Welcome to one of my favourite cities in the world and what feels like my second hometown: Edinburgh. This is a highlight guide to the best areas to explore and a guide to some of the iconic museums and galleries. If you have never been to the city then hopefully this inspires you and if you know Scotland’s capital well maybe you’ll get some new ideas or insights.

Areas to explore

The Royal Mile

Walking the Royal Mile from Edinburgh Castle down to Holyrood House is a must-do when in Edinburgh. But first quick fun fact. Why is it called ‘The Royal Mile?’ The street isn’t actually a mile in the way we understand it. The street is about one Scots mile long, which is longer than an English mile, hence the name “Royal Mile.” The royal part comes the fact that the street has been an important part of Edinburgh’s history since the Middle Ages. At one point it was once the main thoroughfare of the city and that route was often taken by royalty. The mile also serves to link together the two main royal buildings of Edinburgh: The Castle and the Palace of Holyrood.

The walk will take you through some of Edinburgh’s most historic and picturesque streets, with plenty of opportunities to take in the stunning architecture and learn about the city’s rich history. The Writers Museum is a great spot to learn about the literary greats who called Edinburgh home. Before saying hello to Greyfriars Bobby. A national hero due to his heart-warming tale of loyalty that has become a beloved part of history. You are supposed to rub his nose for good luck!

Then turn down Victoria Street. This is a cobblestone street lined with colourful independent shops and restaurants. But do be warned it is one of the most popular spots in town. It is often listened as JK Rowlings inspiration for Diagnon Alley in Harry Potter but I am not sure any evidence that been found to support this. And across the country there are several other streets claiming the glory of providing the spark of an idea. Like Gandy Street in Exeter.

You can’t miss the large St Giles Cathedral. It is a stunning example of Gothic architecture. The cathedral itself has been an important part of Edinburgh’s religious and cultural life for centuries. There is a nice little cafe there too where you can tuck away from the hustle and bustle of the mile and caffeinate in the relative calm.

Coming passed Warrington Close and John Knox House and you are offered glimpse into Edinburgh’s past. These are well-preserved historic buildings and fascinating stories. Walking the Royal Mile is a great way to experience Edinburgh’s history and culture, and there’s lots more than mentioned here for you to see along the way. Including quite a few very stereotypical Scottish gift shops which as a Scot do make me laugh but I am sure locals in other countries chuckle at me as I go souvenir buying! What’s new and exciting for one is glaringly familiar to another.

Dean Village

Dean Village is a beautiful and historic area located in the heart of Edinburgh. Though it’s no longer the hidden gem it once was, it still offers plenty of perks, such as the coffee cart that serves on some days of the week. The village is characterized by its picturesque stone buildings, tranquil waterways, and lush greenery, making it a popular spot for photographers and visitors looking for a peaceful escape from the city.

Stockbridge

Stockbridge is a charming neighborhood full of independent shops and cafes. The vibe is much more calm and local than the bustling and still nearby city centre. Circus Lane is an iconic spot in Stockbridge and is known for being one of the most photographed places in the whole of Edinburgh. The cute cobbled lane is lined with cottage core perfect houses and a church spire that almost perfectly lines up with the street. It’s a bit of luck whether you find it quite or full of photographers. I once arrived to find a girl standing out of the skylight of a car as it was driven along really slowly so she could get the right angle and speed for her video!

There is also the Stockbridge Market which is held every Sunday in Jubilee Gardens. You never quite know who might turn up each week which adds to the fun of it all. Although there are some regulars like the incredible bakers. Carbs never tasted so good. You can pick up a whole range of things here from locally produced jams and chutneys to handmade chocolate to organic dog biscuits and any other gifts for your canine friend (their are lots of lifts for people too). But it’s the food that steals the show. I highly recommend coming down here for lunch and going for one of the hot options freshly served.

Leith

Leith is a vibrant and upcoming area of Edinburgh, known for its funky and trendy vibe. Leith has undergone significant changes in recent years, with new developments such as the Edinburgh Marina and the redevelopment of the Leith Docks area. These projects have brought new life into the area. For example the Shore is area is known for its trendy bars and restaurants, many of which offer stunning views of the Water of Leith. It’s a great spot to grab a drink or a bite to eat while taking in the local atmosphere. It’s a great spot to soak up the local culture and experience a different side of Edinburgh.

But let’s not forget about the history of this part of the city. The Water of Leith played a crucial role in the development of Edinburgh’s industrial and commercial sectors, with mills and factories lining its banks. Now the river is an important point of biodiversity in the city. You can explore it yourself by following the water of leith walkway and connecting networks of paths.

When you are down in this bit of Edinburgh you can head across to Ocean Terminal shopping centre (which itself is very empty and slightly sad) but it is where the The Royal Yacht Britannia is located. The yacht served the British Royal Family for over 40 years, traveling over one million miles around the world and hosting many famous figures, including Winston Churchill and Nelson Mandela.

Today, the yacht is a museum and tourist attraction, offering visitors the chance to explore the ship and learn about its history. The tour takes visitors through the various decks of the yacht, including the State Apartments, the Royal Bedrooms, the Crew’s Quarters and Engine Room. There has been a new addition post shop retirement in the form of the Royal Deck Tea Room. The Royal Yacht Britannia is a must see for anyone interested in the history of the British Royal Family. Or for fans of the Netflix series ‘The Crown’ in which several scenes were filmed as if on the Britannia.

It can be a bit of a fiddle getting back into city centre from this part of Leith as the bus doesn’t run very often. So last time I was there with a couple of friends were just ordered an Uber for ease.

Carlton Hill and Arthur’s Seat

For stunning views of Edinburgh’s skyline and beyond, make sure to check out Carlton Hill and Arthur’s Seat. Carlton Hill is located in the heart of the city and offers panoramic views of Edinburgh’s Old Town, New Town, and beyond. It’s home to several iconic landmarks, including the National Monument, Nelson Monument, and the Dugald Stewart Monument. It’s a great place to watch the sunset over the Edinburgh skyline, including the historic castle. Arthur’s Seat is a hill located in Holyrood Park and is the highest point in Edinburgh. It’s a popular hiking (we are talking quite every level hiking here) spot. But the climb to the top is well worth it for the breathtaking views over the city, the Firth of Forth, and the surrounding countryside.

The Grassmarket

The Grassmarket is a historic area of Edinburgh located in the Old Town. It dates back to the 15th century and was originally used as a marketplace for horses and cattle. Over time, it became a hub for trade, commerce, and social gatherings, with pubs and shops lining the streets. On the darker side of history though the Grassmarket also played a significant role in Edinburgh’s history as a site of public executions. From the 16th to the 18th century, criminals and political prisoners were hanged in the area, with crowds gathering to watch. The most famous execution to happen here was that of the Scottish Warrior William Wallace in 1305.

In the 18th and 19th centuries the Grassmarket became a center for commerce and industry, with breweries, distilleries setting up shop in the area. It also became a hub for Edinburgh’s literary and artistic communities, with notable figures such as Robert Burns and Sir Walter Scott frequenting the area’s pubs and coffeehouses.

Today, the Grassmarket is a busy and young area with a range of shops, restaurants, and attractions. Its historic architecture has been well-preserved, and visitors can still see the site of public executions and learn about the area’s history through guided tours.

The Royal Botanic Garden

The Botanic Gardens are a beautiful and historic garden located just a few miles from the city center. They were founded in 1670 as a physic garden to grow medicinal plants. Over time, the gardens grew in size and scope, becoming an important center for botanical research and education. Now the garden covers over 70 acres and is home to over 13,000 plant species, making it one of the world’s largest and most diverse collections of plants. There is lots to explore and always new discoveries to be made.

Admission to the Gardens is free, although there may be a charge for exhibitions or events. The cafes in the gardens really aren’t the best. They are fine for just a quick coffee refuel but having been quite a few times now I am always just slightly disappointed by what’s on offer. But other than that they are one of my favourite spots in the city.

Museums and galleries

1. Dovecot Studios: This contemporary art gallery showcases a range of textile and tapestry exhibitions, featuring work by local and international artists. As well as other ever changing exhibitions on a whole range of art genres. The main gallery is free to enter but the exhibitions are charged for. The place has a nice cafe and funky shop too.

2. National Portrait Gallery: This museum is dedicated to the art of portraiture, with a collection of over 3,000 portraits of famous Scots and figures from history. The building was completed renovated a few years ago and it is just stunning. It’s free to enter and worth going to investigate just for the building alone.

3. Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art (Modern One): This gallery features a range of modern and contemporary art from around the world, with a focus on Scottish artists.

4. City Art Centre: This museum showcases a range of contemporary and historic art, with exhibitions on everything from photography to sculpture to design.

5. Edinburgh Castle: This iconic castle is one of Edinburgh’s top tourist attractions, with a rich history dating back over one thousand years. Visitors can explore the castle’s many rooms and exhibitions, as well as enjoy stunning views of the city from the castle walls. Plus you can try and catch the one o’clock gun. It is pretty much exactly how it sounds.

6. Holyrood Palace: This palace is the official residence of the British monarch in Scotland and is open to visitors for tours. Visitors can explore the palace’s many rooms and learn about its history as a royal residence.

7. National Museum of Scotland: This museum offers a range of exhibitions on Scottish history, culture, and science, with interactive displays and artifacts dating back thousands of years. I recently went to a fantastic Dr. Who exhibition. It’s not one of my top choices as it’s very large and just a bit quantity over quality but is a good starting point for learning about Scotland (and a whole range of other things).

8. The Georgian House: This historic house museum offers a glimpse into 18th-century life in Edinburgh, with authentic furnishings and decorations from the period.

Conclusion

So there you have it, an introduction to just some of what Edinburgh has to offer. I have some more blog posts planned fixing on more specific areas like my favourite cafes and a guide to independent bookshops. But whatever it is you find interesting Edinburgh will have something to offer you.