A Day In Edinburgh
Edinburgh is truly one of my favorite cities I have been to! I’ve been twice now, including one solo trip during my study abroad, and it is one of the few places I would go back to over and over again. The people are so kind and welcoming, it feels very safe and the scenery is gorgeous. I even considered doing a second study abroad for a semester in Edinburgh!
Here are some of my favorite things to do in the city!
Visit Edinburgh Castle
It’s not a trip to Edinburgh without visiting the most famous castle in the city! Perched on top of Castle Rock, there has been a castle here dating all the way back to the 11th century. Tickets are fairly cheap at about $25 each and you can go explore and wander around the grounds, as well as inside some parts. You can also do a guided tour (we did this my first visit) if you are interested in learning about all the historical details. Edinburgh castle offers some of the best views in the city!
Hike Arthur’s Seat
The Arthur’s Seat hike is located in Holyrood Park, and can be challenging due to the rocky and steep path, however super worth it. The hike leads you to the summit of an old volcano and offers panoramic views of the city, ocean, and scenery around. Depending on how fast you hike, it typically takes 1-2 hours, so definitely dedicate one morning to Arthur’s Seat to see some incredible views!
The Royal Botanic Gardens
This honestly was my favorite thing I did on my most recent trip to Edinburgh! I met the sweetest local lady walking there with 2 cute dogs and she talked to me the entire way there, showed me where she lived in case I needed anything, since she knew I was traveling alone, and was just a prime example of how kind and welcoming the locals are! The Royal Botanic Gardens is the second oldest botanical garden in the UK and is made up of over 3 million different plant species. You could (and I did) spend hours here walking around and exploring all the beautiful plants and flowers. The gardens are so peaceful and quiet and are a great place to sit and relax.
Walk Along the Royal Mile
The Royal Mile is the street that goes through the center of old town Edinburgh. It connects the Castle and the palace of Holyrood House. Along the way there are shops, churches and cathedrals, restaurants and more! They do guided walking tours (including Harry Potter ones if you’re into that) and it’s a great way to pick up some souvenirs while exploring Old Town.
