Strolling around a castle and exploring the town where Prince Will met Kate aren’t out of the question.  Grace Huguelet did both of these and more.  She’s spending her a semester abroad in France and took a trip to Scotland.  She shares some of her favorites from her time in Edinburgh and beyond.  (And if you’re artsy and like the outdoors, you just might want to take notes!)

Visit Edinburgh Castle.

After waking up at 4 a.m., catching a flight in Paris and landing in Edinburgh by 9 a.m., my first day was spent wandering the winding streets of Edinburgh to see the sites. The Edinburgh Castle is one of the most famous and iconic sites located in Edinburgh. From its sturdy and stoic appearance, it is clear that this castle was meant for more than just royal dinner parties. The history of the Edinburgh Castle goes all the way back to the 12^th century.  The castle sits on Castle Rock, placing it on a peak overlooking all of Edinburgh.

Stroll the city.

Waiting a few hours to check into my hostel was not too difficult with these beautiful sites surrounding me. Walking through the streets of Edinburgh was like walking down Diagon Alley — clouds in the sky, a chill in the air, cobblestones under my feet and little shops and pubs around each corner. This is the view of Edinburgh from Castle Rock, the location of the Edinburgh Castle.

Here are snapshots of little streets I happened to stumble upon while following the twists and turns of Edinburgh. The last image is a statue placed in the center of the city. Edinburgh was a combination of archaic and modern architecture, giving it a historical and contemporary feel. Lots of plaid and pints were purchased along these cobblestone corners.

Hike up Arthur’s Seat.

Though I love city living, the great outdoors always seems to call my name. Arthur’s Seat is a peak that sits right outside of Edinburgh, giving adventurers some of the best views of Edinburgh and the water surrounding it. Arthur’s Seat was formed by an extinct volcano system. Due to Edinburgh’s sporadic weather, I hiked up slick rocks through fog, mist and strong winds to get to the top. Luckily, I did not fall off the edge while taking these photos.

Dip out of Edinburgh for a visit to St. Andrews.

If I have learned one thing while traveling, it is that Australians are everywhere. After my Australian mate connected with an old friend from home who was staying in St. Andrews, it was clear that we would be making the short excursion out of Edinburgh. St. Andrews is the home of golf and the famous Open Championship. This photo was taken at the Old Course, the location that hosts the Open Championship. The course is surrounded by a beach (and lots of wind).

Photos below show the ruins of the cathedral of St. Andrews and then the sea that surrounds St. Andrews. This little Scottish town is also the location where Prince William met Kate Middleton. It is pretty incredible to be able to say that I have walked the same streets as professional golfers and royalty.

All photos courtesy of Grace Huguelet unless otherwise mentioned.