Edinburgh, the capital of Scotland, is known for its picturesque hilly landscape, rich heritage, vibrant culture, and lively festivals. The iconic Edinburgh Castle dominates the city’s skyline, offering a spectacular sight for visitors. The city is easily navigable on foot, and the warm and welcoming locals add to the charm of the trip. With its compact size, breathtaking views, and the melodic sounds of bagpipes filling the air, exploring Edinburgh is an unforgettable experience.
Day one! The Scott Monument is a Victorian Gothic monument to Scottish author Sir Walter Scott.A delicious cappuccino and cinnamon roll at Fortitude Coffee, EdinburghI think Olivia liked it tooA beautiful stroll through the Royal Botanic Garden, EdinburghRoyal Botanic GardenTea and scones at the Royal Botanic Garden CaféThe University of EdinburghTime for lunch at Devil’s AdvocateDevil’s AdvocateThe food is delicious – Chicken over CouscousOlivia had the classic fish & chips. The ambiance is warm and welcoming.Edinburgh Castle looming above a historical cemeteryA beautiful spring day at Princess Street GardensTraditional Scottish breakfast at GreenwoodsOlivia enjoyed it too!Time to shop on Victoria Street home to the Harry Potter StoreHarry Potter Walking Tour and exploring the magical world inspired JK Rowling, who wrote her first book in Edinburgh.A view of the Castle from Old Town, Edinburgh The Milkman coffee shop is in the heart of Edinburgh’s Old Town on Cockburn Street.Coffee & More on Cockburn Street had good cappuccino tooOlivia thought so…Royal Mile is the heart of Scotland’s historic capital. St Giles Cathedral, a parish church of the Church of Scotland in the Old Town of Edinburgh.Bagpipes on a typical rainy day in EdinburghMaison de Moggy, the first-ever cat café in Scotland.Dined with the kitties One of the sweetest cats at the caféEntrance and sweeping views of Edinburgh CastlePathway to the many entrances and views from the CastleExploring on top of the castle and enjoying the incredible views.Walking back down through Edinburgh Old Town from the Castle.Cheese Cake and Mango ice cream at The Ivy
Golden Hare Books is a charming, independent bookshop in the heart of Edinburgh’s Stockbridge neighborhood.
The Waterstones bookshop in Edinburgh is a great place to find a book and immediately read it at their coffee shop overlooking the castle. Tolbooth Tavern, 167 Canongate, EdinburghThe Palace of Holyroodhouse, or Holyrood Palace, is the official residence of the British monarch in Scotland. Arthur’s Seat, located in Edinburgh’s vast Holyrood Park, is a popular destination to experience Scotland’s great outdoors. Gorse Evergreen flowering shrub with sharp and ubiquitous spinesThe hike up Arthur’s Seat continues…Getting closer…Made it to the top of Arthur’s Seat, an ancient volcano Olivia under the rainbowPure beauty Time to descendCosta is UK’s favorite coffee shop and the fastest-growing coffee shop chain in the UK.Old Town, EdinburghStop by Mary’s Milk Bard for homemade gelato, coffee, and hot chocolate.Portobello Beach, a few miles from Edinburgh city center, is a charming seaside communityAfternoon tea at The Dome is a must-do if visiting Edinburgh. Classic sandwiches, scones, and tea cakes. Circus Lane is nestled down a charming Edinburgh street. It’s definitely worth a short stroll. Circus Lane Dean Village is located near the charming Stockbridge neighborhood of Edinburgh, abutting a tranquil stream with gardens & 19th-century buildings. Dean VillageOlivia at the entrance of Dean VillageAssaggini is a brand new restaurant in Edinburgh serving small Italian plates so you can enjoy more of your favorite dishes. The best mother/daughter trip ever!