As I sat in the backseat of a taxi, watching the world pass by, I was surprised by how strikingly different the usually familiar places looked at 4 am. Ever since I became a mom, being awake at that hour is nothing new to me, but travelling to Dublin Airport through the dark night, as a winter storm blew in, and harsh weather battered the Irish sea, was a surreal feeling.
To experience the full scope of my little voyage to the Scottish capital last year just a week before Christmas – yes, I willingly exchanged the warmth of my cosy decorated home for bitter winds to freeze my face – I stubbornly stuck to my decision to remain awake.
I resisted the allure of being sucked into the safety and security of the boring travel routine by slumbering all the way to my final destination; I yearned to see and feel everything that the world has to offer.
While travelling from Sligo to Edinburgh wasn’t smart financially, this trip saved my sanity during the transition time to colder and darker winter months on Ireland’s West Coast. With this fleeting trip, I was able to extinguish the intensifying need to get out the door and satisfy an urge to strike out solo.
And even though I knew my time in the city was short, the list of things I wanted to do was very long.
I was looking to log out of the digital world, sleep in a funky-looking hostel and take so many photos that my fingers go numb. I was on a mission to find human interactions, beautiful imperfections, and encouraging spirits. And I wanted intellectual adventure too!
Although the cold weather didn’t provide the ideal setting to make the most of being outdoors, I loved wandering aimlessly through the maze of Oldtown streets. Despite the cold December chill, armed with unwavering optimism, I was more than determined to see the beauty and wonder of Edinburgh.
Upon arrival, I was delighted to find Edinburgh as stylish and as unaltered as I remembered – full of life, architectural wonders and an extra dose of magic. Decked in her Christmas finery, Edinburgh actually gave me so much more!
Thank you, Scotland. You have beautiful mountains and rich historical background and warm people that complete my journey.
12 Amazing things you have to see and do in beautiful Edinburgh
Anyone that spends a little time in Edinburgh will soon enough realise there are many sides to this beautiful city! To find out if there’s a beginning of mutual love, book your flight, set up a home for a few days in Old Town or Grassmarket and come see for yourself.
If you had a chance to undergo a standard travel route proposed by guidebooks that include castles and churches and feel the urge to seek out streets and scenes without a fame tag affixed to them, then here’s my pick of the best quirky places – equally worthy of your time and attention – to see in the city.
Having lived in Edinburgh for a couple of years and with more than a dozen return trips under my belt, I feel confident in providing a slight modification to the course of your trail.
“There’s no leaving Edinburgh, No shifting it around: it stays with you, always.” – Alan Bold
#1. Walk the Scotsman Steps
If you are looking for a useful and a state of art shortcut between the old town’s Market Street and the central railway station, then look no further than the beautifully restored Scotsman Steps, originally built between 1899 and 1902 as part of the Scotsman building.
Before you rush through the staircase, pause for a moment to notice soft hues underneath your feet, created by Scottish artist Martin Creed with 109 different types of marble from various parts of the world.
The Scotsman Steps – also known as The Market Street Steps – can be slippery if it’s been raining, and can be challenging for someone with knee problems but hidden out of the way, it’s a unique way to go up and down.
- Getting there: There’s an entrance right beside the Scotsman Hotel on North Bridge.
#2. Explore Edinburgh’s underground town
Just below the Royal Mile, a network of once-abandoned houses and narrow alleyways known as The Real Mary King’s Close has been standing ever since the 17th century. In a company of costumed guides, even if ghost stories make you jump, you can go deep down into the lost streets.
The tour is very informative and suitable for all ages and you get to relive the history. With the help of knowledgeable guides and stories they tell, you’ll be introduced to the city’s past, and you’ll be fascinated by how people lived, worked and survived through that era.
No pictures are allowed on this tour but don’t let that diminish the amplitude of the overall experience as you grasp a deeper understanding of living conditions in the underground labyrinths.
- Admission: Adult £15.95, Senior (60+) £13.95, Students £13.95, Kids (5-15) £9.75. For more detailed info click here.
- Booking Office Address: The Real Mary King’s Close, High Street, 2 Warriston’s Close, Edinburgh, EH1 1PG.
#3. Try a wee dram, and sample neeps and tatties.
One of the best introductions to Edinburgh and thus Scotland is through food and drink that’s sampled in an old man’s pub shutting out the noise of the outside world.
If you are a whisky lover and drinker then sampling a drop or two from one of Scotland’s 100 distilleries and finding out how it’s made could be a highlight of your visit to Edinburgh.
Book an Introduction to a Whisky tasting session with multi-award-winning Whisky Rooms for a fun and informative tour.
But don’t let the most revered of Scottish exports overshadow its unique cuisine because the Scottish food scene is made up of deep-fried Mars bars, crabs from Aberdeenshire, heart-warming pies, Haggis and mussels from the Shetland Isles.
And if that doesn’t make you realise the true validity of sensory overload, there are also haggis bon-bons, cardamom buns, smoked salmon, Aberdeen-Angus steak and Barra snails all willing to cater for even the pickiest of foodies.
You can also try the following:
- Haggis | A delicious sheep pudding made with oatmeal, onion, suede and different spices is the national dish of Scotland. Haggis is often served with neeps and tatties, which are mashed turnips and potatoes
- Shortbread | A traditional and delicious Scottish biscuit made with a straightforward recipe using two parts butter, one part sugar and three parts oat flour.
- Sticky toffee pudding | A British dessert commonly enjoyed in Scotland too, consisting of a moist sponge cake drenched with toffee sauce and served with ice cream or vanilla custard.
- Rumbledethumps | A traditional Scottish dish and perfect comfort food made with potatoes, cabbage and onion.
- Oatcakes | Made from oats, these healthy and straightforward oatcakes have long been considered Scottish national bread. From chewy to hard, from very rough to very fine, oatcakes are perfect as a snack or accompaniment to cheese.
*Our Crossings Tip: If whisky isn’t your drink, you’ll find great gin distilleries too. Check out Edinburgh Gin and Pickerings for tasting tours.
#4. See the Craigentinny Marbles
To the north of Edinburgh, located in a housing estate sits a 30 ft ornate grave of William Henry Miller who was a renowned collector of books. Designed by David Rhind in the style of a tomb on the Appian Way in Rome, Craigentinyny Marbles have two stone carvings on either side depicting scenes from a bible.
Back in 1856 when The Miller Mausoleum was completed, it stood in an open field but nowadays it is surrounded by houses.
- Getting there: Craigentinny Marbles officially known as the William Henry Miller Mausoleum is located between the port of Leith and Portabello and its exact address is 3C Craigentinny Crescent, Edinburgh EH7 6QA.
#5. Find John Knox House
Venture down the Royal Mile past all the shops selling touristy knickknacks where one of the few remaining medieval buildings dating back to the 15th century is located.
Do you know how many times I actually walked past it while living in Edinburgh without paying much attention to it and how little did I know about the political and religious upheavals of Edinburgh?
Visiting John Knox House is a great way to spend an hour or so, and I was delighted to find the Scottish Storytelling Centre connected to it. There’s an entrance fee to access living quarters upstairs, and I enjoyed a self-guided tour with well-written information and interesting facts about the house itself.
- Getting there: To find John Knox House make your way to the Scottish Storytelling Centre situated at 43-45 High Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1SR.
- Opening Hours: Monday – Saturday: 10am-6pm, Sundays: 10am – 6pm (July & August only). Admission: Adults £6 (£5 Conc), Children (over 7) £1, Children (under 7) Free.
#6. Visit Dean Village
Thanks to a bitterly cold winter morning, I could see my breaths with each exhale, yet I was determined to make my way to Dean Village and spend some time at Well Court and its architectural playground. Despite living in Edinburgh for three years, this was my first time exploring this part of the city.
My first view of the Dean Village (dene meaning “deep valley” in Scots) was from a bridge crossing the Water of Leith and looking up at the gloomy winter sky and hoping for some textures I was delighted to make it here finally.
I slowly walked around to the tempo of my excited heartbeats and tried to imagine what it was like to actually live here. I loved the tranquillity and greenness of the place, and I was amazed by the rustic architecture.
If you are lucky you’ll be able also to see herons and kingfishers, so next time you are in Edinburgh, make sure you visit Dean Village.
- Tip: From Dean Village, follow on Water of Leith, and you’ll find an ancient viaduct, a temple and an old millstone.
#7. Find Armchair Books
Rewarded the world’s first UNESCO City of Literature award, Edinburgh is a book lovers’ paradise with an incredible array of bookshops, live events and literature tours. Armchair Books where the walls are covered with classics, Scottish authors, graphic novels, antiques, and modern books is an absolute must for all book lovers.
- Getting there: Armchair Books is situated in an ancient building and located in Edinburgh West Port, and its address is 72-74 West Port, Edinburgh EH1 2LE, UK.
- Opening Hours: Monday – Sunday 10am – 18.30pm, For more detailed info, click here.
#8. Step back in time and visit Lauriston Castle
Are you looking for a place that will restore your soul and recharge your body? If you are visiting Edinburgh and brainstorming new places to go then Lauriston Castle, situated between Davidson’s Mains and Cramond is perfect for stunning views across the Firth of Forth and for a relaxing atmosphere.
The grounds are free to explore and need some TLC; nevertheless, I enjoyed the walk around the beautiful gardens and views out to Cramond Island.
- Getting There: You can take buses to Davidson’s Mains (21, 41 & 42), or Silverknowes Terminus (16, 27, 29 & 37); both are around 10 minute walk from Lauriston Castle. The address: 2 Cramond Rd S, Edinburgh EH4 6AD, UK.
- Opening Hours: Monday to Sunday 7.30am – 5 pm, Admission: Castle Admission Adult £8 Concessions £6 Under 5 free, For more detailed info, click here.
#9. See Greyfriars Bobby Memorial Statue
While there’s nothing special or unique about the statue itself the story behind it’s well-known throughout Scotland, and it warmed my heart. Greyfriars Bobby was a Skye Terrier who spent 14 years guarding his owner’s grave.
A faithful companion of a gardener John Gray is buried in a nearby cemetery, and a headstone on his grave reads: “Greyfriars Bobby – died 14th January 1872 – aged 16 years – Let his loyalty and devotion be a lesson to us all.”
True or not, the story has amazed me ever since we lived in Edinburgh, and I felt that a visit to Bobby’s statue was a worthwhile addition.
- Getting there: 1 Greyfriars, Edinburgh EH1 2QQ, UK.
#10. Go on a Trainspotting tour
Number 2 Wellington Place in Leith is where Edinburgh’s most provocative writer Irvine Welsh wrote his debut novel Trainspotting in a top-floor apartment. If you are a fan of the book, a movie or both, you can go on an organised tour with Tim Bell, or you can try to find the house yourself.
There’s no plaque on the wall outside to confirm that an acclaimed writer lived there, but a knowledgeable guide can take you from the site of old Leith Station to a pub where Begbie read Spuds’ writings to many more filming locations.
Phenomenally successful Trainspotting was first published in 1993, and the classic movie followed a few years later. On the list of greatest British films, Trainspotting was ranked 10th best by the British Film Institute.
#11. Have fun at Camera Obscura and World of Illusions Edinburgh
What makes the Camera Obscura an utterly unique place to visit? It is said that Camera Obscura & World of illusion, opened in 1853, which makes it the oldest tourist attraction in the city.
Located just down the road from Edinburgh Castle, Camera Obscura with its 10 different interactive exhibits spread out over five floors is an excellent way to occupy anyone entertained for a few hours. Be prepared for a myriad of illusions and be prepared for great fun and entertainment.
Upon entering, I had my hand stamped and was able to return up until 9pm the same day. If you plan on visiting, then for a genuinely incredible vantage point and for great photo opportunities head for the roof, from where you’ll see Edinburgh and The First of Fourth.
- Getting there: Camera Obscura is situated at the very top of Royal Mile, and its address is Castlehill, The Royal Mile, Edinburgh EH1 2ND. Admission: Ault £16, Student £14, Senior £14, Child (5-15) £12. For more detailed info click here.
#12. Climb on St. Giles’ Cathedrals roof
The winter sun was gleaming through the stained glass windows as I walked around the stunning St. Giles’ Cathedral built in the 14th century. St. Giles’ Cathedral has a vital role in city cultural life as it hosts a wide variety of lectures, exhibitions, and concerts and if you want to take a photo within a building, there’s a £2 charge.
If you are wondering what is so special about this particular place as Scotland is full of beautiful churches and cathedrals, and what I loved most about St. Giles Cathedral, also known as the High Kirk of Edinburgh – they offer guided rooftop tours.
The ticket cost £6 per person, and all the bookings are taken on the day. Keep in mind that Rooftop tours currently take place on Saturday from 10.30am – 4pm and on Sunday from 1.30pm – 4pm.
- Getting there: St Giles’ Cathedral is located on Royal Mile, and its address is High St, Edinburgh EH1 1RE, UK.
- Admission: Rooftop Tours Adult £6, for more detailed information, click here.
- Summer Opening Hours (May – September)
Monday – Friday 9am – 7pm
Saturday 9am – 5pm
Sunday 1pm – 17pm - Winter Opening Hours (October – April)
Monday – Saturday 9am – 5pm
Sunday 13.00-17.00
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Now, over to you!
Have you been to Edinburgh? Let us know in the comments!
Let us know if you are plotting a visit to Edinburgh and have travel-related questions!
OUR CROSSINGS 
Wow! You are perfectly right… Edinburgh is a sight to behold 🤩
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Edinburgh is one of the Europes most beautiful cities – you can trace the Scottish capital’s intriguingly nefarious history through the architecture, eat all the butter cookies and explore Edinburgh castle. Thanks for reading and have a good day. Aiva xxx
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We will be heading over to Scotland in July to meet up with my sister. I don’t know the details as of yet but I will definitely have your post at the ready! I am looking forward to seeing some of these sights in person!!!
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Edinburgh isn’t short of stellar attractions, and you would love to explore it. Make sure you delve into Scotland’s story at the National Museum and taste a dram at the Scotch Whisky Experience. Thanks so much for stopping by, I look forward to reading all about your trip to Edinburgh. Aiva
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I love Edinburgh! So much little shops and streets to explore, some really good places there that I will look out for next time I go! Thanks!
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I love Edinburgh too! Edinburgh is easily one of the most beautiful cities in Europe. With its gorgeous castle keeping guard over the Royal Mile, and the cobbled roads lining the Old Town, you’ll be captivated immediately. Thanks for reading and have a good day. Aiva
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Brilliant! I loved this – I haven’t got to writing the Edinburgh bit our tour yet but this brought it all back 🙂 I have a much-worn scarf from the cashmere shop and we stayed in an historic flat opposite the Boy Wizard shop 🙂 Thank you for brightening up a very rainy Monday morning x
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Thank you! I love Edinburgh and its history and quirkiness. Edinburgh is drenched in history, and apparently, there are over 5000 nationally protected buildings within the city. Imagine that! I have little bits and pieces I’ve brought home from my travels around Scotland and are always delighted to wear them. I hope you are going to write about Edinburgh soon; I look forward to reading it. Thanks for stopping by and have a good day. Aiva
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We love Edinburgh. It is the city of my forefathers and we have been there several times. The last time was 2008 with our grown boys. We climbed Arthur’s Seat on a beautiful day and it was a great hike and view. Thanks for sharing. Allan
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We love Edinburgh too! Most capital cities have a unique green space somewhere near its centre yet in Edinburgh in addition to parks you get an option to hike up Arthur’s Seat, which is an exciting volcano! How amazing is that? Thanks for reading, Allan. Can’t wait to take Ericeira to Scotland one day, she’s nearly four years old now and is fascinated by Scottish wild cats, Lochness Monster and hairy cows! Have a good day. Aiva
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I tell ye Aiva, you are a gifted writer and this is definitely your genre, travel writing! Your photographs are amazing! What a beautiful city! My good friends will be travelling there for the Fringe Festival this summer and I will certainly give them your post to read so they can prepare. Great post and thank you!
Have a lovely week,
Francisco
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Thanks so much, Francisco, what a lovely thing to say! Just like your paintings and drawings, my writing is down to the discipline of reading plenty of books, learning new words and typing away on my computer, even if I don’t feel like it.
I am so excited for your friends! They are in for a treat because, during the Fringe Festival, Edinburgh explodes and provides one of a kind entertainment and amazing display of fireworks at the end of the festival. Thanks for stopping by, my friend and have a good day. Aiva
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It is always a pleasure my friend, all the best to you Aiva, have a lovely week!
F.
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Great post! This is a great reference to keep for when we go that way! Lori
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Thanks so much! For a city of its size, Edinburgh has plenty of nooks and crannies to explore. While most of the visitors arrive for a long weekend, you could easily spend couple of weeks exploring it, without getting bored. Thanks for reading and have a good day. Aiva
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If I’m awake at 4am, that means I haven’t slept and am not going to sleep. Which means I get out in Leith very early and my day is very good as a result of that. I love Edinburgh, but I love Leith just a little bit more.
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I love Leith too. It’s where I used to live for three years and loved every minute of it. I’m pretty sure the apartment building was called Sheriff Bank, it was sitting right next to the river. Would love to go back now to see what has changed and what hasn’t. In my case, ever since I became a mother three years ago, being awake at 4am or any other crazy hour, is nothing new to me! Thanks for stopping by and have a good day 😀 Aiva
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I’m moving to the Highlands soon, but I’ll never stop loving Leith. Not for all the concrete buildings that they keep building, ffs, as if there’s not enough. I like the Water of Leith, its path, the cycle routes. And all the places in so-called junkie street. Where you won’t find the man of your dreams but you’ll find the men not of your dreams, in all their raw reality. And it’s really fucking humbling. Frankie Boyle says there’s two Edinburghs, but he never mentioned Leith, so he’s an ignorant arsehole.
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Yes, finally someone who sees past the rough edges of Leith! A lot of my friends thought I was crazy living right next door to the council house, but when I moved to North Fort street, they thought I was mad! But I never really had any troubles with anything or anyone. Yes, I was attacked once by teenage girls looking for smokes, but I got away with just a few scratches. Nevertheless, I loved and still do every quiet corner and The Water of Leith Walkway too! Leith isn’t for anyone, that’s for sure. I’ve met lots of people who complain about the lack of stores they can browse and about how busy the restaurants are! Best of luck with your move to the Highlands!
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Leith is such a huge area that it is for everyone and, if you’re not into, then you’d best find yourself a wee box to hide in. Leith is not the girls who’ll mug you. Leith is a place where, if you are mugged, you can call the police. Because that behaviour doesn’t represent the best of us, and you really should call it in. If you don’t, it will keep happening to you, until you do.
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If you are not a whisky lover (as me) there is a drink called Bruadar – a whisky liquor that will make you very happy
Other place you have to visit for dinner is called Wings…and the speciality is ….chicken wings..they have a huge menu…we have been there twice…if you want take a look at my website I actually mention this place ….great post!
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Hi, and thanks so much! Edinburgh’s food scene is fantastic! Lots of people still associate Edinburgh with haggis, whisky, deep-fried anything and sparkling orange soda drinks. Edinburgh has been transformed into culinary capital with numerous independent restaurants and new coffee houses to please even the fussiest eater and drinkers.
As a vegetarian and someone who doesn’t drink, I prefer to seek out cosy corner cafes and good brunch spots, but thanks for your suggestions! Thanks for stopping by and have a good day. Aiva
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Many times, though never for the Tattoo 🙂 🙂 It’s a beautiful city. Last time I walked the Waters of Leith. I was lucky with the weather.
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Edinburgh is a lovely city, and even thou I made the most of my time in the Scottish Capital, I never got to see the Tattoo. I loved Hogmanay; it’s certainly something everyone should experience too! Thanks for stopping by and have a good day. Aiva
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Long live neeps and tatties 🙂 🙂
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What a great list of not-so-common spots. I have spent such a tiny amount of time in Edinburgh. I really must get back there. The picture of the bookshop reminded me a bit of Shakespeare & Co. in Paris.
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Edinburgh book shops are one of the reasons why I go back so often and why I travel to certain places. We travelled to Paris to see the charming Shakespeare & Co and to Porto to browse the shelves of Livraria Lello. Edinburgh is an amazing city to experience its Scottish culture and to discover its hidden gems. Thanks for stopping by and have a lovely day. Aiva
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Great post!! Looks like a beautiful city!
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Thank you! Edinburgh is a beautiful city. The Scottish capital packs a severe number of tourist magnets into its city centre, and there’s even more beyond it. I hope you get to visit one day! Thanks for stopping by and have a good day. Aiva
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Oh my goodness! That bookstore! I’m headed to Edinburgh in a little over a year- I’m going to save your post to check out right before I go! 🙂
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Yes, that bookstore alone is worth a trip to Edinburgh. You’ll find many independent bookstores scattered around the city; you better make sure there’s enough extra space in your luggage to bring back lots of new reading material. Thanks for stopping by and have a good day. Aiva
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I haven’t been dang it! But blog posts keep presenting themselves to me – so now I feel the universe is pushing me into a visit! I will bookmark this post as well – nice write-up :-). Glad you got away for some solo time!
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Thank you, Pam! I’ve been obsessed with Edinburgh for quite some time and was expecting my amazement to wear off at this stage, but it hasn’t! I have to say that it’s fun to discover a city that’s so vibrant and culturally rich, and tI can’t wait to take our little one there one day! Thanks for stopping by and have a good day. Aiva
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Wow! I haven’t been to Edinburgh yet, but really hope to visit one day. It reminds me so much of scenes from Harry Potter movies… Thanks for sharing that, will definitely come back to it when I decide to go there.
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There’s an overwhelming sense of history in the old part of the city of Edinburgh, and there’s a special feeling in Edinburgh that makes you fall in love instantly. Once you set your foot on the Royal Mile and visit Mary King’s Close, Parliament buildings and little alleyways, you’ll know why. Thanks for stopping by, Janja and have a good day
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I would love to visit Edinburgh one day. Looks like such a lovely place that is incredibly scenic and has a rich history.
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We find cities to be overcrowded, loud, polluted, and stressful But Edinburgh was none of those things! It has friendly people, walkability, proximity to the mountains and ocean, gorgeous architecture, fantastic access to the arts and culture, and quiet residential neighbourhoods. Edinburgh is all about the balance! There are enough green spaces if you want to relax, plenty of hiking options and not to mention medieval buildings! Thanks for stopping by and have a good day. Aiva
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This reminds me so much of my trip to Edinburgh! It was very short so I focused on the most “famous” parts but it definitely made me want to go back, even more after reading your post!
I absolutely loved the Camera Obscura which was super fun, and I visited the underground town during a verry misty night – an experience I will not forget! Thanks for sharing, I hope I’ll go back to do more 😊
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Edinburgh is a fantastic city; even its New Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Underground and ghost tours are so nerve-wracking, When I lived in Edinburgh, the shortest way to my house from the city centre was through a graveyard, so I never really needed to go on a tour! Back then, I didn’t even think twice about it, but now I would use the long way home! Thanks for stopping by, Juliette and have a good day. Aiva
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Wow that sounds so scary! I guess I would use the long way too haha! Thank you for your kind words and have a good weekend 😊
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Wonderful guide to my home city, you really experienced some amazing things to do in the city.
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Thanks so much! You are so fortunate to live in such a beautiful city! Edinburgh is an effortlessly cohesive reflection of Scotland’s breathtaking rural landscape, flaunting cultural vibrancy, historic charm, and scenic wonder. Can’t wait to go back one day. Thanks for stopping by and have a good day. Aiva
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Another great post Aiva! I did visit Edinburgh a very long time ago (before I met Andrej). And as I can see, I did miss many off the beaten path places! Planning to revisit stunning Edinburgh with Andrej and we will definitely explore Edinburgh`s underground town. Thank you very much for a great tip! Safe travels, Martina.
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Edinburgh is magical and given the number of attractions to visit in the city; you would need at least a week. There are 35 museums. more than ten castles nearby Edinburgh and an endless amount of tourist attractions! I hope you get to revisit again. Despite the rainy weather, Edinburgh is a sight to behold. Have a hood day, Martina. I hope all is well. We are patiently waiting for springtime to arrive, it’s still bitterly cold in Ireland. Aiva xxx
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I stumbled upon Armchair Books by accident some years ago: it is very nice and very full! There are many good bookstores in Edinburgh.
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Armchair Books is my happy place in Edinburgh. Delicate and quiet.. way from the bustle of the rest of Edinburgh. I would highly recommend it for any other book lover out there! Thanks for stopping by and have a good day. Aiva
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Thanks for the tips. I found several appealing ideas to tuck away for future reference. I loved my time on the roof of Milan’s cathedral, so St. Giles is on my list, along with the underground town, Scotsman steps and Armchair Books. Looks like a great walking city, with lots to discover wherever you choose to wander.
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Thank you for reading! You would love Edinburgh, and it’s tourist attractions. Keep in mind that many of the city’s most popular attractions require more time than you’ll realise and there’s already more than enough to do, especially during festival season. Plus, if you haven’t ventured into Scotland’s awe-inspiring countryside before, you should consider at least one day trip out of the city too! Have a good day. Aiva
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These are all such fun activities!! I can’t wait to visit Edinburgh this fall while studying abroad. The illusion museum sounds especially cool, as does the rooftop tour of the Cathedral. Thanks for the tips!
Miles of smiles,
Grace
gracefulrags.com
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Hi, Grace and thanks for stopping by! There are many reasons why anyone should visit Edinburgh, and its festivals and bookstores are just a few of them. Can’t wait to read all about your adventures abroad, you must be super excited! Thanks for reading and have a good day. Aiva
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We visited Edinburgh in the 80s and just loved the Royal Tattoo in August, among other things off-off theatre and the San Francisco Ballet. It is worth the trip!
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Just walking around Edinburgh and seeing everything in person gives me goosebumps. I can only imagine what it’s like to experience the Royal Tattoo in August; it is still on my travel wish list among driving the North 500 and revisiting the Isle of Sky. Thanks for stopping by and have a good day. Aiva
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This post is great because I am literally going to Edinburgh in two weeks! Great info like always 🙂
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How exciting! Enjoy your time in Scottish capital; it’s a fantastic place to explore. We had plans to travel to Scotland in May, but now we are not too sure what to do. Although there’s no coronavirus in Scotland yet and the airports are fully operating, we gonna wait for a while, before booking anything!
I look forward to reading all about your time in Edinburgh. Thanks for stopping bu and have a good day. Aiva
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Great post and ideas….
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Thanks so much. Edinburgh is wonderfully amazing at any time of the year. I can’t wait to return one day to see more of it. Have a good day, and stay safe. Aiva
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I feel nostalgic after reading this article. Edinburgh is love 🙂
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Same here! I love Edinburgh! Every time I stumble upon an article about Edinburgh it makes me feel nostalgic. We had plans to return this year, but with everything that’s going on the world right now, had to cancel our plans. Hopefully, next year. Thanks for stopping by and have a good day. Aiva
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Beautiful adventure. We were here for 2 days last Summer but looks like we missed a lot. Hope I can go back when it’s safer to travel. Thanks for sharing your getaways , it’s like being there as well. Have a fun weekend.
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Thank you very much! I love Edinburgh and can’t wait to go back one day for more. I hope you had a great time exploring Scotland’s capital, it’s one of the most fascinating cities in Europe. Thanks for stopping by and have a good day. I hope all is well. Reading about Californias wildfires makes me sick to my stomach: they are mind-bogglingly huge! Stay safe Aiva
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We are heading to Edinburgh in a few weeks after our overseas adventures were cancelled. This has helped us plan our trip – thanks Aiva and have a lovely weekend 🙂
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Thanks so much and sorry for the late reply. Just found your comment buried in a spam section. Did you end up going to Edinburgh? Our trip was cancelled due to the pandemic crisis, but luckily we live only a short plane ride away. Can’t wait to go back one day as Edinburgh has a range of wonderful art galleries of all sizes and specialities for those rainy days and plenty of outdoor spaces when the sun is shining. Cheers and have a good day. Aiva 🙂 xxx
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