Edinburgh is one of the most beautiful cities I’ve been to and at Christmas its Gothic streets are transformed into a winter wonderland. Here’s what to get up to on a short break to the city.
To get in the festive mood, your first stop should be Edinburgh’s Christmas market on Princess Street. Filled with unique gifts, lights, mulled wine and even a Christmas tree maze this is a great evening activity.
If you’d rather keep away from the crowds of the Christmas market, wandering the city’s historic streets and soaking in the atmosphere is a real treat. We spent hours walking the city, stopping into independent stores to pick up gifts and snooping at cute window displays. The walk through Princess Street Gardens up to the castle are a “must-do” too.
For the best views of Edinburgh, a walk up to Arthur’s Seat is essential. The path begins in Hollyrood Park and winds its way up the highest point. Admittedly, the views weren’t the best when we went on a drizzly December day but it was still a fun adventure.
Top Tips:
- Pack your umbrella and waterproof clothes!
- Pick one of the hotels, rather than an Airbnb. We had a total disaster with ours and wished we’d planned to stay in a hotel from the get go.
- Take shelter inside. The Scottish National Galleries are a perfect place to stop in to escape the crowds and inevitable downpours – and entry is free too!
