If it’s a nice day, the Botanical Gardens are the place to be. There are beautifully curated gardens, ponds, greenhouses, hedges, and wildlife. It's a short stroll from Inverleith Park and Stockbridge!

Inverleith Park is a favorite. Mackin grew up walking to the pond with her grandparents to feed the birds. There are allotments, trails, a rose garden, cricket pitches and lots of dogs. With a spectacular view of the city, you can also walk through Inverleith Park to get to the Botanical Gardens.

Dean Village is a charming and picturesque area located just a short walk from Edinburgh’s city center. Once a historic milling village, it’s now a peaceful oasis that feels like a step back in time. Nestled beside the Water of Leith, you’ll find beautiful, cobbled streets, quaint stone houses, and lush greenery. It's a lovely place to explore, offering a quiet retreat from the bustle of the city, with stunning views and a tranquil atmosphere. If you have some free time, it's definitely worth a visit!

The Royal Mile is the historic heart of Edinburgh, stretching from Edinburgh Castle at the top to the Palace of Holyroodhouse at the bottom. This cobblestone street is about one mile long and filled with shops, restaurants, pubs, and historic landmarks. Along the way, you’ll find narrow alleyways called “closes,” charming courtyards, and centuries of Scottish history. It’s one of the most iconic places to explore in the city and a perfect spot to soak in Edinburgh’s culture, architecture, and atmosphere. The Royal Mile is also home to some super fascinating museums. Have a look!

Deacon William Brodie (1741–1788) was a respected Edinburgh cabinetmaker, locksmith, and city councillor—outwardly a model citizen and a “Deacon” (head) of his trade. By night, however, he lived a secret second life as a criminal, using his professional skills to burgle homes and businesses across the city. His double life unraveled when he was caught and ultimately hanged in 1788.

Brodie’s stark contrast between public respectability and private vice became one of the real-world inspirations for Robert Louis Stevenson’s The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde (1886). Deacon Brodie is a long distance relative of Mackin's Scottish family and clan, the Brodies.

Greyfriars Bobby is one of Edinburgh’s most cherished legends. He was a loyal Skye Terrier who is said to have spent 14 years guarding the grave of his owner, John Gray, in Greyfriars Kirkyard, never leaving his side. The nearby statue was raised in Bobby’s honour and has become a symbol of devotion, loyalty, and enduring love. Tradition says that touching Bobby’s nose brings good luck — a small gesture of hope, love, and faithfulness, worn smooth by generations who believe in his story.

Princes Street Gardens are a beautiful public park located right in the heart of Edinburgh, directly below Edinburgh Castle. They stretch along Princes Street, the city’s main shopping thoroughfare, and provide a peaceful green space surrounded by historic monuments, fountains, and seasonal flower displays. The gardens are divided into East and West by the Scott Monument, and they’re a perfect place to relax, take a stroll, or enjoy stunning views of the castle towering above.

Calton Hill is one of Edinburgh’s most famous landmarks, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the city skyline, Arthur’s Seat, and the Firth of Forth. Located just a short walk from Princes Street, the hill is home to several iconic monuments, including the National Monument and Nelson Monument, making it a favorite spot for photos and sunsets. At the base of the hill, you’ll also find the new Calton Café—a great place to stop in for a coffee or bite to eat before or after your climb.

The National Museum of Scotland, located in the heart of Edinburgh’s Old Town, is one of the city’s top attractions and free to visit. It features fascinating exhibits ranging from Scottish history and culture to art, science, and natural history—everything from ancient artifacts and medieval treasures to dinosaur skeletons and modern technology. With beautiful architecture and something for all ages, it’s a wonderful place to explore and learn more about Scotland’s rich heritage.

Are you in the medical field or love science? Do you have a strong stomach? Surgeons’ Hall in Edinburgh is where history put on a lab coat and decided to be dramatic. It’s the grand home of the Royal College of Surgeons, packed with centuries of medical breakthroughs, curious artifacts, and stories that range from astonishingly clever to mildly horrifying in a fascinating way. Think old stone elegance on the outside, and on the inside: the place where modern surgery basically grew up.

In short, it’s a beautiful, brainy, slightly macabre spot—very Edinburgh—that celebrates curiosity, resilience, and human ingenuity.

Rainy day? Scotland’s oldest purpose-built attraction, established in 1835. Interact with over 100 illusions and get a breath of fresh air on our magnificent Rooftop Terrace, which offers the most spectacular 360 degree views of Edinburgh. At Camera Obscura & World of Illusions, experience five floors of interactive hands-on optical illusions, tricks and fun things to do including our head-spinning Vortex Tunnel, bewildering Mirror Maze and mind-blowing Shrinking Room. Not to mention our 170 year old Camera Obscura! Get involved, play, touch, listen, and see. Great fun for all ages.