Travel tip: Edinburgh Scotland, everything you need to know for an unforgettable time

Edinburgh, where to start? Because even though we were only there for a short time in April, the city made an unforgettable impression on us and I definitely want to go back for a few more days. We haven't seen everything, but well enough to give you some great tips if you ever go there. Definitely do it, because it is a fairytale, especially in the autumn!

Edinburgh is a city steeped in history, charm and mystique. While this Scottish gem is known for its iconic sights such as Edinburgh Castle and the Royal Mile, there is so much more to discover off the beaten track. Read on and discover five things you must see during a visit to Edinburgh. For you: the best tips and fun facts about Edinburgh, the city where Harry Potter was written.

We traveled to Edinburg with Holland America Line , with the newest ship the MS Rotterdam , an absolute must!

What should you not miss in Edinburgh?

If you Google it you usually end up with the same list: Edinburgh Castle, Arthur's Seat, Royal Yacht Britannia, The Real Mary King's Close, the Royal Mile and a number of very beautiful museums. And yes, that's right, it's all there and if you go for about four days you can discover it all. But usually you visit Edinburg for a few days and what is it that you really shouldn't miss?

1 - Edinburgh Castle

The most famous sight, but definitely worth starting with. Because this is the castle of Edinburgh, located on a volcanic rock called Castle Rock. It offers breathtaking views over the city and behind the castle walls you will find the Honors of Scotland, the oldest Crown Jewels in the United Kingdom. Not when we were there, by the way, because Charles was being crowned then, so the crown jewels were temporarily in London.

You can go for an audio guide, but... I wouldn't linger too long with (adolescent) children. My personal highlights were:

The dog cemetery
If you look over the city you will discover a patch of grass with old gravestones where soldiers' dogs are buried.

St Margaret's Chapel

This small chapel in the grounds of the castle is the oldest surviving building in Edinburgh. It was built in the 12th century and you can still visit it.

Cannon shots are fired every day at 1:00 PM (except Sundays and public holidays). Although it used to serve a functional purpose, it is now mainly a spectacular show. From Mill's Mount Battery you can see and hear this attraction perfectly.

2 - Edinburgh's 'Harry Potter Street'

For all Harry Potter fans, Edinburgh is definitely the place to be, primarily because the story was written there. The sources of inspiration can be found throughout the city. Did you know that Diagon Alley from the books is actually 'normal'? Victoria Street is? The street is so accurately described in the books that it is known as Edinburgh's Harry Potter Street. Behind the brightly colored facades you will find several Harry Potter shops with accessories from the films and other Potter trinkets.

But this special street is not the only Harry Potter attraction in Edinburgh. JK Rowling spent a lot of time in cafes writing her novels. The Elephant House is the most famous café and the bright red facade therefore reads 'Birthplace of Harry Potter'. With stunning views of the Old Town, it's understandable why Rowling found inspiration here in particular.

Harry Potter too easy...?

It almost feels too 'easy', writing a book like Harry Potter in Edinburgh. The fact is that I am quite a fan of the Potter series, but after a visit to the city I still get the feeling as if the entire city has been used and betrayed by Rowlings. I'm treading on thin ice, I know, but I'll give you an example. During the bus tour back, we just jotted down names of streets, shops and cafes that caught our eye for fun. Here it comes: The last drop, The end of the world, Peppers, Cold hell, Earl gray street, Doctors pub, Mums, Golden scissors barber, The elephants house, The cellar door, Flip, Great king streets, Northwood, Mimi's, The cove, Fine fellas, Hillhouse road, Thirty knots, Skulldaggar, Kick ass hostels, Let me eat, Beehive inn, Mama said, Mary's milk bar, Yum Yums, Fountain bridge, The secret, Honeycomb tearoom, Secret garden, Nice time bakery , Bite me sandwich bar. So...Butter Beer anyone?

Nearby The Elephant House is actually home to George Heriot's School, which is often cited as the inspiration for Hogwarts. But the bus driver confided to us that the prestigious Fettes College was the real inspiration for Hogwards. An amazing majestic building, just outside Edinburgh, with huge gate and turrets.

3 - Discover the secret speakeasy bars

Embrace the spirit of the Prohibition era by discovering Edinburgh's secret speakeasy bars. Hidden behind inconspicuous shops, these hidden gems are out of sight of prying eyes. Look for subtle clues and passwords to enter and step into a bygone era. Once inside, enjoy carefully prepared cocktails and be immersed in the atmosphere of the vibrant 1920s. Unraveling the mystery of these speakeasies is a must for any cocktail lover or history buff. Panda & Sons is perhaps one of the most famous bars.

4 - Dean Village: a peaceful retreat

Do you want to escape the hustle and bustle of the city? Then visit the enchanting Dean Village. Hidden in a picturesque valley along the Water of Leith, this tranquil retreat offers a peaceful respite from the urban hustle and bustle. Stroll through narrow cobbled alleys, past charming cottages and the historic Well Court. The idyllic setting of the village is perfect for a relaxing stroll or a quiet afternoon picnic . Capture the essence of Edinburgh's old world charm as you discover this hidden oasis.

5 - The Real Mary King's Close

Delve into Edinburgh's underground past with a visit to The Real Mary King's Close. This hidden historical gem takes you back to the 17th century, where a labyrinth of narrow streets and underground spaces once flourished. Discover the hidden lives of the city's residents, their stories and the myths that surround the close. Guided tours bring history to life and give you unique insight into the daily lives of the people who called this hidden world home.

How to travel to Edinburgh?

You can of course fly, ferry or train, but we visited Scotland ourselves on a cruise. In a short week we visited Inverness and Edinburgh and spent several days on the road there and back. We did this with a Holland America Line cruise and that is always an experience in itself. This time we sailed with the newest ship the Rotterdam , I will write another post about that. Northern Europe cruises are always high on our wish list! Not hot and there is still so much to discover around us!

The ship was anchored at the Forth Bridge near Edinburgh. We were taken ashore in small shuttle boats.

In short: Edinburgh is a treasure trove of experiences waiting to be discovered. Whether you're an adventure seeker looking for thrills or taking it easy with your partner, Edinburgh has something fascinating to offer for everyone. So plan your trip, prepare to unravel secrets and embark on a journey for memories that will last a lifetime!

Do you have another Edinburgh tip? Share with us below!

Source: ANWB , Tripadvisor | image: own image and Unsplash
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