United Kingdom Holiday | Edinburgh

After our English road trip through the Lakes District, Nottingham, and the moors, we ventured to Edinburgh. I knew little about Edinburgh except that it doesn't rhyme with Pittsburgh (pronounced something more like ed-in-buh-ruh) and that it's a must-visit when you're in Scotland. Stirring to move after-hours on dual carriageway, we made our first stop at Arthur's Seat... where it's a wee bit windy and you can see everything.

*Photos including me taken by Bryana Riutta*

We checked into our Airbnb on a street of tightly packed apartments in an older section of the city where we had rare free street parking. We walked from there to the city centre to browse shops, eat, and sightsee. We wanted to check out Edinburgh's castle, but it was under construction and close to closing time by the time we arrived! Thankfully though this charming city has so much to explore beyond the iconic scenes with street performers, artist markets, cathedrals, and more.

Anyone else a Harry Potter Fan?! Edinburgh is referred to as the birthplace of Harry Potter! Bryana and I were stoked to take ourselves on self-guided Harry Potter tour that brings you to places of inspiration for the book series. Victoria Street serves as inspiration for Diagon Alley and has an amazing, quirky HP shop we rummaged. We also by accident stumbled on The Elephant House, a cafe in which J.K. Rowling is told to have spent time writing the books in.