I never really planned on living in Edinburgh; relocating to Scotland wasn’t part of my ambitions. However, unexpectedly, Edinburgh became my home for about four years. During that time, I absolutely loved it. The quality of life was fantastic, and even though my earnings were only a third of what I made in London, I ended up having more disposable income. I made incredible friends, enjoyed dining in both fancy and modest restaurants, and frequently hosted my friends who visited.
Although I never intended to move to Edinburgh, I’m so glad I did. Yet, it’s been seven years since I last properly visited the city. I’ve only made short visits to catch up with friends, which didn’t leave much time to explore. Recently, Lloyd and I realized it was time to return as tourists and see the city with fresh eyes. Exploring a city as a tourist is vastly different from living there, especially after so much time has passed.
Here’s how Edinburgh has changed in the past seven years:
1. Edinburgh has embraced the hipster vibe with lots of trendy new spots, including a cat café. Seven years ago, the city’s scene was more traditional. Now, it feels like a mix of Edinburgh, Shoreditch in London, and Williamsburg in New York, yet it retains its Scottish charm.
2. Trams have finally arrived, although you might not notice them immediately. I only saw one tram, but they’re not as intrusive as expected, except for the wires in the city center that make taking great photos a bit tricky.
3. The Bank of Scotland as it once was, isn’t anymore. Its iconic headquarters on The Mound is now part of the Lloyds Banking Group, marking the end of an era for the Bank of Scotland.
4. The Grassmarket area seems more vibrant than ever with its brightly colored houses and shops.
5. My appreciation for Edinburgh has grown tremendously since moving away. It’s easy to take a city for granted when you live there, but visiting as a tourist has made me see its history and beauty anew.
6. The waterfront area is completely transformed. Leith and Granton were once infamous for their rough reputations, but now they’re some of the most desirable places to live, looking modern and revitalized.
7. Transportation has improved significantly, making it easier to navigate the city, especially around the train station.
8. Fortunately, much of what makes Edinburgh special hasn’t changed. Landmarks like Edinburgh Castle, Princes Street Gardens, Grassmarket, The Royal Mile, and the city’s stunning architecture are still as enchanting as ever, making it easy to feel right at home.
