I spent an extended weekend within the UK metropolis that has been ranked as among the best on this planet for 2026, and there was one notable spotlight that stood out
I spent a few days on this UK metropolis that has been ranked among the many finest on this planet (Picture: Amy Jones)
A wonderful UK metropolis was named among the best on this planet for 2026, and there is one thing that immediately stands out, as I discovered throughout my go to.
The capital of Scotland, Edinburgh, was ranked the third-best metropolis on this planet for 2026 by Time Out with Intrepid Journey final week, because of its walkability, thriving meals scene, inexperienced areas, and vibrant artwork and tradition. So my journey to the historic metropolis of Edinburgh, only a few days later, got here on the good time. I used to be desirous to see if it actually lived as much as its newly acclaimed title.
I arrived at Edinburgh Waverley prepare station on a Saturday afternoon, with a nifty LNER direct prepare service obtainable from London’s King’s Cross that takes simply over 4 hours, and instantly discovered myself on the coronary heart of the motion. The station is conveniently positioned between Edinburgh’s Previous City and the New City, and never removed from the town’s Princes Road Gardens, so it immediately felt walkable.
Edinburgh was named as among the best cities on this planet for 2026 (Picture: Amy Jones)
In lower than a 20-minute stroll, I had dropped my baggage off on the resort and arrived within the Previous City, able to discover the historic metropolis. I gazed upon the Gothic St Giles’ Cathedral, earlier than strolling alongside the cobbled streets, adorned with Scottish outlets and historic buildings, to the sound of bagpipes.
I wandered up in the direction of the long-lasting and placing Edinburgh Citadel, standing on Citadel Rock at a towering 260 toes above the town, earlier than taking within the majestic vistas. Strolling again down the regular slopes that make up Edinburgh, I discovered myself misplaced amongst charming cobbled lanes, earlier than rising into one other spectacular spot,
Nonetheless within the Previous City, I explored the famed and vibrant Victoria Road, lined with unbiased outlets and artisan espresso outlets. The winding, cobbled avenue with stacked structure is claimed to have impressed Diagon Alley within the Harry Potter franchise, and can be residence to The Elephant Home, stated to be the ‘birthplace of Harry Potter’, as J. Okay. Rowling spent a lot of her days writing within the café.
On one blistery day, I hiked as much as the highest of Arthur’s Seat, which offered panoramic views throughout the town, earlier than a gradual decline to Holyrood Park as I fought the sturdy Scottish wind. I additionally discovered myself wandering to a different lookout at Calton Hill with the Nationwide Monument of Scotland, and later discovered the picture-perfect spot on the steep staircase of The Vennel, with a placing backdrop of the fortress.
I hiked as much as Arthur’s Seat and walked round Holyrood Park for views throughout the town (Picture: Amy Jones)
And simply once I thought I had explored each inch of the town, I spent one afternoon strolling round Dean Village, only a 30-minute stroll from the Previous City, as I handed by historic buildings and vast streets. Dean’s Brae Bridge offered one other picturesque spot, with its yellow, white, and orange medieval timbered buildings lining a tranquil river, although it is turn into a well-liked vacationer spot for that Insta-worthy shot!
I additionally discovered time to go to the Royal Botanic Gardens, in addition to the charming village of Stockbridge, formed like a sweetie and providing extra unbiased outlets and cosy espresso outlets to shelter from the chilly climate. Whereas I used to be racking up greater than 20,000 steps a day, it did not really feel prefer it, as I acquired misplaced within the metropolis, bursting with character and appeal.
I used to be left in awe at how simple it was to stroll and navigate this stunning metropolis, and located one other hidden gem round each nook, each step, and each avenue I took. So it is no marvel that its residents, who took half within the Time Out survey, ranked the town highest for walkability, which was immediately apparent throughout my time in Edinburgh.
Whereas the town is huge, it is compact, with winding streets that conveniently hyperlink the Previous and New City, with main points of interest and eateries by no means far aside. I did not as soon as really feel the necessity to order an Uber, catch the tram or board the hop-on, hop-off bus tour, as strolling across the metropolis proved extremely easy.
I additionally took a visit to Dean Village in Edinburgh (Picture: Amy Jones)
It meant I may discover Edinburgh at my very own tempo and uncover hidden gems you may in any other case miss – simply make sure to wrap up heat amid the chilly climate. Plus, I used to be by no means in need of locations to eat, with Makars Mash Bar a private spotlight, alongside Bonnie & Wild and the Edinburgh Road meals courts.
And in the event you’re a espresso fan like me, it is a haven for artisan homes, with stylish ceramic tumblers serving up a steaming flat white alongside a freshly baked cinnamon bun or shortbread rounds. Plus, there is a bundle of conventional pubs to seize a pint, or the cosy Salt Horse Beer Store and The Wee Vault, serving up Vault Metropolis bitter beers which are independently crafted in Edinburgh.
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After a three-night keep, I can say with out query that Edinburgh completely lived as much as my expectations, and extra. Would I rank it among the many finest cities on this planet? Undoubtedly! Do I miss it already? Undoubtedly. Will I return? 100%!
Do you’ve gotten a journey story to share? E-mail webtravel@reachplc.com
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