10 Things to Do in Edinburgh: Castles, Books and Margaritas

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The castle and historic buildings of Edinburgh create a dramatic backdrop to a city humming with the youthful energy of university students and festival crowds. Quirky, cultural and inspiring – it’s easy to see why Edinburgh rivals London as the most visited city in the U.K.

I visited an Edinburgh smothered in mist and drilled by incessant rain. The inclement weather added drama and mystery to an already captivating city: spires disappeared into the mist as if they might go on into the sky forever. It was as if the rest of the world, the sun and sky, did not exist.

How to Enjoy Edinburgh as a Solo Traveller

These are my favourite things to do as a solo traveller in this unusual city:

1. Wander

Always at the top of my list. The first thing I always do in a new city is take a walk, absorb the unique atmosphere, the sights, sounds and smells. Walk without direction, without purpose – you never know what you might find…

2. Stumble Across a Cute Bookshop

Is there anything more wonderful than happening upon unusual and adorable bookshops on your travels? Edinburgh is the perfect city to bookshop hunt in! Typewronger Books has a beautiful old fashioned exterior, complete with a quirky, curved window. They offer you a hot drink on arrival, making it a perfect escape on grey, rainy days! There’s even a typewriter you can try out which had me mildly giddy as I’ve never even seen one in person before! You also get to choose an origami animal when you buy a book. What more could you want? (I chose an Elephant).

3. Drink Margaritas at The Basement

Evenings and solo travel can be a tricky mixture. Do you sit alone at a bar or call it a night and head back to your room? Personally I am allergic to spending time in my room on holiday, so bar it is!

Atmosphere is key to balancing stepping out of your comfort zone with plain awful awkwardness. You’ll know where you want to stay and where you want to run away screaming from. Trust your instincts.

After one initial blunder I found an amazing bar close to my hotel. The Basement is a Mexican bar with fun decor and a cool, chilled out atmosphere. The bartenders were friendly which makes a big difference for a solo traveller! That along with a couple of margaritas soon put me at my ease! My top tip for solo travellers is to bring a book with you (entertainment and a good conversation starter) and pull up a seat at the bar and the bartenders will usually look after you well.

4. Embrace the Elements

It’s Scotland, let’s face it you’ve got to be prepared for WEATHER. That doesn’t mean you have to don Sou’westers and wellies (although it probably wouldn’t hurt). Nah I laugh in the face of bad weather and did not care (at all) that I only packed an umbrella and light jacket.

FYI: I stayed in Edinburgh in August right after a heatwave so my minimal approach is (somewhat) excusable, DO NOT TRY THIS IN WINTER! Or any time at all really… I’m a terrible example to you all.

Anyway, it’s chucking it down so what? You have to embrace it. Twirl your umbrella in the air and hum singing in the rain in your head. It works I promise!

5. Go to the Castle

Make sure you allow plenty of time to enjoy Edinburgh’s splendid castle because the queues can be long and there’s often queues to certain bits even after you’ve queued to get in. Ideally visit on a clear day!

6. Stroll the Royal Mile and Escape!

The Royal Mile is the tourist heart of Edinburgh so obviously it’s worth a look, especially if you’re visiting the castle, but it’s also super crowded and busy so after a quick stroll (and a stop to buy a kilt if you like that sort of thing) escape down a quieter street for lunch and a breather.

7. Take Time Out

The more I travel the more I learn. The truth is you can only do so much. Edinburgh might be a walkable city but guess what? Spoiler alert: that means you will be walking everywhere. Think of your tired feet and don’t try to cram too much in! Find a pub or coffee shop to relax in for a while.

8. Take in the Views From Carlton Hill

Carlton Hill has gorgeous views over Edinburgh to the sea. It also features some impressive monuments such as the Nelson Monument; the Robert Burns Monument and the National Monument which is Scotland’s national memorial to the Scottish soldiers and sailors who died fighting in the Napoleonic Wars. It’s nice to get away from the city and take in the views but don’t expect total peace and quiet as it’s still a tourist hotspot.

9. Visit the Scottish National Portrait Gallery

As it was right on the same street as my hotel the Portrait Gallery made the perfect pit stop on my final day. Gaze into the multitude of faces and wonder who they were, what fears, hopes and dreams are captured within those eyes.

10. Do a Festival

You can’t come to Edinburgh without experiencing one of its many festivals. It’s the perfect excuse for solo travellers looking for something to build a trip around. When I visited in August both the Edinburgh Fringe festival and the (less famous) Edinburgh Book Festival were on. Perfect for a bit of variety on your travels!

Need help planning your stay in Edinburgh?: My Top Planning Tips for Solo Travellers has all the tips you need for a stress free trip!

Fancy another city break somewhere warmer? Check out my guide to 3 Days in Barcelona.