Full Guide to Edinburgh, Scotland: Iconic Sights and Festive Delights! 🌍✨

Intro

Hey travel lovers! 🌍✈️

Welcome to my latest adventure, where I’ll be taking you on a journey from the bustling London to the historic charm of Edinburgh, Scotland. Our trip kicks off with a dash through London Heathrow Airport, boarding a British Airways flight, and soaring north to the stunning landscapes of Scotland.

Once we touch down in Edinburgh, get ready for a whirlwind tour of some of the city’s most iconic spots. From the majestic Scott Monument and the artistic treasures at the National Galleries of Scotland to the festive cheer of the Christmas Market in East Princes Street Gardens, there’s something magical around every corner.

We’ll explore the towering Edinburgh Castle, indulge in a hearty Sunday Roast, and stroll through the historic Royal Mile, soaking in the vibrant atmosphere and rich history. Highlights also include visits to St Giles’ Cathedral, the eerie Greyfriars Kirkyard Cemetery, and the scenic views from Calton Hill.

So, buckle up and join me as we dive into the heart of Edinburgh, discovering its hidden gems, savoring its festive delights, and capturing its stunning vistas. Let’s make some unforgettable memories together! 🎄🏰📸

Ready? Let’s go! 🚀

From London to Edinburgh

I had been in London for the last few days, and now I was finally going to my country #71: Scotland. You can read right now my posts from London:

From NYC to London: A New Year’s Odyssey of Sunset Views and Iconic Adventures

Exploring London: Iconic Landmarks, Hidden Gems, and New Year Celebrations!

It was just the first hours of the new year, and now I was going to the London Heathrow Airport, located at the very east of London. My plan was to flight to Edinburgh and then return on a night bus the same night.

I got to the gate almost running out of time. Let’s say I almost did not get any sleep after the New Years celebrations, but at least I checked out and was able to take public transit on this January 1st to come to the airport.

The flight was very fast, and we arrived to the very gloomy Edinburgh. Even though still in the United Kingdom, I was officially in a new country.

Old Town Edinburgh

The weather was not the most welcoming, but I was able to get a in a bus that would drop me off at the Edinburgh bus terminal, and there I locked my suitcase on some for rent lockers located in the same building. Now I was free to walk everywhere with just my day backpack.

After getting my Starbucks fix, I started walking the very hilly city, looking at the trams, and being in awe of the old architecture. The Scott Monument was definitely one of the highlights of this walk, it looked great from any angle.

The Christmas Market

After walking a lot I somehow ended in a Christmas Market by the National Galleries of Scotland, where I was looking for some views of the Edinburgh Castle and some hot cocoa. Let’s say that not seeing the sun on the first day of the year was starting to affect me lol.

It was interesting though, to see all this people enjoying the day off on this kind of local festival, full of attractions and food booths.

From where I got the delicious Sunday Roast. It was a holiday party in my mouth.

Royal Mile

After a while, I still had to go to the Royal Mile, so I continue walking and climbing hills. Now I was coming to the busiest part of town, where all locals and tourists go, especially in a day like today.

Seeing all the stores and restaurants, and the typical architecture was fantastic. The double decker buses gave the scenery a magical touch as well, it’s like I was in a Harry Potter movie.

But the Royal Mile was not only full of stores and bars. Here you can also find the St Gile’s Cathedral, located in Edinburgh’s historic heart, and which boasts stunning Gothic architecture, intricate stained glass windows, and the Thistle Chapel. It’s a serene haven rich in history and spiritual significance. 🏰✨

I started to suspect that just a few hours were not going to be enough for this city, and that I had to come back eventually.

Calton Hill

Winter had my days cut off by a lot, especially this north, so now I had the “sunset” very early, and to be able to see the most, I had to go to one of the highest places in the Old Town of Edinburgh: Calton Hill.

Calton Hill, an iconic Edinburgh landmark, offers panoramic views of the city. It’s home to the National Monument, Nelson Monument, and Dugald Stewart Monument. This historic site blends natural beauty with striking architecture, perfect for a scenic stroll and breathtaking photos. 🌄🏛️📸

I started climbing this hill, as the sun was setting in the distance, even though it was all covered by the cloud and fogginess. The National Monument was visible, and regardless of this weather a lot of people were also congregating to see the city from up here.

The beautiful Edinburgh was visible from this hill located at the very East. This was a popular spot, but now it was getting dark and I had to come back to get my suitcase.

After walking back down, I explored the St James Quarter Mall for a quick dinner, before taking the bus to come back to London for a couple more days. You can see the continuation of this adventure here:

Exploring London: Iconic Landmarks, Hidden Gems, and New Year Celebrations!