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Home » Amazing Edinburgh Scotland Attractions & Best Day Trips (includes map)

Amazing Edinburgh Scotland Attractions & Best Day Trips (includes map)

Last Updated: September 29, 2024

Table of Contents

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  9 Minutes Read
  • Best Edinburgh, Scotland Attractions
  • Day 1: Getting to Know Edinburgh, Scotland
    • Edinburgh Castle
    • Royal Mile
    • St. Giles’ Cathedral
    • The Real Mary King’s Close
    • Calton Hill
  • Day 2: History Deep Dive
    • Scotland’s National Museum
    • Holyrood Palace and Holyrood Abbey
  • Day 3: Literary-Themed Day
    • The Writers’ Museum
    • Harry Potter Tour
    • Literary Pub Crawl
  • Day 4: More Food for Inspiration
    • Scottish National Gallery
    • Arthur’s Seat
  • Day 5: Eat Your Way Through Edinburgh
    • Edinburgh’s Markets
    • Scotch Whiskey Tasting
  • Day 6: Edinburgh’s Port
  • Day 7: Day Trips from Edinburgh
    • Blackness Castle
    • St. Andrews Town
  • Edinburgh Attractions Map
  • Best Time to Visit Edinburgh, Scotland
  • Posts from United Kingdom:
    • Rock of Gilbraltar | Retirement Travelers Amazing Adventure
    • Our Amazing Scottish Highlands Road Trip Travel Guide
    • 5 Days in Scotland Highlands: Best Things to Do (w/map)
    • Ultimate Northern Ireland Travel Guide: Belfast & More (includes map)
    • The 10 Great Restaurants in London (includes map)
view of buildings in Edinburgh, Scotland beside flowing river

After Northern Ireland, we made our way to Scotland, setting up base in Edinburgh, Scotland’s capital. For our third season of round-the-world travel, we are making an effort to slow down, which is why we decided to spend 7 days exploring Edinburgh Scotland attractions and surroundings before hopping in a rental car to devote a week to a road trip around Scotland.

cobblestone street in Edinburgh, Scotland

Edinburg is so stunning it looks like a movie set. And it has plenty of activities that kept us busy the entire week. We were thrilled to learn one of our favorite pastime activities, golfing, is a Scottish invention. So, we couldn’t leave Scotland without checking out their golfing culture. But if you are not a fan of the sport, this Edinburgh itinerary will offer you plenty of top tourist attractions to plan your stay around. From castle exploring to whisky tasting, museum hopping, and ghost stories. Pick what you like, and leave what you don’t from this list of things to do in Edinburgh. Or if you are a slow traveler, just recreate this 7-day Edinburgh itinerary of ours.

Best Edinburgh, Scotland Attractions

Pro Tip: Edinburgh, Scotland attractions are accessible regardless of the time of the year you visit, but the weather may be a big deal breaker for some. We visited in August, the peak of summer, and the busiest time to visit Edinburgh for the numerous festivals and crowds they attract. If you love that, though, check out the Edinburgh Festival Fringe program before you come.

Day 1: Getting to Know Edinburgh, Scotland

Edinburgh Castle

It’s impossible to start your Edinburgh itinerary with anything other than this iconic castle that dates back to the 12th century. Sitting perched above the city on a dormant volcano (which spreads over three major peaks), the castle is spectacular, unmissable, and the first thing that beckons to be explored. 

A view walking up to Edinburgh Castle
A wedding ceremony at Edinburgh Castle
View from Edinburgh Castle of rooftops
view from below Edinburgh Castle sitting up on the hill
Edinburgh Castle

Apart from its captivating beauty, the complex is home to important artifacts and landmarks like the Honors of Scotland, Scottish crown jewels, and St Margaret’s Chapel, the oldest building in Edinburgh. Grab an audio guide or join a tour and stroll around the magnificent structures, imagining the affluent events that took place among its walls. Stick around until 1pm for the ancient tradition of firing the cannon, which happens daily except for Sundays. As with most top attractions, Edinburgh’s Castle gets many visitors, and queues form quickly. We recommend buying your tickets in advance to avoid wasting time in line.

large park and garden area in Edinburgh Scotland
Princess Street Gardens

Pro Tip: photography aficionados must head to the Princess Street Gardens – the park that offers unique angles and frames like the one of the Ross Fountain with the castle in the background.

Royal Mile

sign in Edinburgh showing the Royal Mile
The Royal Mile

The cobbled stretch connecting Edinburgh Castle and Holyrood Palace, called the Royal Mile, is the busiest street in the Old Town. Back in the day, the route was used by Edinburgh’s royalty, which is how the name came about, and today it is lined with charming venues, and souvenir shops, and its laneways are home to popular tourist attractions in Edinburgh. Trace the nooks and crannies of the Royal Mile and tick off the most important places to visit in Edinburgh, like the St. Giles’ Cathedral and Real Mary King’s Close.

St. Giles’ Cathedral

Inside of a large cathedral in Edinburgh showing the beautiful stained glass
St. Giles’ Cathedral

The St Giles’ Cathedral is unmissable for the imposing beauty of its façade, topped with spires that resemble the Crown of Scotland. With its 900 years of age, it has witnessed Edinburgh’s history shape around it, which you get to learn about inside as you admire the stained-glass windows and the jaw-dropping Thistle Chapel.

The Real Mary King’s Close

Across from the Cathedral, hidden under the streets of the Royal Mile, sits the Real Mary King’s Close, frozen in time. Step into the 17th-century labyrinthine alleys and picture the living conditions back in the day. We recommend taking a tour to hear the legends, ghost stories, and history of the plague. There is a plethora of tours on offer in Edinburgh, and many have guides that dress up in character, which makes the experience extra eerie and engaging. Here is a tour we loved.

Calton Hill

View from Calton Hill near Edinburgh Scotland
Calton Hill

To capture that iconic photo of Edinburgh that circulates the internet, climb up to Calton Hill, which takes less than 20 minutes. To get the city lit up in hues of purple and pink, make sure to go at sunrise or sunset. From the top, you can enjoy sweeping 360-degree views and admire the stunning monuments, thanks to which Calton Hill earned UNESCO World Heritage status. The most famous of the monuments is the National Monument, inspired by the Parthenon in Athens.

Day 2: History Deep Dive

Click here to Learn about Scotland’s National Museum

Scotland’s National Museum

Edinburgh is home to many museums, but if you have time for just one, let it be Scotland’s National Museum. Highly rated and considered the most popular museum outside of London, it is a treasure trove of artifacts – over 20,000 of them to be a bit more precise. Dedicate enough time for your visit because the exhibits are vast and varied, covering Scottish history, wonders of nature, and beyond. 

Holyrood Palace and Holyrood Abbey

palace on top of a hill in Scottish countryside
Holyrood Palace

The Holyrood Palace, which dates back to the 17th century, is the official residence of the Monarchy in Scotland. The historic abbey, once Scotland’s stateliest, sits connected to the palace, its ruins preserved. The Holyrood complex is at the end of the Royal Mile, surrounded by a park that feels secluded despite being in the middle of Edinburgh. If you are a history buff, the Holyrood Palace and Abbey are a must-see during your stay.

an enactment at Holyrood palace in Scotland

Day 3: Literary-Themed Day

The Writers’ Museum

tall monument and museum in Edinburgh Scotland
Scott monument

Edinburgh is proud of its literary history. It’s a city where not only will you find the largest monument to a writer in the world (Scott Monument reaching 200 feet), but also a writers’ museum and a literary pub crawl. More on the latter later. The writers’ museum celebrates the lives of three Scottish literature giants – Robert Burns, Sir Walter Scott, and Robert Stevenson. It houses a rich collection of rare artifacts and is a fantastic place to visit in Edinburgh for lovers of history, literature, or anyone into writing. We hope you leave inspired!

Harry Potter Tour

Are you a Harry Potter fan? Since Edinburgh served as a huge inspiration for many scenes and characters in the books and J.K. Rowling did most of the writing in Edinburgh, visiting some locations is a must-do. So much so that many travelers come to Edinburgh for that purpose alone. If you want to do this activity, here is our link.

On your tour, expect to visit the colorful Victoria Street that inspired Diagon Alley, Lord Voldemort’s resting place, the original Hogwarts School, the Balmoral Hotel, J.K. Rowling’s handprints at Edinburgh City Chambers, and so much more. Finish the tour at Elephant House Café, where she wrote and sought inspiration from the backroom that overlooks Edinburgh Castle. Contemplate the magic that permeates Edinburgh, and perhaps take a moment to note down your own creative thoughts.

Literary Pub Crawl

Conclude your day with this quintessential pub crawl led by two real actors. Visit unique paths, courtyards, and pubs and be entertained by professionals, who will fill the evening with stories of famous Scottish writers told in hilarious and engaging dialogue. Whether you are a fan of Scottish classics, Harry Potter, or neither, this award-winning tour is the most unique thing to do in Edinburgh.

Day 4: More Food for Inspiration

Scottish National Gallery

Vermeer painting at the Scottish National Gallery
Scottish National Gallery

Start your day with a visit to this beautiful columned building, especially if you are a fan of the arts because it holds one of the world’s finest art collections. If not, it’s the best place to spend your time broadening your horizons and escaping bad weather. There is something for everybody at the National Gallery, from Scottish art to international masterpieces. Bev was thrilled to to see this painting, as she’s trying to see all the paintings by Johannes Vermeer.

Arthur’s Seat

hill overlooking Edinburgh
Great views of Edinburgh

With all the food for inspiration collected over the last two days, grab a picnic and your favorite creative outlet (camera or pen and paper) and head to Arthur’s Seat. It’s one of the most iconic outdoor activities Edinburgh has to offer. Located at the top of the same dormant volcano on the grounds of Holyrood Park, it is the highest point in the city (823 feet). The peak, named after the legends of King Arthur offers stunning 360-degree views and takes only 45 minutes to hike. Once at the top, get comfortable and wait for sunset!

Day 5: Eat Your Way Through Edinburgh

Edinburgh’s Markets

busy pedestrian area in front of church in Edinburgh Scotland
Downtown Edinburgh pedestrian area

Start your day at one of Edinburgh’s many markets. They all offer a range of street food, local produce, souvenirs, and crafts, but each has a unique location. Grassmarket, open every Saturday from 10am to 5pm, is located on a lively historic square at the base of Edinburgh Castle. Leith Market, open Saturdays from 10am to 4pm, takes place at the picturesque Dock Place near the shore. And Stockbridge Market runs on Sundays from 10am to 4pm in New Town and comes highly rated for street food. Lookout for scotch eggs and deep-fried Mars bars.

Scotch Whiskey Tasting

No visit to Edinburgh is complete without a Scotch Whiskey tasting. It’s offered at many bars or directly at distilleries such as Holyrood, Johnnie Walker, or Glenkinchie Distillery, where you can enjoy an immersive experience. Alternatively, surrender into the hands of an expert guide and take part in a whisky and folklore evening along the Royal Mile with this tour. Thanks for clicking on our link!

Day 6: Edinburgh’s Port

trendy neighborhood in Edinburgh Scotland near the port
The trendy Leith Village

Previously a separate burgh and one people avoided, Leith is now the trendiest neighborhood of Edinburgh. Steeped in history, the waterfront neighborhood features beautiful promenades, art murals, boutique shops, and Michelin-starred restaurants, which must be added to your Edinburgh itinerary. Wander along the Water of Leith Walkway and pay a visit to the Royal Yacht Britannia, Leith’s most popular attraction. It’s the Royal family’s ship of over 44 years that serves as a museum that you can tour today. 

Finish your day with a delectable dinner at one of the Michelin-starred restaurants along the shore. We ate at Martin Wishart, run by the eponymous Edinburgh-born chef, who blends French techniques and Scottish ingredients to create a spectacular European menu.

Day 7: Day Trips from Edinburgh

Blackness Castle

Castle sitting near the water in Edinburgh Scotland area
Blackness Castle

Start your morning with a day trip from Edinburgh to Blackness Castle, an impressive medieval fortress from the 15th century. Located only 35 minutes from Edinburgh, it’s easy to get to, but we recommend visiting in the first half of the day to avoid the crowds. Climb to the top of the towers and enjoy magnificent views.

St. Andrews Town

John and Bev Retirement Travelers standing at St. Andrews Golf Course
Two top golfers visiting the birthplace of golf

St. Andrews is a quaint town located 1.5 hours from Edinburgh, known for its medieval ruins, old pubs, beach, and as the home of golf! If you are a fan of the sport like us, then visiting its birthplace is a must. St. Andrews Links is the oldest golf course in the world, and that’s a bucket list activity in our books! There is also an award-winning Golf Museum for die-hard fans. We may be biased, but golfing aside, St. Andrews is the best day trip from Edinburgh and even deserves an entire weekend.

As you can probably tell, a week wasn’t enough for us. If you are wondering how many days to spend in Edinburgh, we can confidently suggest dedicating at least 4 days. And don’t miss out on exploring the Scottish Highlands, which you can read about in our Scotland Road Trip post.

Edinburgh Attractions Map

HOW TO SAVE THIS MAP:

Each icon has embedded information in the map, so click to review. To the right of the title of the map, click the ⭐️ STAR to save to your Google Map Account. To view it on your computer or phone, open Google Maps, click the three lines on the upper left, select “Saved,” select “Maps,” and this map will be listed below.

Best Time to Visit Edinburgh, Scotland

We have linked a great website to this button showing the weather for this location by the month. Click below to be taken to Weather-and-Climate.com.

Click here!

Posts from United Kingdom:

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a picture from our Scottish Road Trip meeting friends.

Our Amazing Scottish Highlands Road Trip Travel Guide

A view of the Castle at high tide with a blue cloudy sky.

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Carol Hancock

    March 6, 2024 at 10:12 PM

    Thank you for this thorough itinerary. It will be very helpful for our trip. Could you recommend some places to stay and tell us how you got around the city?

    Thanks,
    Carol

    Reply
    • rtravelers

      March 10, 2024 at 10:51 AM

      We stayed at a little place called the Hawes Inn. It is a ways out of town, but near a train station. We just made day trips into the city and didn’t have to deal with driving or parking. We had a car and did a road trip around the Highlands.
      Happy journeys,
      John and Bev

      Reply

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We’re John & Bev a married, American couple who decided to sell our home and give away our stuff so we could explore the world. Having traveled to over 100 countries, we create travel guides to help show you the way. We hope our tips, maps, details, stories, and recommendations help you travel with confidence and plan a grand adventure of your own. Reach out if you have a question, we’re happy to share our thoughts. Happy Journeys!

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📍 104 Countries - Cruising the Panama Canal 🗺 Traveling the world full-time 🎥 Community of 138K+ on YouTube ⬇️ Watch and read latest content ⬇️
  • We rolled into Gyeongju on a zippy high-speed train and realized that this place is like walking through a history book that forgot it was supposed to be boring. They call it Korea’s “museum without walls,” and we couldn’t agree more. Our favorite stop? The stunning Woljeonggyo Bridge — painted dragons above, river below, and us smack in the middle of this fabulous city wondering how we could rearrange our schedule for a longer stay. Our hearts were hitching a ride back to the 7th century, but unfortunately, the next train was scheduled to take us to the next amazing Korean city. We’ll be back, no doubt! We love it so!
#korea #gyeongju #retirementtravelers
  • One thing we learned in Seoul today is that by wearing our Retirement Travelers shirts and vlogging our adventures, we were no longer ordinary tourists. We were viral-worthy legends in the eyes of middle-school boys. At Gyeongbokgung Palace, we were admiring the royal rooftops when this fun group of kids spotted us and swarmed. Phones clicked, peace signs flew, and we soaked up our five minutes of fame. And to think—our kids back home just call us “cute old people” but clearly, in South Korea, we are one step away from debuting as the next K-pop duo. 🤣 #seoulkorea #seoul🇰🇷 #kpop #korea NEVER STOP ACTING LIKE A KID!!!
  • Hands down, our favorite thing at the Osaka World Expo 2025 was the Grand Ring—a jaw-dropping, 2-kilometer wooden skywalk that loops above the pavilions like a giant hula hoop. Not only does it hold the Guinness World Record for the largest wooden architectural structure, but it also came with one magical feature most of the pavilions lacked: no reservations required!!! We strolled around the wooden marvel like VIPs with zero lines and awesome views. #osaka #worldexpo #japan
  • We took one last wander through Kyoto’s bamboo forest today—along with what felt like the entire population of Earth. Still, the towering stalks and swaying hush made it feel like nature was trying its best to whisper over the crowd. As we get ready to leave Kyoto behind, we’re carrying some unforgettable moments with us and we look forward to adding some more along the way. #kyoto #japanlife  #bambooforest
  • We’ve officially arrived in Kyoto, and guess who’s already winning at this whole cultural immersion thing. Our 7-year-old granddaughter. Jet lag? She laughed in its face. Chopsticks? She’s in training. Bowing politely? Basically, a local diplomat. And the outfit? A pink kimono and a matching fan that we bought her—she’s got more style than the rest of us combined. Meanwhile, we’re over here trying to decode the Japanese metro system like it’s an escape room… after a month of being spoiled by China’s luxury rail life. She’s thriving, we’re surviving—and honestly, we wouldn’t have it any other way! It is also good reminder to us to still see the world through the curiosity and innocence of a child. Evie, Thanks for joining us in Japan!!! #kyotojapan #kyoto #japan
  • In the heart of Shanghai’s futuristic skyline, we found ourselves living a dream—our lodging nestled high within the iconic Jin Mao Tower(Bldg on left). Each morning, we woke to a commanding view of the World Financial Center slicing through the sky, and just steps away stood the architectural marvel that is the Shanghai Tower—the third tallest building in the world. Our adventure reached thrilling new heights as we ascended to its summit, where the city sprawled beneath us like a living tapestry. It was more than just a stay; it was a front-row seat to one of the most awe-inspiring skylines on Earth. #shanghai #chinatrip #jinmaotower #shanghaitower #china
  • A visit to Beijing isn’t complete without a long walk on the Great Wall (Badaling section), which is now only a 30-minute train ride from Beijing North Railway Station. It is simply spectacular and a must visit. #greatwall #greatwallofchina #china
  • Bev stood in awe before the Army of Terracotta Warriors near Xi'an. Hidden for 2200 years, these ancient relics were only unearthed by a Chinese farmer in 1974. China's First Emperor Qin Shi Huang sought to defy mortality. He poured vast resources into constructing an underground empire, complete with palaces, armies, chariots, and stables. Spanning 21 square miles, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is the largest burial ground on earth. #xian #xianchina #terracottawarriors #china #retirementtravel
  • The reason we stopped in Chengdu was pretty black and white………and very, very cute. 🐼
The Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding is an incredible facility that houses over 200 Giant Pandas and Red Pandas. This photo is the most famous resident here. She is a cutie and a social media star in China, named HuaHua. 
#pandas #huahua #chengdu #chinatravel
  • We are in Chongqing. This municipality in southwestern China is considered one of the largest cities in the world with over 30 million people. It is massive! It is nicknamed “The Mountain City” because of the many urban hills with unique transportation systems that adapt to the terrain. This is a vibrant place with lots of high-end shopping, a monorail that passes through a building, towering skyscrapers, and so many wonderful “Hot Pot” restaurants. #china #chongqing #lizibastation
  • Just zipping around China by train,
We think it’s much better than a plane.
A rail network so vast,
And speeds that are fast,
There is nary a thing to complain.

Several of you have asked how we are getting around in China? Well, the Chinese high-speed train system has quite simply BLOWN US AWAY!!! It is modern, affordable, fast, clean, efficient, convenient and has great service. There is a rapidly expanding network of 25,000 miles of high-speed rail lines, with numerous daily routes going about anywhere you would want to go. We have tried the 1st and 2nd class tickets, both of which are perfectly fine, but admit we love the over-the-top luxury of business class for affordable prices. We will be detailing more info about Chinese train travel in future videos, so stay tuned. John and Bev
#china #trains #traintravel
  • Tianmen Mountain was our third incredible attraction near Zhangjiajie, China. The mountain can be accessed from the city by two different exhilarating aerial trams or a dangerous highway featuring 99 hairpin turns. Tianmen literally means “Heaven’s Gate” and the 999 stairs leading up to the opening are known as the Stairway to Heaven. Climbing this stairway was another bucket list experience for us, so we took our time on the steep steps and just savored every moment. After passing through the gate, a long series of escalators take you up through the inside of the mountain to the top, where they have a glass-bottomed walkway hugging a cliffside and many great views of the area.
#china #tianmen #tianmenmountain
View on Instagram
We rolled into Gyeongju on a zippy high-speed train and realized that this place is like walking through a history book that forgot it was supposed to be boring. They call it Korea’s “museum without walls,” and we couldn’t agree more. Our favorite stop? The stunning Woljeonggyo Bridge — painted dragons above, river below, and us smack in the middle of this fabulous city wondering how we could rearrange our schedule for a longer stay. Our hearts were hitching a ride back to the 7th century, but unfortunately, the next train was scheduled to take us to the next amazing Korean city. We’ll be back, no doubt! We love it so!
#korea #gyeongju #retirementtravelers
@retirementtravelers
@retirementtravelers
•
Follow
We rolled into Gyeongju on a zippy high-speed train and realized that this place is like walking through a history book that forgot it was supposed to be boring. They call it Korea’s “museum without walls,” and we couldn’t agree more. Our favorite stop? The stunning Woljeonggyo Bridge — painted dragons above, river below, and us smack in the middle of this fabulous city wondering how we could rearrange our schedule for a longer stay. Our hearts were hitching a ride back to the 7th century, but unfortunately, the next train was scheduled to take us to the next amazing Korean city. We’ll be back, no doubt! We love it so! #korea #gyeongju #retirementtravelers
5 days ago
View on Instagram |
1/12
One thing we learned in Seoul today is that by wearing our Retirement Travelers shirts and vlogging our adventures, we were no longer ordinary tourists. We were viral-worthy legends in the eyes of middle-school boys. At Gyeongbokgung Palace, we were admiring the royal rooftops when this fun group of kids spotted us and swarmed. Phones clicked, peace signs flew, and we soaked up our five minutes of fame. And to think—our kids back home just call us “cute old people” but clearly, in South Korea, we are one step away from debuting as the next K-pop duo. 🤣 #seoulkorea #seoul🇰🇷 #kpop #korea NEVER STOP ACTING LIKE A KID!!!
@retirementtravelers
@retirementtravelers
•
Follow
One thing we learned in Seoul today is that by wearing our Retirement Travelers shirts and vlogging our adventures, we were no longer ordinary tourists. We were viral-worthy legends in the eyes of middle-school boys. At Gyeongbokgung Palace, we were admiring the royal rooftops when this fun group of kids spotted us and swarmed. Phones clicked, peace signs flew, and we soaked up our five minutes of fame. And to think—our kids back home just call us “cute old people” but clearly, in South Korea, we are one step away from debuting as the next K-pop duo. 🤣 #seoulkorea #seoul🇰🇷 #kpop #korea NEVER STOP ACTING LIKE A KID!!!
2 weeks ago
View on Instagram |
2/12
Hands down, our favorite thing at the Osaka World Expo 2025 was the Grand Ring—a jaw-dropping, 2-kilometer wooden skywalk that loops above the pavilions like a giant hula hoop. Not only does it hold the Guinness World Record for the largest wooden architectural structure, but it also came with one magical feature most of the pavilions lacked: no reservations required!!! We strolled around the wooden marvel like VIPs with zero lines and awesome views. #osaka #worldexpo #japan
@retirementtravelers
@retirementtravelers
•
Follow
Hands down, our favorite thing at the Osaka World Expo 2025 was the Grand Ring—a jaw-dropping, 2-kilometer wooden skywalk that loops above the pavilions like a giant hula hoop. Not only does it hold the Guinness World Record for the largest wooden architectural structure, but it also came with one magical feature most of the pavilions lacked: no reservations required!!! We strolled around the wooden marvel like VIPs with zero lines and awesome views. #osaka #worldexpo #japan
3 weeks ago
View on Instagram |
3/12
We took one last wander through Kyoto’s bamboo forest today—along with what felt like the entire population of Earth. Still, the towering stalks and swaying hush made it feel like nature was trying its best to whisper over the crowd. As we get ready to leave Kyoto behind, we’re carrying some unforgettable moments with us and we look forward to adding some more along the way. #kyoto #japanlife  #bambooforest
@retirementtravelers
@retirementtravelers
•
Follow
We took one last wander through Kyoto’s bamboo forest today—along with what felt like the entire population of Earth. Still, the towering stalks and swaying hush made it feel like nature was trying its best to whisper over the crowd. As we get ready to leave Kyoto behind, we’re carrying some unforgettable moments with us and we look forward to adding some more along the way. #kyoto #japanlife #bambooforest
3 weeks ago
View on Instagram |
4/12
We’ve officially arrived in Kyoto, and guess who’s already winning at this whole cultural immersion thing. Our 7-year-old granddaughter. Jet lag? She laughed in its face. Chopsticks? She’s in training. Bowing politely? Basically, a local diplomat. And the outfit? A pink kimono and a matching fan that we bought her—she’s got more style than the rest of us combined. Meanwhile, we’re over here trying to decode the Japanese metro system like it’s an escape room… after a month of being spoiled by China’s luxury rail life. She’s thriving, we’re surviving—and honestly, we wouldn’t have it any other way! It is also good reminder to us to still see the world through the curiosity and innocence of a child. Evie, Thanks for joining us in Japan!!! #kyotojapan #kyoto #japan
@retirementtravelers
@retirementtravelers
•
Follow
We’ve officially arrived in Kyoto, and guess who’s already winning at this whole cultural immersion thing. Our 7-year-old granddaughter. Jet lag? She laughed in its face. Chopsticks? She’s in training. Bowing politely? Basically, a local diplomat. And the outfit? A pink kimono and a matching fan that we bought her—she’s got more style than the rest of us combined. Meanwhile, we’re over here trying to decode the Japanese metro system like it’s an escape room… after a month of being spoiled by China’s luxury rail life. She’s thriving, we’re surviving—and honestly, we wouldn’t have it any other way! It is also good reminder to us to still see the world through the curiosity and innocence of a child. Evie, Thanks for joining us in Japan!!! #kyotojapan #kyoto #japan
4 weeks ago
View on Instagram |
5/12
In the heart of Shanghai’s futuristic skyline, we found ourselves living a dream—our lodging nestled high within the iconic Jin Mao Tower(Bldg on left). Each morning, we woke to a commanding view of the World Financial Center slicing through the sky, and just steps away stood the architectural marvel that is the Shanghai Tower—the third tallest building in the world. Our adventure reached thrilling new heights as we ascended to its summit, where the city sprawled beneath us like a living tapestry. It was more than just a stay; it was a front-row seat to one of the most awe-inspiring skylines on Earth. #shanghai #chinatrip #jinmaotower #shanghaitower #china
@retirementtravelers
@retirementtravelers
•
Follow
In the heart of Shanghai’s futuristic skyline, we found ourselves living a dream—our lodging nestled high within the iconic Jin Mao Tower(Bldg on left). Each morning, we woke to a commanding view of the World Financial Center slicing through the sky, and just steps away stood the architectural marvel that is the Shanghai Tower—the third tallest building in the world. Our adventure reached thrilling new heights as we ascended to its summit, where the city sprawled beneath us like a living tapestry. It was more than just a stay; it was a front-row seat to one of the most awe-inspiring skylines on Earth. #shanghai #chinatrip #jinmaotower #shanghaitower #china
4 weeks ago
View on Instagram |
6/12
A visit to Beijing isn’t complete without a long walk on the Great Wall (Badaling section), which is now only a 30-minute train ride from Beijing North Railway Station. It is simply spectacular and a must visit. #greatwall #greatwallofchina #china
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A visit to Beijing isn’t complete without a long walk on the Great Wall (Badaling section), which is now only a 30-minute train ride from Beijing North Railway Station. It is simply spectacular and a must visit. #greatwall #greatwallofchina #china
1 month ago
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7/12
Bev stood in awe before the Army of Terracotta Warriors near Xi'an. Hidden for 2200 years, these ancient relics were only unearthed by a Chinese farmer in 1974. China's First Emperor Qin Shi Huang sought to defy mortality. He poured vast resources into constructing an underground empire, complete with palaces, armies, chariots, and stables. Spanning 21 square miles, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is the largest burial ground on earth. #xian #xianchina #terracottawarriors #china #retirementtravel
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Bev stood in awe before the Army of Terracotta Warriors near Xi'an. Hidden for 2200 years, these ancient relics were only unearthed by a Chinese farmer in 1974. China's First Emperor Qin Shi Huang sought to defy mortality. He poured vast resources into constructing an underground empire, complete with palaces, armies, chariots, and stables. Spanning 21 square miles, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is the largest burial ground on earth. #xian #xianchina #terracottawarriors #china #retirementtravel
1 month ago
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8/12
The reason we stopped in Chengdu was pretty black and white………and very, very cute. 🐼
The Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding is an incredible facility that houses over 200 Giant Pandas and Red Pandas. This photo is the most famous resident here. She is a cutie and a social media star in China, named HuaHua. 
#pandas #huahua #chengdu #chinatravel
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The reason we stopped in Chengdu was pretty black and white………and very, very cute. 🐼 The Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding is an incredible facility that houses over 200 Giant Pandas and Red Pandas. This photo is the most famous resident here. She is a cutie and a social media star in China, named HuaHua. #pandas #huahua #chengdu #chinatravel
1 month ago
View on Instagram |
9/12
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We are in Chongqing. This municipality in southwestern China is considered one of the largest cities in the world with over 30 million people. It is massive! It is nicknamed “The Mountain City” because of the many urban hills with unique transportation systems that adapt to the terrain. This is a vibrant place with lots of high-end shopping, a monorail that passes through a building, towering skyscrapers, and so many wonderful “Hot Pot” restaurants. #china #chongqing #lizibastation
1 month ago
View on Instagram |
10/12
Just zipping around China by train,
We think it’s much better than a plane.
A rail network so vast,
And speeds that are fast,
There is nary a thing to complain.

Several of you have asked how we are getting around in China? Well, the Chinese high-speed train system has quite simply BLOWN US AWAY!!! It is modern, affordable, fast, clean, efficient, convenient and has great service. There is a rapidly expanding network of 25,000 miles of high-speed rail lines, with numerous daily routes going about anywhere you would want to go. We have tried the 1st and 2nd class tickets, both of which are perfectly fine, but admit we love the over-the-top luxury of business class for affordable prices. We will be detailing more info about Chinese train travel in future videos, so stay tuned. John and Bev
#china #trains #traintravel
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Just zipping around China by train, We think it’s much better than a plane. A rail network so vast, And speeds that are fast, There is nary a thing to complain. Several of you have asked how we are getting around in China? Well, the Chinese high-speed train system has quite simply BLOWN US AWAY!!! It is modern, affordable, fast, clean, efficient, convenient and has great service. There is a rapidly expanding network of 25,000 miles of high-speed rail lines, with numerous daily routes going about anywhere you would want to go. We have tried the 1st and 2nd class tickets, both of which are perfectly fine, but admit we love the over-the-top luxury of business class for affordable prices. We will be detailing more info about Chinese train travel in future videos, so stay tuned. John and Bev #china #trains #traintravel
2 months ago
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11/12
Tianmen Mountain was our third incredible attraction near Zhangjiajie, China. The mountain can be accessed from the city by two different exhilarating aerial trams or a dangerous highway featuring 99 hairpin turns. Tianmen literally means “Heaven’s Gate” and the 999 stairs leading up to the opening are known as the Stairway to Heaven. Climbing this stairway was another bucket list experience for us, so we took our time on the steep steps and just savored every moment. After passing through the gate, a long series of escalators take you up through the inside of the mountain to the top, where they have a glass-bottomed walkway hugging a cliffside and many great views of the area.
#china #tianmen #tianmenmountain
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Tianmen Mountain was our third incredible attraction near Zhangjiajie, China. The mountain can be accessed from the city by two different exhilarating aerial trams or a dangerous highway featuring 99 hairpin turns. Tianmen literally means “Heaven’s Gate” and the 999 stairs leading up to the opening are known as the Stairway to Heaven. Climbing this stairway was another bucket list experience for us, so we took our time on the steep steps and just savored every moment. After passing through the gate, a long series of escalators take you up through the inside of the mountain to the top, where they have a glass-bottomed walkway hugging a cliffside and many great views of the area. #china #tianmen #tianmenmountain
2 months ago
View on Instagram |
12/12

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