Edinburgh, My First Story of 2026

I wouldn’t say this was my very first solo trip, but it was the first country I travelled to completely on my own—so yes, my first solo country trip. Edinburgh was magical and felt like a journey into the world of Harry Potter. There were little traces of the franchise in cute shops and bookstores along Victoria Street and Cockburn Street, and even Edinburgh Waverley Station, located between Old Town and New Town, felt cinematic.

Right opposite the train station was the hotel I had booked via Booking.com. I arrived early after a one-hour-and-thirty-minute Ryanair flight. It was a rainy January day—typical UK weather—and I honestly didn’t think I had it in me to switch on touristy Mandy straight from the airport. So I called the hotel and asked if they’d be kind enough to let me check in early. To my surprise, they said yes—my room was already ready for me.

I hopped on the Airlink 100 express bus right outside Edinburgh Airport into the city centre. As the rain poured, I watched open fields and houses in the outskirts pass by through the window. The moment I caught a glimpse of Edinburgh Castle, I knew we were close to town. It was a twenty-five-minute ride, and the final stop was on Princes Street, where I could already see the Scott Monument. I hadn’t even arrived at my hotel yet, and I’d already checked off a few things on my itinerary. I knew this trip was going to bring me clarity and set the pace of how I wanted the new year to be.

At the hotel, I needed a quick nap after catching a beautiful view just outside. It felt calm and warm, despite the cold January weather. The room was decent for the off-peak price I had gotten it for.

When I woke up, I quickly checked the Notes app on my phone and went through the itinerary I had curated from TikTok carousels and vlogs. I’d like to think I did a great job with the resources I had. Edinburgh was a walkable city, and this could be a trap if you were me—I take opportunities like this as a way to catch up on my daily steps target.

I might rant about it on TikTok, but honestly, I enjoyed pacing up and down those streets made up of steep stairs named after people. They were often hidden between buildings and served as shortcuts. There was one I particularly looked forward to: The Vennel Steps. Not just because you could get a picturesque view of Edinburgh Castle, but also because a favourite series of mine, One Day on Netflix, shot a beautiful scene at this location.

I didn’t check my GetYourGuide app as I usually do on my travels, but the few days I spent in Edinburgh were quietly eventful—and surprisingly reflective. January wasn’t just the start of a new year for me, it was also my birth month.

I visited the historic Dean Village and put my photography skills to good use. I already plan on returning in the summer to create new memories without the scare of a rainy January.