5 Reasons to Staycation in Edinburgh This Year

*This is a collaborative post about going on staycation in Edinburgh 

With foreign travel being somewhat restricted this year many people are looking to take holidays and short breaks in the UK. Edinburgh has long since been a popular destination for tourists from both the UK and abroad. However, if you haven’t been to Edinburgh before and are considering doing so, here are 5 reasons why it should be near the top of your list of places to visit in the UK. 

It’s a Paradise for Walkers 

If you are the type of person that enjoys walking Edinburgh is just the place for you. It is regarded by many people as one of the best cities in the world to explore on foot. You can either plan your own itinerary or take advantage of the many walking tours that are available to you. 

If you have a head for heights you can put on your walking boots and head up Calton Hill for incredible views of the city skyline, or visit Arthurs Seat an extinct volcano that sits 251 meters above sea level. 

Edinburgh City Centre is a maze of medieval streets and interesting alleyways for you to explore. However, if you prefer the easy life and would rather drive around why not take advantage of the affordable car hire in Edinburgh that is readily available to you. 

Staycation in Edinburgh to Shop Till You Drop 

If you are looking for some retail therapy Edinburgh has no shortage of stores to browse and perhaps spend some of that holiday budget. One of the most iconic areas of the city is Victoria St famous for its colourful shop fronts which was the inspiration for Diagon Alley that features in the Harry Potter movies. 

If you are looking for top fashion brands then Princess Street is the place for you. Running parallel to that is George Street that features stunning Georgian Architecture and upmarket stores. If you are looking for luxury brands then Multrees Walk is the place for you, one thing is sure though whatever type of shopping experience you are looking for Edinburgh can deliver. 

Excellent Food Options

If you place dining at the top of your list of priorities then Edinburgh is the place for you. It is undoubtedly a city that caters to all different diets and cuisines. Irrespective of whether you are looking for Thai, Chinese, Indian, Italian or Mediterranean food Edinburgh has you covered. 

Edinburgh has many top-class restaurants offering the discerning diner a taste of the good life. When you are in Scotland why not take the opportunity to try some authentic Scottish food, there are a number of options for you to try such local delicacies as porridge, haggis, and tattie scones all made from locally sourced ingredients. 

Staycation in Edinburgh for Acres of Green Space 

One thing that sets Edinburgh apart from other cities is the amount of green space available for visitors to take advantage of. Why not visit Holyrood Park where you can enjoy a picnic or if the weather is hot sunbathe. Holyrood Park consists of 650 acres of grass and winding pathways that cater to everyone. Holyrood Park is also home to Duddingston Loch which boasts an impressive range of birdlife. 

Along with Holyrood Park, there is also Princess Street Gardens which offer great views of the Old Town and are the perfect place to relax after a bite to eat. For those keen gardeners why not visit the Royal Botanic Garden home to three million plant species.

Its Own Inland Beach 

As visiting a tropical paradise may be out for the foreseeable future Portobello Beach gives both locals and tourists the chance to relax by the sea. Located only a few miles from the city center Portobello Beach is ideal for swimming and sunbathing although please be aware the water is not likely to reach Mediterranean temperatures. If you don’t feel like braving the sea you always have the option of Portobello swim center Victorian indoor baths. 

Portobello also boasts its own promenade, and the beach is also the domain of kayaking and sail clubs and volleyball players. The promenade features lots of cafes and enchanting bars while Portobello High Street has a number of gift stores and restaurants. 

The reasons for visiting Edinburgh listed above are literally the tip of the Iceberg why not come to Scotland’s capital city and see for yourself.