Where to go in Edinburgh
I want to put out a disclaimer before you read this: we stayed in old town and didn’t really go into the new town area so everything we mention will pretty much be in the old town or main areas of Edinburgh. Next time we visit Edinburgh it will be in the new town area.
Arthurs Seat
Arthurs Seat was the first thing we did when we got to Edinburgh. I have to say I think even though Chris always complains when I want to go on “hikes” we both thoroughly enjoyed this once we were at the top. When I was planning for us to go to Edinburgh, I had never heard of Arthurs Seat and then I found a Pinterest linking to a blog with it and I knew instantly we had to do it.
The route we took was described as the best and it definitely was. Start facing Arthurs Seat and you will see two trail heads. Take the trail to the left to ascend Arthurs Peak. After a few minutes of walking the trail forks and you want to take the left. It becomes a dirt trail to the peak with a gradual climb. I think it took us about 35 minutes to reach the top after I’d finally caught my breath. Once at the top you will have 360* views of the city. Then we headed back down the same way. Please take water at the bare minimum with you as you will want it by the time you reach the top, especially if you go in summer like we did.
Edinburgh Castle
This is obviously a highlight of Edinburgh. It sits upon Castle Rock, the result of a volcano that erupted multiple millennia ago. It was constructed in the early 12th century and was constantly a site of conflict between England and Scotland as the one who held Edinburgh Castle held control over Scotland.
We stayed about a ten-minute walk from the castle so saw it everyday we were there. However, we didn’t go in, it was just too busy, and we were only in Edinburgh for the weekend. I do regret this choice slightly, but we did so many other things I don’t think we would have otherwise, maybe next time.
Camera Obscura
This stop was amazing; we saw the queue for the castle and swapped to come here instead. You go in get your tickets and then head right to the top of the building. There is a demonstration when you get to the top, whilst you wait there are also some viewing platforms to see Edinburgh from. Then you head down the remaining four floors and see so many different illusions. Every floor being different from the last. It was an experience we will always look back on as a highlight of our time in Edinburgh. It was definitly worth the cost and we will definitly do it again.
Dean Village
Dean Village is described as a beauty spot in Edinburgh and it definitely lives up to that. To walk a short loop in Dean Village for the iconic look up the river start at the bridge crossing the Water of Leith, walk down Hawthornbank Lane, cross the metal bridge at the bottom and walk up Damside.
Grassmarket
Grassmarket is filled with independent shops, its simply bursting with some of the best shops Edinburgh has to offer. The restaurants and bistros are always busy and range from modern Scottish to French to Italian dining. There is also a market held regularly here with all sorts of local handmade items and local food.
Also, just up Candlemaker Row is the small, but the bronze sculpture of Greyfriars Bobby. It is a listed Category A structure, the same as Edinburgh Castle! The monument is dedicated to the skye terrier who pined at his owner’s grave for years after his death and is one of the most famous icons of the city.
Victoria Street
Victoria Street is also an iconic spot in Edinburgh, this small street is known for the stunning colours of the buildings. The street is full of independent shops and is just nice to look at. It’s just off Grassmarket.
Edinburgh Zoo
I am fully aware zoos aren’t for everyone but if like me you can appreciate certain zoos then this is one to visit. Edinburgh zoo is a charity zoo, together with support from members and visitors, they protect wildlife in Scotland and around the world. From restoring threatened species to the wild, to providing expertise in genetic management and veterinary health, and protecting wild places with local conservation partners, they are active where they are needed most.
It is set on a hill so does require some quite steep inclines at some points so be prepared if you have kids with you or have mobility issues. There is an array of animals here from otters to giant pandas to king penguins to hippopotamus to Sumatran tigers and so many more! Please visit this zoo if you have time whilst you are in Edinburgh you won’t regret it.
Edinburgh Royal Botanic Gardens
This is about a mile out from the city centre but it’s a quick drive over to it. It’s a total of 70 acres of landscaped gardens from all over the world and is nearly all free to enter.
A highlight is a tour of the Garden's 10 magnificent Glasshouses including the Victorian Temperate Palmhouse and Tropical Palmhouse. With ten different climatic zones, from steamy tropics to arid desert, the Glasshouses are home to over 3,000 exotic plants from around the world. We didn’t do this and took the free option, but this is something I hope to do when we are in Edinburgh again.
Other highlights include the Rock Garden, the Alpine Houses, Woodland Garden, Pond, the Arboretum or tree collection, the Chinese Hillside, the Rhododendron Collection and the Scottish Native Plants Collection in the Heath Garden; all of which are free to stroll around.
