City Trips

City trip Edinburgh: why you want this in the fall

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If there is one city that truly comes alive in the autumn, it is Edinburgh. The gray, moody weather embraces the city as if it were specially designed for the dark alleys and misty hills. With those medieval buildings, it always feels magical, but there is something about autumn that makes it even better. Why should you suddenly go on a city trip? Well, if you have to walk in the autumn chill anyway, wouldn’t you rather do it in a beautiful city? Yep. Just listen to me; because this is the reason why you want to pack your bags for Scotland right now.

Is it a train? Is it a broomstick? It’s the plane to Scotland

You don’t need months to plan this trip. You can be in this ancient city in no time. (Because fun fact: it was founded in the seventh century BC. Wow) How do you get there? You book a flight or you take the train. Both are possible, but… my advice? Go for the plane. It’s shorter and more convenient. With the train, you have to change twice in London from Amsterdam or Rotterdam and then take another 4.5 hours to Edinburgh. That’s a train journey of no less than 11.5 hours. Wow. Unless you love train travel, I would choose flying. With that steel beast, you’ll be there in half an hour. It costs about the same, but if you book smartly, flying can even be cheaper. I know what I would do, for sure.

And from the airport, you’re in the city in no time. With the Bright Bus Airport Express you’ll be in the center in half an hour for just £4. This bus, which departs from bus stop E to Waverley Bridge, runs every 15 to 30 minutes, so you’ll get there. If you’re not a fan of the bus, you can also take the tram opposite the terminal. It goes all the way to New Town for £7.50. I can’t make it any easier for you.

Then you’re in the center. What can you do in Edinburgh?

Of course, you can shop, dine out, and (the most fun, if you ask me) sightsee, just like in any city. But Edinburgh is not a city you can tick off in one day. Every corner, every bridge, every alley seems to tell a story. There’s beauty everywhere, so I definitely recommend a weekend. At least. Don’t plan your entire teenage life around this trip like I did? Then I understand you don’t want to spend hours searching TikTok, so here are the hotspots you absolutely must visit. Otherwise, you might as well take the plane back:

New College

Although it’s called ‘new college’, this is not a modern gray building. This university has been around since 1846 and looks just like you’re standing in front of Hogwarts. That’s not surprising when you hear that J.K. Rowling (the author) based the school on these buildings. She wrote most of the book series in this city. You can’t view the school from the inside, as it is still used as (guess what) a school, but viewing it from the outside is just as fun. You can step into the courtyard and feel like you’ve stepped into the Harry Potter universe.

Victoria Street

Speaking of Harry Potter: stroll through Victoria Street. This shopping street was the inspiration for Diagon Alley, the shopping street in Harry Potter. The real version is one of the most popular streets in the city with its winding road and colorful shops. It looks just like it did back in the day. Perfect for spending your entire monthly salary and eating around.

Pollok Country park

Something different. Have you ever seen those fluffy cows? Those super cute Highland Cows are also found in Scotland. How could it be otherwise? 45 minutes from the city is the country park where these cows have been grazing for 200 years. Just through the entrance garden and the beautiful building, it feels a bit like you’re walking in the Keukenhof, but nothing could be further from the truth: this is just in Glasgow. The park has large woodlands where you can hike. Especially in autumn, with all those golden and red leaves, it’s so beautiful. And there are also Bridgeton-like gardens to stroll through. And what everyone comes for: wildlife spotting. Take a photo with the cows or visit the museum.

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Edinburgh Castle

How can you go to Edinburgh and not visit Edinburgh Castle? You can’t. It’s a must. The castle, which stands on the remnants of a volcano, Castle Rock, has been there since the eleventh century. This castle was the residence of Scottish royals until the fifteenth century. From then on, the castle was the scene of military assaults, wars, and battles. They also call this the most attacked castle in Great Britain. Do you enjoy a bit of culture? Then you need to buy tickets here. They have tours here, and even an afternoon tea experience. This castle is almost 1000 years old – so you want to see this.

Wander around the Royal Mile

Like almost everything in Edinburgh, this part of the city is breathtaking. The Royal Mile is a historic connecting street filled with pubs, old shops, and restaurants. Ideal for strolling through and daydreaming. Oh, and a tip: around the corner is Greyfriars Kirkyard. A cemetery that, especially in autumn, gives you the spooky vibes you expect from Edinburgh. Here lies the grave of Tom Riddle, who was the inspiration for the villain from the Harry Potter series. Walk here at twilight when the lights are just on and everything is just a bit scarier. That makes the experience even cooler.

Arthur’s Seat

This ancient extinct volcano is the highest hilltop in the city. It is part of the Holyrood park. It’s a tough hike, but you’ll be walking on a mountain where people walked 2000 years ago. For many, this is one of the highlights of their trip. The view is absolutely stunning and ’life-changing‘. There are even paths for the less trained hiker. Just make sure to bring your hiking boots, because you’ll need them. This is the kind of place where you forget all your worries and become one with the Scottish nature.

Vennel Viewpoint

If you see an Instagram photo of Edinburgh, eight out of ten times it’s from one of the Vennel Viewpoints. This is a photogenic street in the city where you have a beautiful view of Edinburgh Castle. The dark buildings, combined with rain or a dark sky, make this the perfect autumn photo. The stone steps leading up to the castle are beautiful, and it’s great to walk around here. You can feel the history. It’s your moment to feel like the main character in the city.

Dean Village

As if we haven’t walked enough, I have one more place you must see: Dean Village. Well, you shouldn’t go to Edinburgh if you don’t like walking. This little town doesn’t resemble the dark Edinburgh atmosphere much, but rather that of an old German village, or the village from Beauty and the Beast. Grab a warm coffee and enjoy the beautiful buildings, smell the grass, walk through nature – this is a must. The river flows gently past the old houses, which is even more beautiful in autumn: the green moss, the brown leaves. It feels like you’ve stepped into a fantasy book, and who wouldn’t want to get lost in that?

Circus Lane

As if it couldn’t get any better, there’s a romantic little piece of Edinburgh just five minutes away. Circus Lane is a street where you can do nothing but walk through. Isn’t that boring? Maybe a little. But it’s certainly beautiful, with those houses full of flowers – and you’re there anyway. So grab what you can.

Harry Potter walking tour

Look, I know not everyone is a Harry Potter fan like I am, but do you find it just as amazing? Then a tour is super to do. You visit some places that have already been discussed here, like the cobblestone road in Victoria Street, amazing side streets, Greyfriars Kirkyard, and more in the city. The ‘Potter Trail’ even offers free tours. So take your chance.

That’s enough brown buildings. Are there also museums in Edinburgh?

Certainly. And because I’ve already talked so much, I’ll keep it short for you.

National Museum of Scotland

This is one of the largest museums in the whole United Kingdom. With exhibitions about Scottish culture, science, nature, and even fashion, this is a museum where you definitely want to take a look around.

Museum of Edinburgh

In the same style as all the other dark buildings, this historical gathering point is perfect for relaxing and looking around. The museum is spread over a few buildings to tell the story of the city, such as that of famous Scots and historical artifacts.

The Writer’s Museum

As a writer, I couldn't leave this out, of course. This dreamy dark academia museum is filled with portraits, quirky and very old books, and personal objects donated to the museum. Firstly, it's free and right next to the Royal Mile, so it's also on the route.

Scottish National Portrait Gallery

This museum is also free to visit. Besides being one of the most well-known buildings in the city, it is filled with paintings from the past and present. A lesson in Scottish history.

To be honest: I could write for days about everything you can do in this city, because really; it doesn't stop. Can you see yourself walking here on a rainy day? Umbrella in one hand, steaming coffee in the other. Looking at all those beautiful places where so much history took place. Can you already guess that I really want to go?

Hotels in Edinburgh

If you want to visit all those hotspots, then you obviously need somewhere to sleep. In a city like this, you have millions of options to stay, so how do you choose something? I, as a victim of choice stress, have already done some research for you.

Sleep in style at The Witchery by the Castle. This is located in the Old Town on the Royal Mile. You're right in the center, surrounded by all the beautiful architecture. And the interior of this hotel? It looks like a sight in itself. This is for the, uh, wealthy among us. Because you easily pay €500 per person for one night. But it's so amazing that I wanted to mention it.

Uh, something just as beautiful but more realistic than: when I think of Edinburgh, I think of a dark red room with moody light. That can be done for less money AND in the old town. In House of Gods a weekend for €438 per person.

Are you more in the mood for a budget vacation? Then you can sleep for a weekend in Edinburgh Travel Guest House for €107 per person. That's a big difference from paying almost a Macbook amount for one night in Edinburgh. And this one is definitely good, you're only 2 kilometers from the center. Ideal.

Eating in Edinburgh

Yes, looking at all those beautiful things is fun – but the stomach wants something too. I thought that when I heard your stomach growling while walking in Victoria Street. We're not the pickiest, so no panic: you don't have to read all those reviews on Google Maps yourself. You can do that here:

Okay, we understand that sleeping at The Witchery is too expensive, but you can also go here to eat. It's not a McDonald's hamburger, so it will cost a bit more, but then you can have lunch in style. For £34.50 you have a two-course lunch menu. And actually, you're also going for that beautiful decor.

Is that a bit too expensive? Then you can enjoy brunch at The Pantry. Here you don't have super touristy prices, just a sandwich for a maximum of £13.

And do you want to have a coffee with the most beautiful view? You can do that at Waterstones café, located in the Waterstones bookstore in Edinburgh. Here you have a view of Edinburgh Castle and Castle Rock. You also have an excuse to buy some books. You really didn't choose this place on purpose.

And some other local favorites: Dishoom for delicious Indian food, The Milkman for scones and coffees, BABA for your dinner, try traditional Haggis (it sounds gross, but really: come on, step out of your comfort zone) at The Haggis Box or the ultimate Scottish comfort food spot: Makars Mash Bar.

Want some tips for drinks? That’s possible.

Go to the moody Victorian Advocate’s close. This is hidden in a side street, after which you go through a cave to enter. The place for a Scottish whiskey. Or drink cocktails at The Whiski Bar. with the best live music. The Black Cat is a local classic and Panda & Sons is giving jazz bar vibes. And for the Harry Potter fans? Go to the Magic Potions Tavern. Here you can also make your own ‘potions’. Really an experience.

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Can all of that be done in a weekend?

Yes, yes, I know I've given a lot of tips. And as I said: you definitely need to prepare for a weekend of walking. Actually, that's the case with every city trip, but especially in Edinburgh, you wander through the cutest streets and past old buildings to feast your eyes.

Are you still afraid that it won't all fit? No problem. Everything is so close together that it will be fine, but to help you get rid of those deathly fears, we have made a plan for you. This way you really don't have to do anything more.

On the first day, you walk to Edinburgh Castle through the Old Town. Here you will see a lot of hotspots, such as Victoria Street and Cockburn Street. Visiting the castle will take up a large part of your day if you have already stopped a lot in the Old Town: so remember that you still have two more days. Stop for lunch and snacks – after all, you are on vacation. Pass by the Old College, where the Armchair Bookstore nearby is definitely worth a visit. On the way back, walk to the Royal Mile, which is one of the largest streets in the old town. Take a look at The Writer’s Museum and then it will be time for dinner again. In the evening, it is very nice to explore the Old Town or stop by some bars.

On the second day, you can focus on the rugged Scottish nature. Go to Arthur’s Seat and travel to Pollok Country Park. The rest of the afternoon is the time to check out Dean Village. You will get quite tired here, so you can end the day with a nice dinner and go to bed early. Or to the Potions Bar if you are still not tired at all.

The third day is for almost everything you haven't gotten to yet. Put on your best outfit (and

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