11 X Can't-Miss Things To See And Do In Beautiful Edinburgh Including First-Time Travel Tips
Edinburgh, Scotland’s capital is perfect for a short city break or a weekend getaway. Edinburgh is one of the most beautiful cities in the UK, attracting millions of tourists every year. Apart from J.K Rowling writing most of the Harry Potter books here, it is medievally filled with charm and character on every corner.
The old part of the city is filled with history, beautiful architecture, and ancient sites to visit. Edinburgh also has a new chic and elegant side to it, making it a fun and well-rounded destination to travel to. Both the old and new towns are UNESCO World Heritage sites.
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The city center of Edinburgh
Practical Travel Tips for First-time Travelers to Edinburgh
The best time to visit Edinburgh: Prepare well for the weather! It is cold, and the summer season is not a guarantee for warm temperatures. The average temperature during summer is only around 22 degrees Celsius…The best time to visit In my experience is from May through to August. This is the time of year when you are most likely to have good weather & comfortable temps.
PRO TIPS ~ Pack to dress in layers. Make sure to bring with you a waterproof jacket and good walking shoes.Edinburgh has attractions, museums, and tours that you can do for FREE! I highly recommend you check out what is on offer when you plan out your visit to Edinburgh.
Examples of free things you can do in Edinburgh
Museums that offer free entry ~ Museum of Edinburgh, the Scottish National Portrait Gallery, and the National Gallery of Scotland.
You can take free walking tours with local guides. More free activities to do for free HEREI like to stay at the heart of the cities I visit. For me, it is a big plus when I can step out of my hotel and have everything within walking distance. Staying at the city center means I don't waste time getting places, I can start exploring without needing transportation to get me where I want to go.
Experiencing a new city on foot is the best way to get a true feel of the city and its inhabitants.
Plan outdoor adventures while you are visiting Edinburgh. It is easy to book a tour to step out of the city into the spectacular highlands, visit a nature park where you can hike, and explore the Lochs area.
Book your activities in advance. This is not only to avoid long ticket lines and save time but also to ensure you get the best deal available.
Where to stay in Edinburgh
Hotel recommendations in the city center of Edinburgh
Wilde Aparthotels by Staycity Edinburgh Grassmarket
Radisson Blu Hotel, Edinburgh City Centre
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What Should You Not Miss Out On In Edinburgh
Exploring Edinburgh’s Old Town is a wonderful place to start. In general, Edinburgh is a small city, so it’s very easy to find your way around.
Start at the top by visiting Edinburgh Castle, probably the most famous site in the city. Dating back to the 16th century, this castle is a historic site. It stands on Castle Rock overlooking the city, offering beautiful panoramic views. The castle has both militaries as well as royal importance.
Walk the Royal Mile ~ It doesn't get more iconic than this street! This beautiful stretch connects the Castle with the Holyroodhouse Palace. When going downtown from here wander the alleys and cozy cobbled streets. It is a great place to have a taste of local whiskey and experience other local goods sold here. Some of the most interesting museums in Edinburgh are located along the Royal Mile.
Pop into the palace which is the official residence of the British monarch in Scotland, it is stunning!A fun activity to try on for size is going on the Ghost And History Tour. The tour takes about an hour and a half. During this tour, you will be introduced to the underground city of Edinburgh made of 17th-century tunnels still intact underneath the city. The many stories told bring it all to life while going down under.
Inside of Edinburgh Castle
3. For whiskey lovers, Edinburgh is the right place to be! From cozy whiskey bars to whiskey tours to whiskey rooms at the heart of the old city where you have the chance to sample different whiskeys in classic surroundings. Did you know that the Scottish Gaelic word for whiskey IS Uisge Beatha which means the water of life? That sounds about right I say.
4. Shopping! There are many lovely stores to explore. My favorite is Harvey Nichols. You can choose from high-end designer stores such as House of Fraser to a range of high street department stores such as John Lewis, Marks & Spencer, and Debenhams. There are also small more niche boutiques.
PRO TIP ~ Princess Street & George Street is where you start.
5. The Dome Hotel is an institution in Edinburgh, most famous for its Christmas decorations. This iconic hotel is lush and gorgeous. Corinthian columns, marble bars, and palms; fine dining, light lunches, and delicious and traditional High-Teas are possible here. Reservations are a must!
6. Visit the Royal Botanical Garden ~ Definite Flower Power to be found here!
7. Have a beautiful picnic in the park at the heart of the city.
8. Climb up Arthur's Seat ~ This ancient volcano according to legend, is named after King Arthur claiming this is the very site of the mythical Camelot. It is the perfect combination of hiking and sightseeing. The climb will take you about two hours and the views from the top will be worth it.
9. Visit the famous Kirkyard located at the southern edge of the Old Town. Burials have been taking place here since the late 16th century, and include famous Edinburgh residents.
10. Take a step back in history and visit Dean Village ~ Hiding in plain sight, this gem is interesting offering a glimpse of how things used to be. The Dean Bridge can be found when following the Water of Leith.
11. Portobello Beach located just outside the city center can be a unique experience as we don't normally pair Edinburgh with a day out on the beach. It is a vibrant stretch of beach where you can get sunkissed and even go out for a swim. Be warned it will be a cold one!
Music on the streets of Edinburgh
MORE CITY GUIDES FOR YOU TO CLAIM
There are day trips you can take from Edinburgh which are wonderful!
My absolute favorite is visiting Rosslyn Chapel and the lovely village of Rosslyn. “When I decided to write The Da Vinci Code, I knew that its finale would have to take place at the most mysterious and magical chapel on earth — Rosslyn.” ~ Dan Brown.
This beautiful chapel was founded in 1446 as a place of worship where services continue to be held to this day. The profile of the Rosslyn Chapel greatly increased after the publication of Dan Brown’s novel in 2003 and the subsequent film and for very good reason!
Another fun day’s activity is to go up to the Highlands. It’s also where many films were shot such as ‘ The Highlander’ & ‘Harry Potter’.
Explore the area most famous for the monster mystery Loch Ness. Does Nessi exist? Hmmm, Look into the phenomenon of the enormous creature that is believed to live in these waters, who knows, you might be the one to solve the mystery!
BONUS TIPS!
If you are a Harry Potter fan then this trip in J.K Rowling and Harry’s footsteps is a must!
If you are traveling during December, you’ll find big Christmas markets and a funfair at the heart of the city to enjoy filled with holiday cheer.
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See you on the next trail!
With love,
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