Edinburgh is Scotland’s hilly capital, renowned for its heritage, culture, and festivals. Looming over the city is the incredible Edinburgh Castle. A walkable town and friendly locals make this trip especially enjoyable. The city is compact and easy to get around. The views are stunning throughout, and bagpipes usually play on the street corners, adding to the experience of exploring Edinburgh.
Checked into the Airbnb in West Kensington, a busy residential district home to Olympia London, a massive events center hosting festivals, conventions, and trade fairs. North End Road offers no-frill Asian and Middle Eastern eateries. I discovered the best coffee shop in the neighborhood, Crazy for Coffee – friendly staff and bustling Italian workers and patrons. A lovely place to settle in and get ready to explore London.
Brighton, located on the south coast of England, is an inclusive, free-thinking city in the heart of Sussex, with a blend of modern culture and extravagant architecture. Spend the day in the Lanes, a collection of narrow lanes adjacent to the ocean, with several small shops, restaurants, and cafes. Our favorite place for cappuccino was the Sugardough Bread & Cake, which had the most delicious food, cake, and more. In the center of Brighton is The Royal Pavilion, surrounded by gardens, and was the seaside retreat for George, Prince of Wales.
The Victoria and Albert Museum, located in South Kenniston, London, is the world’s largest museum of art and design. The museum is divided into different areas: Cast Courts, Sculpture, Ceramics, British Galleries, South-East Asia, and Europe. Enjoy lunch or tea at the lavish gallery cafe surrounded by mosaics, stained glass, and occasional piano or harp music.
Covent Garden is a shopping and entertainment hub in London’s West End, with many shops, craft stalls at the Apple Market, and the Royal Opera House.
London’s theatre scene is one of the world’s best, with long-running musicals, classic comedies, and innovative plays.
Westminister Abbey is one of the United Kingdom’s most notable religious buildings and the traditional place of coronation and a burial site for English and, later, British monarchs.
The Design Museum is dedicated to design in its many forms, from graphic, product, and industrial design to fashion and architectural design. Located in Kensington, London by Holland Park off Kensington High Street.
I rummaged for treasures at the Portobello Road Market in West London’s Notting Hill. There is something for everyone there – I found a beautiful pearl necklace for 5 pounds. A must-see if you are in London.
Joanna Geiger Photography