Travel around Edinburgh with Bobby
Day 1Taste of History
As soon as I arrived in Edinburgh, the first thing that caught my eye was the imposing Edinburgh Castle, perched high on a hill. After checking into my cozy hotel in the heart of the Old Town, I couldn’t wait to get out and explore. My first stop was the castle itself, and let me tell you, standing on the castle grounds, overlooking the city, was absolutely breathtaking. The castle’s history is rich, and I spent hours wandering through its halls, especially enjoying St. Margaret’s Chapel and the views from the Argyle Battery.
After a dose of history, I wandered down the Royal Mile, popping into shops selling tartan scarves, whisky, and Scottish trinkets. For lunch, I stopped by The Witchery by the Castle, a stunning and atmospheric restaurant right off the Royal Mile. I tried haggis for the first time, and to my surprise, it was delicious – rich, savory, and full of flavor. In the evening, I explored the city on foot, taking in the gothic architecture illuminated under the evening sky. To end the day, I dropped by a pub in Grassmarket for a pint of local ale, soaking in the lively atmosphere.
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 decided to start the day with something a bit more active: a hike up Arthur’s Seat. It’s an extinct volcano that offers stunning views of Edinburgh and beyond. The climb isn’t too challenging, but it’s definitely worth starting early in the morning to avoid the crowds and catch the city bathed in the soft morning light. Reaching the top, I felt like I could see all of Edinburgh—its medieval streets, parks, and the distant sea.
After the hike, I treated myself to a well-deserved rest and wandered over to Holyrood Palace, the official residence of the British monarch in Scotland. The palace itself is beautiful, with intricate rooms and gardens, but it’s the history behind it that truly fascinated me, particularly the stories of Mary, Queen of Scots.
For lunch, I indulged in traditional afternoon tea at The Dome, an elegant and historic venue. The sandwiches, scones, and tea were all perfect, and the grand interior made it feel like I was stepping back in time. Afterward, I spent the afternoon strolling through the Princes Street Gardens, a peaceful green space in the middle of the city, before calling it a day.
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:
Attractions
Value of Money
Cuisine
People and Culture
Accommodation
Cleanliness and Environment
Transportation
Shopping
Safety
Overall Experience
Travel around Edinburgh with Bobby with More Details
I shared my personal experiences and impressions of Edinburgh on my blog page. If you want to explore the city in a more in-depth and comprehensive way, you can check out my other content full of detailed information and special tips.
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