Scotland is full of beautiful sights and adventures. One aspect of Scotland that is sure to amaze are the cities, towns and villages scattered about the land. In comparison to my home of the United States, where the big cities are made of skyscrapers, Scotland’s cities are all built from stone, and have been standing for hundreds and hundreds of years. While visiting Scotland, one of my favorite things to do is explore the cities. They are full of history, the sounds of bagpipes, and a whole bunch of tasty eats. Did I mention the castles?
There is always something to do or see while exploring the cities of Scotland!
Edinburgh
Edinburgh, the capital and one of two big cities in Scotland, is a must-see while visiting. My favorite part about walking around Edinburgh was the variety of activities and adventures the city offers! I went from sipping on a Starbucks drink, to shopping through Prince's Street, to touring Edinburgh castle. How could that be boring?! One of my favorite aspects of Edinburgh's city life was the street performances. The Royal Mile -the road leading up to the castle- was full of people juggling, playing their bagpipes, doing balancing acts, and more.
While in Edinburgh, I found myself overwhelmed by the beauty of the city, and wanted to just stop time and take it all in. I needed a bird's eye view. The Water Scot monument is a Victorian gothic monument and a sight in itself, but from the top, you get a beautiful view of the entire city and beyond (as pictured above). I had to drag my dad up the 197 winding stairs, but even he, as afraid of heights as he is, said the view at the top was worth the panic and slight nausea. In the distance, you can see the hills blanketing the buildings and Edinburgh Castle, which sits up on a hill overlooking the entire city.
St. Andrews
A mere hour and a half train ride away from Edinburgh lies my absolute favorite spot in Scotland. St. Andrews is another seaside, quaint town - much like my dad’s hometown - but don’t let the size fool you! Despite St. Andrew's small size, it is known for some big things. St. Andrews is home to the third oldest University in Great Britain, St. Andrews University, which has special ties to the crown as it is famously where Prince William attended school with his now wife, Kate Middleton. I can tell you from firsthand experience: St. Andrew’s University is a place for a prince and princess. It is ancient, prestigious and dreamy. I remember saying to my dad “I have never come across a university that could pass as a castle!” Just down the road from St. Andrews University is Northpoint Cafe, a tasty tea house with a big sign in the window saying “where Kate met Wills (for coffee)”! That was quickly enough to get me in the door. I enjoyed a delicious bagel with cream cheese and smoked Scottish salmon. If you’re a fangirl like me, and enjoy all things royal family, pop into Northpoint Cafe!
Along with its royal ties, St. Andrews is also where Scotland gets its “home of golf” reputation. Old Course in St. Andrews does not get its name for nothing; it's the oldest and most iconic golf course in the world. Old Course is one of seven other great golf courses in St. Andrews which makes it the largest public golf complex in the entirety of Europe. If you are anything like me and do not have a huge interest in golf, do not let that deter you: although a boring sport, these courses are truly breathtaking and something to marvel at.
Anstruther
Unlike St. Andrews or Edinburgh, Anstruther is not much of a tourist destination. It is known as a fishing village, so not considered too special in Scotland. But to someone like you or me, Anstruther is definitely worth a visit. My grandma, my dad and I drove up to Anstruther for a tasty dinner on my first night in Scotland a few years back, and I caught myself wishing I could stay there forever. For one, the fish and chips are excellent. Anstruther Fish Bar has actually won awards for their fish dinners, and I can absolutely see why. But what really captivated me were the colorful buildings and boats that decorated the town. In Scotland, a usually grey and rainy country, this brightness goes a long way. I decided to enjoy my fish and chips on a bench overlooking the water and all the boats.
You may catch yourself driving through the village of Anstruther, on the way to something bigger or better. All I am saying is this: make the stop and enjoy some fish and chips on a bench next to the water. It will change your life, and certainly your taste in fish!
Comments