March 1, 2025, 2:12 p.m. | Reading time: 4 minutes
Sunnytrips author Anna Wengel (Chiodo) visited the Scottish capital Edinburgh and fell head over heels in love with it. Here she presents her seven favorite places.
It's been a few months since I was able to rave about my trip through Scotland on Sunnytrips - and I still have fond memories of the capital, Edinburgh. At first glance I fell in love with the impressive architecture and the quirky attitude to life there. The fact that it is a cool city by the sea, which I also perceived as a vintage paradise with constant musical accompaniment, only topped Edinburgh's dream city status in my head. After I have already raved about my wonderful days in Edinburgh in a detailed travel report, here are a few concrete tips in the form of seven of my favorite places in Edinburgh for everyone who is planning a visit.
1. Vintage shopping in Grassmarket
2. Greyfriars Kirkyard
3. Braw Brunch Cafe
4. Dean Village
5. Stockbridge
6. Portobello
7. Shopping at Scotland Shop
1. Vintage shopping in Grassmarket
Edinburgh is a vintage shopping paradise. And although there are a number of other worthwhile boutiques, these two particularly stood out for me: the pretty and well-arranged Torn Vintage Boutique and the characterful and extremely burly Armstrongs Vintage.
2. Greyfriars Kirkyard
The cemetery regularly attracts a lot of “Harry Potter” fans, as it apparently served as an inspiration for the book series. A number of names can be found here, including the graves of a certain Thomas Riddell and William McGonagall as well as the Potter and Black families. Anyone who hasn't fallen for the wizarding world magic of the Potter cosmos, but is minimally interested in cemeteries, won't be disappointed either. Surrounded by dark, Edinburgh-typical architecture lined with numerous chimneys, Greyfriars Kirkyard is a sight in itself. And if that's not enough, it's considered one of the most haunted places in the city.
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3. Braw Brunch Cafe
The search for good “specialty coffee” drives me on every trip. I found what I was looking for a few times in Edinburgh. I particularly remember the Braw Brunch. In addition to delicious coffee, the small café also served a very tasty breakfast. And since it only has a few tables, it was never too crowded.
4. Dean Village
Once a village, Dean Village has retained its idyllic character, despite now being part of the sometimes bustling capital. Depending on the season and time of day, you may stumble across a lot of crowds here, but even if they are always in the way, the walk is worth it. Because it is picturesque and idyllic - and looks exactly like it does in the various photos.
Also interesting: »Why the Glenfinnan Viaduct is one of my Scotland highlights
5. Stockbridge
Walking in by chance, Stockbridge is now one of my favorite parts of Edinburgh. Feeling a bit like a suburb, you will discover a number of elegant Victorian and Georgian houses, there are nice cafes, shops and restaurants. And to be honest, Stockbridge was a pleasant, not too crowded distraction from the hustle and bustle of the city center.
Sunnytrips author on site»I immediately fell in love with Scotland's capital Edinburgh
OverviewEdinburgh – the most beautiful sights and best things to do
6. Portobello
For me, Edinburgh's charm is also due to the fact that the Scottish capital is a city by the sea. Hence this tip: the Portobello district. It can be easily reached from the city center by bus and offers a nice beach promenade with a number of cafes, restaurants, etc. and of course the beach.
7. Shopping at Scotland Shop
I discovered my love for Scottish clothing in Scotland, starting in this shop in Edinburgh. The Scotland Shop sells everything a Scotland-loving clothing lover could desire, from white knitted sweaters to checked bonnets and ponchos. For me it was the start of a shopping tour through Scotland, during which I learned above all else that the northernmost country in the United Kingdom produces very high quality clothing.
The right travel period
Not a location, but a tip that shouldn't be ignored: the time. Anyone who enjoys all kinds of performances, from the absurd to the great, should definitely come to Edinburgh in August. Then the city is dominated by the Fringe, a festival that transforms the entire city center into a stage landscape. This tip is also helpful for those who don't want the hustle and bustle: under no circumstances should they come to Edinburgh in August.
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