5 Best Locations To Visit In Edinburgh, Scotland In 2023
Edinburgh is Scotland’s hilly capital and home to many fascinating attractions. A stroll around the medieval Old Town takes visitors back in history, while the city’s elegant Georgian New Town features neoclassical architecture and gardens. Meanwhile, Edinburgh Castle looms over the city and Arthur’s Seat offers sweeping views from the peak in Holyrood Park. While obviously, the city has many major attractions, here are five of the best locations to visit in 2023. These include something for art lovers, history buffs and foodies alike.
1. National Galleries of Scotland and the Scottish National Portrait Gallery
Art lovers must make a point to visit the National Galleries of Scotland, home to European paintings from the Renaissance to post-impressionism. Meanwhile, important Scottish artists are also represented here. The Scottish National Portrait Gallery has paintings of the men and women who shaped the country by modernist artists like Oskar Kokoschka, and Old Masters like Van Dyck. Bonnie Prince Charlie, but also the more recent actor Sean Connery, are on display here.
2. Stroll the Leith waterside
For a quiet stroll, Leith is a waterside neighborhood that has recently come into its own as a place to chill out. With its waterfront vibe, Leith is also a comfortable place to stay in a holiday apartment, complete with water views. Meanwhile, strolling the waterside reveals cozy cafés for coffee and a snack or bars like Teuchters Landing located at the docks and serving some of Edinburgh’s best pints. When ready for dinner, Michelin-starred restaurants like Restaurant Martin Wishart and The Kitchin serve delicious meals here.
3. Stockbridge Market, Edinburgh
On the subject of food, Edinburgh has a number of excellent food markets, including Stockbridge Market, close to New Town. Held on Sunday mornings, the market sells fresh fruit, vegetables, baked goods and more. However, even better, a selection of international cuisine is waiting to be tasted. Harajuku Japanese Kitchen is a popular option for their udon noodles. Meanwhile, Casa Roble serves traditional Spanish paella, a tasty dish in anyone’s language. However, Stockbridge Market isn’t just about food as a selection of arts and crafts is also on offer, making the perfect souvenir to take home.
4. Enjoy city views from Arthur’s Seat and Calton Hill
After partaking too much of the food on offer in the market, an energetic hike up Arthur’s Seat is an excellent choice. The hike up the ancient, extinct volcano starts in Holyrood Park and takes a mere 45 minutes to reach the top. Once up there, gorgeous panoramic views can be enjoyed across Edinburgh, including Edinburgh Castle and the Nelson Monument.
At the end of the day, experience the best sunset from Calton Hill, where the city will be bathed in warm colors. While up there, visit the Old City Observatory. The building was designed by William Henry Playfair in 1818 and was inspired by a Greek temple. Meanwhile, art lovers can visit the contemporary art gallery Collective, with its regular exhibitions and events.
5. Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh
Located on the edge of the city center, the Royal Botanic Garden first started out as a 17th-century physic garden. However, these days the garden is home to thousands of plant varieties, along with a Chinese garden and a huge lily pond. However, possibly the best part of the garden is its magnificent Victorian glasshouses. Each glasshouse features a different climate, where they host gorgeous orchids, ancient palm trees, giant lily pads and more. If the weather isn’t your friend during your visit to Edinburgh, the Victorian glasshouses are just the place to be.