A Slow Autumn Day in Edinburgh

A Slow Autumn Day in Edinburgh

Following Edinburgh’s events-driven Summer, we always welcome the crisper air and the slower, softer pace that September brings. We love welcoming tourists from all over the world to our busy streets but it can’t be denied-there is a joy in reclaiming the city at the start of Autumn!

In this blog, we’ll share how we like to while away a slow Autumn day in Edinburgh. We hope that you can take some inspiration from it too.

Princes Street Gardens (Photo: @thisedinburghcitygirl)

Rooftop Views

After the hustle and bustle of Summer, September in Edinburgh feels like taking a breath again. A great way to get a fresh perspective on the city is by taking in some of Edinburgh’s celebrated views. There’s nothing quite like finding those spots where you can see for miles.

From the Grassmarket in Old Town, head up cobbled West Bow. Walk up the steep staircase onto the gently curving sweep of Victoria Terrace (named after Queen Victoria). You’ll discover a great example of Edinburgh’s fascinating layers of architecture. From here you can look down onto iconic Victoria Street, in all its glory. Admire the colourful shops, the Flemish-inspired architecture, the gorgeous curve of the street and fall for the city all over again.

Hot chocolate stop:

Well, it wouldn’t feel like Autumn without a cosy treat would it? Knoops is the ultimate spot for hot chocolate with 21 different percentages of chocolate to choose from. If you’re after vegan, the 38% with oat milk and any of the dark chocolate 54% and above are for you. You can then add extras like sea salt, cinnamon, matcha or huge, handmade marshmallows.Or make it an Orange Hot Chocolate with fresh orange zest. My favourite? The 34% milk chocolate, with sea salt-creamy, with hints of caramel and the Maldon sea salt hits just the right spot! Located in Victoria Street, with its original stone walls, you’ll find a cosy vibe.

Victoria Terrace (Photo: @thisedinburghcitygirl)

A few minutes walk from here will take you to Camera Obsura at the top of the world-famous 12^th century Royal Mile. As part of the ticket price you will have access to the roof top terrace, high above the crowds of the Royal Mile. You’ll have panoramic views out across to Edinburgh Castle, down the Royal Mile and beyond to the Firth of Forth. The views are simply unmissable.

Hot chocolate stop:

Take a walk from here to the Meadows and warm up with a now legendary-status Uplands Roast hot chocolate while sitting on a bench or kicking through the leaves!

Camera Obscura (Photo: @thisedinburghcitygirl)

While here, we always love to pop in to Blackwells just across the road. It’s Edinburgh’s oldest bookshop and has been selling from this spot since 1848. It’s a book lover’s dream and virtually impossible to leave without another pile of books to read!

Old College Quad (Photo: @thisedinburghcitygirl)

Bookshop Hopping

No well-spent Autumn day is complete without browsing around a vintage bookshop or two! Don’t miss the wonderful, family-owned The Gently Mad Bookshop & Bookbinder in Summer Place. Armchair Books in West Port, is also not to be missed. Both have bags of character and shelves creaking under the weight of vintage books.

There are many fine views of Edinburgh Castle throughout the city, but my very favourite has to be this one from Waterstone’s cafe at the West end of Princes Street. Encompassing a bookshop, café and these views-stunning when the leaves are changing colour-what more could we ask for on a slow Autumn day?

Edinburgh Castle from Waterstones (Photo:@thisedinburghcitygirl)

Art Galleries

Edinburgh, as the centre of the Scottish Enlightenment of the 18th-19th century is blessed with world-class art galleries. The National Gallery on The Mound is a peaceful setting to spend an hour or so. It houses masterpieces from artists including Raphael, Velazquez, Vermeer, Monet, Cezanne and Van Gogh. With a little time to spare we love heading to Queen Street to the impressive neo-Gothic National Portrait Gallery. Decorated with elaborate murals, make sure to look up at the ceiling in the world-famous Great Hall. It’s painted with 2000 golden stars & 47 constellations. With its diffused light, it’s simply mesmerising!

National Portrait Gallery (Photo: @thisedinburghcitygirl)

Antique & Vintage Shopping

With its elegant, sweeping Georgian architecture of wide streets, curved facades, beautiful symmetry and leafy gardens, New Town is a vibrant yet peaceful part of the city. Stroll down to our very own Dundas Street, and enjoy mooching around the unique antique shops and searching out a gem! Have a look around Unicorn Antiques, established over 50 years ago, Quadrant Antiques or pictured below, James Scott-an absolute treasure trove. Run by James for the last 40 years and cash only, you’ll find an authentic experience in these shops.

While on Dundas Street, be sure to check out some of the current exhibitions at the outstanding independent galleries like The Open Eye Gallery, The Scottish Gallery and &Gallery.

Head into Stockbridge and pop into Skout with its butter yellow façade. Discover their curated selection of household objects, accessories, and apparel. It’s always a treat looking out for a gem here too.

Hot chocolate stop:

Pop into cosy, neighbourhood coffee shop Leos Beanery tucked away in Howe Street for a delicious hot chocolate. You’ll be served a large chunk of chocolate on a stick, dipped into a comfortingly large mug of milk. My personal favourite is the white hot chocolate, creamy and delicious!

James Scott Antiques (Photo: @thisedinburghcitygirl)

Village Vibes & Indie Shopping

Wander through the refined Georgian New Town towards Stockbridge. Here you can enjoy strolling through the prettiest of Edinburgh streets, the winding and cobbled Circus Lane. Discover the charms of Saint Stephen Street with its independent bookstores, interiors shops and artisan eateries. Amongst our favourite independents here are Treen, ætla, Golden Hare Books, Stockbridge Eating House and The Last Word.

Cake stop:

Head to Lannan Bakery for one of their famous patisseries if you can beat the queue; pick up a delicious cinnamon bun at Söderberg; or enjoy a pretty patisserie from The Pastry Section.

Circus Lane (Photo: @thisedinburghcitygirl)

Take a riverside stroll along the Water of Leith from Stockbridge to picturesque and historic Dean Village, a milling community founded in the 12th century. It’s a little oasis in the city. The iconic 18th century building Well’s Court, which used to house the mill workers, is located here. You’ll find this route is the perfect walk in Autumn with golden leaves on the trees and underfoot.

Dean Village (Photo: @thisedinburghcitygirl)

These are some ideas for how we’d spend an Autumn day in Edinburgh. We hope that you’ve enjoyed reading them. We’d love to hear what you’d add to your slow Autumn day in Edinburgh. Let us know in the comments.

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