More on Edinburgh

I have visited Edinburgh five times in a year and I swear I have not yet got tired of it. In fact, it has become one of my escape destinations.

View opposite the Castle Hill Entrance

In my previous article - Date with Edinburgh, I mentioned the places I visited on my birthday. But Edinburgh has much more to offer and here I intend to suggest the places that you could visit while in the city...

1. Grassmarket

For all the Potterheads out there, visiting this place is a must! The Diagon Alley was inspired by this lane and you will find plenty of Harry Potter Merchandise stores around.

Somewhere at the Grassmarket

There is a store here called the Museum Context which sells officially licensed Harry Potter merchandise. The interiors are pretty cool and highly visited by ‘Potterheads’. They even have a photo booth at the third level but due to the long queue, I gave it a miss.

Inside the Museum Context store

Even for those who are not familiar with the Potter-verse, it’s a pretty cool street, which also provides a good view of the backside of the castle.

2. Parliament Square

I believe Edinburgh is a place best explored on foot, for any lane you take, you will find something beautiful. I experienced the same during one of my trips, while on my way to some touristy location, I missed a turn and founded myself in the great Parliament Square.

Left: St Giles' Cathedral; Right: Adam Smith's statue

3. Princes Street & Royal Mile

Talking about the streets, you cannot miss the famous Princes Street! It will remind you of the ever so popular Oxford Street in London. It is a perfect place to go brand shopping and to even stop for a bite if hungry.

Rainy day at the Princes Street

Even when not shopping, the hustle bustle of the city with the beautiful view of the garden and the castle at the opposite side of the road makes it a good place to just walk or hang out with friends.

4. The Royal Mile

It is the heart of the Old Town Edinburgh, for every location you want to visit falls on some street of the Royal Mile and hence is hard to miss when touring this wonderful city.

The Royal Mile

You will find many local artists playing the famous Bagpipes!

5. Palace of Holyrood

At the entrance of the Palace

Located at the end of the Royal Mile is the Queen’s official residence in Scotland - Holyrood Palace.

A nice stop for history buffs to get a good scoop of Scottish history and lifestyle at the time. Photography is not allowed inside and there are discounts for UK students, a student ticket will also grant you entry to the palace for a year. So, if you are a UK student, do not forget to carry your University ID.

A pleasant evening captured at the exit of the Palace

6. GreyFriars Memorial

If a good dog story warms your heart, then you should definitely visit Scotland’s most loyal dog, Greyfriars Bobby. It is said that he guarded his master’s grave for 14 years until he died. Stories say that except for food, he would never leave the grave and sit near his master all day and night, even in any dire weather conditions.

Greyfriars Bobby

Being a dog lover, I had to see this statue! I even touched his nose for good luck!

7. National Museum of Scotland

The National Museum of Scotland is considered to be one of the best museums in Scotland. I believe museums are a great way of gaining education in a creative way and here, one can gauge knowledge not only from Scottish history but also from different cultures of the world to the latest technologies. It is a place for every kind of interest.

My favourite here was the Millennium Clock. It is a marvellous representation of the best and worst time of the twentieth century and I was lucky to be around to hear it chime.

Sadly, I do not have any pictures from inside the museum.

Clicked while on the way to the museum

Though I have been to Edinburgh quite a lot of times, I must confess there are many things I yet have to cover. Few of those things which are on my list and also which I really recommend are:

8. Arthur’s Seat

This is the place I regret not going once in my five trips. I hope you do not repeat my mistake.

It is about a 3-hour completely “worth it” hike for a breathtaking view of the city. But plan it well, as it can be muddy due to rains and since the sun sets early during Winters, you might have to opt for an early morning hike.

9. Walking Tours & Ghost Tours

Edinburgh offers a variety of walking tours. Unravelling the spooky tales of Edinburgh along with the localities would be quite fun!

10. Museum of Childhood

I have heard a lot about this museum and to be honest, the name itself buys you in for a visit. It is at the Royal Mile, opposite Cafe Edinburgh (again a must go cafe). You will also find good shops for souvenirs in this street.

From a fantastic bakery I discovered at 150 Dundas St.

How to Travel within the City:

If you are not a walking person, then you can purchase a day rider ticket of the local bus which is around £5 and is valid for 24 hours right from the time of purchase.

Hop on-Hop off bus services is also available at the information centre right beside the train station at the Princess Street.

Ending Edinburgh tales with one of my fave picture

Do not forget to share your experience here with me when you explore this wonderful historic city and if you already have, then feel free to drop in your suggestions for my next visit! :)

Check out more images from Edinburgh here.