Trip Preview: Edinburgh

Edinburgh offers a completely different atmosphere from London, with a mix of medieval streets, dramatic landscapes, and historic landmarks all packed into a relatively walkable city. During our time here, we’re planning to focus on the city’s historic core, a few immersive experiences, and some scenic viewpoints.

Edinburgh Castle

Castles and Royal History

While in Edinburgh, we plan on visiting major landmarks like Edinburgh Castle and the Palace of Holyroodhouse.

Edinburgh Castle sits high on Castle Rock and can be seen from almost anywhere in the city. It has served as a royal residence, military stronghold, and symbol of Scotland for centuries. The views from the castle over the city are supposed to be just as impressive as the history inside.

At the opposite end of the Royal Mile, the Palace of Holyroodhouse is the official residence of the British monarch in Scotland. It offers a different perspective on royal history, with more of a lived-in palace feel compared to the fortress-like castle.

Just outside the city is what remains of Craigmillar Castle, a medieval fortress just outside Edinburgh, known for its impressive towers, defensive walls, and peaceful, less-crowded setting. Dating back to the 14th century, it famously provided refuge to Mary, Queen of Scots, adding intrigue and royal history to its atmospheric ruins.

Craigmiller Castle

Walking the Royal Mile

We’re planning to spend a good amount of time exploring the Royal Mile, which connects the castle to the palace.

This stretch is lined with historic buildings, shops, and small alleyways (called “closes”) that branch off in different directions. It’s one of the best places to get a feel for Edinburgh’s medieval layout and atmosphere.

Along the way, we’ll also stop by Greyfriars Kirkyard, which is known for its history and connections to local legends. It’s also associated with Greyfriars Bobby, a famously loyal dog whose story is well-known in the city.

Victoria Street off of the Royal Mile

Scenic Views and Outdoor Spots

Edinburgh is known for its viewpoints, and we’re planning to take advantage of that with a visit to Calton Hill.

Calton Hill is relatively easy to climb and offers panoramic views of the city, including Edinburgh Castle, the Old Town, and the surrounding landscape. It’s a great spot to take in the layout of the city all at once, especially around sunset.

We’re also planning to walk part of the Water of Leith Walkway, which follows a river through quieter parts of the city. This should provide a nice contrast to the busier historic areas.

View from Calton Hill

Exploring the City Atmosphere

We’re planning time to simply walk through the city and take in its atmosphere, especially around the Old Town. With its narrow streets, stone buildings, and layered history, Edinburgh feels very different from most modern cities.

We’ll also be building in time for local dining and exploring smaller streets off the main paths, which often end up being some of the most memorable parts of a trip.

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Overall, our time in Edinburgh is focused on history, walkability, and scenic views. From castle overlooks to quiet riverside paths, it’s shaping up to be a balanced mix of iconic sights and slower exploration before heading further into the Scottish Highlands.