Edinburgh’s Old Town gives the feel of stepping back in time with its cobbled streets and ancient history. Our trip began in the heart of the Old Town, in a charming Airbnb flat across from the University of Edinburgh. The neighborhood buzzed with energy as students and travelers weaved through the streets, just as they’ve done for centuries. The towering spires, stone facades, and winding streets welcomed us to what would be an unforgettable exploration of this 1700-year-old fortress.
Our first stop was Greyfriars Cemetery, a peaceful yet eerie place full of stories. The site pays homage to Tom Riddell’s grave—a familiar name to fans of J.K. Rowling’s, Harry Potter series, as it inspired the infamous villain, Voldemort. We weren’t the only visitors searching for this gravestone; the real magic of Greyfriars lies in its history beyond the literary connection. Walking through the grounds, you can’t help but feel the weight of the past that surrounds you, with graves dating back to the 16th century and the infamous Greyfriars Bobby—a small dog known for guarding his owner’s grave for 14 years.
Leaving the eeriness of the cemetery behind, we ventured to Edinburgh Castle, perched high on Castle Rock. The view from the esplanade alone is breathtaking, with sweeping vistas of the city and beyond to the Firth of Forth. We wandered inside the halls and admired the Honours of Scotland, Britain’s oldest crown jewels. The sense of history is unimaginable, from the Stone of Destiny, the Great Hall, to the Prison of War. The castle is one of the city’s most popular attractions, with its role as a fortress and royal residence standing strong through the ages.
We descended from the castle to Victoria Street, often rumored to be the inspiration for Diagon Alley in Harry Potter. It’s a vibrant and colorful cobbled street, lined with boutique shops and cafés. Victoria Street offers everything from traditional Scottish tweed and wool stores to quirky independent bookshops. We could’ve spent hours browsing, but I was lured by a hot coffee on a rainy morning to The Elephant House, the famed café where J.K. Rowling penned much of her early novels. The original location on George IV Bridge had views from the back of the café, overlooking the castle. Unfortunately, due to a fire in 2021, the location is currently closed and a second location opened on Victoria Street.
From there, we strolled through Grassmarket, once the site of public executions; today, it’s a lively square brimming with pubs and vintage shops. We grabbed a few souvenirs to take home—hand-knit scarves, a beanie, and local trinkets—before heading to the Royal Mile for a true Scottish experience—a glass of Scotch whisky. The smooth and smoky whisky was the perfect way to take in the atmosphere of this iconic street. A little tip for those who want to enjoy Scotch but are not fans of the intense smokiness. There are plenty of distillery tours in the area, and I learned that the whiskey from the Highlands and Speyside region is less smoky and, for me, more enjoyable.
For any literary lover, no visit to Edinburgh would be complete without a stop at the Writer’s Museum. It pays homage to three of Scotland’s most famous writers: Robert Burns, Sir Walter Scott, and Robert Louis Stevenson. The museum is tucked away down Lady Stair’s Close, one of the Old Town’s many hidden alleyways. Inside, I marveled at first editions, personal artifacts, and letters that breathed life into these great writers. The intimate setting of the museum added to its charm, making it true gem amidst Edinburgh’s many grand monuments.
One of our favorite parts of the trip was walking through East Princes Street Gardens, a park in the heart of the city. It’s hard to imagine that this lush greenery was once a loch that served as the city’s defense against its enemies. Today, it’s a perfect spot to relax with a view of the Old Town. The park is surrounded by towering trees, flowerbeds, and the Scott Monument. The Gothic structure dedicated to Sir Walter Scott towers over the gardens, piercing the sky.
While these experiences formed the core of our visit, Edinburgh has many hidden gems that we stumbled upon or heard about after our visit. One such treasure is the Dean Village, a quiet neighborhood just a short walk from the city center. With picturesque cottages and the Water of Leith flowing through, it’s like stepping into a different world—far removed from the bustling city. It’s a perfect place for a quiet walk and to experience a different side of Edinburgh.
Edinburgh is a city where every corner holds a story, from the well-trodden paths of the Old Town to the hidden closes. Whether you’re sipping whisky on the Royal Mile, tracing the footsteps of literary giants, or simply wandering through its historic streets, Edinburgh leaves a lasting impression on anyone fortunate enough to experience its charms. We left the city with a camera full of photos, a suitcase full of souvenirs, and a heart full of memories.