We ventured into Edinburgh around 5 times in total over the month we stayed in Scotland and honestly, I think we only scratched the surface of all that there is to see. We mainly explored the shops along Prince Street, the Old Town, including Edinburgh Castle and Carlton Hill. While we were there, the christmas markets along Princes Street were in full swings and with the sun setting around 3:30pm, we were often out late enough to see the whole area lit up with the festive lights.

Below is a collection of some of my favourite photos from around Edinburgh…

The view across Waverly Train Station to Carlton Hill from Edinburgh Castle

My favourite place was the Old Town; which is made up of narrow, cobbled streets, medieval tenements, and towering gothic spires that create a very spooky atmosphere. The Royal Mile is the main street that runs from Holyrood Palace to Edinburgh Castle, it’s lined with endless souvenir shops, quirky retailer, pubs and a number of museums like The Museums of Childhood and Camera Obscura.

I would have liked to have spent more time exploring the areas of Old Town around Greyfriars Kirkyard and the Grassmarket Square.

Outside the National War Museum inside the Edinburgh Castle

The girls at the entrance to Edinburgh Castle

The view from the top of Camera Obscura towards Prince Street

In my option, the best places to go for a sweeping view over Edinburgh are:

From within Edinburgh Castle looking down over Princes Street.
From Carlton Hill - you can see 360 degree panoramic views over Edinburgh.
From the top level of Camera Obscura - you can look over the rooftops of the Old Town and out across New Town to the water.

Climbing to the top of Arthurs Seat would have been a challenge with kids but would have provided epic views! On a clear day in Edinburgh, we could see all the way across the Firth of Fourth to Burntisland, where we were staying.

The view down the Royal Mile from the top level of Camera Obscura

On one of the evenings we were in Edinburgh, Braino took the girls to enjoy a ride at the Christmas markets while I signed up for a walking tour of the Royal Mile that focused on the history of witches in Edinburgh, prodominatly the witch trails of the 1500s - 1700s. I could spend many more evening taking the various spooky tours around the old town of Edinburgh. Most of which were based on dark historic facts rather than over the top scary experiences. (Although, there is the Edinburgh Dungeons if that is your thing) .