Scotland must be on your list of places to visit if you are traveling to the UK. And you should spend a significant amount of time in Edinburgh, the country’s capital.
This city offers a variety of indoor and outdoor attractions regardless of the weather. To help you organize your trip, I’ve selected a few of my favorites.
Festivals in Edinburgh
Obviously, this must be the top choice when a city is referred to as the Worlds Festival City.
Although there are actually 12 Edinburgh Festivals throughout the year, it shouldn’t be too difficult to schedule your visit to coincide with one of them. I was fortunate to spend this August taking in all that Edinburgh has to offer during the Summer Festivals, including the Book, Art, and Famous Fringe. Of particular interest are the remarkable Royal Tattoo and the unusual Hogmanay celebrations over New Year’s.
The Castle of Edinburgh
Edinburgh Castle, which is accessible to the public (for a price), is unsurprisingly ranked number two on this list. It towers over the city and is stunning from the interior as well as the outside. This unusual fortress, which is actually a collection of smaller structures arranged in a courtyard, still has cannons and intriguing historical tales about the Scottish capital.
Village on Dean Street
The lovely and quiet Dean Village is a wonderful short stroll from the bustle of Edinburgh’s downtown. When I visited, it was pouring heavily—oh, the Scottish weather! Fortunately, though, my buddy Sonja was holding this vibrant picture. It’s a picture-perfect occasion to stroll down the river early in the morning before anybody else is around and see the old houses’ mirror-like reflections in the water.
The Cove of Gilmerton
Gilmerton Cove caverns are a 20-minute bus ride away and easily accessible. Nobody is entirely certain what these were used for, which is why they are such a site of curiosity. The interesting legends and historical tales have all been fabricated, as is the case with most things in Edinburgh, but attempt to visit and figure out what the long bench-like chairs or hollowed-out stone bowls were used for. To confirm if a tour is scheduled, give them a call ahead of time.
The Close of the Real Mary Kings
The Royal Mile, located in the center of Edinburgh, is home to yet another underground delight. Though I anticipated that any tour conducted by a character actress would be awful, the Real Mary Kings Close is history at its finest.
In fact, it wasn’t. It was a really thorough historical lesson about the epidemic, how people lived in the past, and even how sewerage would have been disposed of, in my opinion. The street between the buildings highlights how cramped the living quarters were, and these little apartments, with their low ceilings and even original beams, are full of stories. Going beneath the street with so many people bustling above is a true treat for any history fan, even though the tour could cost you a little.
The Experience of Scotch Whisky
First of all, scheduling this for 10 am isn’t the best option if you haven’t had breakfast.
Having worked in a bar, I was thrilled to see this enormous collection of whiskies and get the opportunity to sample some of the best while also learning about the many manufacturing methods and flavors for which Scotch is renowned. Following an overview of the collection’s costs and background, we were given a comprehensive lesson—complete with a quiz—on how Scotland came to be known for producing whisky. This is one of the things I strongly advise you to incorporate into your calendar, even if you are just in Edinburgh for a weekend.
Arthur’s Seat and the Gardens
The crisp Scottish air is the ideal justification for getting outside, and Edinburgh is a fairly green city. It’s easy to lose yourself in nature here, whether you’re enjoying a picnic at Princes Street Gardens, which also hosts the massive NYE Edinburgh Hogmanay performances, or admiring the green initiatives of the Royal Botanic Gardens. The ideal way to view the sun rise or set is to hike up to Arthur’s Seat, the mountain summit overlooking the city.
The Museums and Galleries
You can’t help but notice the numerous sculptures scattered across Edinburgh, which is a city full with art throughout the year. You are spoiled for choice with so many museums and galleries to choose from.
If the weather cooperates, you should definitely check out the National Museum of Scotland and the Portrait Gallery. Both give free admission, so you would be remiss if you didn’t at least stop by.
Britannia, the Royal Yacht
Leith’s rivers make for a pleasant walk and provide a distinct atmosphere from Edinburgh’s downtown. I visited the region many years ago when it was still considered a “up and coming area,” and the changeover appears to be complete. The Queen Elizabeth yacht, which was retired in 1997 and is being kept at the Port, provides a glimpse into life in the ship’s 1954 service.
The Obscura Camera
Bring your children with you. Take a look here if, like me, you believe you are a child. You will be bewildered, dazzled, and amazed by the many floors of bizarre games, light experiments, and astounding illusions. I have no doubt that this place will keep you entertained, even if you are the group’s grump. The original camera is still on display, and the rooftop provides breathtaking views of Arthurs Street and the city. However, because this isn’t the most affordable activity, you might want to pass on it if money is tight.
Artland, Jupiter
The bus stop on the street appears to have vanished, but if you wave one down when they are seasonally serving the stop, they will pick you up. Otherwise, it’s a 9km drive or a convoluted bus ride out of town. The historic Bonnington mansion is located on Jupiter Artland. In addition, it hosts a number of art sculptures all year long and is one of the venues for the Edinburgh Art Festival in the summer.
Check their website for the most recent hours. The grounds are open from May to October, with limited hours and daily openings during the hottest months.
The city of Linlithgow
You might like to explore the UK’s charming traditional village atmosphere by taking the short rail ride from Edinburgh to Linlithgow. Take a boat out on the Lake of Swans and immerse yourself in rural life, complete with stone streets, vibrant hanging baskets, and an old-world feel.
Located on the hill by the lake, Linlithgow Palace (sometimes mistaken for a castle) provides some excellent viewpoints and photographic opportunities from its turrets.
Glasgow
I had a job contract in Glasgow a few years ago, and I was prepared to move there. This city is vibrant, grungy, and full of unique people. Although it could take some time to get used to the accent, you should definitely make the diversion to this second city since it has a growing art scene, a fantastic nightlife, and an atmosphere that I can’t quite put my finger on.
Islands of Orkney
A visit to these charming and historic islands is a must if you have a few days free on either side of your trip to Edinburgh. This archipelago off the east coast of Scotland is one of the greatest locations for adventure vacations in the UK, with its tall sandstone cliffs and seal populations. The array of Neolithic sites is sure to keep history aficionados occupied for days. Although visiting the Orkney Islands is still on my bucket list, you can gain some travel ideas by reading this comprehensive book.
Stirling
Although I haven’t yet made it to Stirling, I’m confident that I will in the near future. This ancient town in central Scotland, replete with a fortress, is a well-liked tourist destination for those looking for a more conventional view of our nation and another castle, which many have told me is even more impressive than Edinburgh’s. For a comprehensive list of Stirling’s attractions, check out the Two Drifters team’s fantastic guide.
Skye Island
I have pawned over the dreamlike photographs of this beautiful island for years; it is almost like something out of a fairy tale. When you visit, I can assure you that the trip up north will be worthwhile. You are taken to a slower pace of life, wildlife, and verdant scenery after a brief ferry ride from the mainland. Visit Claire’s website on Skye Island activities to get a sense of the place’s beauty and a detailed guide to visiting it.
The Train of Harry Potter
Whether you are a devoted follower of the wizarding world or you just want to take in some of Scotland’s most breathtaking scenery, you must take this amazing train ride. This is not a kid-only event, beginning at Scotland’s most western train station, Arisaig.
Essentials of Edinburgh
In Edinburgh, lodging costs often skyrocket during festivals, so making reservations in advance is highly recommended. Listed below are two low-cost choices that I tried out.
Don’t freak out, SYHA Edinburgh Metro Hostel! This hostel isn’t like other dorms. Since many of the university city’s campus apartments are managed by the SYHA during the summer, you can find a room with a shared bathroom in a flat in the center of the city for about £50 per night, which is a terrific deal considering how costly hotels can get. It was preferable to a hostel in my opinion because you still receive a private room with lots of space, a desk and closet of your own, and access to the apartment kitchen, which eliminates the need to dine out every day.
Motel One: There are two of these stylish motels in the city that are established in Germany and have exceptionally well-designed rooms that are less expensive than most boutique hotels. Don’t be fooled by the motel’s name; this is a four-star hotel with luxurious mattresses, designer amenities, fantastic showers, and a fantastic breakfast buffet. In the off-season, rooms start at £59 per night, although they can go up, particularly if you book at the last minute before the festival.
HOW DO I GO THERE?
By Train: The train may be the most convenient method to travel up here if you are already beginning your journey here as part of a staycation in the UK. Although our trains might be pricey and crowded, you can generally find a good deal and reserve a seat if you book in early. Because the journey may be lengthy, try to find one with a table for a charger. I prefer starting my search for cheap tickets at The Train Line.
By Air Glasgow also has an airport, while Edinburgh has a fantastic airport close to the city. Both budget and legacy carriers operate on international flights that go as far as Asia. Check out Skyscanner, which lets you find the best airfare offers. For an excellent place to start, check out my incredibly helpful piece on how to get inexpensive flights.