Edinburgh
Trip Basics and Things to Do
Listen to the podcast episode here. Watch our travel vid from Scotland here.
Basics
We spent a week in Edinburgh with a rental vehicle and stayed in Leith (near the water) at an AirBnB.
Some helpful things to know:
If you are renting a vehicle, be mindful that you will be driving on the left side of the road! We personally found a lot of the streets very narrow with lots of confusing traffic and roundabouts. Driving in Edinburgh and the UK in general will keep you on your toes!
Driving around the city itself can be stressful. We opted to take the public bus while exploring the city. Unlike a lot of other city buses, there is no screen or announcements saying which stop is approaching, so you will need to be paying attention. We had Google Maps on our phones so we could keep track in live time how many more stops we had until our destination.
To buy bus tickets, download the app “M Tickets” and preload tickets onto your phone. You can purchase one-time use tickets or day passes that will start counting down on the app once you activate it. When you get onto the bus, all you have to do is show your pass to the bus driver who will verify that is has been activated and will then nod for you to pass. You don’t scan anything. The transportation system is a lot more disorganized/informal than other countries, but it is far easier than navigating downtown by car.
Things To Do
Stroll photographic streets
Victoria’s Street - Colorful street with several Harry Potter stores
Dean’s Village -Our favorite. Picturesque neighborhood built along the Water of Leith river.
Circus Lane - A quiet residential street. Be discreet and respectful when strolling through and taking pictures.
Vennel Viewpoint of Castle - Climb the Vennel staircase and turn around to a charming view of the castle.
2. Visit Edinburgh Castle
Buy your ticket in advance to skip the wait and guarantee entry. There are several areas of the castle to explore with mini museums/exhibits throughout. You can even see the Crowned Jewels (but won’t be able to take any photos). See the room where Mary, Queen of Scots gave birth to the future King James I who would go on to unite England and Scotland.
We had a cafeteria-style lunch at the Redcoat Café there on the castle grounds.
3. Eat classic Scottish/English food, of course!
The best fish n’ chips is at The Fishmarket in the Leith area of Edinburgh. Their specialty is their HUGE fried haddock. It is a very popular destination, so if you want to eat there, you will need to make a reservation. We went twice and ended up standing in line to order carry-out.
Scones and clotted cream are delicious no matter where you go. We recommend Wellington Coffee for a lovely breakfast stop, especially if you are near Circus Lane.
Be brave and try a Full Scottish Breakfast, which is like a Full English Breakfast, but with haggis and black pudding. In our opinion, they both taste okay if you don’t think too much (or don’t know) exactly what you’re eating. We researched the best place to go in Edinburgh to try a Full Scottish Breakfast, and we thoroughly enjoyed our experience at Fountain Café. Only locals were there, and there was a welcoming family vibe.
Check out the Guildford Arms for an old, historic pub experience. Grab a beer or some bangers and mash.
4. Gaze upon the majestic Scottish Highland cows
Swanston Farm is 30 minutes of Edinburgh, but is the best place to find Highland Cows. There are trails over rolling hills that you are free to walk. You may have to hike awhile to find where the cows are hiding out, but it is very exciting when (and if) you do find them. We were close (but keeping a safe distance) from the hairy coo’s and sheep. There were about 15 cows in total. There is a café here, also.
Craigie’s Farm Deli and Café offers food, a storefront, and fenced Highland cows and sheep. This is your best bet if you want to be guaranteed to see Highland Cows on your visit.
5. Get your legs moving and hike for majestic views
Salisbury Crags and its highest point, Arthur’s Seat, offer an overview of the city. It is a moderate-difficult hike, but worth the views and experience!
An easier and more family-friendly hike is Calton Hill, which still offers a great view.
6. Go scavenger hunting in historic cemeteries
Greyfriars Kirkyard has no shortage of Harry Potter tours walking through, scouting out tombstones that inspired character names in the series. Tombstones to look for:
William McGonagall (Professor Minerva McGonagall)
Elizabeth Moodie (May-Eye Moody)
Thomas Riddell (Tom Riddle)
Annie and Robert Potter (Harry, James, Lily Potter)
A non-Harry Potter tombstone, but a famous marker to hunt down, regardless:
Greyfriars Bobby - History says the dog lingered near his master’s grave for 14 years after his death until he himself died. There is a statue in the graveyard where visitors leave sticks in remembrance. In front of the cemetery, there is a pub with his namesake with another statue that passerby stop to rub the good boy’s nose.
St Cuthbert’s Kirkyard is eerily beautiful with bright green moss-covered tombstones and a view of Edinburgh Castle in the background.
7. Learn some history at the free National Museum of Scotland
Lots to see at this free museum, including the infamous Dolly, the world’s first cloned sheep. Lots of fun hands-on activities for youngun’s and adults alike.
8. Visit St Giles Cathedral
When we walked through, there was a band and choir performing. We sat in some back pews and soaked it in. There are some fun historical plaques to read, as well.
