It’s no secret that I love Edinburgh. Not only do I constantly wax poetic about it on this blog, but I also do the same in person.
Whenever someone asks, “how are you liking Edinburgh?” I usually ramble on about how beautiful the city is, and how I can’t believe I live here, and how amazing it is until eventually their eyes start to glaze over and I can see they’ve begun to regret asking me the question in the first place. I’m sorry, random bank employee at TSB, but you asked…
One thing I love about Edinburgh (aside from the fact that it’s so ridiculously pretty, of course) is how it constantly surprises me.
Take a stroll along the Water of Leith and you’ll stumble into a hidden village, seemingly frozen in time. Walk up Advocate’s Close and you’ll find a beautiful view of the Scott Monument in the distance. Turn down a nondescript lane off the Royal Mile and you might end up in Dunbar’s Close Garden, a tranquil garden hidden in plain sight along one of the busiest areas in the city.
Since Edinburgh is so photogenic, I thought I’d highlight a few of my favourite spots in the city via my Instagram photos.
One of my favourite views of the castle is from The Vennel – an alleyway just off the Grassmarket.
Walking up Advocate’s Close from Cockburn Street to the Royal Mile offers this sneaky view of the Scott Monument.
I love this view of New College – the campus is so beautiful it makes me slightly jealous of the students who are lucky enough to study here.
As touristy and crowded as it can be at times, I still enjoy strolling along the Royal Mile.
Victoria Street is one of my favourite streets in the city – I love the pop of colour from the brightly painted shop and cafes.
Circus Lane is, quite possibly, the prettiest street in the city.
I never thought I’d find myself willingly choosing to spend time in a cemetery, but Greyfriars Kirkyard is so pretty.
Edinburgh isn’t overly crowded by any means, but I love that I can escape to Princes Street Gardens anytime I need a little serenity.
Walking into Dean Village is like stepping back into different century. Historically, it was a grain-milling hamlet for more than 800 years, and now it’s a tranquil residential area nestled along the Water of Leith.
I don’t think I’ll ever step foot in that water, but Portobello Beach is a charming seaside suburb, and a lovely place for a stroll along the promenade on a sunny day.
You can slip away from the hustle and bustle of the Royal Mile if you follow Lady Stair’s Close to Makars’ Court – it’s also where The Writers’ Museum is located.
15 Comments
This is a fantastic post! I’m going to eastern Europe in May of 2016 but I have plans to go to Scotland for 3 weeks when I graduate college! That’s not until 2018 but still! *looks at calendar* And I’m saving this post to my pinterest board so I can refer to it when I visit. Truly fabulous post and thanks so much for sharing! 🙂
Thanks so much Cristina! At least that gives you plenty of time to plan your trip to Scotland 😉 Enjoy your Europe trip in May!
Ahh these pictures are just making me swoon! I just got back from my trip to Scotland a few weeks ago and I’m already aching to go back. I especially fell in love with Edinburgh. Just a gorgeous city with a magical feel!
I’m all too familiar with that aching feeling – that’s exactly how I felt after visiting Edinburgh the first time a few years ago! I’m sure you’ll be back 🙂
Love this! Straight into the bookmarks so I can find them when I go next year ? you seem t have a talent for finding the best places!
Thanks, Alice! 🙂 I’m constantly trying to exploring Edinburgh’s hidden gems and nooks and crannies – and there’s so many in this city!
Edinburgh seems to have many different facets, with a common theme of history and prettiness! I dare you to put your feet in the water on that beach though! 😉
http://www.camilleinwonderlands.com
Haha I think I’m quite content to never put my feet in that water, thank you very much! 😉
These are gorgeous, Ashley! I loved my university campus, but that New College view almost makes me want to go back and do it all again. I’ve been more and more interested in visiting Edinburgh ever since I learned in Melbourne that both are considered UNESCO Cities of Literature. These photos only make me want to visit more!
Thanks, Katie! New College is so gorgeous, isn’t it?! Interesting – I didn’t realize Melbourne was a UNESCO City of Literature! I’m sure you’d love Edinburgh 🙂
Thanks for all the tips and your instagram pics! We’re coming to Edinburgh in the end of September and we caaaaan’t wait!! So excited for Scotland! <3
xx Anna & Vanessa
I was in edinburgh and all around scotland oh looks like paradis, lucky scottish people green water country
You’re welcome! Enjoy your visit to Edinburgh! I’m sure you’ll love it 🙂
Lovely post!! Have you gotten around to exploring Glasgow? 🙂
Thank you! 🙂 Yes, I did spend quite a bit of time in Glasgow – it’s a fantastic city!