Travel around Edinburgh with Bobby
Day 1Taste of History
As soon as I arrived in Edinburgh, the sight of the towering Edinburgh Castle, perched atop a hill, immediately caught my attention. After settling into my cozy hotel in the heart of the Old Town, I headed out to explore, with my first stop being the castle itself. Standing on its grounds, overlooking the city below, was nothing short of breathtaking. I spent hours exploring the castle’s rich history, with highlights including St. Margaret’s Chapel and the panoramic views from the Argyle Battery.
Following my time at the castle, I strolled down the Royal Mile, immersing myself in the charm of shops selling tartan scarves, whisky, and unique Scottish trinkets. When hunger set in, I stopped for lunch at The Witchery by the Castle, an atmospheric restaurant just off the Royal Mile. There, I tried haggis for the first time and was pleasantly surprised by its rich, savory taste. It was a flavorful introduction to Scotland’s traditional cuisine.
In the evening, I continued exploring the city on foot, marveling at the gothic architecture glowing under the soft evening lights. The blend of history and modern energy made every corner of Edinburgh feel magical after dark. To wrap up the day, I visited a lively pub in Grassmarket, where I enjoyed a pint of local ale and soaked in the friendly, bustling atmosphere — the perfect end to my first day in this enchanting city.
The first day in Edinburgh was everything I hoped for—rich history, stunning views, and some of the best food I’ve ever had. I recommend taking your time at Edinburgh Castle to truly absorb the history, and don’t skip haggis—it’s a must-try!
Day 2 A Morning Hike and Afternoon Tea
On day two, I kicked things off with a bit of adventure by hiking up Arthur’s Seat, an extinct volcano that rewards hikers with breathtaking views of Edinburgh. The climb was manageable but best tackled early in the morning to avoid the crowds and catch the city glowing in the soft morning light. From the summit, I soaked in panoramic views of Edinburgh’s medieval streets, lush parks, and the distant sea, feeling like I had the entire city at my feet.
After the invigorating hike, I made my way to Holyrood Palace, the British monarch’s official residence in Scotland. The palace’s ornate rooms and well-maintained gardens were impressive, but what captivated me most were the historical stories woven into its walls, especially those of Mary, Queen of Scots. Wandering through the palace felt like stepping into a different era, where each corner told a piece of Scotland’s fascinating history.
For lunch, I treated myself to a delightful afternoon tea at The Dome, a venue as elegant as it is historic. The perfectly crafted sandwiches, warm scones, and aromatic tea were a fitting reward after the morning’s exertions. The grand interior added a sense of timelessness to the experience, making it feel almost ceremonial. To wind down the day, I took a leisurely stroll through Princes Street Gardens, enjoying the greenery and tranquility that enveloped the heart of the city.
Afternoon tea at The Dome was a beautiful experience, though it felt more like paying for the ambiance than the food itself. The venue is undeniably elegant, but the tea and scones were fairly standard. That said, it's still worth visiting for the overall experience.
Food
The boutique hotel was consistent, but the noise from the busy Old Town streets at night was a bit of a drawback. The bed remained comfortable, but if you're a light sleeper, it might be an issue. The central location, however, continued to be a huge plus.
Accomodation
The hike up Arthur’s Seat was refreshing and provided some of the best views of Edinburgh. While the hike is fairly easy, the trail can be a bit crowded at times. Holyrood Palace was a stunning contrast to the rugged outdoor experience, and its rich history was a highlight.
Activity
Hiking Arthur’s Seat in the morning is the perfect way to start your day—don’t forget your camera! If you want to experience a bit of luxury, treat yourself to afternoon tea at The Dome; it’s a feast for both your eyes and your taste buds.
Day 3Ghosts and Graveyards
I couldn’t visit Edinburgh without exploring its spooky side. The city is famous for its ghost stories, and I was ready to discover them for myself. I started the day with a visit to Greyfriars Kirkyard, a historic cemetery known for its hauntings and the story of Greyfriars Bobby, the loyal dog. The graveyard is both beautiful and eerie, with old headstones and moss-covered trees adding to the atmosphere.
In the afternoon, I joined a ghost tour of the city, which took me through the underground vaults beneath the South Bridge. The tales of hauntings, mysterious disappearances, and dark history sent chills down my spine, but it was all part of the thrill. Afterward, I lightened the mood with a visit to The Scotch Whisky Experience, where I learned about the process of making whisky and even got to sample a few varieties. My favorite was a smoky Islay whisky, with its bold flavors and rich history.
Dinner that night was at The Devil’s Advocate, a trendy restaurant hidden in one of Edinburgh’s old alleys. The food was modern Scottish, and the atmosphere was cozy and stylish. I had the venison, which was cooked to perfection, paired with a whisky cocktail that complemented the dish perfectly.
Dinner at The Devil’s Advocate was enjoyable, though the portion sizes were smaller than expected for the price. The venison was tender, and the whisky selection was impressive, but overall, it didn’t quite live up to its reputation as one of the best spots in the city.
Food
After three nights at the boutique hotel, I appreciated the consistent service, but again, the size of the rooms felt a bit cramped. However, the central location allowed me to walk to most attractions, which was a huge advantage.
Accomodation
The ghost tour was both spooky and entertaining, and the guide really brought Edinburgh’s darker side to life. Greyfriars Kirkyard was eerie but fascinating, with centuries of history. While not for everyone, these tours are a great way to see a different side of the city.
Activity
Edinburgh’s ghost tours are a must if you’re into spooky history, but be prepared for some serious chills! For a more relaxed evening, The Devil’s Advocate is a fantastic spot for dinner—try the venison if you’re feeling adventurous.
Day 4A Relaxing Day by the Sea
For my final day in Edinburgh, I decided to immerse myself in the city’s cultural scene. I started with a visit to the Scottish National Gallery, where I spent the morning admiring works from Scottish and European artists. The collection is impressive, and I especially enjoyed seeing pieces by Scottish masters like Sir Henry Raeburn.
In the afternoon, I took a leisurely walk along Calton Hill, another spot with incredible views of the city. The Nelson Monument and Dugald Stewart Monument are iconic landmarks, and the view over the cityscape is stunning—especially with the afternoon sun shining down. It was the perfect place to reflect on my trip and take one last look at the city.
I wrapped up my Edinburgh adventure with dinner at Ondine, a seafood restaurant just off the Royal Mile. I had the fresh oysters and a perfectly cooked lobster, a fitting end to my trip. With a full stomach and a heart full of memories, I made my way back to the hotel, savoring my last night in this incredible city.
Dinner at Ondine was by far the best meal I had during my time in Edinburgh. The seafood was fresh, and the service was excellent. While a bit pricey, it felt worth it for the quality and attention to detail in each dish.
Food
My final night at the boutique hotel was pleasant, but by this point, I had gotten used to the quirks of the small rooms and noise. It remained a good spot for exploring the city, but I’d recommend considering other options if you prefer more space or quieter surroundings.
Accomodation
The Scottish National Gallery was a peaceful break from the busier tourist spots, with a solid collection of art, though not the most extensive. The view from Calton Hill was the perfect way to end my time in Edinburgh, offering a final, panoramic look at the city.
Activity
Edinburgh’s art scene is truly impressive, so don’t skip the Scottish National Gallery if you’re a fan of culture. Calton Hill is a great spot for a final panoramic view of the city—especially around sunset.
Summary of My Trip
Through Bobby's eyes
My experiences
Edinburgh is a city that offers a blend of history, culture, and scenic beauty, making it a memorable destination for any traveler. During my time there, I experienced everything from iconic landmarks to local cuisine and was able to get a sense of what the city truly has to offer. While there were certainly some standout moments, not every aspect of the trip was perfect. Here’s my assessment of Edinburgh across key categories:
Lunch at The Witchery by the Castle was an interesting experience, though a bit pricey for the portion sizes. The haggis was flavorful and rich, but the atmosphere was the real standout, with its unique, gothic style. However, the service felt a bit slow given the restaurant’s reputation.
Food
My boutique hotel in Old Town had plenty of charm, but the rooms were a little smaller than I expected for the price. The location, however, made up for it, as I was right in the heart of everything, which saved a lot of time. The staff were friendly and helpful.
Accomodation
Edinburgh Castle is as impressive as I had imagined. The views over the city were spectacular, and the history is fascinating, but the crowds can be overwhelming, especially during peak hours. I recommend going early in the day to avoid the rush.
Activity