
Located in a restored corner unit of an old Edinburgh building, this independent shop is packed full of foliage and also has its very own coffee shop. They serve locally roasted coffee alongside fresh cakes and are always on hand to give plant advice. As an added bonus, there's even a little potting shed in the back, stocked with tools and plant extras.
Walking into the shop, I step straight out of the busy city and right into a jungle. There are plants from floor to ceiling; cacti, palms, Calathea - you name it, it's there! It's the perfect place to destress and enjoy a slice of nature. I recently spotted someone fully embracing the beauty of the shop; sipping coffee and making sketches of its interiors.
Grow Urban's manager, Graham, is one of the nicest people in town. He's always around to greet customers with a welcoming smile and (more importantly) he knows everything about plants!
Find your way with 138 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
"Scottish Design Exchange" is in Edinburgh's Leith, hidden in a shopping mall called Ocean Terminal. It's not high concept, it's things you'd actually buy.
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"Sabzi" in Edinburgh used to be a Blockbuster video store, then it became a pop-up restaurant. Now it serves wonderful heart-warming Punjabi street food!
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"S. Luca" has been one of my favorite places in Edinburgh since I was a kid. What they're famous for is their own brand of ice cream - and I love it!
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"Green. Leith" is a refreshing and colourful addition to the well-known street in Edinburgh. They really take green plants & accessories to a new level!
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I have to confess I've walked past the spot thousands of times before I actually realised it was anything to pay attention to!
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The "Leith Victoria Swim Centre" in Edinburgh is a beautiful pool surrounded by an ornade, Baroque, cast-iron colonnade. Well worth a visit!
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"Union Brew Lab" Edinburgh is one of the original hipster coffee shops in the city. JK Rowling hasn't written a book here yet!
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"Manna House Bakery" in South Queensferry in Edinburgh has great views over the Forth Rail Bridge. Come here for the super value-for-money homemade food!
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Craiglockhart Hill is one of Edinburgh's 7 hills. In contrast to Calton Hill, Castle Hill and Arthur's Seat, even many locals can't name this one!
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The zoo is one of Edinburgh's most popular tourist attractions. Next to it is "Corstorphine Hill" that's in my opinion much more interesting to explore!
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"The Jazz Bar" Edinburgh: a lively subterranean music club that really comes alive after midnight. I really like the crowd on weekends & their caipirinha!
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