Nanda & Nathan The Travellers: 4 Days in Edinburgh, Scotland

April 9-12, 2015 ---- I have lived in 4 different countries, visited 20+ countries, and probably been to 300+ cities, and I want to declare that Edinburgh is the most beautiful city in the world!!!

Edinburgh was the last stop of our 10 days in the United Kingdom. Actually it was the main reason we came to the UK at all; Nathan had a 3-day conference at the University of Edinburgh. As a result, while Nathan was attending the conference, I was on my own exploring the gorgeous city. I tried to do/see as much as I could, and I walked everywhere and took over 600 photos. The city was so stunning in every angle and I just couldn't stop clicking the shutter.

Accommodation: We stayed at St. Valery Guest House located just a few minutes from Haymarket Train Station. The room was spacious and comfortable, though the furniture was a little outdated. We also got a full English breakfast every morning, and they had coffee, tea and yogurt available at all times. There are tram and bus stops just 2 minutes from the guest house, but if you like walking, it takes only 10-15 minutes to get to the castle.

Transportation: Edinburgh is a walkable city. Though it's hilly, it's relatively easy and safe to walk everywhere. There is only one tram line running from the airport to Princes Street and York Place. Lothian Buses run more frequency and go everywhere around the city. A single ticket for the bus or tram is £1.50, and a day-ticket is £4. Prepare an exact change! Going to and from Edinburgh Airport is convenient and affordable; £5 if taking a tram and £4 if taking a bus. I generally walked everywhere and rarely took a bus.

Food and Restaurants: There are a lot of good places to eat in Edinburgh. Unfortunately, I didn't have many experiences. Nathan had his lunch and dinner at the conference, and I just went for simple and easy food while alone. I admit that I went to McDonald's twice for lunch. :-( Some other times I went for cheap and tasty Indian food at The Mosque Kitchen.

Attractions: There are a lot of "Free things to do" in Edinburgh. While Edinburgh Castle and Holyrood Palace are must-see but costly, most museums, churches, parks, beaches, and all vista points are free to enter! I highly recommend everyone to go up on Calton Hill and get the best view of the city and walk along Princes Street Gardens for a gorgeous view of the Castle.

Our Trip Itinerary:   Since Nathan had to attend the conference, we did most must-see's on the first and second days of our trip.

Day 1

To see: Walking along Royal Mile with Rick Steves' s free audio guide "Royal Mile Walk" (Starting at Edinburgh Castle and ending at The Scottish Parliament and Holyrood Palace). Walking up to Calton Hill for a 360-degree view of the city.

To enter: The Palace of Holyroodhouse -- The Queen's Gallery -- St. Giles' Cathedral (free)

To eat: The Mosque Kitchen -- £5 for a delicious meal!

Day 2

To see:   Walking in the Princes Street Gardens for a good view of the castle.

To enter: Edinburgh Castle (many museums inside) -- Greyfriars Kirkyard (free) -- National Museum of Scotland (free)

To eat: We had some Scottish food in Edinburgh Castle. There's a big cafeteria-like place to eat in the castle.

Day 3

To see:   Walking from Princes Street Gardens up hill to Edinburgh Castle for a good view of the city. Walking from Princes Street toward the ocean (about 1 hour) for a seashore view of the North Sea.

To enter:   The People's Story (free) -- Scottish National Gallery (free)

To eat: The Mosque Kitchen (again)

Day 4

To see: Walking aimlessly... just to get the feel of city life. I planned to climb up to the Arthur's Seat, but it was raining hard in the morning. :-(

To enter: National Museum of Scotland (free)

To eat: (Sorry, I went to McDonald's...)

Our Favorite Sites:   Absolutely EVERYTHING! Here are the top 3:

1. Edinburgh Castle: There is a lot to see here. Plan to spend half a day there because there are so many museums and exhibits to go through.

2. Calton Hill: It's a great place to relax and get the best view of the city.

3. Princes Street Gardens: It's simply beautiful. Walking from end to end gives you a really good view of the Castle and buildings along Royal Mile Street.

Our Disappointment: Nothing.