16 BEAUTIFUL PLACES TO VISIT IN EDINBURGH
Ah Edinburgh! the smaller (and arguably more charming) northern cousin to London is always a pleasure to visit. In fact the very first time we set foot in this beautiful city we considered moving there (alas, the world conspired not to make it so), but there will always be a special place in our hearts for the Scottish capital.
If you like London, we’re sure you will love Edinburgh! We find it to be a much more laid back, approachable and friendly town. It still has the iconic black cabs, double decker buses and occasional red telephone boxes but with far less of a ‘big city’ rush about it. The centre is walkable (but public transport links are excellent), filled with stunning architecture and brimming with history. Plus you can now zoom between King’s Cross and Waverley Stations in just over 4hours! What’s not to love.
While on a weekend trip for a friend’s wedding this month we compiled a list of our top 16 favourite spots, and have shared them below (they also just happen to all be free to visit!). In no particular order:
1. Circus Lane Mews - It’s Insta-famous for a reason. This photogenic curved stretch of houses and businesses looks like its straight out of a movie
2. National Portrait Gallery - The first room you see when you enter the gallery is stunning from floor to celestial ceiling, and that’s before you even get to the art.
3. Calton Hill - Most “Must-See in Edinburgh” Lists would probably feature Arthurs Seat here, but while Arthur may have the highest viewpoint in the city, if you aren’t in the mood for a steep hike (or didn’t bring the footwear for such an adventure) Calton Hill is just next door and offers a similar sweeping vista, plus you get a photo of Arthur’s seat too - win win!
4. National Museums of Scotland - The multi-level main hall here is beautiful and the balcony cafe is the perfect spot for a touch of people watching with a side of coffee. Plus there is so much variety in the exhibits the whole family will be entertained. (Don’t miss the roof terrace for some great views.)
5. The Castle - We couldn’t make an Edinburgh list without mentioning the most visited tourist attraction in Scotland. With a history stretching back to the Iron Age (2nd century!) this iconic Scottish Fortress is a must-see for all first timers in the capital.
6. Grassmarket - Sitting just behind The Castle, Grassmarket is a bustling area where old town charm and cafe choices abound. Home to Scotland’s smallest pub and probably our favourite area in Edinburgh, this is where we stayed on our trip.
7. Vennel View Point - Tucked away up a set of steps above the Grassmarket, this spot offers a lovely view of the castle.
8. Victoria Street - Colourful curved shopfronts, cafes and cobblestones, this is surely the best looking street in Edinburgh? Plus it’s rumoured to be one of the inspirations behind Diagon Alley - believable as JK Rowling did pen some of the Harry Potter books in a cafe just around the corner.
9. Princes Street Gardens - Forming a green border between the old and new towns, in Summer you’ll find locals sun-baking on the lush grass. Its the perfect break from busy the busy shopping strip Princes Street. While you’re here don’t miss checking out the newly restored Ross Fountain.
10. The Royal Mile - The busiest spot in the city, this street stretches the Scottish mile* between the castle and Palace of Holyroodhouse. But take our advice and skip the tourist-trap shops, opting instead to explore all the side alleys and courts that split off from the main thorough fare. *A Scottish mile is 1.8km
11. Writers Museum - One of the Architectural gems you’ll find hidden down a side alley on the Royal Mile
12. Stockbridge - In the North of the city centre lies the suburb of Stockbridge. Here you’ll find more of a local feel with some great independent cafes and boutiques, not to mention plenty of gorgeous facades to wander past.
13. Dean Village - A centre for grain milling for over 800 years, Dean Village is now a picturesque oasis in Edinburgh that photographers will be over the moon to wander around. Stroll across Dean Bridge for a birds-eye view.
14. St John the Evangelist Episcopal Church- A beautiful Church in the West End, don’t forget to look up
15. Armchair Books - This is one for the bibliophiles, a veritable treasure trove of books can be found inside this gem of a bookshop.
16. The Royal Botanic Gardens - Last but certainly not least, when you’ve had enough of the pace of city life, escape to the Botanic Gardens for some fresh air and greenery - Make sure you visit the glasshouses too, they cost around £7pp but are filled with interesting plants and displays.
