Christmas is one of the best times to visit a place like Edinburgh. I love Christmas Markets and Edinburgh has a beautiful selection of markets. Here is a list of places I enjoyed visiting while in Edinburgh (Please note, it is not extensive).
(Disclaimer: Some links in this post may be affiliate links, meaning if you click on the link and make a purchase, I receive a small commission. This is at no extra cost to you and you may even receive a small discount.)
Staying for 2 nights was ideal, my hotel was on Princes Street (opposite Edinburgh Waverly Train Station). This made it the ideal base for moving around the city. I walked everywhere as it was close enough for me to get around.
Hotel Link - https://www.trip.com/t/CkWypcDvJT1
Arrival in Edinburgh and straight out to the markets
My check in was delayed due to some mix ups between myself and the hotel, this meant I left my bag at the reception and headed straight out. The Christmas Markets were directly opposite my hotel so it was an easy enough decision. There's no cost to enter the markets, just to buy snacks and drinks (or gifts).
Naturally we started with the Mulled Wine!
After check-in, I did head back out to the Markets (by now it was dark) and this is where I met my 'tour-guide' (a local friend). The market is much more appealing at night. After a walk around the gardens here, we headed for dinner before checking off one of my Edinburgh must visit bars...
The Cocktail Geeks
This is a themed cocktail bar which changes theme every 4-6 months. While I was there (December 2023) they had The Last of Us as their theme - changing to Super Mario before ending 2024 in a Game of Thrones theme. The drinks replicate the theme and they have some interesting options to say the least. Definitely a must visit place!
The Writer's Museum
If you like books or history - or both - this is a cool museum located behind the main street of Lawnmarket. I loved this area because these sides alleys had so much character to offer. Also the museum is rather fascinating, its small scale but you get an insight into the lives of 3 famous writer's from Edinburgh.
J.K Rowling
Speaking of Author's in Edinburgh - J.K Rowling is a huge part of Edinburgh Tourism.
Here's the places I visited that related to her and Harry Potter:
The Elephant House cafe - Red doorway is the renovated cafe that J.K sat in writing her book, the table seemingly survived the fire which damaged the original cafe. Victoria Street led to the idea of Diagon Alley - its a fun street (now with magical shops along). Greyfriars Cemetery is where J.K would walk and read the names on gravestones, leading to the names of some characters, including Tom Riddle.
Museum Context is a popular Harry Potter shop, built up with a multitude of souvenirs.
St. Giles Cathedral
For some reason, I always love visiting cathedrals/churches/temples and St. Giles was no different. It's stunning inside, the intricate ceiling design and marvellous stained glass should be admired. Stop off here while wondering around the Old Town area of Edinburgh.
Edinburgh Castle and the view
To get this overlooking view of Edinburgh Castle, head to an area known as The Vennel - this is close to the Schools which inspired Hogwarts. The Vennel is at the top of stairs which lead downwards towards Victoria Street. A lot of people pass through here and most stop to take photos so be prepared to wait (or just accept people in your photos).
Camera Obscura
This isn't a must see place but it was somewhere fun with a cool view of Edinburgh's Old Town.
I pre-booked my entry for 4:30pm as I wanted to see the view in the evening, this did mean the camera obscura wasn't the strongest it could have been. It's also a museum of illusions in here.
I would recommend booking prior to visiting as it does get pretty busy here.
The Milkmaid
This was my favourite cafe while in Edinburgh. They had the best croissant selection I could find and their White Hot Chocolate is divine!
I also visited in the morning for a spot of breakfast and sat outdoors (surprisingly not too cold for December in the UK).
Armchair Books
This was recommended to me as I love books, its a funky second hand bookshop. But the books go from floor to ceiling and while it's in 2 sections (post 1950's and Pre-1950) it can be a bit of a shock to the system. There is a sense of organisation, books on the more recent side do have genres but once you reach a genre it could be the end of the order.
Cold Town House
I'd booked myself a table here for lunch on my final day as I wanted to sit out and look out over the Castle. The food is delicious and the selection of drinks is exactly what you would need to enjoy a good few hours here.
Streets of the Old Town
I think one of my favourite elements of Edinburgh was the stunning displays in shop entrances and these little alleyways that led to a range of places. Fun to explore for sure!
Final shots of Edinburgh
Comments