Edinburgh

Scotland must be my absolute favourite place in the world! After my first visit in 2017 I found myself returning time and time again, totalling nearly a year of exploring this mystical place and collecting cheap ways to do so. 

Edinburgh to me is not only amongst the most amazing places to visit in Scotland, but it remains my favourite city to this day. I volunteered in Edinburgh for over six months and never go bored, let alone had the impression I was done exploring the versatile city and its surroundings. Due to its absolutely breathtaking medieval architecture, that lets you feel like you’ve just stepped back in history and are now the main character in some period piece, the vast amount of pubs, cafes and quaint little shops, as well as Edinburghs inclusion of nature within the city and its proximity to both the ocean and the hills on its boarders, Scotlands capital is the perfect place for nearly everyone. 

Arrival 

Despite Edinburgh Airport being fairly busy, it is also pretty small and very easy to navigate with only one main terminal. The airport shuttle, which will take you into town in about half an hour, leaves every couple of minutes and is right outside the exit. The ticket is 4.70 pounds and can be payed directly in the bus by card or cash (if you have the exact amount) and does not need to be pre-booked. If you do not know which stop is closest to your accommodation, you can always ask the ones who sell the tickets or simply exit at Princess street, from where other buses run to almost anywhere. Edinburgh, however, is also a very walkable city, so once you make it to the city Center (Princess Street), it is nearly impossible to get lost or be unreasonably far away to simply walk. 

Where to stay

Edinburgh has a big Backpacking culture, a great night life and heaps of wholesome (free) group activities to bond over with new people. So I think staying at a Hostel is really the way to go. There are heaps of Hostels in the city, with the most famous one undoubtedly being Castle Rock, a huge Party Hostel with hundreds of beds located right below the famous castle. Whilst I can recommend Castle Rock and the High Street Hostel, the Royal Mile Backpackers is the coziest, most welcoming, wee Hostel you’ll ever step foot in.