Edinburgh: One of the most beautiful European Capitals

Scott Monument - EdinburghDuring our Scottish road trip we spent a few days in the capital, Edinburgh.

We visited many major European cities and we can say now without hesitation that Edinburgh ranks in our top 3. To summarize in one word: mesmerizing!

Like everywhere, to explore you’ll have to walk, walk and still walk: 40km in 3 days. So if you are looking for what to do and see, here is our small selection.

 

Edinburgh Castle – Symbol of the CityEdinburgh Castle

Nestled in the old town on a volcanic rock, Edinburgh Castle is an old fortress used for military purposes for 3000 years.

For a few years now, it is open to visitors and has become the most touristic place in Scotland! You are strongly advised to buy your ticket online to choose your niche because the waiting line is very long.
It also seems that it was haunted but what Scottish castle isn’t?

Tips:

Average duration of visit: 1h30

Book tickets online

 

Arthur’s Seat – A volcano in the city

Arthur's seat hike Arthur's seat 360° panoramic view on Edinburgh Arthur's seat hikeSt. Anthony's Chapel - Arthur's seat - EdinburghA volcano in the city? It sounds a little surreal but it is nevertheless the case.
After the castle it’s probably the most visited place in the city.
An unmissable climb that will offer you a 360 ° panorama of the whole city including the castle.

A pleasant walk accessible to all, where you can also cross the ruins of St. Anthony’s Chapel.

Tips:

Time: 2h

Distance: 5km

Start: Holyrood park

Discover the hike

 

Mary king’s close – find out everything about the town’s secrets

Mary king's close - Edinburgh - ©edinburghspotlightI admit it’s a tourist attraction, however, the pitch really inspired us: discover the story behind the famous “closes” (small alleyways between two buildings) but more widely the history of the city, other than it’s haunted castles…

Pitch: The Real Mary King’s Close is one of the closes (alleyways) situated under the Old Town buildings, on the Royal Mile. Although it was closed to the public for many years, Mary King’s Close is now reopened to Edinburgh’s citizens and visitors. Booking a tour down this Close, you’ll discover tales of the plague victims, murderers and their prey, all of which have now become ghosts that haunt the Close.

Review: we loved it!
The tour is guided, and what a guide!
Our guide was half actor half historian, a captivating hour that taught us a lot about our beloved city.

Tips:

Duration: 1h

Price: 18 euros

Book online

 

Drink one (or two) craft beer(s) at the Brewdog bar

Brewdog bar ©broadwaybaby - Edinburgh

Brewdog bar ©andfranz/instagram - EdinburghBrewdog bar ©e_zame/instagram - EdinburghBecause there is not only Scotch whiskey in Scotland but also very good beers and we love beer, it was impossible to miss the Brewdog bar!
Located in the old town, you can taste in this bar all the wonders that this Scottish brewery has to offer.
As in all Brewdog bars you can also nibble and play board games, friendly atmosphere guaranteed!

Beware there are two Brewdog bars in Edinburgh, the second is newer, much bigger and more restaurant-oriented. It’s good too but less intimate and we preferred the pub atmosphere of the first! (Because yes, we tested both!)

Tips:

Our favourite beers:

Punk IPA

Indie pale ale

Locations:

Pub: 143 Cowgate, Edinburgh EH1 1JS, United-Kingdom

Check it online

Restaurant: Festival Square, Lothian Rd, Edinburgh EH3 9BY, United-Kingdom

Check it online

 

Stroll the streets because Edinburgh is just beautiful…

Small shops, pubs… as many facades each more beautiful than the last. Their ornaments, their colours… half of my photos are fully dedicated.

The Boy Wizard - Edinburgh The Bow Bar - Edinburgh The Malt Shovel - Edinburgh Moubray House - Edinburgh Ensign Ewart - Edinburgh

It must be said, what is above all the charm of Edinburgh is its architecture, its cobbled streets, its “closes”, its churches and the experience that one feels along some walls.

To make the most of it, lose yourself in the streets of the Old Town.
We advise you not to miss Victoria Street, a very typical street… and for the Harry Potter’s fans a whole shop is even dedicated to him.

Victoria Street - Edinburgh Advocates Close -Edinburgh

Finally Edinburgh is full of churches chapels, cathedrals, they are very surprising and different from ours: modern, colourful… do not hesitate to enter!

St Giles' Cathedral - Edinburgh St Mary's Cathedral - EdinburghAlso not to miss:

Holyrood park

Prince Street Garden

Royal botanic garden

 

Our little tour of Edinburgh is now over, it’s time to go around Scotland! Lochs, Highlands, Isle of Skye, Natural Parks, here we come!

 


 

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