Discover Edinburgh

It exists, in the North of Europe, a country where it never stops raining, where the wind is damp and the sun is shy. Having a love for the sun, I always asked myself how it was possible to live in such climatic conditions. Curious, I went there to see for myself.

Three months after, I am still living, and delighted to have discovered the sublime landscape, and a unique way of life. This temperamental climate is nothing compared to the warm and kind people who welcomed me with open arms.

Following from this experience, I would like to share with you, for me, what would be a perfect weekend in this Scottish city.

When and how do you get there?

The summer is by far the nicest of seasons. I advise you to go between July and August. In terms of accommodation, opt for an Air BnB in the city-centre. The Old Town is the best area to place yourself. This way, you will not need to use public transport for all of your stay.

Once you have arrived at Edinburgh Airport, the best way to get into the city-centre is to use the tram. It will cost you 7 pounds (reasonable price compared to the extremely high transport costs in Scotland).

The places to visit when it's raining

• Camera Obscura

'Camera Obscura' is a very popular tourist attraction in Edinburgh. It's an experience during which you will see all types of optical illusions. A perfect blend of '21st Century technology meets classical illusions and historical science'. Although the entry price is quite expensive, (it's close to 15 pounds, this address is worth a detour. I loved that this was a funny, stimulating but above all an intriguing experience.

• National Museum of Scotland

This museum is the most cultural visit that I propose to you. It seems to me that it's interesting to do a tour there. Effectively, this museum, a fusion between the Royal Museum and the National Museum of Scotland, you learn about the history of Scottish people, it's culture and it's kingdom. The entry is free!

• Princess Street

Princess Street is the main avenue of Edinburgh. From one side, you find Princess Street Garden : a park more than 1200, 000 m2, from green lawns as far as the eye can see, to some trees (some hundred-years-old), and even the beautiful little squirrels. From the other side, you will benefit from some shops; there is something for all tastes. It also costs nothing to do a bit of shopping in the rain.

The places to visit when it's nice weather

• Arthur's Seat

Arthur's Seat is a hill located in the centre of Holyrood Park. The local legend says that in the Middle Ages, Kind Arthur settles at the top of this hill, at 251 metres above sea level in order to have the best view when his enemies arrived.

Some websites estimate that it's necessary to spend 45 minutes walking to reach the summit. There is no point. Twenty minutes is enough to see Edinburgh from up above: the photography lovers will be delighted. It's a really nice 'seat' believe me!

• Edinburgh Castle

The Edinburgh Castle a place that cannot be missed. How can you go to Paris without having visited or at least, seen the Eiffel Tower?

After having passed the first arch of the castle, offering a real film set: a return to the past, in the days of the knights. Moreover, a breathtaking view, overlooking all of Edinburgh waiting for you from above. You can also visit the prison, and the Royal Chamber, admiring the collections of crowns and jewellery, visiting the Armed Museum of Scotland from the Middle Ages to present day, and even touch the cannons of the period. You must pay entry and it is quite expensive: 30 pounds per person.

• Walk with Alpacas

Fans of walking and lovers of animals? Do not pass by the 'Bob & Cat' farm! Come and live in this extraordinary experience only 10 kilometres from the city-centre. Go for two hour walk in the Scottish mountains, and bring an alpaca with you. But be careful, if you are interested, don't hesitate and reserve this as soon as you can! This walk is very popular amongst tourists, and the owners are often full for the coming months... I was a victim of success of these alpacas, and I did not get the opportunity to go on a walk with one of them... It's my biggest regret during my stay in Edinburgh! So don't make the same mistake as me and rush to share some time with these adorable balls of wool.

• Victoria Street

Victoria Street is a charming street located in the heart of Edinburgh. It's renaming is due to the colour of the buildings. One red, one green, one blue... The colours of the buildings that follow form a rainbow. What's more, Victoria Street is know for a number of shops that make their claim to fame from the Harry Potter Saga. Fans of the famous wizard will be in love: cloaks, wands, scarves, jumpers... a real gold mine!

Where should we eat?

Eating in Edinburgh is a bit tricky. The Scottish eat early, in fact, very early. It's impossible to eat after 10pm... Actually I will say to the amateurs of gastronomy to be accommodating. However, after three months there, I have found some nice places. I am going to tell you about them.

For a tight window, I suggest that you eat a pizza. 'Civerinos Slice is a trendy boho pizzeria on Forest Road. The pizzas there are excellent.

Then for the amateurs of sea food, I propose 'Fish in the City'. The food is very good, the wine menu is beautiful and the plates are well presented. The price is relatively good, coming to between 30 and 35 pounds per person.

Finally for a romantic dinner, nothing is better than an Italian restaurant. Divino is a beautiful place. Located under the bridge, it makes itself discreet. The inside of the restaurant is dark. You will be lit up by the glow of a candle, and you will share a romanticmoment with accompanied with tasty dishes and the person of your choice. The kitchen there is sophisticated and high quality. For those interested in the price, it's relatively reasonable, coming to around 30 pounds per person.

Where is there to go out?

At the start of the night, I suggest to go and drink some beers at 'The OZ Bar' on Candlemaker Row. The atmosphere there is warm. Two pool tables are available, it's a time to come face to face with your friends and put the next round into play.

Towards 10PM, take yourself towards a more of a dancing bar. The 'Finnegan' on Victoria Street is a place whwre an orchestra setting the dance floor on fire. It does not lack atmosphere, all while staying in good nature.

Then I suggest to you to finish the night in a club.

You have the choice between the Hive, know for being a very informal dance club, and very popular with the young people because the price of a drink challenges all its competition. The type of music is often commercial.

Or take yourself to the 'Why Not', a bit more of a classy club, a low ceiling with neon lights, a large dance floor and a charming outdoor patio for the smokers. The price averages at 10 euros for a drink and the entry is payed. But this club is worth the detour.

Edinburgh Fringe

The Edinburgh Fringe Festival, also known as 'The Fringe', it takes place every year, in August, in this Scottish city.It's about the biggest artistic festival in the world! This annual event attracts more than 1 million visitors and artists from all around the world.

It resembles spectacles of all genres: from theatre to dance, going from singing to comedy.. There is something for everyone! The streets are full to the brim with travelling performances. Walk, or should I say 'attempt to clear yourself a path' between the uni-cyclists, musicians, balloon sculptors and the jugglers. Let the spirit of the Fringe soothe you, this festival which brings Edinburgh to life, and keeps the bars open until 5AM.

Edinburgh is a beautiful city, rich in culture, heritage and history but above all, its people. I hope that you all go and visit it.