Edinburgh, Amsterdam & Belgium
I. Edinburgh, Scotland
We started our trip in Edinburgh, where we spent each morning climbing up Calton Hill at sunrise (4am) because it was so quiet and peaceful. I have never been to a city like Edinburgh before; it is a fascinating mix of nature, history, and modernity all wrapped into one. It is one of the most charming and breathtakingly beautiful places I have been. The colors feel more vibrant there (maybe against the grey skies as a backdrop), and I couldn’t believe how green the trees and leaves were. We walked all over the city and loved checking out Edinburgh Castle, Royal Mile, Victoria Street (we went to Hula Juice and the delicious bakery next store for vegan chocolate bread each day). We also had fun touring the Real Mary King’s Close (learned about how the poor Scottish people lived and worked in the closes all those years ago). I learned so much about the history of the city, and I fell in love with its charm and chill vibe.
Edinburgh Castle, Royal Mile & Victoria Street
Supposedly Edinburgh Castle was the inspiration for Hogwarts and Victoria Street was the inspiration for Diagon Alley in Harry Potter . Everywhere I turned, I felt like I was on a movie set for Harry Potter!
Calton Hill
This was by far our favorite place in Edinburgh. It was right behind our hotel and we walked it every morning we were there at 4-5am (even the morning before our flight) since the sun rose at 430am each day. We were obsessed with the beauty of Calton Hill, and how peaceful and quiet it was at the top overlooking the city.
Arthur’s Seat
In the middle of the city is the most incredible hike called Arthur’s Seat. We climbed it at 5am on our first morning and there was not a single soul in sight. It was the most breathtaking hike I have ever done. We sat at the top for awhile, taking in the stillness and the calmness as we overlooked the city and the North Sea. I will never forget this hike.
II. Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Where to even begin with recapping our time in Amsterdam? We had the best time in this beautiful city, walking over 12 miles each day and once again obsessing over the history, vibrancy and amount of options they have especially when it comes to cafes. I fell in love with the eclectic vibe of the city and how the canals, bikes, nature, architecture, shops, and people were so full of energy and life. We learned so much about the history of World War II in Holland, especially after visiting the Anne Frank Museum and going to her family home at 37 Merwedeplein. We went to the Van Gogh Museum, Vondel Park (my absolute favorite), Rembrandt Park, Zuiderkerk Tower and so much more!
III. Belgium
Bruges
We did a day trip by train from Amsterdam to Belgium, where we got to experience the absolute wonder and beautify of another breathtaking country. Our first stop about 3 hours from Amsterdam was in Bruges, which was a fairytale village in real life. It was UNBELIEVABLY gorgeous. I haven’t been to a place as stunning and majestic as Bruges - I actually felt like I was in a dream. We did a canal ride, I bought at least 20 lbs of chocolate, and we climbed to the top of Belfry Tower (exactly 366 very steep steps). It was AMAZING.
Ghent
We also stopped in Ghent, just 30 min from Bruges and yet another charming city. It was more bustling with tons of shops and restaurants set against a medieval/gothic backdrop. Again, my breath was taken away by the authentic, natural beauty of this place. The mix and blurring of old and new worlds always blows my mind, and Ghent was such a great example of this. We found our favorite chocolate shop of the trip, HD Ghent, and my only regret was not buying a million more chocolates to take home from there!
