After spending over a week soaking up the buzz of London, my husband and I decided we needed a change of scenery, which basically meant a quick weekend getaway somewhere quieter, but still full of character and Edinburgh felt like the perfect choice.
I’ve actually been fascinated by Scotland since high school, when I first read about the dramatic life story of Mary, Queen of Scots. I became such a huge fan of hers back then, and the idea of walking the same streets she once did made this trip feel extra special.
So we were mad rushing on an early Friday morning to hop on a train from King’s Cross Station bound for Edinburgh Waverley hoping for the best.
But before boarding, we couldn’t resist stopping by the famous Harry Potter photo spot at Platform 9¾. There’s a luggage trolley embedded halfway into the wall, as if it’s disappearing into the magical platform. Since it was still super early, we managed to sneak in our own photos without the usual long queue. A fun little moment to kick off our trip.
The journey itself took just over four hours, but it didn’t feel long at all. There’s something comforting about watching the scenery change as the train speeds north. At first, it was all London suburbs and clusters of brick houses, but soon the landscape opened up into rolling fields, quaint villages, and stretches of coastline.
I alternated between finishing Kevin Kwan’s China Rich Girlfriend and sneaking in power naps, while my husband couldn't decide on whether to finish his chips first or point out sights from the window instead every eight seconds. Every so often, we’d pass through historic towns like York and Durham, their cathedral spires peeking out in the distance. By the time we reached Newcastle, the River Tyne shimmered under the morning light, and it felt like we were truly leaving the bustle of London behind. Before I knew it, we were already pulling into Edinburgh Waverley, greeted by the city’s dramatic skyline.
We checked into The Old Waverley Hotel, a historic gem right on Princes Street. It’s walking distance from the train station and offers views of Edinburgh Castle and the Scott Monument. Our room overlooked Princes Street Gardens, which was both a blessing and a curse. Blessing because the view was gorgeous; curse because the street noise carried well into the night. Still, the gardens themselves were lovely. Nestled beneath the castle, they separate the Old Town from the New Town. We strolled past the Ross Fountain, an ornate 19th‑century cast‑iron beauty, and admired the towering Scott Monument. It’s easy to see why this spot is considered the city’s green heart.
One quirky thing we discovered during our stay at The Old Waverley Hotel was that “air conditioner” in Edinburgh actually meant heater: something that blows out hot air during this time of year (my goodness!). For ultra weird people like us who got used to sleeping with cool air conditioning in Dubai all these years, this was honestly a major struggle. We tried opening the window to let the crisp night air in, but the noise from Princes Street was just too loud to ignore, which made sleeping literally impossible for us.
By 2 AM, we were huffing and puffing, desperate for some relief. So we called reception, and within minutes, they showed up with an old electric fan, definitely our unlikely hero of the night. That simple gesture turned what could’ve been a sleepless ordeal into a cozy dreamland. Honestly, the staff were amazing, and their quick thinking saved the night.
Like Rain, Wind, Clouds, Repeat
Sadly, the weather was absolutely bonkers the entire weekend. To make matters worse, I was also nursing a fever and colds from our nonstop London itinerary. So instead of our usual action‑packed adventures, we pushed for Edinburgh to become more like a quiet retreat where we can finally slow down and just breathe. Honestly, there was something soothing about staying under the duvet, just people‑watching from our window as locals and tourists enjoyed the park below. When I finally felt better, we ventured out to shop, wander, and eat.
We climbed up to the historic Edinburgh Castle, but the cloudy skies meant we missed out on those famous panoramic views. Dinner that night was at Witchery by the Castle, a fancy restaurant right beside the castle gates that was recommended by one of the cashiers I chatted with in H&M. It had "interesting" interiors, I must say. We ordered Scotch beef ribeye and lobster thermidor (that sadly flared up my poor husband's allergies). It’s a popular spot, but maybe because of my lingering fever (or my husband's allergies), I wasn’t quite feeling the food or the vibes.
It's A Wizarding World
The next morning, we had a late breakfast at The Elephant House Café, famously known as the “Birthplace of Harry Potter.” J.K. Rowling wrote parts of her early books here, and sitting inside felt like stepping into literary history. (Sadly, the café was badly damaged by fire in 2021 and has since closed.)
From there, we wandered down Victoria Street, the winding cobbled lane said to have inspired Diagon Alley. With its colorful shopfronts and quirky boutiques, it really did feel magical. We even joined a Harry Potter walking tour with a lively group from Latvia and Singapore—such a fun way to see the city through Rowling’s eyes.
By lunchtime, we were craving something familiar, so we headed to Sichuan House on George IV Bridge for Chinese food. The highlight? Free fortune cookies at the end of the meal. My husband’s fortune said he’d win the lottery (if only)!
The rest of the day was just some mindless strolling, discovering more charming alleys, drinking hot tea, shopping for small souvenirs, and fighting the urge to eat ice cream. We even met a lovely Filipino couple who were also visiting Edinburgh for the first time with their teenaged kids. It was such a fun encounter that we didn't expect at all.
Dinner that night was simpler: pasta, pizza, and a couple of beers at Bella Italia somewhere in Northbridge. Sometimes, comfort food is exactly what you need after a long day of exploring.
Edinburgh may have been a short weekend trip, but it left a lasting impression. Even with the unpredictable weather and my sniffles, the city’s blend of medieval charm, cultural vibrancy, and natural beauty was undeniable. From Harry Potter landmarks to historic castles and cozy cafés, Edinburgh felt like stepping into a fairytale.
Would I go back? Absolutely! Next time, hopefully with better weather and no fever, so I can fully embrace everything this enchanting city has to offer.
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