Local voices and leading Edinburgh ambassadors invite visitors to experience the city beyond the guidebook.

Forever Edinburgh has launched Stay Like a Local, 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 social enterprise Invisible Cities, the campaign showcases Edinburgh’s hidden gems, neighbourhood culture and the wide variety of stays available across the city beyond the expected.

At the heart of Stay Like a Local is a new Invisible Cities guided walking tour of the same name, created by local guides with lived experience of Edinburgh. Hear about the city from people who really know their history and the magic hidden behind the main streets and familiar tourist locations.

The tour highlights off-the-beaten-path locations, lesser-known stories and everyday places loved by locals, offering visitors a deeper and more meaningful connection with the city. Guides share stories such as Whitefoord House on the Canongate, an 18th-century mansion that later became a print foundry before evolving into the city’s first residence for veterans, alongside hidden spaces like Dunbar’s Close Garden, a secluded pocket garden inspired by 17th-century design and Patrick Geddes’ vision for green spaces in the Old Town.

The itinerary will be available as a dedicated Stay Like a Local tour, delivered by the Invisible Cities guides, sharing their key secrets of the city with tourists.

Founded in Edinburgh, Invisible Cities is a social enterprise that trains people who have experienced homelessness to become walking tour guides in their own city. Through storytelling, guiding and meaningful employment, Invisible Cities creates opportunities for guides while offering visitors an honest and personal perspective on place. As a social enterprise, Invisible Cities prioritises offering ethical and sustainable tours. The partnership aligns with Forever Edinburgh’s commitment to supporting responsible tourism and community-led experiences.

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 journeys 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, alongside players from Edinburgh Rugby’s men's and women’s teams.

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.

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.”

Councillor 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 this in a way that is both authentic and responsible."

“Working with Invisible Cities and their ambassadors helps visitors to discover parts of the city that they might otherwise miss – from independent bookshops and galleries to historic closes and local dining – ensuring that tourism benefits our residents and businesses, as well as our 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.

Find out more about Stay Like a Local, sign up to the tour and read the ambassador’s recommendations here.