If I had to describe Edinburgh in two words, it would be 'Impressive architecture'. The center of the city is classified as a world heritage site by UNESCO. The old Town dominated by a medieval fortress, and the new Tow, built in neoclassical style from the eighteenth century, emanate mystery and intrigue.

 

Let us go to discover it.

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Day 1

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After waking up in a room surrounded by 17 people (that's what you get when you want to travel cheaply) the fresh morning air of Edinburgh and the view in the distance of Edinburgh Castle has just opened my eyes.

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A 'must see', of course plenty of tourists, Edinburgh Castle is an ancient fortress erected on a rock of volcanic origin located in the center of the city. Apart from being full of points of interest and with a great history, it offers a panoramic view of the city.

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After a couple of hours discovering the castle, I go down the Royal Mile, full of people, historic buildings, churches, bars and 'closes' (narrow alleys that lead you to inner courtyards). One well-known is the Old Fishmarket Close, where the ghost tour begins, for lovers of mystery.

The 74 meter Highland Tolbooth Kirk church and the beautiful St Giles Cathedral deserve a stop, while a piper makes my experience more Scottish.

If you follow the whole street until the junction with George IV Bridge, it will take you to Victoria Street, one of the most famous of the old town, which is also remarkable for its architecture, its two levels and its colors, and also because of the Harry Potter saga.

They say that Rowling inspired the Diagon Alley, where the magicians come to stock up on all the necessary material, in this street.

One thing that caught my attention, as a good fan of the saga, is that there is a joke store like the Weasley twins, called Aha Ha Ha. In addition, in recent years in Victoria Street have opened several stores dedicated to Harry Potter.

A street dream for the fans!

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After the fan moment, I sit on one of the terraces to enjoy a beer, because today, despite the city's dark reputation, the sun shines.

 

I continue to the Greyfriars Kirkyard, where the tomb of the dog Bobby (the dog that did not move from the side of his master's grave until the end of his life) and that of Lord Voldemort, famous for the Harry Potter books. Besides being known by these characters, it is a very beautiful place, because it looks more like a garden than a cemetery.

 

Returning to the Royal Mile, I walk to the end where the Holyrood Palace is. I decide not to enter but I walk around enjoying its facade and I perceive in the back the Holyrood Abbey from a wide and empty field.

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Day 2

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I wake up early to enjoy the solitude of Dean Village, one of the magical spots of the city.

Walk through its ancient streets, cross its stone bridges, and let yourself down the river.

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After enjoying a break from the city, I head to The Meadows park, a park that at this time of year you can not miss, it will leave you marvel at its lush grass dyed with small white and pink leaves of the cherry blossoms.

Time stops with a picnic that tastes green and pink!

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In the afternoon I will see the Scot monument, a Gothic building that was erected in honor of the Scottish writer Sir Walter Scott, to continue walking through the Princess Street Gardens, a well-kept park with privileged views of the castle.

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I end the day going up to the Calton Hill to enjoy a sunset with the city's skyline.

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I hope that these two short but intense days have made you enjoy a city that I will definitely visit again.

 

By the way! Do not forget to have a good Scotch Whiskey.

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