We stayed at Haymarket Apartments* located in the West-End area of the city it was walking distance to most of the city, though it was a little way out of the city taking us about 10 minutes to get to the centre. `We were in room 1 which was a quaint lovely space with two single beds, a beautiful modern bathroom and kitchenette located on the lower ground floor. With its fresh floral linens and white furnishings this is a comfortable and cosy apartment. Each door had been suitably adorned for Christmas and a beautiful tree in the hallway.
After dropping our stuff off at our apartment we decided to head into the centre, and explore the East Princes Street Christmas market and plan what we wanted to see over the weekend. There were so many cute market stalls selling a variety of different things from festive ornaments, cheese, fudge, knitwear and children's toys. There was also so many different foods and drinks to indulge in and of course lots of rides and games.
After walking around the markets we then explored the other streets and came across the silent disco called Silent Light where they give you have silent disco headphones to give you the ultimate street party: singing and dancing under a spectacular array of 60,000 lights synchronised to music heard only through the headphones. I did not partake but it did look like a lot of fun! We also went and saw the ice rink which you could get your skates on and glide all the way round the Rekorderlig Cider Lodge in St Andrew Square on the beautiful elliptical ice rink.
I may have accidentally popped into Anthropologie and picked up a few bits because they had 20% off when I was there. There was so much Christmas inspo I spent my time lusting over table setting ideas, crockery and furniture.
On our second day we started by heading back to the Christmas market after breakfast and went on the Forth 1 Big Wheel where you get amazing views across the city and across the market.
We then decided to explore the other side of the city crossing over the North Bridge and headed for the Royal Mile. This area had a variety of different shops, cafes and restaurant, you could easily spend hours exploring this area. There was a really nice art shop called the red door gallery on Victoria Street, selling prints, pin badges and jewellery which was very my style and you can shop it online so check them out!
Walking around we stumbled across the Camera Obscura and World of Illusions Edinburgh, I had been recommended this by a couple of people so definitely wanted to check it out. It was certainly filled with many mind bending illusions including a mirror maze, giant kaleidoscope and Ames room. Of course the camera obscura show was the main attraction being able to see across the city just with some mirrors reflecting onto a wooden board was very impressive. Definitely worth a visit!
We didn't have time to go into Edinburgh castle but we explored the Esplanade in front of the castle as it was a few steps from the camera obscura. Its certainly an impressive sight and would love to come back to see the Royal Military Tattoo.
We then explored the Grassmarket area and walked round the Saturday market that they have. Accidentally bought some delicious macaroons from one of the stands, which made a good pre-dinner snack.
Before dinner we headed for The Dome which is the most instagramable bar/restaurant I’ve ever been in, both inside and out. In the dome was the biggest most magnificent looking heist as tree towering above the bar. The way the décor looked I felt like I was in Great Gatsby. I went for a Snowflake Martini which tastes like Christmas! I would definitely recommended a visit here (even though they suggested booking 18 months in advance for afternoon tea?!).
We then explored the Grassmarket area and walked round the Saturday market that they have. Accidentally bought some delicious macaroons from one of the stands, which made a good pre-dinner snack.
Before dinner we headed for The Dome which is the most instagramable bar/restaurant I’ve ever been in, both inside and out. In the dome was the biggest most magnificent looking heist as tree towering above the bar. The way the décor looked I felt like I was in Great Gatsby. I went for a Snowflake Martini which tastes like Christmas! I would definitely recommended a visit here (even though they suggested booking 18 months in advance for afternoon tea?!).
After the incredible atmosphere of the Dome we had dinner at Gusto, but I was still rather hungry so decided to head back to the Christmas market for a chimney cake and a baileys hot chocolate.
Unfortunately the next day was time to head home back down the coastline, so we didn't do much on the Sunday! Have you been Edinburgh? I definitely want to go back and see more of this curious city!
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