To the Highlands – First Stop: Edinburgh
Scotland is one of the most magical places I have ever visited and Edinburgh – the capital – is no exception
Let’s face it, nobody should plan a visit to Scotland without spending at least one day in Edinburgh. Edinburgh is the capital of the country (yes Scotland is a country that is part of the United Kingdom). Edinburgh was everything I expected: a Harry Potter fan playground. Yes, I know Edinburgh is renown for a lot more things than an inspiration point for the HP franchise but walking on the stone roads you really can’t help but being mentally transported directly to the magical book (or movie if you don’t like reading).
Edinburgh is the seat of the Scottish Government, the Scottish Parliament and the supreme courts of Scotland which is felt when walking out and about. What do I mean by felt? Well as someone who has lived in London, I can find similarities in the grandeur these 2 British capitals radiate. Having said that Edinburgh, unlike London, is far less chaotic, not dirty and not overcrowded. Don’t fool yourselves that it’s a lot cheaper though, as Scotland, in general, is a bit pricey.
As a visitor, you will naturally want to visit the two UNESCO designations which are: the medieval Old Town and the Georgian New Town. Bear with me though, cause this Scottish gem has many more treasures that are worth your time and your Instagram stories.
When to visit?
Well, I visited Edinburgh in April and the weather was surprisingly great. Not too cold, not too hot but sunny and warm. Having said that, weather in the UK is pretty fickle and during my time in Scotland every weather prediction that I saw online, was inaccurate. If you are into festivals, summertime will be ideal with the Edinburgh Fringe going on. Or, if you want a magically freezing yet charming Christmas and/or New Year, then this should be added to your list. Bear in mind that these are super popular periods to visit Edinburgh so it will be very expensive accommodation-wise and perhaps a little crowded.
The must-visits
Edinburgh Castle should be on the top of your list. You can’t miss it since its visible from everywhere in Edinburgh. Probably the most popular castle in the whole of Scotland since the structure itself is magnificent and impressively enough, is built on the top of an extinct volcano. At 1 p.m. don’t forget to listen out for the cannon shots that are fired every day except Sundays, a tradition that dates back to 1861 when the shots were fired for timekeeping purposes. The castle was a residence for many famous people, including Mary, Queen of Scots. Inside the castle, you will have the opportunity through interactive installations and projections to learn about its history as well as observing the living situation of prisoners at the time. What I personally loved, was the crown jewels of Scotland exhibit and the splendid views of the city from the castle’s walls.
Visit Holyrood Palace, the Scottish residence for British Monarchs when visiting Scotland (imagine bumping into the Queen while you are strolling around). The Royal Apartments and State Apartments of Holyrood Palace can be visited most of the year (unavailable during state functions), as well as the gardens and grounds (the only place that you are allowed to take photos). I finished my trip with a beautiful (yet expensive) afternoon tea at the museum’s coffee shop.
Edinburgh Castle should be on the top of your list. You can’t miss it since its visible from everywhere in Edinburgh. Probably the most popular castle in the whole of Scotland since the structure itself is magnificent and impressively enough, is built on the top of an extinct volcano. At 1 p.m. don’t forget to listen out for the cannon shots that are fired every day except Sundays, a tradition that dates back to 1861 when the shots were fired for timekeeping purposes. The castle was a residence for many famous people, including Mary, Queen of Scots. Inside the castle, you will have the opportunity through interactive installations and projections to learn about its history as well as observing the living situation of prisoners at the time. What I personally loved, was the crown jewels of Scotland exhibit and the splendid views of the city from the castle’s walls.
Visit Holyrood Palace, the Scottish residence for British Monarchs when visiting Scotland (imagine bumping into the Queen while you are strolling around). The Royal Apartments and State Apartments of Holyrood Palace can be visited most of the year (unavailable during state functions), as well as the gardens and grounds (the only place that you are allowed to take photos). I finished my trip with a beautiful (yet expensive) afternoon tea at the museum’s coffee shop.
St Gile’s Cathedral, a gothic-styled church should definitely be on your list. You have to at least check it from the outside and admire the crown shaped steeple. Admission is free and on certain days guided tours are given for fee, so you get to admire the stunning rooftop as well, so it’s a win-win situation. You will need a photography permit to take photos, it’s only £2 so it’s worth it.
Camera Obscura and World of Illusions, wouldn’t normally be on my travel list. But it’s the oldest travel attraction of the city, dating back to 1835. Several floors are filled with optical illusions, tricks, magic displays and a lot of old-fashioned games, make it an ideal destination especially for those traveling with children and want to keep them entertained for a couple of hours. The main attraction is the Camera Obscura at the top of the building which is basically an old-fashion projection system where you can see Edinburgh inverted. You can also enjoy an almost 360 view of Edinburgh from the top.
Lastly, do take time to visit the National Museum of Scotland. This museum houses exhibits on Scottish history, Scottish art and technology etc. The best part - its totally free and you can feel like Queen Mary (or like any royalty of your choice) when strolling through displays of her jewelry, letters and furniture.
The must dos:
Hike up Arthur’s Seat. Honestly, I’m not a hiker or into fitness. But you cannot visit Edinburgh without seeing it from the top of Arthur’s seat. It’s a dormant volcano and one of the highest points in Edinburgh but most importantly legend says that Camelot was there (King Arthur’s castle). You will enjoy a nice (in my case breathless stroll) and what I personally loved was how many dogs were walking up there with their owners (Scotland in general is a dog lovers paradise).
Walk down the Royal Mile. Edinburgh, although large, is pretty walkable and you should try to walk the Royal Mile from beginning to end. It’s the city’s medieval high street. Filled with many restaurants, souvenir shops and tons of attractions, you will walk up and down this road quite a few times but each time you will see something new worth taking a photo of.
Explore the hidden world under the streets also known as The Real Mary King’s Close, a surreal experience cleverly hidden under the streets off the Royal Mile. It’s a system of streets and spaces build hundreds of years ago which have been re-opened a little over 15 years ago. It’s well worth picking a walking tour where you can explore the underground, eerie Edinburgh.
Shopping-wise you have to visit Princes Street and Victoria street. Princes Street is in the heart of the city and you will find popular high street stores along it. What makes this street particularly beautiful is the many landmarks nearby and the gorgeous views which make it an ideal spot for Instagramming. Take a break in the Princes Street Gardens which are ideal for a picturesque picnic. Victoria Street starts from George IV Bridge all the way down to the historic Grassmarket (also worth visiting). A bit pricier than Princes Street but a lot of Harry Potter paraphernalia and designer, fashion and home items.
Speaking of Harry Potter, do one of the countless Harry Potter tours. You will check out all the inspo points that inspired J.K. Rowling and you will get a chance to look at Edinburgh through a magical spectrum. You will visit the real-life Diagon Alley, which you can actually put as a location in Google Maps. If you are not HP fans (lame) do take a Horror or Ghost tour of Edinburgh and feel the chills with one of the many stories told. Especially recommended during darkness, in order to enjoy the spookiness of the cobbled streets and the gothic shadows cast by the old street lamps.
Where to eat?
There are countless pubs and restaurants in Edinburgh with traditional English and Scottish dishes. I had lovely pub food in many places which confirms my believe, that pub food is generally good in Scotland. I enjoyed The Whiskey Rooms where I tasted for the first- and last-time haggis. Haggis is a type of pudding composed of liver, heart, and lungs of a sheep and you can find in all sorts of forms. I really hated it because of its profound smell and taste but you should definitely try it once in Scotland. To my surprise you can find Haggis everything from spring rolls to pies, so you must try it in some sort of form. You need to try a fish pie since they actually use Salmon (I presume Scottish) which I haven’t seen elsewhere in the UK. Fried Mars bars are a must try also (literally everybody suggests it) but weirdly enough I didn’t see it on any food catalog during my week-long vacation. To my surprise, on Friday evenings most pubs have live music so its worth downing a pint of a locally brewed beer or better still a whisky and enjoy the merriment with the locals.
Overall, I really enjoyed my two-day visit to Edinburgh and I highly recommend adding it to your Scottish itinerary. I would probably like to stay 1 more day as there are many more sights and attractions that I would like to visit but I can always reschedule a trip back to this gothic yet green medieval city.
Have you been to Edinburgh, sound off below!
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A funky person who likes change. Loves travelling, photography, eating and binge-watching shows. Favorite pastime is eating and of course uploading pictures of fancy food on Instagram. Sings out loud when she is writing and loves reading crime novels.