Ever been to the capital city of Scotland?
From the shops lining Edinburgh's quaint cobbled streets to the castle looming overhead, this city offers excitement beyond your imagination. If you are visiting with your family this summer to view your new university or student accommodation, make the most of your time. There is a reason this city has over 4 million visitors annually!
Here is our Edinburgh students' bucket list. Have fun!
Information
5 leading UK universities and over 55,000 students reside in Edinburgh. It is also the UK's second-leading tourist destination, home to an impressive range of museums, art galleries, festivals and theatres.
Edinburgh's Fringe Festival, the largest performing arts festival in the world, will take place in 2023 from August 4-28!
Fun fact:
Edinburgh has more trees per head of population, and the lowest level of air pollution, than any other UK city!
Places to visit
Activities for families
If it's your first time in Edinburgh, make sure you check out the major tourist attractions throughout this city! Explore Edinburgh Castle, with its previous occupants ranging from royal residents to prisoners of war. Do not miss out on this world-class historical site!
For a cheaper day out, the Royal Botanical Gardens will never disappoint. Although the glasshouses are currently closed, there are 70 acres of beautiful gardens including the a Rock Garden, Woodland Garden, the Arboretum tree collection, and a Health Garden. Entry to the gardens is free of charge.
Fun fact:
You can view the hole in Edinburgh Castle's wall created by 49 French prisoners of war in 1811. 48 of these prisoners successfully escaped.
Did you know that the first Harry Potter book was heavily inspired by locations and events in Edinburgh? If you and your family are fans, make sure to check out both the Department of Magic and The Potter Trail!
The Department of Magic offers exciting escape rooms, as well as potion cocktail classes! The Potter Trail, on the other hand, is a delightful tour of Edinburgh Old Town's most magical locations! Book in advance online to secure your spot on a free public tour.
Culture
Edinburgh City is home to some of the UK's most visited museums and art galleries. The fascinating documentation of historical, cultural and biological research at the National Museum of Scotland is definitely not an experience you want to miss!
For the Literature students among us, head over to the Writer's Museum. There you will celebrate the lives of three famous Scottish authors - Robert Burns, Sir Walter Scott and Robert Louis Stevenson.
Food and Drink
For a lunch with a phenomenal landscape, check out The Outsider, a popular Edinburgh restaurant featuring views of Edinburgh Castle. The Look Out has equally wonderful views, peering down from the very top of Calton Hill for a wonderfully relaxed experience.
Maison De Moggy was the first cat café ever opened in Scotland, and remains open in Edinburgh to this day! If you fancy an unusual coffee experience, make sure to book your spot in advance. You can also 'Meet The Cats' in advance on their website, including Elodie the Sphynx and the gorgeous Guillaume, a Chinchilla Persian.
If your trip has become rather Harry Potter-themed, make sure to finish your day at The Cauldron Bar, a magical drinks venue for the curious. Visit for an interactive session making elixir cocktails or afternoon tea! All experiences combine mixology/tea brewing with molecular gastronomy. It's not magic, it's science!
Fun fact:
Greyfriars Kirkyard in Edinburgh is home to 'the real Tom Riddle's grave'. This inspired the name for the main antagonist in the Harry Potter series.
Finally (and most importantly), if this is your first time in Scotland, remember that local dishes can be found on every corner. These include haggis, black pudding, or tablet and shortbread for those with a sweet tooth. If you're really up for an adventure, order a deep fried mars bar from a local chippy!
Enjoy!
Still need to book accommodation for your visit to Edinburgh this summer?
Make sure to check out Edinburgh College Residence, available for students and families alike!
