During my one year around the world trip, I visited so many amazing places that by the time I arrived in Europe, it was difficult for me to feel that shock factor when seeing a new city or tourist destination. However, all that changed when I arrived at Edinburgh Scotland. The shock factor came back! I couldn’t believe it. After travelling to so many places, Edinburgh Scotland was so amazing that I felt that initial travel rush again!
Landing in Edinburgh Scotland
I arrived at Edinburgh Scotland after taking the plane from London. To be honest, I had no plans on visiting this city at all. But, when I was doing volunteer work teaching English at Poznan, Poland, I made a friend who invited me to visit her family living near Aberdeen. She told me to take at least half a day to go and explore Edinburgh because it is worth it.
I wasn’t sure what to expect but I took her words for it. Instead of flying from London to Aberdeen, I decided to catch a flight to Edinburgh Scotland, instead. From there, I would catch a bus that would take me to Aberdeen in the evening just in time to meet my friend.
As soon as the plane landed, I conveniently took the comfortable tram going from the airport to the city centre. I like Edinburgh already! Their public transportation system is very easy to use!
Taking the tram to the city centre
As soon as the tram arrived at the city centre, I was shocked. Holy…sh*t! I couldn’t believe how beautiful this city was. I get off the tram and stared in amazement at what I was seeing. Edinburgh Castle on one side and tons of cool looking buildings, towers and streets all over the place. It wasn’t just how the city looked as well, the vibe was great and local Scottish people were very friendly.
Immediately, I took my bags and went to the bus station to lock up my stuff. I love how easy it is to get around in Edinburgh Scotland. It was no problem at all for me to lock my stuff at the bus station’s many lockers for several hours while I explored the city.
I grabbed my camera and off I went to explore the Royal Mile!
Edinburgh Castle
Man, the lineup for this castle was very long. I think it took me almost an hour to actually buy a ticket. I saw many people in the lineup giving up and not going at all. All the quitters turned out to be beneficial for me as the lineup moved faster as they gave up.
After finally reaching the front counter, I paid £17 and began exploring this castle.
The castle itself is quite huge. In the castle grounds lies many towers, rooms, and chambers. It almost felt like there was a whole new city inside Edinburgh Castle.
My favourite part would have to be the dungeon and walking around the castle walls. I also got to see the crown jewel. Sadly, they wouldn’t let people take a picture of it.
The Royal Mile
As soon as I felt satisfied exploring the Edinburgh castle, I went out to walk the famous Royal Mile. If you didn’t know already, the Royal Mile is the main tourist attraction in Edinburgh. It’s essentially one long street that is part of the old Edinburgh town.
They were also having a festival during my time there and I got to see many street performers all over the place. It was lively and many people looked very happy exploring this famous street.
It was kind of funny because I assumed the Royal Mile always had a festival like feel but it turns out I went on a specific day when a festival was being held. Lucky me I suppose!
At the other end of the Royal Mile lies Holyrood Palace which is apparently one of the residence of Queen Elizabeth II. I didn’t go in because at this point, I was all castled out and would prefer to save the money.
Missing out
After having a fun filled happy day in Edinburgh Scotland, I was off to Aberdeen to meet my friend and her family.
As soon as I met up with them, they asked me what I saw and did. It turns out I missed out seeing the underground part of the city. Damn! I was so choked. I don’t know when I will be back to Edinburgh Scotland again but I was definitely not happy to know I missed something so awesome.
Oh yeah, I forgot to mention, they also have a cool hill you can hike on top off near the Holyrood Palace. More the reason to return I suppose.
Will I return to this city again? Of course! I absolutely love it and would love to stay here for 3-4 days next time around. I usually don’t like going back to places I’ve been to before but Edinburgh Scotland is different.
It’s one of the few places in this world that I can see myself returning over and over again thanks to the awesome Scottish people and overall a great city to be in. I love Edinburgh and I look forward to returning one day.
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