I visited Edinburgh, the capital of Scotland, in November and whilst I was freezing cold, I had a fantastic time seeing all of the sites. Here are a few things I’d recommend doing over your Christmas visit, or any visit for that matter!
Edinburgh Christmas Market
Number one has to be the Christmas market which takes over the centre of the city over November and December. This is filled with stalls that have all sorts of stock from smellies and woolly hats to mini pancakes. Christmas music is playing from all directions and there are also some rides… one of which I was insane enough to go on!
Calton Hill
If you’re not quite up for the journey of Arthur’s Seat, you might like this slightly less high alternative. Calton Hill offers a beautiful view of the city, you can see it from all angles including a view of Prince Street and the whole of the Christmas Market.
Edinburgh Castle
The castle is a must if you’re visiting Edinburgh, it offers unique views and an insight into the Scottish monarchy. It’s not like any castle I’ve visited before, it allows you to really walk around and experience what the inside of the castle grounds would have been like. If you’re heading to the castle, try to be there for 1 pm for a surprise!
Camera Obscura
This is an optical illusion experience that displays all sorts of illusion art. I think this was my favourite thing to do, each floor had a different illusion theme. My favourite feature was a vortex tunnel that had a stationary bridge through a spinning tunnel of neon lights. The effect it created made it feel like anyone walking on the bridge was off balance.
The Potter Trail
This was such a good experience, it was a free tour run by a group of Potter loving people. This was a walking tour of the city going to spots that inspired Rowling’s writing. This included the grave of Tom Riddle and the actual birthplace of Harry Potter, which isn’t the Elephant House cafe as everyone thinks. You can check out the tour we went on here, I’d really advise it if you’re in the city.
Maison De Moggy, Cat Cafe
I had never been to a cat cafe before visiting Maison De Moggy, a french inspired cafe that is home to around ten cats. The cats were friendly and loved being around humans, they were walking around the floor and were up and down their little cat climbing areas and beds. There was such a mix of cute cats and it felt so calming!
Edinburgh Waterstones
This is where I ended my trip, a visit to this gorgeous Waterstones overlooking the castle. This Waterstones has beautiful old staircases looping through the middle and a cafe that looks onto the city. I was happy to end my trip here as I read The Starless Sea whilst looking onto the castle that we climbed days before.
The spots you visited were beautiful! I hope I’m able to go there one day!
I wish Maison De Moggy had been open when I was living there! It seems like such a cute place to visit. Sounds like you had a fantastic time in Edinburgh, I’m so glad you loved it!