OhdearRia

This is my fourth time visiting Edinburgh. Although last time I was in Edinburgh was about ten years ago. Still the city doesn’t change much. Still gloomy, windy, and mysterious. Edinburgh is in ‘my city to live’ list, I know it’s probably not everyone’s cup a tea but I like the city!  It’s the city that you can have a coffee in the exact shop where JK Rowling wrote Harry Potter!  🙂  Edinburgh is Scotland’s capital, has a medieval old town, castles, and amazing historical attraction to explore.  So, how do I not fall in love with Edinburgh ? :p

The weather was  pretty miserable when we were there, it was very windy, drizzle the whole day, grey, and cold!  From Burntisland where we were staying with a friend, we took a 15 minute train to Edinburgh Weaverly. Since it was past noon, we decided to have a light meal first. Besides, it’s  raining too so it’s just nice to pop in at the warm and cosy café and order a hot chocolate and cappuccino. There are plenty of cute little cafes/restaurants/pubs along the Royal Mile and Princess Street. Also in the little alleys! Don’t be afraid to enter an alley, because in there you will find unique and pretty little restaurants and coffee shops.

Here are some places that I think it’s worth to visit in Edinburgh (randomly), if you’ve been there too you are more than welcome to add more!

I apologize if the pictures are so dark and grey. Edinburgh was in pouring rain and very gloomy when we visited.

1. Palace of Holyrood House.

It’s the Queen official residence when she’s in Scotland. It locates at the end of Royal Mile. Open every day except on 25 March and Christmas & Boxing day.  When we got there it was almost 3pm and it started to get dark as you can see in the picture.

1.  Edinburgh Castle.

This castle is quite big, so spare an hour or two to explore. Edinburgh castle is home to Scotland’s crown jewels and The Stone of Destiny, traditionally used in the coronation of Scottish rulers.  The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo also an annual global performance that attracts audiences from all over the place in the world.  It show-casing the talents of musicians and performers from every corner of the globe.  If I am not wrong it usually happens in August.

1.  Camera Obscura.

The boys and I love this place. It’s cool with lots of tricks and illusions.  Go to the roof top for a bit of guided tour, where you can see Edinburgh from a top.  Just pray that the sky isn’t grey and dark! 🙂

1.  Royal Mile.

Have a nice stroll along the Royal Mile. There are cafes and souvenir shops, and don’t forget to check all the alleys with steep stairs.

 5.  Princess Street.

If you like to shop or just want to check in some of Edinburgh’s retails, Princess St is the place. It’s also very close to Edinburgh Weaverly train station.

6.  Arthur’s Seat

You can experience a proper hill walk in the heart of Edinburgh city. And enjoy the fabulous view from the all direction. 

1.  St. Giles Cathedral.

It also known as High Kirk of Edinburgh, the place of worship of church of Scotland. The church has been one of Edinburgh’s religious focal point for approximately 900 years.

8.  Last but not least, while you are in Scotland you must try one of Scotland’s most famous dessert, Deep Fried Mars Bars.  It is Mars bar deeps in thick batter and fry it for a minute then fry it again for another minute in the pan.  It’s warm, very sweet, gooey chocolateness, and not so healthy treat! 🙂 🙂 I bet you will enjoy this guilty pleasure, just make sure after eating that you gotta run up and down the hill to get rid the calorie and sugar out of your system 🙂

(picture is from Googles)

To end the day, we had dinner at Saigon Saigon, a Chinese restaurant not that far away from the train station before we caught our train back to Burntisland.

We enjoyed Edinburgh even though the weather was not that friendly!

So long, Scotland!

Next -> Norway. Stay tune!😀