Stay Like a Local is part of a new campaign designed to encourage visitors to experience the city through the eyes of the people who know it best.
Centred on a partnership with Forever Edinburgh, the campaign showcases Edinburgh’s hidden gems, neighbourhood culture and the wide variety of stays available across the city beyond the postcard.
Zakia Moulaoui Guery, founder of Invisible Cities, said: “This partnership is about showing Edinburgh as it really is, through the places and stories that matter to the people who live here. Our guides bring a perspective you won’t find in a guidebook, shaped by lived experience and a deep connection to the city. Being part of the Stay Like a Local campaign allows us to champion more responsible tourism, create meaningful work and invite visitors to explore Edinburgh in a way that benefits local communities.”
The campaign is further brought to life through recommendations from a collective of Edinburgh ambassadors spanning hospitality, culture, food and drink and visitor experiences. Each ambassador shares their personal take on the perfect Edinburgh break, demonstrating how the city can be enjoyed in many different ways, from literary escapes and culinary weekends to art-led adventures and maritime explorations.
Ambassadors include founders and team members of Golden Hare Books, The Balmoral, Jupiter Artland, Mercat Tours, The Royal Yacht Britannia and Maid of the Forth. Michelin Guide chef Roberta Hall-McCarron, founder of The Little Chartroom, Ardfern and Eleanore has also shared her recommendations.
Together, their recommendations illustrate the diversity of holidays available in Edinburgh, whether visitors are seeking a luxury city break, a culture-rich long weekend, a food-focused escape or an experience-led stay shaped by local knowledge.
Cllr Jane Meagher, leader of the City of Edinburgh Council said: “Edinburgh is a city of neighbourhoods, stories and communities, and Stay Like a Local encourages visitors to experience all of that in a way that is authentic and responsible. Working with Invisible Cities and the chosen ambassadors puts local voices at the heart of our tourism offer. Their insights help visitors discover parts of the city they might otherwise miss, from independent bookshops and art spaces to historic closes and local dining, ensuring that tourism benefits residents as well as visitors.”
Stay Like a Local is part of Stay Different a three-year behaviour change campaign led by Forever Edinburgh and funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.
The tour will be available to book from March 2026 through our usual channels and will be running all year round- just like our other Edinburgh tours. In the meantime, if you would like to book the tour privately please email [email protected]
