I'm an American living in Edinburgh. Here are 6 of my favorite underrated places to explore.

As an American living in Edinburgh, I know there are a variety of underrated places to explore.

Byjeng/Shutterstock In 2021, my husband and I moved from the United States to Scotland .

I've loved living in Edinburgh and exploring popular tourist destinations, like Arthur's Seat.

But over the years, I've curated a list of underrated recommendations, too, like Cramond Island.

When I first moved from the US to Edinburgh in 2021, I knew little about the city beyond its striking medieval architecture, whisky distilleries, and supposedly dreary weather.

Four years — and far more sunshine than expected — later, I've fallen in love with Scotland's capital and all it has to offer.

Although popular spots like the Royal Mile, Arthur's Seat, and Edinburgh Castle are worth seeing, here are six places I think are just as worthy of a visit.

In addition to Arthur's Seat, I recommend hiking the nearby Pentland Hills and Blackford Hill.

One of my favorite places to hike is the Pentland Hills, located less than an hour from Edinburgh.

EvaGZ/Shutterstock Arthur's Seat , an ancient, extinct volcano, is a defining landmark of Edinburgh's skyline and often tops lists of must-see attractions.

Although I love its ridge walk and summit hikes, I think it tends to overshadow its equally striking and lesser-known neighbors: the Pentland Hills and Blackford Hill.

I gravitate toward the Pentlands, which offer about a 62-mile network of trails for a range of abilities, less than an hour from the city center.

Blackford Hill also presents itself as a less-crowded but equally scenic alternative to Arthur's Seat, complete with wooded walking trails through a nature reserve and sweeping views, all about 20 minutes from downtown.

Stockbridge is one of my favorite parts of town.