I had been to Edinburgh twice years ago, both times it was as a stopover rather than destination. I was therefore excited to pack my suitcase for the third time in March to spend a few days in Edinburgh to meet my partner’s relative for the first time.
When we arrived at Waverley Train station via Airlink 100 at dusk, I was stuck by the interesting silhouette of imposing spires and rooftops towering over the city against the dimming sky. I had to rein in my impatience to start exploring!
Aparthotel Adagio Edinburgh
Our accommodation at Aparthotel Adagio on Canongate was only 10 minutes’ walk from the station, once we sussed out our way in daylight. The taxi from the station took less than 5 minutes!
The location of the hotel was perfect for exploring Edinburgh on foot at our leisure. It’s within The Royal Mile and it was so handy for us to return to our spacious room for a pit stop during the day.
Edinburgh Castle
The most recognisable landmark of Edinburgh must of its castle! Perched on Castle Rock, the fortress has been a royal castle since the 11th century, and continued to be a royal residence until 1633. The terrace outside the castle is an area used for the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo as I remembered from my previous visit. It affords great views of the city.
The Royal Mile
The Royal Mile connects the city’s most significant landmarks between Edinburgh Castle and Holyrood Palace. It’s a living museum of Edinburgh’s cultural, social and religious past and present.
With its medieval cobbled streets of the Old Town, the Georgian elegance of the New Town, stately architecture and vibrant shops and cafes, it’s no wonder that The Royal Mile has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1995
The oldest part of Edinburgh’s Old Town can be traced back to the 12th century. Even the neoclassical New Town is steeped in history, dating from the 18th century
The Inn on the Mile on High Street was built in 1923 as the British Linen Bank. It’s now a pub with accommodation.
Tron Kirk is one of the iconic buildings of the Royal Mile in Edinburgh. It’s a former parish church built in the 17th century, now a market for artisans
St Giles Cathedral
St Giles’ Cathedral, founded in 1124, has been a working church for almost 900 years.
Parliament Square
It is an L-shaped public space that wraps around St Giles Cathedral.
Supreme Courts of Scotland
The Supreme Courts of Scotland is part of the complex of Parliament House. The oldest part of the complex is the world’s first purpose-built parliament building
West Parliament Square
The Square dates back to 1632. It’s an open, cobbled square adjoined to Parliament Square. The statue is the Queensberry Memorial to the 5th Duke of Buccleuch. It also houses Consulate General of France
City Chambers Edinburgh
The City Chambers was designated as the Royal Exchange, constructed in 1753 to serve the city’s merchants. It now functions as the administrative centre of Edinburgh and accommodates weddings, conferences, and other private events.
Scott Monument
This Victorian Gothic monument is a tribute to Scottish author Sir Walter Scott. Its prominent position on East Prince’s Street Gardens makes it unmissable. The distinctive spire can be used as a signpost to navigate through the city!
Scottish National Gallery
First opened in 1859, this gallery in neoclassical style on the Mound can be accessed from Princes Street. Admission is free (as are all the public museums and galleries in Edinburgh). It also houses The Scottish Cafe & Restaurant which serves good food and has a great staff!
Grassmarket
Grassmarket is one of the most picturesque areas in Edinburgh’s Royal Mile. It’s full of independent gift, clothing and homeware shops and eateries.
John Knox House
Dating back to 1470, it is one of the oldest surviving buildings in Edinburgh. It’s named after the Protestant reformer John Knox who may have lived there.
The Balmoral
This instantly recognisable icon needs no introduction. The fact that the address of this 5* hotel is 1 Princes Street speaks for itself. Its landmark clock tower dominates the skyline as soon as one emerges from Waverley Train Station! Apparently the clock was set three minutes fast so that people didn’t miss their trains! It costs an eye-watering amount to stay there, but we did the next best thing of having our Sunday lunch there to sample the grandeur!
Waverley Gate
Waverley Gate at Waterloo Place is another grand building in the heart of Edinburgh. It’s a prestigious office complex occupying the shell of the former General Post Office building.
General Register House
This neoclassical building at 2 Princes Street is another landmark in Edinburgh’s New Town. It is the home of National Records of Scotland which celebrated its 250th anniversary in 2024.
New college
The imposing building of New College of University of Edinburgh can be seen looming above Scottish National Gallery from a distance. It was opened in 1846 and is one of the most prestigious universities in the world, ranking 27th in 2025.
Edinburgh exudes the grandeur of a capital city. There’s a photo opportunity at every turn, especially when the sky was invitingly blue! I had taken so many photos in 5 days that it’s rather difficult to include all of them in one post. So I have to split them up in 2 separate posts. Check out Enchanting Edinburgh – the grandeur of a capital city on display
Meanwhile here are the fridge magnet and souvenir photo that I didn’t get on previous visits!
