Edinburgh Is My Favourite Place In The World. Here Are 17 Reasons Why

Edinburgh is a funny old city. The Scottish capital has all of the splendour a big city should, but with the charm of a small town. Thoroughly modern but with a fierce grip on its heritage, the city enchants and welcomes visitors with gusto – and a wee dram.

It’s the birthplace of countless literary classics, good whisky and Sean Connery. You can’t buy alcohol after 10pm and everyone has an opinion on the trams; but Edinburgh will steal your heart and there are a few things anyone who has been to Scotland’s capital will always miss, wherever they go.

Students who go for the prestigious uni, tourists who go for the pubs or history and locals who grew up on its shiny wet cobbled streets all love Edinburgh for its unique personality. The best things about Edinburgh are the tiny, almost abstract quirks that makes the city what it is.

I spent four years studying there and miss it every day. Here are a few reasons you need to visit Edinburgh.

17 things that will make you fall head over heels in love with Edinburgh

 

1. Edinburgh has so many friendly faces

Scottish hospitality is famous worldwide, and that ruddy-faced man nursing a pint of Belhaven Best in the pub is a fine example. His name’s probably Tam, he’ll call you lassie and tell you to put on a vest or your back will get a chill. There’s nobody quite like a Scotsman.

2. The Edinburgh Fringe Festival is an arts haven

During August, Scotland’s capital is transformed into a city-wide celebration of the arts as the Ed Fringe takes over. Vibrant, noisy and intoxicating; Edinburgh becomes a place of revelry where you can watch up-and-coming comedians in a cosy tent, get caught up in circus tricks on your way to the shops and party all night in Bristo Square.

3. The architecture takes your breath away

From the Gothic spire of Sir Walter Scott’s Monument piercing the city skyline to the pleasingly uniform Georgian houses in the New Town; Edinburgh boasts some truly spectacular buildings. Even those who couldn’t give a toss about architecture are forced to look up when they visit. The turreted skyline is most beautiful at dusk, and equally impressive on a brooding autumn day.

4. Edinburgh’s Christmas markets are some the UK’s best

At Christmas, Edinburgh is transformed into a winter wonderland. Princes Street Gardens and Charlotte Square are filled with the heady aroma of rich mulled wine and twinkling lights throughout the festive period. Don’t miss The Dome’s annual festive decorations!

5. The views are both unique and awe-inspiring

This ramshackle city isn’t short of elevated points to take in the view. One of the best spots to see Edinburgh from above is Arthur’s Seat, a dormant volcano at one side of the city staging a centuries-old face-off with Edinburgh Castle, forever nestled atop its craggy mound. Calton Hill sits quietly beyond the east end of Princes Street, a secret viewpoint for those in the know.

6. The accent will make your heart skip a beat

Okay, Edinburgh is so cosmopolitan that you might struggle to find a local on Rose Street, but nothing is better than a Scottish brogue. It doesn’t matter what part of Scotland it’s from – it’s the best accent in the world.

7. Edinburgh has a surprising number of green spaces

Woven into the city, you’ll find plenty of parks where you can enjoy a blustery walk – or a rare sunny afternoon. Princes Street Gardens sit slap bang in the middle of the city, a green oasis blanketed with students and Scots enjoying the heat during Summer. Inverlieth Park and Charlotte Square are scenic spaces to retreat away from the urban buzz, while smoke rises from barbecues in The Meadows all summer long.

8. The city’s intriguing history is visible everywhere

The Royal Mile’s cobbles are pounded by tourists all year long but few realise that a forgotten world lies beneath their feet. A visit to Mary King’s Close will reveal Edinburgh’s past. Plagued by poverty and illness, the closes and buildings of years ago form the foundations of the city as it proudly stands today. It’s a must do when you visit Edinburgh.

9. The food will put meat on your bones and happiness in your belly

Haggis, neeps and tatties is the obvious traditional Scottish dish of choice for tourists visiting Edinburgh, but it’s the casual dining options that will leave a real taste in your mouth. Try scotch pie from Piemaker or a proper chippy supper: deep fried haggis, chips and lashings of salt and ‘chip shop sauce’. I recommend the award-winning L’Alba D’Oro in Stockbridge. And yes, you can get deep fried Mars bars in Scotland.

10. The traditions are oh so Scottish

Have you ever heard the tale of Greyfriar’s Bobby? He was a sky terrier who spent 14 years guarding his master’s grave. Now, tourists rub the nose of his statue for good luck. This is perhaps the most well-known Edinburgh legend, but there’s also spitting on the Heart of Midlothian and the 1pm gun. Well, at least you’ll always know when it’s time for lunch.

11. Edinburgh’s bars are numerous and varied

From rustic folk music haunts beloved by locals such as The Royal Oak, the slick bars lining George Street and the low-ceilinged pubs along Rose Street, there are no shortage of watering holes in Edinburgh. There’s the late-night raucousness of the Cowgate and the touristy but ambient Grassmarket. You’ll never go thirsty in Edinburgh.

12 The beach isn’t far

Portobello Beach is within easy reach of Edinburgh’s city centre. Catch the number 26 bus and take a walk along the promenade – there’s two miles of beach to explore. The amusements make for a nostalgic day out and there are a few decent pubs for lunch.

13 Edinburgh’s suburbs are like entering another world

New Town leads in to quaint Stockbridge, Edinburgh’s hidden secret. Home to Edinburgh’s highest earners, it’s easy to see why they choose this little village to call home. The independent shops and friendly locals make Stockbridge feel like a throwback to more wholesome times and the babbling canal offers a sense of tranquility. Dean Village feels a world away from busy Princes Street!

14 The University of Edinburgh is world-famous

Edinburgh’s youthful energy comes from its students, but the university buildings have some serious history. Edinburgh uni boasts the oldest purpose-built Student Union building in the world: Teviot Row. Sneak in for some serious Harry Potter vibes and a bowl of nachos – from memory, they were the best cure for a hangover. You should also peek in to McEwan Hall (I got to graduate there!) and the Old College. So regal!

15 The shopping will delight everyone

While classy George Street offers boutiques and designer labels to the well-to-do and Princess Street caters to the high-street loving masses, local gems like Armstrong’s are a haven for vintage fashion fans. Multicoloured Victoria Street has some lovely independent shops just waiting to be discovered.

16 Harry Potter was born there

In case you didn’t know, J.K Rowling lived in Edinburgh when she created Harry Potter. You can visit some of the coffee shops she worked in, including The Elephant House (the shrine to Harry is, weirdly, in the loo) and Spoon. Check out the view from the back room’s window at The Elephant House. Remind you of Hogwarts at all?

17 Hogmanay is the ultimate way to start your year

Edinburgh’s Hogmanay is famous all over the world as one of the best ways to celebrate New Years Eve thanks to the huge crowds and live music. This massive street party should definitely be on your bucket list. Aint no party like a Scottish shindig!

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Where to stay in Edinburgh

Luxury hotels in Edinburgh

The Balmoral, The Witchery by the Castle and The Scotsman are all quintessentially Scottish, classy hotels in the city centre. It’s my dream to go back and stay in one of these three one day!

Mid-range accommodation in Edinburgh

Ultra trendy Tigerlily or stylish La Monde are both on George Street, where the most popular nightlife and shopping destinations are. There’s also the instagrammable Eden Locke Aparthotels – you can read my review here. The Principal is Edinburgh’s oldest hotel, so worth looking at.

Budget accommodation in Edinburgh

High Street Hostel was Edinburgh’s first hostel and prices start at £14 per night. There’s a boutique hostel called The Baxter which looks posher than any hostel I’ve ever stayed in and starts at £21.

If you’re not a hostel person, try budget hotels like hub by Premier Inn Edinburgh Royal Mile or ibis Styles Edinburgh Centre St Andrew Square.

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Search all accommodation options in Edinburgh 

Travelling around Scotland? Buy the Lonely Planet guidebook

See Viator’s most popular Edinburgh tours

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Edinburgh is a city that embraces the cliche: the scent of hops wafts from the breweries and wraps around your nostrils as you hop off the train at Waverley and the red-faced piper, in his kilt and sporran, welcomes pictures with delighted tourists. She’s radiant in the summer sun, but Edinburgh is one of the few cities that suits a gloomy cloud or two. I love and miss her dearly.

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Do you love Edinburgh as much as I do? What’s the best thing about Edinburgh to you?

I’m planning to revisit soon and write a complete guide to Edinburgh’s pubs and bars (I tested most of them in my uni days but there are always new ones opening). Would you find that useful? Let me know in the comments!

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