So, I just got back from Edinburgh, and wow, if you're looking for the best things to do in Edinburgh, let me tell you — it's not just about the tourist spots. It's about getting lost a bit and having things unfold in ways you could never expect. You know, like when you're sitting at your favorite café and a friend asks about your trip, and you start rambling?
This spot? Total surprise.
I still can't believe my first stop was just sitting in a park, but it was kind of perfect. I landed in the afternoon, and after the long flight, all I wanted was to flop down somewhere cozy. So, I pulled up a bench at Princes Street Gardens and watched the world go by. Honestly, I wasn't expecting much. I figured it would just be a nice little place to catch my breath before the real adventures kicked in.
But then… I don't know. Something about it just felt magical. The sun came out for a moment, and there were kids laughing, couples holding hands, and this random guy who started playing the bagpipes. The sound was so ethereal, echoing off the castle that loomed over us. I felt this sense of peace I hadn't experienced in a long time, like Edinburgh was wrapping me in a hug.
The gardens were filled with all kinds of flowers, and I felt weirdly at home just hanging out in a park across an ocean. It made me realize that sometimes the best things to do in Edinburgh aren't listed in guidebooks. Sometimes it's just sitting still and watching life unfold.
The afternoon that changed my whole mood
You'll laugh, but the thing that really turned my day around happened later in the afternoon when I got lost looking for the National Museum. I was convinced I had a great sense of direction — I mean, I rarely get lost! But there I was navigating alleys like a headless chicken, dodging tourists and cobblestones.
After what felt like an eternity of wandering, I stumbled upon this little bookstore-café called ‘The Edinburgh Bookshop.' Honestly, I almost didn't go in because I had my heart set on the museum, but something about the mismatched tables, the smell of baked goods, and rows of books that looked like they had been waiting for me shifted my focus.
I spent a couple of hours in there, sipping on an oat milk latte (surprisingly good, I might add) and flipping through local novels I'd never heard of before. There's something beautiful about getting lost in a bookshop; it's all yours for the taking. I walked out of there with a fresh novel to keep me company during my stay, and a feeling of warmth that only unexpected moments can bring.
I almost missed this, no thanks to my bad sense of direction
I might be too hard on my spatial awareness, but on the way to this other spot—a little joint called ‘Oink' — I had another delightful detour. I thought I'd just ask someone for directions to the best pulled pork sandwich in town. But instead, I ended up walking through the Grassmarket, which was a treat in itself!
The cobbled streets, all those tiny shops, and those towering buildings, like they were just waiting for some ancient story to be told. I felt as if I'd stepped into a Harry Potter set. In the midst of all this, my eyes caught a whiff of something sweet. It's incredible how smells can pull you in.
To be honest, I followed my nose straight to a small pastry shop, and I can't even remember the name now. All I know is, I got this soft, flaky pastry filled with caramel and sea salt, and as I took my first bite, I was transported to dessert heaven. I stood there for a solid five minutes, just savoring.
That's the funny thing about travel, right? You set out for one thing, and then the universe leads you somewhere completely different. Each little snack, each wandering thought, builds into this beautifully chaotic tapestry of memories.
Oh, and that meal…
Once I finally made it to Oink, oh man. That sandwich was everything they said it would be. It was just me, a sandwich that could probably feed an army, and a pint of local beer. I can't say I'm some kind of food critic, but when I sunk my teeth into that tender, smoky pulled pork slathered with barbecue sauce, it was like a flavor explosion. Each bite was so good I couldn't even process it; I just kept diving in, liberated by that perfect blend of spices.
While I was munching away, I struck up a conversation with the couple at the table next to me. They were visiting from Canada, and we ended up chatting about our favorite travel spots. It felt like one of those moments that reminds you how connected we all can be, regardless of where we're from. By the end of the meal, we exchanged Instagram handles like we were old friends. It's these slices of life that make traveling so worthwhile, right?
Reflections on getting lost
Before I knew it, evening began to wrap around the city like a comforting old quilt. I had plans to head up to Arthur's Seat for sunset, but I'll admit, by that time, I was questioning whether I should bother. I was faced with a mix of exhaustion and energy, and I almost let the weariness win.
But taking a chance, I pulled myself up and headed towards the hike anyway. And wow, what an experience. I won't sugarcoat it: the climb was pretty challenging. Halfway through, I found myself panting after a steep section, and there was a moment when I thought about turning back. But as I reached the summit, I was met with a view that completely obliterated my doubts. The sun was dipping towards the horizon, painting the sky in shades of pink, orange, and soft lavender. It was one of those “wow” moments that felt too perfect.
Standing there, looking over the city, I realized it was exactly what I needed. The way everything seemed to glow in that golden hour felt like the universe giving me a gentle nudge — a confirmation that sometimes the best things do happen when you just let go and wander, even if it's a bit messy or complicated.
And you know what? I still haven't processed all of it — the food, the people, the unexpected moments. I think Edinburgh, with all its cobblestones and unpredictable charm, has left a piece of itself with me. I can already see myself sitting at my local café, reliving those memories, and all the wonderful, human moments that made it special.
It was all just a delightful, tangled mess of experiences that have me yearning for my next adventure. Now, go grab that coffee while I keep reminiscing.
