EDINBURGH locals have flocked to social media to share their favourite “life hacks” for those living in the city.
Over 300 savvy residents have given their top tips, from navigating the streets during the busy Fringe season to where you can get the best falafel wrap.
Some shared tips for making the most of the city’s public transport links, while others revealed their favourite hidden gems.
The life hacks that “everyone should know” not only make trips smoother for tourists and visitors, but have seen locals sharing handy tidbits that make everyday life in the city easier.
A question was posted on an Edinburgh forum yesterday, asking: “What is an Edinburgh life hack you think everyone should know?”
The discussion received over 100 likes and more than 320 comments, with people mainly talking about transport and food.
One user said: “The bus stops on Princes Street have USB chargers. Handy if you used Apple Pay/Google Wallet and your phone has died.”
Easily missed, these USB charging ports were installed in digital bus shelters on Princes Street in 2015.
People are able to charge their phones or devices using their own cables, and many Lothian buses also provide similar USB ports between seats.
One user shared an unspoken rule that many may have subconsciously picked up on, saying: “The left-hand side of the pavements on Princes Street is the slow lane, right hand side is the fast lane.”
Another user clarified: “Yup, the shop side is the slow side whether you are going east or west, always has been.”
Whilst others pointed out another helpful shortcut through the bustling city crowds: “Corner of Lothian Road where the church is – cut through the church grounds to get to the bus stop faster.
“Although I think they might have started locking the gates the f*****s.”
After Edinburgh was battered by Storm Éowyn last week, one user shared an unusual way to beat the Scottish rain, saying: “Umbrellas will not help you at all from October through April.
“Don’t even bother. The winds will take it. Get a waterproof beanie and if you walk a lot? A rain kilt.
“Yes, a rain kilt. It’s smaller than a full poncho. You unroll that sucker, step in, and your legs will stay unsplashed. Best thing for this splash zone of a town.”
While others continued the age-old rivalry between falafel joints, with one user attesting: “Nile valley, £6 for a very filling wrap.
Prompting another to declare: “Africano Wrap is leagues ahead.
“I also love watching newbies f**k up the queue system and then get a bollocking from the bossman.”
Other local-approved eateries include the 24-hour bakery on Leith Walk, Storries, and the authentic yet affordable Mosque Kitchen on Nicolson Square.
The most popular untold secret, however, is Burton’s Biscuits on Bankhead Place, where you can find bags of delicious shortbread and chocolate biscuits for a fraction of the retail price.
Users commended the hack, which has over 220 likes, with one affirming: “Someone at my old job used to go once a month and return with enormous plastic bags full of biscuits deemed not fit for proper sale.
“Shaved years off my life but was incredible.”
Another replied: “I remember doing this as a kid, had no idea they still did it. I’ll need to go.”
And a third recalled: “The bags of broken toffee pops just about killed me.”
