​

Affiliate Disclaimer: In my emails I may link to products and services that I use and recommend. Please assume that these links are affiliate links and that I may make a small commission at no extra cost to you. This small amount of affiliate income is used to cover the cost of my email software and the time taken to write the emails. If you do purchase through my links, thank you so much!! It really helps me continue to provide free content to my audience.

Hey Reader,
​

I’ve lived here long enough to know what most visitors wish they knew before they arrived.

So when someone says, “I'm coming to Edinburgh for the first time!” I immediately start mentally planning their trip. It’s a mix of protective instinct and local pride — but mostly, I just want them to have a good time.

Here’s the advice I always give friends before they land. These aren’t “travel blogger tips” — they’re the ones I’d send in a panicked voice note at midnight because I remembered one more thing they shouldn’t miss.
​

1. Don’t book a hotel on the Royal Mile

It’s beautiful, yes — but also noisy, tourist-packed, and honestly a bit grim to stay on. Instead, look at places just off the Mile, or in New Town, Grassmarket (this is where I used to live!), or my favourite, Stockbridge. They still feel central, but with way more character (and sleep).
​

2. Victoria Street is magical — but only if you go early

Everyone wants that photo of the colourful curve. But it’s best before 9am, when the cobbles are still slick with morning mist and the shops are just unlocking and if you're a fan of a certain wizard there is a slight connection here (plus a wizarding shop!)
​

3. Don’t trust the weather forecast — bring layers, not umbrellas

Even in summer, it’s normal to get sunshine and sideways rain in one afternoon. A warm base layer, waterproof jacket, and decent walking shoes will serve you better than an umbrella (which is more likely to turn inside out on Princes Street). You can find my full Edinburgh packing list here.
​

4. Give yourself breathing room

Too many visitors cram the Castle, Arthur’s Seat, and Holyrood Palace into one day and end up exhausted. Edinburgh isn’t about ticking boxes — it’s about wandering. Plan a slower pace, you can even achieve this on a small amount of time - yes, even if you're visiting for two or three days.
​

5. Yes, the tap water is safe — and delicious

​You don’t need to buy bottled water here. Bring a reusable bottle and fill it up at your hotel or cafes. It’s clean, fresh, and comes straight from the Scottish hills.
​

6. Skip the crowds — visit the city’s quieter museums

The Castle is great, but the magic’s in the details. Pop into the Writers’ Museum — a tucked-away tribute to Robert Burns, Walter Scott, and Robert Louis Stevenson. Or visit the Museum of Childhood for a nostalgic wander through toys and pop culture. They’re free, fascinating, and usually blissfully uncrowded.

​

Bonus tip: You might want to know how to actually pronounce ‘Edinburgh’ before asking for directions. Just saying..it's a pet peeve for most of the locals if you say it wrong!

If this helped you feel more confident planning your trip, I put everything — routes, neighbourhood guides, budget tools, booking tips — into one place:
👉 The Ultimate Edinburgh Travel Guide​
​

Talk soon,

Fiona