What to Do When Exploring Edinburgh

If you're headed to Edinburgh, Scotland, there are three experiences you absolutely do not want to miss. Find out where to stop on your trip and what makes each of these places so special!

Edinburgh Castle

Edinburgh Castle is one of the oldest fortified places in Europe. With a long, rich history as a royal residence, military garrison, prison, and fortress, it is alive with many exciting tales. When you climb Castle Hill, you will walk in the footsteps of soldiers, kings, and queens – and even the odd pirate or two!

Though parts of it remain in military use, the castle is now a world-famous visitor attraction. It’s also an iconic part of the Old and New Towns of Edinburgh World Heritage Site.

The Royal Mile

Extending from the castle and all the way down to the Holy Rood Palace, the Royal Mile is the name given to the streets leading to the city's Old Town.

Did You Know?

Okay, Harry Potter fans, listen up! Edinburgh has a deep connection with the wizarding world of Harry Potter.

You'll be pleased to know there are several Harry Potter sites in Edinburgh that fans can visit. One of the most notable of these was the home of J.K. Rowling when she wrote the majority of the Harry Potter books.

Want to sit and sip coffee in the same café where J.K. Rowling wrote the Harry Potter books? See turreted buildings that may have been the inspiration for Hogwarts? See graves and streets that may have influenced the names of Harry Potter characters? Or, maybe you would like to drink a pint of butterbeer in a local pub?

Harry Potter Sites to Visit

Here are a few of the sites you will definitely want to visit:

1. Victoria Street, aka Diagon Alley

2. Candlemaker Row

3. Greyfriars Kirkyard, aka Harry Potter Graveyard

4. Tom Riddle’s Grave

5. George Heriot’s School

Mary King's Close

Another historic attraction to add to your list!

Mary King's Close is a historic street consisting of private homes located under buildings on the Royal Mile in the historic Old Town area of Edinburgh.

Shrouded in myths and mysteries, The Close and its warren of streets, homes, and passageways offer a truly unique visitor experience. Unlock the secrets of Edinburgh’s only preserved 17th-century street, wander through a labyrinth of Old Town alleyways, avoid the cry of gardyloo, and discover the stories of the people who lived, worked, and died here.

This is truly an experience you don't want to miss while visiting Edinburgh!

Do these experiences whet your appetite to visit Edinburgh?

If so, contact me for more information so you can experience these lovely places (and more!) in Edinburgh. Click below to learn more about how I work with adventure seekers like yourself.