Christmas in Edinburgh: A Weekend Getaway to the Enchanted Capital

In December 2022, I adventured on a beautiful girls trip to the historic city of Edinburgh, Scotland. This exciting trip to the Scottish capital consisted of many different elements that makes a girls trip with a delightful combination of exploring the stunning Edinburgh Christmas Markets, sightseeing all of its historic beauty as well as indulging in all of the adventurous food spots they had on offer. 

Exploring the Edinburgh Christmas Markets: My adventure began at the heart of the city, in the midst of the Edinburgh Christmas Markets. The festive spirit surrounded the streets as I was greeted by the twinkling lights and the aroma of mulled wine, hot chocolate , and delicious street food. The stalls were adorned with handmade crafts, unique gifts, and all sorts of festive ornaments, making it the perfect place to find the ideal Christmas presents.

While at the markets, I indulged in a delicious baileys hot chocolate as well as a Christmas market staple…German frankfurters . The highlight, however, was the famous Edinburgh Christmas Market Ferris Wheel. I enjoyed a breathtaking panoramic view of the city, illuminated by thousands of lights, making it a memory I'll cherish forever.

(Beautiful sights at the Christmas markets)

My favourite food spots : After a day of festive exploration, it was time for a delightful culinary adventure. I headed to The Botanist, a charming restaurant and bar situated in the heart of Edinburgh. The Botanist is renowned for its interesting cocktails and scrumptious food menu. We decided to go for the brunch option and I opted for the fluffy bacon and maple syrup pancakes. This was then accompanied with a couple of cocktails and they were like nothing I had ever tried before…it was like a science experiment happening right at our table having to mix different bottles until we got our perfect cocktail. Overall such an experience you wouldn’t find anywhere else and I would definitely recommend

Another spot that HAS to be mentioned was Laila Cafe. If you are on the hunt for the most instagrammable cafe in Edinburgh this has to be up there with one of. It has a gorgeous pink interior and has on offer the cutest drinks…I choose the lucky charms latte which was like a desert in a mug. I also had the lemon meringue waffles and it was the perfect tangy sweet creation to satisfy your tastebuds.

(The drinks on offer at Laila Cafe)

Tranquility at the Edinburgh Botanic Gardens: The following evening we took a peaceful walk through the enchanting Edinburgh Botanic Gardens. Despite the cold weather, the gardens were a haven of beauty, with the winter flora showcasing its subtle beauty. The vibrant light, snowdrops, and the glasshouses filled with bright colour showcased a magical winter wonderland.

The Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh provided a soothing escape from the city's energy, offering a chance to relax away from the city buzz. This was also the perfect spot to get those picture perfect winter instagrams!

(One of the picture perfect spots at the Botanic Gardens)

Embracing Edinburgh: My trip wouldn't have been complete without diving into the rich history of Edinburgh. I explored the iconic Edinburgh Castle, perched on Castle Rock, and marveled at its grandeur and the panoramic views it offered. The Royal Mile, with its historic buildings and charming cobblestone streets, was perfect for a leisurely walk and some souvenir shopping.

Edinburgh also boasts a great variety of different shops which was perfect for this time of year as I was able to pick up any last minute Christmas shopping. Although it was also a great opportunity to stock up on my winter wardrobe or at least the amount my Ryanair hand luggage would allow me…

Overall my trip to Edinburgh was a symphony of festive cheer, culinary delights, natural beauty, and historical exploration. The combination of the Edinburgh Christmas Markets, the food spots, the Botanic Gardens, and the city's rich heritage made this journey a truly unforgettable experience. Whether you're seeking the magic of the holiday season or a cultural and culinary adventure, Edinburgh is undoubtedly a destination that promises to delight all!