Finding Magic in Edinburgh

Ever imagine yourself dancing to the tune of the bagpipes or strolling the streets that inspired the Harry Potter movies? Well, I did just that. I made my childhood dreams come true.

Rather than ending my solo traveling journey in Amsterdam, I trekked to a neighboring city and extended my overseas stay. I thought Edinburgh was the perfect place to travel to! Although my visit was brief, I intend on coming back again. Thus, I present to you notable hotspots worth touring:

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1. Edinburgh Castle

   
   

A trip to this city is not complete without a tour of Edinburgh Castle! Here, I pondered the various historical events that characterized it long ago, such as Queen Mary of Scots' coronation. Also, the panoramic view from this castle is by far one of the loveliest sights in Edinburgh!

2. Victoria Street

   
   

Victoria Street is truly a photographer's paradise. Its vibrant colors dominate every space, and the atmosphere is magical. The shops feature treasures from local bookstores to fab cafes such as The Milkman Coffee. I had the luxury of enjoying the sound of bagpipes playing as I kept exploring. It's a must-see, but be prepared to spend a few hours there! The street is very lively and welcoming.

3. Dean Village

   
   

Once I finally located this picturesque neighborhood without any real help from maps, my nervousness faded at the sounds of the river and tweeting birds. Dean Village is a great place to admire older architecture. It's surrounded by uneven houses with sloping roofs and cobbled streets beside the Water of Leith. It's almost as if I stepped into a fairytale!

4. Calton Hill 

   
   

From Calton Hill, you can enjoy spectacular views of Edinburgh. You can spot Arthur's Seat far in the backdrop and fall in love with the city's architectural beauty. Calton Hill also features incomplete constructions like the National Monument. I highly recommend visiting!

5. National Museum of Scotland

   
   

Attention history enthusiasts – go to the National Museum! The best part is that it's free. The museum features a variety of collections from the prehistoric period to the present day. Luckily, I saw Dolly the Sheep slowly rotating, frozen in a glass box. I felt honored to be in her presence. Another particularly amusing moment was when I stood on the scale in the "Animal Weights" section and found I weighed almost as much as an emperor penguin! It was a funny moment that added to the experience.

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I often reflect on how far I've come from the girl who used to dream of traveling the world to one who's accomplished solo travel. I'm sure she'd think I'm cool, right? That's all that matters!