Edinburgh, Scotland

Have you ever arrived in a place and felt love at first sight?

At the risk of sounding cheesy, that’s how I felt driving into Edinburgh just as the last rays of sun sank below the horizon, painting the sandstone buildings an ombre of rosy gold.

The narrow cobblestone streets, hills and streams cutting through the city make it like something out of a fairy tale. I could spend days exploring all the nooks and crannies of Edinburgh. For such a small city, there’s a massive amount of art and history- I wish I had planned for more days to really see it all. See my recommendations at the bottom of this post!

Early morning walk through Dean Village, along the Water of Leith walkway

So many lovely views of Dean Village in the morning light

Circus Lane in Stockbridge

Scenes from the cafe at Eden Locke Hotel

Tea time

Colorful shops along West Bow/Victoria Street

View of Edinburgh from Edinburgh castle hill

Perhaps it was due to the throngs of tourists, but I thought Edinburgh Castle was less impressive from the top of the hill. I didn’t have a chance to go inside, but I heard it’s well worth multiple visits to see it all!

Beautiful bar, cocktails and food at the Bon Vivant

Black haggis bonbon

A delicious steak and mash- perfect lunch after walking 13 miles around Edinburgh!

View of Edinburgh Castle from Princes Street Gardens

Spring has sprung in the Princes Street Gardens

so many layers of flowers

Sunset at Calton Hill

Looking at Arnold’s Seat, from Calton Hill

Trying to get a peek at the Palace of Holyroodhouse from Calton Hill

Edinburgh Guide

EATS

• The Bon Vivant - great food, great cocktails

• The Kilted Lobster - fresh Scottish lobster!

• El Cartel - same owners as the Bon Vivant, for when you need your taco fix

• Lady Libertine - swanky lounge (also owned by Bon Vivant)

• Stockbridge Market - Sunday street food market

DRINKS

• Bullard & Worth - speakeasy vibes, delicious cocktails

• Edinburgh Gin Distillery - pick up what you need in the gift shop, or remember to book a tour a month in advance

• Bramble Bar & Lounge

• Lucky Liquor Co

• Panda & Sons

• Hoot the Redeemer

• The Devil’s Advocate

• Cairngorm Coffee

• Lowdown Coffee

• Eden Locke 127 - lovely spot for an afternoon tea

SIGHTS

• The Royal Scottish Academy

• Scottish National Gallery

• Scottish National Portrait Gallery

• Edinburgh Castle

• Princes Street Gardens

• Victoria Terrace

• Calton Hill - Edinburgh’s favorite sunset spot

• Palace of Holyroodhouse

• Arthur’s Seat - a wonderful hike with epic views of Edinburgh

• Dean Village via Water of Leith Walk

• Royal Botanic Garden

• Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art

STAY

• Airbnb - stayed at this gorgeous flat in the trendy Stockbridge neighborhood

  • Also recommend any of the lovely historic Airbnbs in Dean Village as well

• Eden Locke - if you prefer hotel convenience in the city center