TOP 10 THINGS TO DO IN EDINBURGH

• EDINBURGH CASTLE TOUR

  The castle Tour is around 15 with an extra 5 if you want an audio guide. The last time slot to enter is between 3-3:30pm, but I LOVED coming at the end of the day to see the Castle stone walls reflecting the golden sunset off it. But they are strict about closing certain galleries and exhibitions around 4:30pm so I would probably suggest a slightly earlier time than we came. Before the castle tour, I’d suggest checking out Grannies Green Steps which are directly to below the Castle and give a unique perspective as well.

• WALK OLD TOWN

  All of the city is a UNESO, so wherever you turn is gorgeous stone walls and single pane windows with colorful shops below. Some of the areas for those instagram spots are Victoria Street, the Royal Mile, and Greyfriars Kirkyard.

• CHECK OUT LIVE MUSIC

  My favorite spot we went out to was ELIOS, a bar in New Town that has live music. We got here around 10pm on a Friday night and it was already popping. I loved the mix of people and it was all throwback jams so the vibes were immaculate. Another good spot for live music was Boozy Beaver, which is new town but closer to Stockbridge neighborhood.

• GO ON A HARRY POTTER WALKING TOUR

  We went with the company The Potter Trail, which is a pay what you can tour. I am a pretty nerdy Harry Potter gal, but I learned so much about JK Rowling’s early stages of writing the series and where she gained inspiration from the city. Plus the guide was in such good character the whole time, and they even sort you into your house on the tour. I’m Slytherin (which is no surprise to my sister who is a Harry Potter aficionado haha).

• MAKARS GOURMET MASH BAR

  Yes, this place gets it’s own post as top things to do in my humble opinion. The bacon and chive mash with peppercorn sauce makes my mouth water just thinking about it right now. Finish off your meal with a traditional sticky toffee pudding.

MAKARS Gourmet Mash Bar- a MUST!

• CALTON HILL

  One of the most instagrammable spots in Edinburgh, it’s only a quick 10 minute climb to get from the main road in New Town up to this lookout. At the hill, there are a collection of monuments as well as a restaurant with 360 views of the city.

• GIN OR WHISKEY TASTING

  There are quite a few big names in the city, particularly Edinburgh Gin. We were bummed that the tastings were already booked up for the weekend, but saw it’s £25 pp and you get to try 5 different types.

• ARTHURS SEAT

  Feeling in the mood for a hike? Arthurs seat is actually an extinct volcano and the highest point in Edinburgh. If you have the time (and lung capacity), there are some stunning views of the city from this lookout.

• STOCKBRIDGE MARKET - Sundays

  The neighborhood of Stockbridge is a cute area where one of the commonly photographed Circus Lane is located. My friend who used to live in Edinburgh suggested their Sunday market. Unfortunately, we woke up too late to make our way across town and check it out, but I’m sure I’ll go on my next visit!

• LISTEN TO BAGPIPES

  The best place I found to listen to them live with traditional dress are on the Royal Mile on a Sunday midday. They’ll even take a picture with you! Insider tip: Need a bigger fix of bagpiping? “Piping Live!” is a festival happening August 6-14th in Glasgow

Sincerely,

Sarah

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