If you’re all about gothic architecture, love mysterious streets, and are a Harry Potter fan, you’re definitely going to fall in love with Edinburgh. This city is full of charm, from its natural scenery to its architecture, diverse culture, and food. Not to mention the friendly people you will meet, who are always ready to talk and help you if needed.

And here’s a fun tip: if you meet someone and don’t know what to say, just use “Ah dinnae ken” – it’s Scottish for “I don’t know.” Thanks to a friendly local who taught me this; I’m working on my Scottish vocabulary. Now I can confidently “not know ” things in two languages!

If you’re planning to visit this summer, here are a few tips on what you can do:

• Castles & Museums: These are a must-see in this city. To get a first-hand experience of Scottish monarchy, visit Edinburgh Castle and the Palace of Holyroodhouse. You can also check out the National Galleries of Scotland, the National Museum of Scotland, and the Writers’ Museum.

• Nature: To experience a glimpse of Edinburgh’s beautiful nature, visit The Water of Leith and Dean Village, located just a few minutes away from the city center. It’s a distinctive combination of historic architecture and riverside scenery, presenting a harmonious blend of heritage and natural beauty.

• City Walks: Walking through the Old Town, Royal Mile, Closes, and Princes Street can give you a good boost in discovering the heritage and architecture of Edinburgh. These streets are full of shops and restaurants where you can enjoy a beautiful day city walk.

• Calton Hill: One of the most beautiful spots in the city, Calton Hill is situated beyond the east end of Princes Street and is included in the city’s UNESCO World Heritage site. You can view Edinburgh from the top!

• Harry Potter Fans: If you’re a Harry Potter fan, like me, you need to visit The Elephant House, where J.K. Rowling wrote much of the first Harry Potter book. I also took the “Alnwick Castle” tour in England, where scenes from “Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone” and “The Chamber of Secrets” were filmed. Many tours are available from Edinburgh; I personally enjoyed Rabbie’s tours, which were fun and informative. (https://www.rabbies.com)

• Spooky Experiences: For a spooky experience, try the haunted underground vaults, dungeon, and graveyard tours. Too scared? Opt for the Comedy Horror Ghost Bus Tour. It’s a refurbished vintage double-decker bus with a quirky comedian conductor who shares stories of executions, murders, and hauntings.

• The Highlands: If you have more time in Scotland, visit the Highlands. By far the largest region in Scotland, the Highlands cover nearly 10,000 square miles in northern Scotland. The region is home to stunning scenery. Look for one-day tours or longer tours if you want to stay there.

Happy travels!