Attractions:

• Arthur’s Seat & Holyrood Park: Edinburgh’s largest green space sits on an extinct volcano and is the perfect place to experience some Scottish nature! Although the hike up to Arthur’s Seat is steep (250m climb), your hard work will pay off in the form of an incredible view of the city! The round-trip trek is 2 hours long following a well-traveled path. I’d carve out 3 hours for this whole experience though since you’ll want a good amount of time admiring the panoramic view! Duddingston Loch, located on the south side of the park, is a nice spot for a lakeside picnic as well.

• Explore the Scottish Highlands: Have you ever heard of Nessie, the Loch Ness Monster? Here’s where you can find her! The Scottish Highlands make up most of northwest Scotland and are 2-3 hours driving from Edinburgh. The region is known for its mountainous landscapes, medieval castles, bottomless lochs, and dense forests. Although there are day trip options, I don’t recommend them; they will not give you the full experience. You’ll spend the majority of the tour driving on a bus experiencing nature from the car. Since the region is a few hours from the city, I recommend either spending a few days in Inverness or booking a multi-day tour from Edinburgh. Timberbush Tours have options ranging from 1-5 days varying in price from £40-£315 ($54-$420 USD). Highlights include visits to Moray Firth to see bottlenose dolphins and Ben Nevis, the U.K.’s highest peak. You can’t go wrong; this area is truly stunning!

• Edinburgh Castle: Edinburgh’s main tourist attraction is open daily from 9:30am-6:00pm and costs £17.50 ($23 USD) to enter. Due to its elevation atop volcanic rock, it gives visitors a commanding view of the city, just like it gave Scottish monarchs in centuries past. The city’s former stronghold does have some military relevance and use today, but the majority of the castle serves as a museum.

• Greyfriars Kirkyard: Erected in the 1560s, this graveyard is open 24/7 and free to enter. It is also world-renowned for two reasons. The first is for Greyfriars Bobby, a Skye Terrier who famously guarded his owner’s grave for 14 years. Not only did Disney make a movie about this, but a statue has stood outside the graveyard in Bobby’s honor since 1872 - the year after his owner passed. The second reason is J.K. Rowling. The author has said tombstones here inspired some names used in her book series, Harry Potter. You’ll find names such as Potter, McGonagall, Black, Moodie, Scrymgeour, and Cruikshanks. There’s one more you may also see, but I wouldn’t dare utter his name! While we’re on the topic, be sure to stop by The Elephant House, a café where J.K. spent time writing her books.

• Calton Hill: This UNESCO World Heritage Site is one of the best spots in Edinburgh to catch a sunrise. The climb to the top takes no more than 10 minutes and you’ll find plenty of monuments and memorials along the way - including the unfinished National Monument of Scotland. This area is open 24/7.

• Free Walking Tour: As in most European cities, SANDEMANs is in Edinburgh with a free, tip-based walking tour. It picks up every morning at Frankie & Benny’s, is 2.5 hours long, and takes you past the famous Royal Mile, Grassmarket, and much more! SANDEMANs also has other options including their Dark Side and Harry Potter tours; both last 2 hours and cost £14 ($19 USD).

• Take a Stroll in Dean Village: Walking through this residential part of town feels like you’re winding through a romantic, fantasy novel. Every turn offers a view more scenic and serene than the last! It’s only 25 minutes walking from town and is actually part of a 12-mile trail along the river from Balerno to Leith. You can easily spend an hour or more here! I recommend especially going down Hawthornbank Lane and sitting along the river (Water of Leith).

• The Real Mary King’s Close: Dubbed one of the spookiest places in Scotland, Mary King’s Close is located under the streets of Edinburgh’s Royal Mile. Since the late 1600s, there have been many tales of hauntings and paranormal sightings. Visit and decide for yourself! The hours are Monday-Thursday from 9:30am-4:30pm and Friday-Sunday from 9:30am-6:00pm. Entrance costs £17.95 ($24 USD).

• Portobello Beach: 3 miles from the city center, this is Edinburgh’s most popular swimming and sunbathing spot. The quickest and most cost-effective way to get here is by taking Bus 26 from Princes Street (PD Stop) to Bellfield Lane (30 min; £1.80).

• Other attractions include: National Museum of Scotland, The Edinburgh Dungeon, St Giles’ Cathedral, Palace of Holyroodhouse, and The Scotch Whisky Experience.