The city’s most refreshing green space

Word to the wise: For a scenic route from the Old Town to the Royal Botanic Gardens, take a walk along the river on the Water of Leith Walkway.

A tropical oasis in the heart of an urban landscape, Edinburgh’s Royal Botanic Gardens have played a key part in the city’s charm since 1670. The stunning botanical garden boasts a wide range of European plants and bushes – from red English roses to prickly cacti – all maintained in a collection of impressive glasshouses, including the enormous Temperate Palm House.

Besides the nature on show inside climate-controlled greenhouses, you’ll also find a lovely stone garden, a striking Chinese Hillside and a remarkable collection of giant Redwood trees (complete with curious squirrels) outside. And when you add the gardens’ wonderful free art gallery and excellent café into the mix, you have one of the best places in Edinburgh to unwind.