Edinburgh, Scotland
Day 1
Edinburgh wrapped us in its timeless charm when our feet touched Scottish soil.
With round-trip tram tickets (a budget-friendly and hassle-free way to get from the airport to the city center), we made our way to our weekend home: Haystack Hostel. Nestled in the city's heart, it was an adequate place for budget-conscious travelers.
First stop? Café Royal. A historic Scottish pub where we indulged in the rich flavors of Aberdeen Angus beef and a traditional Scottish pie. The ambiance—a mix of Victorian elegance and warm hospitality—made it the perfect introduction to Edinburgh’s culinary scene.
Recharged, we wandered through Princes Street Gardens, marveling at the gothic spire of the Scott Monument. Just beyond the gardens was the Scottish National Gallery, which boasts a collection of masterpieces and is a perfect retreat on a gloomy day.
After a quick power nap, we threw ourselves into Edinburgh’s legendary nightlife. We opted for a pub crawl that led us to the hotspots of Bar Fifty, Revolution, Three Sisters, and Hive. Each bar had its unique energy—some pulsed with live music, others with neon lights and laughter spilling into the streets.
One thing was sure: Edinburgh knows how to throw a party!
Day 2
No trip to Scotland is complete without a proper Scottish breakfast, and Scouters Cords Cafe delivered. Plates piled high with bacon, black pudding, tattie scones, and fried eggs fueled us for the day ahead.
Our first stop was Victoria Street, a curving rainbow of historic buildings and quirky shops—the inspiration for Diagon Alley in Harry Potter. As fans, we couldn’t resist stepping into the Harry Potter store, where wands, spellbooks, and wizarding trinkets lined the shelves.
Next, we climbed towards Edinburgh Castle, a fortress withstood centuries of battles and betrayals. Standing atop its ancient walls, we gazed at the city's beautiful views.
From there, we meandered the Royal Mile, alive with street performers, bagpipes, and medieval charm. Our walk led us to Holyrood Palace, the former home of Mary, Queen of Scots, and the official Scottish residence of Queen Elizabeth II.
While we didn’t climb Arthur’s Seat, we admired its grandeur from below, imagining the breathtaking views adventurers captured from its summit.
For dinner, we switched gears and dived into the rich, aromatic flavors at The Pakora Bar, a hidden gem serving incredible Northern Indian street food. We rounded off the night by revisiting our favorite bars, Revolution and Three Sisters.
Day 3
Our final day began with a leisurely breakfast at Mary’s Cafe Bistro. From there, we visited the Greyfriars Bobby statue, paying tribute to the loyal pup who guarded his owner’s grave for 14 years. Greyfriars Kirkyard lay behind him, a graveyard seeped in history.
We found Tom Riddle’s grave among the weathered tombstones— whose name inspired the Dark Lord of Harry Potter. Seeing it in real life felt like stepping into the pages of the beloved series.
We spent our final hours soaking in the lively Grassmarket, picking up small keepsakes to remember our Scottish adventure. For one last toast to Edinburgh, we settled into White Hart Pub, one of the city's oldest.
Our farewell meal at Hanna’s Restaurant introduced us to Middle Eastern cuisine's bold, vibrant flavors, perfectly contrasting with our weekend’s Scottish fare.
Three days in Edinburgh was the perfect mix of history, culture, and vibrant nightlife. Whether you’re tracing the steps of kings and queens, hunting for the city’s best eats, or losing yourself in its legendary pub scene, Edinburgh offers something magical for every traveler. If this city isn’t on your bucket list yet, it should be!
