‘Edinburgh is a sweet surprise. A city that depicts the past yet reflects the future at the same time.’ – Hannah

After our trip to London, my husband and I thought about making use of our UK visa again. A few hours after that, we found ourselves booking cheap tickets and flights to Edinburgh, Scotland.  And off we go.

This is not our first time to travel of course so we know the drill. We researched and map out our itinerary for Edinburgh. While doing our research, we saw some pictures of Edinburgh and my husband and I were quite dismayed. It didn’t seem special at all. It didn’t seem beautiful. To be honest, we thought that if this trip will not push through we will not mind at all.

Then came the day of our trip. The day before that I had a really high fever and even had a bacterial infection in my throat so I am not really in a happy mood. When we got in Edinburgh, everything changed.

We took the bus 35 from Edinburgh airport to the Airbnb apartment we rented. The fare was just 1.65 GBP. There are other quicker options like Airlink and Tram but cheap as we are, we opted for the bus. By the way, the buses in Edinburgh accepts cash and exact amount only. If you insert 5 pounds in the machine be ready not to get any change.

We arrived at around 8:00 in the evening. After settling in the apartment, we went out hoping to catch the ghost tour which was scheduled at 9:00pm. We walked from the apartment to the city for 30 minutes, and much to our dismay, since it is winter they do not do the 9pm tour anymore. But it was worth it, though. On our way to the city center we were saying that there seemed to be nothing special about Edinburgh but when we got into the center, our jaw dropped. Truly the pictures online did no justice to how beautiful Edinburgh is.

Even at night, it was magical. With a castle towering behind the whole city, it felt like we were immediately transported back in time where kings and queens look over their dominion from afar. Seeing and hearing everything that is happening in the town below.

After the walk, we made our way to the apartment. We had dinner on the way in our favorite restaurant in the UK, Nando’s.lol, Enough about us, let’s talk about Edinburgh and what are the things you should definitely do when you are there.

Day 1.

9:00 am – 12:30 Arthurs Seat and Salisbury.

If you want to see the whole see from a top of the mountain, you should definitely hike your way to Arthur’s Seat and Salisbury. Everything that you can see there is majestic. There are 2 main ways that you can use to go on top of the mountain. One is the steep, slippery and less taken while the other is the easy and flat road. Of course, my husband I chose the road less taken. Slippery, muddy and steep. We all have different preferences so go and choose the one that suits you. Either way, you’ll reach the top and be mesmerized all the same.

After the long hike, we made our way to the city for our scheduled free city tour.

2:oo – 4:00  Free City Tour.

I know most of you do not like tours, but my husband and I really love them because we learn a little something about the history of the city and the country as well. And if you are lucky enough to have an amazing guide that brings you to the not so touristy part of the city, that is a huge plus. During this tour, my husband and I found out that JK Rowling wrote most of the book in a small cafe in front of the Greyfriar Cemetry. We even got to see the school that looks like Hogwarts, and for a reason. This is the school where JK rowling based the idea of Hogwarts itself, especially the facade and the fact that the school has 4 houses as well.

7:00 – 9:00 pm Free Ghost Tour

It is creepy. If you don’t feel chilly and cold enough on a winter night, then join this tour. You’ll feel the chills running through your vein the whole time. You’ll know about baby strangling, Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, witches, vampire, he-who-must-not-be-named and much more.

Day 2.

After a whole day of walking, needless to say, we are very tired the next day. So we started our second day with a little hike.lol, Here’s the second day of our Edinburgh adventure.

8:00 – 10:30 Calton Hill.

The way to Calton Hill is not as steep as Salisbury nor Arthur Seat but it was equally magical. Ding ding ding! Fairytales are real.

10:30- 12:30 Holyrood Castle.

Holyrood Castle is right below the Arthurs Seat. As a matter of fact, you can even start your trip here then go to Arthur’s Seat. We just didn’t do that because we were excited about the hike. There is usually an entrance fee of 12GBP to go in the castle but my husband and I were at a perfect time because that day it was free entrance so we grabbed the opportunity and toured the castle.

By the way, it is not allowed to take pictures inside the castle, so take as many as you can while you are still allowed to do so.

1:00- 3:00 Edinburgh Castle.

Every 1:00 in the afternoon the Edinburgh castle has an old tradition where they set off a canon. It is an amazing tradition and one that you should definitely look forward to. There is an entrance fee of 16GBP. We have had a lot of castle for a day so my husband and I didn’t go in. But for all of you who loves castles, this is definitely for you.

 

 

We spent the rest of the day walking around Royal Mile, Grass Market and more. There is truly more to Edinburgh that meets the eye. Be ready for an adventure because you will not lack one in Edinburgh.

 

‘Go and travel. The world is waiting.’

– Hannah 

 

 

P.S.

Here is another airport transfer service from Edinburgh Airport to the city.

 

Airlink 100- 4GBP

Tram – 5 GBP

Bus- 1.65 GBP