Tuesday 30 January 2018

Edinburgh: Waterstones bookshop & Calton Hill

Edinburgh: Waterstones bookshop & Calton Hill · Lisa Hjalt


Having visited Edinburgh on a few occasions last summer I can already identify with the late Alan Rickman's experience of the Scottish capital: 'I always feel that when I come to Edinburgh in many ways I am coming home' (source). We were there during the Fringe, when the city is bursting with life and culture, and created unforgettable memories. Waterstones on Prince Street, their West End branch, made it to our list of homes away from home: This four-storey bookshop is the bibliophile's Promised Land: it has a fantastic collection of books and a relaxing atmosphere, not to mention the W Café with its stunning view of the Castle Hill.

Edinburgh: Waterstones bookshop & Calton Hill · Lisa Hjalt
The Castle Hill seen from the W Café

To escape the crowded streets, we walked through the Princes Street Gardens from the Waverley station to Waterstones, enjoyed refreshment and stayed longer than we intended - we found time for Waterstones on each of our trips. Just behind the building, running parallel between Princes St and George St, is the charming Rose Street, a narrow street free from traffic with what seems like endless pubs and restaurants.
Edinburgh: Waterstones bookshop & Calton Hill · Lisa Hjalt
Edinburgh: Waterstones bookshop & Calton Hill · Lisa Hjalt
W Café, a coffee house within the Waterstones bookshop

Edinburgh: Victoria Street · Lisa Hjalt
Victoria Street in the Old Town

In Edinburgh we walked all over the city centre: up to the Castle and down to the Grassmarket, up Victoria Street, along the Royal Mile, where we explored some of the courts, and off in the direction of Calton Hill. Up the stairs to Calton Hill we went to enjoy the spectacular view of the city. We even climbed the stairs to enjoy the view from the Nelson Monument. It was worth it.

Edinburgh: The view from Calton Hill · Lisa Hjalt
The clock tower of the Balmoral Hotel on Princes Street, seen from Calton Hill

Edinburgh: The view from Calton Hill · Lisa Hjalt
The Castle seen from Calton Hill, and to the right, the gothic Scott Monument
Edinburgh: The view from Calton Hill · Lisa Hjalt



1 comment:

  1. What a lovely review about Edinburgh. My family town. I love Waterstones. You had great weather, lucky you.
    Glad you enjoyed it, Manon

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