Birthplace of the fried Mars Bar, home to the winding alleyways that inspired Harry Potter’s Diagon Alley, and an underground labyrinthine city, Edinburgh boasts an old-worldy feel yet has all the contemporary delights of a cosmopolitan capital. Old Reekie – as Edinburgh was affectionately nicknamed during the Victorian era – is steeped in fascinating history and culture (and much cleaner now). So fear not. The city’s dramatic skyline features jagged spires and even has an extinct volcano known as Arthur’s Seat, as well as an impressive fortress. Busting and busy, there’s so much to see whether you visit this gothic city for a simple day trip or stay for a long weekend. So here is the lowdown.

Sightseeing

In terms of sightseeing, Edinburgh Castle is a fun way of filling up the day, but Holyrood Palace is also worth a visit. The Queen stays here when she comes to Edinburgh. Who knows – you might even catch a glimpse of her if the flag is up. Fingers crossed.

The Scottish Parliament is across from here, so you can easily pay a visit to both. The design of the Parliament caused a lot of controversy, and many locals don’t like its contemporary style. There is a recurring design of what some say is a Scottie dog; however, the architect died before anyone could find out what the design was intended to symbolise. So see what you think it is!

Another attraction based on the concept of optical illusions is the Camera Obscura. This tourist hotspot has crazy mirrors and a spinning tunnel as well as games. It provides a different experience of sightseeing.

Shopping

Of course, the Royal Mile is probably Edinburgh’s most touristy street. All the shops are brightly-coloured, and you will be able to get great souvenirs here. Restaurants and shops are plentiful and some even have yummy shortbread samples.

Another energetic part of Edinburgh is the Grassmarket. This street extends from the Royal Mile and has more stunning vivid shops. The Grassmarket has a murky history, as this was where public executions and hangings were traditionally held. I assure you though, times have changed, and nowadays you will find restaurants and coffee shops, not corpses. Nothing to fear.

If your interests lie elsewhere and you fancy updating your look during the semester, then I would recommend Princes Street – or the district of Stockbridge. It has multiple charity shops as well as cute cafes. It provides a joyful day out, even if you just try clothes on for fun and pick up a few nicknacks along the way. You never know what you might find, and you can re-energise with a warm drink.

Hiking

A great place to go is Calton Hill, with 360 views of the city and surrounding landscape. Yes, Edinburgh’s very own mini Acropolis. There is an observatory and a folly, but the views which are the main reason to visit are in a league of their own.

For the more sporty souls amongst you Arthur’s Seat is a fun hike. You will find pretty walks and running trails in amongst the mossy green terrain. Much like Calton Hill, the views are superb, although not quite as crystal clear, as Arthur’s Seat surpasses Calton Hill in both height and size.

History

Edinburgh had a gruesome past. For example, during the plague, Princes Street gardens were a mass grave where thousands of bodies were deposited. There are many attractions geared to this aspect of Edinburgh. The Edinburgh Dungeons is one of them. When I went with a friend, I reassured her that she need not be too scared, but then I was the one screaming throughout our experience. So be warned it might be a bit spookier than you are anticipating – but it can be a lot of fun!

If you want to continue to embrace Edinburgh’s creepy past, taking a trip on one of Edinburgh’s ghost buses can be an exciting evening . This is a great way of seeing more of the city and creating some funny memories. You can also take a tour through Mary King’s Close (the subterranean city I mentioned). This tour provides a more informative educational experience, whilst the dungeons and ghost bus are more dramatic. And don’t forget Lord Voldemort’s grave in Greyfriars Kirkyard!

You will be glad to know that Edinburgh’s tourist scene does not completely revolve around the gruesome and ghastly. The National Museum of Scotland is worth a visit if you fancy something more educational. It’s a really cool museum, with many different collections ranging from Geology and Aerodynamics to World Cultures and Scottish History – as well as having a coffee shop if you are feeling a bit parched. Another quirky museum is the Museum of Childhood. Old dolls and toys are exhibited in glass cases; it can be an interesting experience.

Coffee

Edinburgh has a plethora of adorable coffee shops that are well worth checking out.

Bruntsfield is a lively district full of independent coffee shops. The Water of Leith has some sweet ones too. For Harry Potter fans out there, another tourist attraction is the Elephant House, which is a café where J.R Rowling wrote the Harry Potter series. They have a great collection of cakes and the bathroom has passages from the novels written on the walls.

However, if you want to experience Edinburgh like a local then Princes Street Gardens is where you should be headed. Situated below the castle, it is the ideal place for having a picnic with friends.

Moreover, Edinburgh University campus and the surrounding streets have cafes as well. This part of Edinburgh is very trendy and has another big park called the Meadows which is great for a barbecue.

In terms of quirky cafes La Maison de Moggy hits the nail on its head. As you might have guessed this is Edinburgh’s only cat café. If you are missing your pet back home, or just fancy seeing some super adorable fluffy cats, then this is the place for you.

Food

Edinburgh has a great gastronomic scene. You will find many swanky scrumptious restaurants to eat in.

I love Thai food, and my favourite place is Chaopraya. The food tantalizes the taste buds. It’s a roof top restaurant with a gorgeous view that stretches from the castle to the Firth of Forth.

I would also recommend the Café Andaluz. It has a nice vibe and the food is fantastic. One of their restaurants even has a stampeding bull in it. Additionally, if Middle Eastern food appeals, then Beirut restaurant does authentic maneesh and curries. Although quite small, the staff are friendly, and the food is filling.

If you’re more in the mood for Italian, then Foundary 39 is the place for you. Located in the West End, they do delicious pizzas with a hipster vibe.

Edinburgh has a few cinemas but the Omnicentre is the most central. There are lots of restaurants on the floor below the cinema. They have Italian, typical British pub food and even a salad bar. Something for everyone.

Another cool place is the White Horse Oyster and Seafood bar. It is very cosmopolitan, and you can try Loch Fyne, Barra, Caledonian and Carlingford oysters as well as other maritime dishes.

If none then of this grabs you, then there is always McDonalds.

Nightlife

Edinburgh aslo has some pretty good nightlife. My favourite club is El Barrio, which plays Hispanic music and is on Princes Street.

There are cool bars spread across the city however I would recommend Frankenstein. As soon as you walk in, you are greeted with the towering monster himself. The bar is themed, and the interior design is amazing. I really felt like I was in a laboratory. Yet again this bar ties into Edinburgh’s gothic vibes.

Another cool place to check out is the Dollshouse, near Edinburgh University Campus. As you might guess this bar has dolls and toys everywhere including on the ceiling. It might add an interesting twist to your night out.

Another bar worth going to is Deacon Broodie’s Tavern. The bar is associated with Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde by Robert Louis Stevenson. It has a great variety of ales and is a great representation of a typical British pub.

A final fun place to dance the night away is Habana. This club plays British pop from the 80 and 90’s; what a great jam.

Edinburgh is well worth a visit. All you have to do is hop on the X59, and within roughly an hour and a half you will be in a stunning historically and culturally rich capital city. What more could you ask for? So come see my home town. You will not be disappointed.