A solo trip in Harry Potter's city: Edinburgh!

For years we have been reading books and watching movies about Harry Potter, dreaming that one day we could walk the same streets and feeling the same magic vibes. After 20 years since J.K. Rowling’s launch, it is time to take a trip to where it all began: Edinburgh. My daily motto is “Travel is the only thing you buy that makes you richer”. What better choice than buying a trip which has endless value to it? Buying a solo trip to Edinburgh has been one of the best choices I have made.

First, a flight from London to Edinburgh cost me 55£ round trip. I chose to avoid staying in a hostel (for 16£ per night) to deciding to stay at Terrace Hotel for 33£ per night (breakfast included). Also, for 10£ round trip you can get from the airport to the city centre and back in about twenty five minutes. The Terrace Hotel was definitely a great pick: quiet, stylish, a cordial staff and a very relaxing walk to the city centre takes only 15 mins reach. Of course, costs of leisure and entertainment is up to you. However, I could enjoy great meals within 10£ and most of the best attractions are cheap or free of cost. According to my experience, I would say that 60£ for the weekend could be enough to enjoy and relax.

My trip was done completely by foot, except for when I took the Uber to catch my return flight. I was in a rush and tired after walking 20 miles in 24 hours. The best way to explore and appreciate Edinburgh is to walk around the city and enjoy every bite that this amazing place has to offer.

"Edinburgh is like a medieval fortress and you are the knight wandering within its walls".

I suggest that you start from Royal Mile, so that you can get a taste of the Old Town. Royal Mile is a mile long street that goes from Holyrood Palace to Edinburgh Castle. You will be amazed by the beauty of the Scots shops located along the two sides of the road. Edinburgh Old Town, UNESCO heritage, is a labyrinth of cobbled streets, narrow alleyways and hidden courtyards. The most famous alley is Victoria Street, right by Grassmarket. Very elegant, it is made of historic architecture and colourful shops. The street is the most vibrant in the city and it is a jewel of the Old town.

Edinburgh is so inspiring that the wanderlust spirit will overwhelm you and keep you company during the entire trip. If you feel like “escaping the fortress”, head over to Calton Hill, the most famous hill in Edinburgh. The hill is home of the most scenic views of Edinburgh. Looking south, you can see Arthur’s Seat and Salisbury Cliffs. Looking west, you have Royal Mile and Edinburgh Castle. Looking north, you can see Fife coast and Forth river. The best view though frames the monument to Horatio Nelson, a thirty mt tower in the shape of a telescope, with the Balmoral Hotel in the background. I was fortunate enough to watch one of the best sunset ever from Calton Hill and met countless of people sharing my same passion for travel.

Edinburgh is the perfect city to travel alone, the stretch of pubs, restaurants, nostalgia shops & beer gardens will keep you giddy and energized. Traveling solo allows you to better understand yourself and go beyond your limits. Nothing can quite describe that liberating feeling of embarking upon a solo adventure. You will get out of your comfort zone, and speak to people as if you knew them. You will make friends along the road and feel an incredible sense of freedom.

Some places to eat in Edinburgh