24 Hours in Edinburgh, Scotland

Ahh, Scotland- the land of my people.

With the maiden name MacDonald, how many distant relatives do you think I have there? 

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In March 2020, I flew to the U.K to meet up with my longtime friend Alex, where we would embark on a week long trip around Scotland.

Unfortunately, due to the COVID-19 crisis, our trip to Scotland was drastically cut short. However, I am thankful for the 24 hours I had in the city of Edinburgh, before flying back home to Canada.

Here are our recommendations for

Things to See and Do in Edinburgh, Scotland

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What to Do

Although our time was short, we were able to squeeze in so many sights! One thing we really appreciated was that so many of the places we wanted to go were within walking distance, and let me tell you, I am SO thankful that I invested in some high quality hiking boots for this trip! The cobblestone streets really have the potential to do a number on your feet, so investing in a good pair of shoes will ensure that you’re able to get to your destinations and enjoy the journey!

Overall, there was quite a variety of activities and attractions that we were able to enjoy all around Edinburgh. So, if you’re ever in the city and wondering what is worth checking out, here are some of my favourites:

Royal Botanical Garden Edinburgh 

We had two hours at the end of our day in Edinburgh, and had to choose between exploring the Edinburgh castle and the gardens. We chose the gardens, and I personally am so thankful for the time we spent there! The plants were absolutely stunning, so many of them I had never seen before in my life. Due to the COVID-19 crisis emerging, and the stress of trying to get home, cancel our trip, get refunds, etc., having some time to quietly stroll through nature was incredibly calming. Also, given the later time that we went, we only saw two other people the whole time! It was incredibly peaceful. To find out more information about the gardens, click here.

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Arthurs Seat Hike

This was a highlight for sure! Nothing says Scotland like rolling green mountains, incredible views, and some stone ruins. We woke up early and did the hike in the morning, which was perfect because it helped us avoid the busy crowds and enjoy the sights. It took us roughly two hours to make it to the top, where we spent some time looking at the view from different vantage points. One thing to be prepared for is unbelievable winds at the top. I have never experiences winds so strong! The gusts could literally push you over- it was wild!

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The Royal Mile

Alex & I strolled parts of the Royal Mile a couple of times when exploring the city, however we walked it in its entirety when walking down to Holyrood Palace to begin our hike of Authors Seat. As I mentioned previously, we did this early in the morning, so there were no cars or pedestrians on the streets- it was a perfect time to explore! We were given an unobstructed view of all the lovely storefronts, and adorable hidden courtyards. While walking this street, I was reminded of just how young Canada is! I have never seen buildings so old, as some dated back to the 17th century with foundations from the 1400s (like what?!)

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Edinburgh Castle

The whole city was basically built around this beauty; perched at the peak of the city. If you end up walking the Royal Mile, it leads you right to it! From the Palace, to the castle, how fitting. As your entering the castle, turn around and look back over the city. You get a great view of the Royal Mile and Arthurs Seat. Lastly, always remember to check their operating hours before you go! Given that we went in March, they had not begun running their summer tourism hours yet. With a £20 entry fee, it was not worth paying to go inside when we only had half an hour. Although we couldn’t go all the way in, it was still a breathtaking view of the city and cool to see this stunning piece of history in person.

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Dean Village

A tiny little European village, right within the city! This was a lovely place for a leisurely stroll along the water. It felt like we had entered a little tiny village in the countryside. If you do decide to visit this picturesque little spot, just keep in mind that it is a residential area, so be respectful and mindful of that.

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National Museum of Scotland

We actually came here for the view! The view from the top of the museum is absolutely beautiful! Due to our tight timeline, we did not have sufficient time to explore the museum itself, however I cannot wait to come back and spend some time learning about the history of Scotland.

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Where to Eat 

There are so many cute restaurants and pubs to check out! I highly recommend doing some research before you go, so you’re not just wandering around with a rumbling tummy. However, sometimes you’re lucky and happen upon little hidden gems. 

Some places we enjoyed include: 

  • McGonagall's Gin & Whisky Emporium 

    • This was a cozy place to enjoy some Gin & Tonics while avoiding the rain (in the 24 hours we were in Scotland, it rained on and off the entire time! Be sure to invest in a proper raincoat before your trip!). The atmosphere of McGonagall’s was warm and cozy, and they had the most adorable wallpaper!

  • The Elephant Cafe

    • “The Birthplace of Harry Potter”, as it is said that J.K. Rowling often spent time writing in this cafe. Being the Harry Potter nerd that I am, this was a must during our time in Edinburgh. (Any other Hufflepuffs out there?!). We enjoyed tea and scones here while planning our evening in the city.

  • Vittoria on the Bridge

    • Delicious Italian food- pasta and wine. Need I say more?

  • George IV Bar 

    • I tried my first plate of real Scottish Haggis here, which was quite memorable. A classic pub vibe, with awesome live music in the evenings.

 
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McGonagall’s
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Where to Stay

When in Edinburgh, STAY in Edinburgh! We stayed in a lovely apartment above a little cafe right across the street from the old college. 

We had an incredibly positive experience staying with Charlotte, who listed her amazing downtown apartment on AirBnB. She welcomed us with a smile, gave us some recommendations, and then handed us the key (which is incredibly cool and old by the way). The location was perfect; walking distance to everything: the royal mile, tons of restaurants and shops, the castle, and more. The space itself was perfect for two people, a comfortable bedroom, bathroom, kitchen and living area, complete with a pullout couch. We highly recommend staying here on your next trip to Edinburgh! Just know that you’re required to go up four flights of stairs, so if you’re looking for something accessible, you might want to consider another option. Click here to book your stay with Charlotte.

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Well,

There you have it- 24 hours in Edinburgh, Scotland!

Bon Voyage!