For such a small country, it’s surprising just how different cities of the UK are from one another. Edinburgh, for example, is unlike anywhere else in the UK.
My Mum was born and raised in Edinburgh, so I’m sure she’d be a little biased, but having after visiting on multiple occasions, as a child and adult, I like to think I know Edinburgh pretty well. So, here’s my unbiased opinion on why you should consider the Scottish capital as a wonderful place to live.
While it might look like a French village, this shot was taken in Dean Village in Edinburgh
What’s Edinburgh like?
Edinburgh is famed for its architecture and historic castle in a similar way to York and Durham are renowned for their grand cathedrals. But what sets Edinburgh apart from the rest is that it’s a hotbed for creativity, class and the combination of both new and old-timey influences.
To the eye, Edinburgh is stunning. The city lies on a hill, with Edinburgh Castle to the west, and the airport further west. Split into new town and old town, Edinburgh has something for everyone. In fact, here are 10 reasons why Edinburgh could be the city for you.
1. Literary influences
If you’re even a little bit bookish, you may already know this, but Edinburgh is where many famous books were set, written and published. One of the most popular books of my generation – Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone – was written from a small coffee shop in the city centre, where J.K Rowling spent her days writing the epic wizarding story following a long train journey from London to Edinburgh.
Other books set in the Scottish capital include, The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie by Muriel Spark, Trainspotting by Irvine Welsh and A Good Hanging by Ian Rankin. All paint a very distinct image of the city, despite being set centuries apart.
Edinburgh castle
2. Its many attractions
There is SO much to see and do in Edinburgh. There’s Edinburgh Castle – one of the oldest fortified places in Europe – there’s Edinburgh Zoo (a must-visit) just outside of town. Unsurprisingly, you can easily catch the bus there.
Not forgetting the many museums. There is the magical Museum of Scotland, the Museum of Childhood, Royal Yacht Brittania, the Commonwealth Pool, Dynamic Earth and Scottish Parliament.
Let’s just say, you’ll never be bored in Edinburgh. Things to attend: Edinbrugh Fringe (August) and the Edinburgh Tattoo (also August).
3. Excellent public transport
If there’s one thing my Scottish mother told me about Edinburgh, it’s that the public transport system is second-to-none! You can get a bus from the city centre to the airport for as little as £1.80 for an adult and £0.90 for a child.
Edinburgh has two mainline train stations – Edinburgh Waverley and Edinburgh Haymarket. The two are linked and it takes around five minutes by train to travel between the two. There are frequent trains between Edinburgh Waverley and Newcastle, York and London (basically anywhere on the east coast). Trains serve Edinburgh Haymarket to the west of Scotland, North of Edinburgh and Fife.
Waverley is in the city centre and Haymarket is just beyond Edinburgh’s West End – near Murrayfield (see point 9).
An Edinburgh pub just off the Royal Mile. Image: Edinburghcitymom via Shutterstock
4. Pubs!
Perhaps one of the few things the English and Scottish admit to having in common is their shared love for a good old British pub. Edinburgh has a vast selection of pubs that welcome people from all corners of the world.
Notable pubs can be found on Edinburgh’s Grassmarket, a popular street for dining, drinking and general merriment.
If you are on Grassmarket, be sure to visit wee Greyfriar’s Bobby on Candlemaker Row just up the road and visit the traditional pub next to the statue. Named after a loyal dog, Bobby.
5. The friendly locals
You heard it here first: people are SO friendly in Edinburgh. In Scotland in general, actually. I’ve personally found that the more north of London you travel, the kinder and more open the people are. You’ll never be without a pal or conversation in Edinburgh – just pop into your nearest coffee shop or pub for a natter with a local to find out.
The Old Library at the University of Edinburgh. Image via Shutterstock
6. It’s an international hub of culture
Edinburgh is a real cosmopolitan city with international inhabitants from all over the world. There’s an endless sense of culture and creativity in Edinburgh. That much is evident to anyone who’s ever walked down The Royal Mile – a mile-long road that leads up to the Castle.
7. Top-notch education
Coming off the back of the last point, many come to Edinburgh to study at the many universities, which include: University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh Napier, Queen Margaret, Royal College of Surgeons and Scotland’s Rural College.
While the city has a population of just over half a million, a staggering 12% of its population is made up of students who come to the Scottish capital to learn.
For more information about studying in Edinburgh, click here
Panoramic view from Arthur’s seat
8. Outdoor spaces
Despite growing up in a townhouse-style flat, on the third floor of six, growing up, my Mum was always outside. What they lacked in garden, the city made up for with its vast array of green spaces.
The Meadows is a versatile outdoor space. Princes Street Gardens in the city centre is beautiful year-round. And just outside the city centre lies Arthur’s Seat, an ancient volcano which is the main peak of the hills. There’s also Holyrood Park, which is just a short walk from the Royal Mile in the heart of the city.
9. Great Scottish rugby
Home to the mighty Scottish rugby team, Murrayfield stadium lies just outside the city centre. There, the team train and play rivals on both a national and international scale.
If you’re not so much of a sports fan, Murrayfield stadium is the largest stadium in Scotland and fifth largest in the UK. While mainly used as a venue for rugby union, it has been known to host international superstars for stadium tours. The most notable in recent years include Beyoncé, Bruce Springsteen, Harry Styles and Robbie Williams.
he sign for Arcade Bar Haggis Whisky House in Edinburgh. Image: shawnwil23 via Shutterstock
10. Gastro heaven
If you’re a sucker for great Scottish cooking, look no further. The Scots like their food filling and hot. National dishes include haggis, mince ‘n’ tatties (mince and mashed potatoes) and fish and chips. The Scottish capital also has multiple (28!) Michelin-Star restaurants which range from serving modern British cuisine to seafood, contemporary and creative dishes.
