Summer in Scotland
- jumpandjourney
- Jul 9
- 3 min read
If your travels lead you to Europe this summer, here is a short list of top things to see and do in Edinburgh, Scotland:
I kicked off my summer travels with a trip to Edinburgh, the capital city of Scotland—and honestly, it felt like I stepped into a storybook. Edinburgh is a magical place, rich with history, character, and charm. It's a top destination for travelers who love diving into English and Scottish history, wandering through classic architecture, and soaking up old-world atmosphere.
Top Things to See:
Scott Monument - dedicated to the famous writer and poet, Sir Walter Scott
Edinburgh Castle - home of Scottish Royals, historical and iconic castle
Royal Botanic Garden
Arthurs' Seat - ancient extinct volcano, takes about 1-2 hours to hike
Princes Street Gardens - serene garden and park with the famous Lion statue
One of the best things about Edinburgh is that most of the museums are free to the public. This is great if you need something budget-friendly, low-key, and meaningful to add to your itinerary. There is a wealth of Scottish history to discover, with fascinating museums to explore.
Free Museums to check out in Edinburgh:
National Museum of Scotland
Museum of Edinburgh
National Galleries of Scotland (Art Gallery)
Museum of Childhood
Dynamic Earth (Science Museum)
The Writers' Museum
Helpful Travel Tips:
The local currency is the British Pound. I recommend downloading a conversion app on your mobile device to keep track of the current exchange rates and always pay in the local currency. Recommended: XE Converter
Bring some comfortable walking shoes: Edinburgh is a very walkable city, with lots to explore on foot . The bus and transit system is also easy to navigate if you need a break from walking.
If you want to see most of the major landmarks and are short on time, book a hop on/hop off bus tour of the city. It’s a great way to see the city’s highlights while learning more about Edinburgh’s rich history.
Don’t forget a portable phone charger and a universal travel adapter to keep your devices powered up throughout the day.
Top Things to Do:
Panda & Sons Speakeasy - voted one of the World's 50 Best Bars
Johnnie Walker Whiskey Tour (and Rooftop bar)
Explore St. Andrew Square Garden
Walk the Royal Mile: One mile stretching between Edinburgh Castle and the Palace of Holyroodhouse, the Queen's official residence
Shop at Primark (one of my favorite stores) or Multrees Walk (Luxury retail)
Did you know Loch Ness is actually a real place?
The legend of the Loch Ness monster is a popular mystery unsolved. We all remember seeing the pictures in books, but I had no idea that it originated from a very real place, right here in Edinburgh. Loch is another word for lake, and the scenery at Loch Ness is beautiful and vibrant. It's definitely worth adding this to your itinerary if time permits.
Best Places to Eat in Edinburgh:
Assaggini - Italian Small Plates
Dishoom Edinburgh - Indian
The Table - Modern European
The Palmerston - Bistro & Breakfast
Edinburgh vs. London: A Personal Take on Two Iconic Cities
As someone who has traveled extensively throughout Europe, I’ve come to truly appreciate the unique personality each country—and each city—has to offer. Having visited both Edinburgh and London, I thought it might be helpful to share a few personal reflections for fellow travelers considering these two incredible UK destinations.
While London dazzles with its iconic landmarks—Big Ben, the London Eye, Buckingham Palace—and offers a fast-paced, cosmopolitan vibe, I found myself especially drawn to the charm of Edinburgh. The Scottish capital has a certain character that feels rich, textured, and alive. From its historic architecture to its lively arts scene, Edinburgh felt like a city that invites you in, rather than overwhelms you.
One major difference is walkability. While London’s famous Tube is the main way to get around (and it's efficient!), Edinburgh’s compact layout makes it easy and enjoyable to explore on foot. Strolling through the cobbled streets and discovering hidden gems gave me a much more personal connection to the city. In terms of safety and solo travel, I felt comfortable and secure in both cities. However, during my short stay in Scotland, I noticed that locals in Edinburgh seemed especially warm and approachable, often offering directions or recommendations with a smile.
In the end, both cities are worth visiting—and offer very different experiences. London is bold and full of energy, while Edinburgh is charming and scenic. If you have the chance, explore both and see which one speaks to you.
Happy traveling!
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