No matter if you’re a history fanatic, a foodie, a culture enthusiast, or just wanting to experience the city’s ambiance, Edinburgh has something for every type of traveller.
With cobblestone streets, small boutiques, and hidden walkways, there’s no doubt it’s a city full of endless charm, and it's very walkable. Despite its high prices compared to other towns in the UK, there are many affordable things to do in the city, if you're on a budget. In regard to solo travel, did you know it’s one of the safest cities in the UK?
It seamlessly blends the old with the new, with a medieval castle perched atop a volcanic rock, as well as Gothic architecture and other ancient buildings. Yet just a short walk away there are bustling streets which thrive with cafes, shops and cultural venues. In fact, Edinburgh’s Old and New Town are considered part of UNESCO, where more than 75% of all buildings within the World Heritage Site are listed for their architectural or historic importance.
Here is everything I got up to in the 24 hours I had to explore the iconic Scottish city, which has featured in various films and TV series…
Step back into history
First stop…Old Town. This is where you can see the city’s medieval charm at full glance. Here you can find aesthetic-looking cafes where you can read a book, vintage shops where you can treat yourself to some new clothes, magic shops, and the Writers’ museum. The Royal Mile is a street, here, which connects Edinburgh Castle with Holyrood Palace. You can simply walk along this road, take pictures, and listen to street musicians, for example playing the bagpipe – Scotland’s national instrument. Or, you can take a free walking tour and find out more than meets the eye.
Looking for the best views?
From Calton hill, I took in panoramic views of the capital - a viewpoint on top of a volcanic hill. The National Monument is likened to the Parthenon in Athens, and this is why the city is nicknamed ‘The Athens of the North’. This also dates back to the time of the Scottish Enlightenment, when Edinburgh was leading the intellectual development of the modern age. I highly recommend going at sunset, when there is a light glow over the city, and the buildings turn into silhouettes. If you’re looking for even better views and a bit more of an adventure, then you can do a hike to Arthur’s seat. I did not do this, but many people have told me it's a must!
The iconic landmark
Of course, you can’t go to Edinburgh and miss visiting the historical Edinburgh Castle. It dominates the city's skyline and serves as a reminder of Scotland's intricate history as well as a symbol of the resilience and heritage of the country.
Below it, you can find Princes Street Gardens, a green space in the heart of the city. There is a café within the park to grab a coffee, and you can observe the views of the castle, as well as the Rose fountain (which is a good photo location).
Catch more views of the castle from the Vennel steps, which you may have seen in the series ‘One Day’ on Netflix – it’s surprisingly not as touristy as other viewpoints in Edinburgh. Nearby to this, you will find Grassmarket, one of the most picturesque parts of the city. There are designer shops, an array of bars and restaurants, catering to all tastes and price ranges, and book shops.
Discover village-like areas
Speaking of bookstores, there is a great one called Rare Birds. It’s a female-run bookshop, and sells great books written by women. You can find it in Stockbridge, an area that is a little bit away from the city centre. It has a small-village feel and is home to eateries and other cultural delights. Within the same area, and just a short walk away, is the photogenic Dean Village, which you may have heard of. I did not have enough time to explore this area, but if I go back, it’s a place I would like to see.
Affordable eats and drinks
Wander a little away from the city centre and you will find cheaper eats. Or why not head to Edinburgh Street Food, which is ideal for foodies, and a good option if on a budget - it's filled with the best independent traders in Scotland. You can also choose to join a bar crawl or go for a local drink tasting.
Where to stay
I booked a hostel on the morning of the day I was arriving. I had been looking for the right place to stay, but all seemed very expensive to book a shared dorm (I’m used to paying £10-20 per night in other cities around the world). Reluctantly, I paid around £50 for St Christopher’s hostel.
However, it was in the perfect location, opposite the train station and within the Old Town. So, all the main attractions are only a short walk away, which is perfect if you have limited time in the city, like I did. The room was very clean and had a contemporary vibe. From my bed I could see a couple of famous landmarks, as well as the street below.
If you’re after a night out on the town (I personally wasn’t during my time there - so I can't speak from experience), then there is a hostel bar just across the street from the main building. They also have various posters which advertise pub crawls, and walking tours, as well as other events. Also, the storage facility here was good, with large and small lockers where you can leave your stuff securely before and after check-in, at no extra cost.
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