Are you planning to travel to Edinburgh in Scotland as a Hijabi?
You’re in for a treat because this article will showcase the city’s rich history (i.e. tartans and royal residences), diverse Halal food options, Islamic History and what you can expect from my past personal experience.
You can come here solo too. If you’re a Harry Potter fan, you won’t regret coming here!
One Day Itinerary For A Muslim-Friendly Edinburgh Trip
You can spend the day exploring the city’s main sights, all within walking distance of each other.
This makes it a perfect day trip, allowing you to see everything at your own convenience, without the hassle of transportation.
Below is the entire itinerary for my recent trip. I have included additional information on Muslim-friendly must-see sights for your travels.
1. Exploring Leith
This time, I decided to explore an area called Leith, just a 10-minute bus ride from the city center. (It costed £4 for a return ticket)
Leith is a port area in the north of Edinburgh. It was once an independent town and the main port of entry for travelers to Scotland. It became an official part of Edinburgh in 1920.
Breakfast At Cafe Truva
Firstly, breakfast time. I found this place after a Google search. A Turkish cafe situated on Leith Shore, serving brunch and dinner.
- Overall I paid £13.20 for the meal.
The prices are quite moderate and the portion size is decent for the value. I wasn’t sure of the halal status as they also served alcohol, so I opted for the vegetarian option.
Tip: Depending on your tolerance, you’ll find that even some restaurants that seems Muslim-friendly from the outside might carry alcohol on the inside. Such is most common in Western countries, so it’s good to bear in mind and know your limits.
Now it’s time to wander again!
Tour The Royal Yacht Britannia
This Royal Ship was home for the British Monarchy. They traversed the world via sea for over 40 years.
You can jump aboard and explore the different decks. Visitors can find Queen Elizabeth’s favorite room and have tea in the Royal Deck Tea Room.
Although I didn’t have the chance to go there, it was nice to see it from the outside.
Opening Hours:
- Between January – March: Daily between 10 am and last admission 3 pm.
- From April – August: Daily between 9:30 am and last admission 4 pm.
Entrance:
- The entrance to the tour is on the Ground Floor of Ocean Terminal Shopping Centre.
Tickets and Tours:
- £19.50 for an adult ticket. It is advised to pre-book tickets.
Stroll Along Western Harbour Waterfront
Afterwards, I went for a leisurely walk through Leith’s Western Harbour to see stunning views.
It’s a great spot to catch the sunrise, if you’re staying in the area.
I found it to be very peaceful compared to the hustle and bustle of the city.
2. Halal Food Options in Edinburgh
All the exploring made me famished, so I took the bus from Western Harbour back to the city center. More about the transportation options in Edinburgh at the end of this article, stay tuned!
Maki and Ramen
A traditional Japanese restaurant, serving handcrafted noodle dishes and sushi. You can watch the chef prepare your dish here so that’s always an added treat when it comes to traveling experience!
The restaurants caters for all dietary needs and the halal dishes are highlighted in their menu.
My meal, including a drink, came up to £19.40.
Please note that a discretionary service charge may be added to your bill.
Discretionary Service is an additional charge added to the customer’s bill. You can opt to pay this if you are happy with the service.
- Location: 37 Leith St, Edinburgh EH1 3AT
- Halal Status: Certified Halal for certain menu.
Alternative Food Places in Edinburgh, Scotland
Bonnie and Wild Food Market
Located on the third floor in St James’ Quarter, a shopping center featuring major retail brands, restaurants and aparthotels.
This Scottish food hall includes a diverse range of restaurants and street food kitchens, offering a variety of vegan, vegetarian, and halal food options.
St James’ Quarter also features an additional food court on the lower ground floor.
Korean Munchies
This is a street food restaurant that serves some halal options including corn dogs, rice and noodle dishes.
The Korean chicken curry is quite mild, but the corn dog toppings can be adapted to your spice intake. From Ketchup to spicy Buldak sauce, they’re all yours to choose!
- Location: 26 Nicolson St, Edinburgh EH8 9DH
- Halal Status: Halal & Vegetarian options available
Other halal food places are scattered all over the city including Nigerian, Malaysian, Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisines. You’ll find them with a quick google search.
Something Sweet
If you fancy some treats and a hot drink (especially needed in Edinburgh, where the climate is oceanic, so summers are typically cool!), The Milkman is a great place for homemade bakes.
You can opt to sit in or a take out to accompany your exploring.
- I got a banana bread, brownie and a coffee for £9.50.
- Location and opening hours here
3. Princes Street & Princes Gardens
Princes Street has a rich history dating back to the late 18th century. Its name honors the sons of King George III, a ruling British Monarch between 1760-1820.
It is plentiful of Georgian architecture, which is commonly found in Edinburgh. At night the street is even more romantic, and a stroll here will leave you in awe of the surroundings!
Princes Street Gardens (location here) is adjacent to the busy street, which is ideal if you want escape from the rush or take a break from shopping.
Princes Street is a part of the main shopping district and is located in the New Town.
New Town is a prime example of Georgian town planning, contrasting with the medieval layout of the Old Town.
4. See The Royal Mile & Explore Old Town!
A trip to Edinburgh wouldn’t be complete without a visit to the Royal Mile, located in the Old Town area.
It’s stretched between two predominant locations of Scotland’s royal history: Edinburgh Castle and the Palace of Holyroodhouse.
The Old Town forms Edinburgh’s heritage from the historical times to the present, with other iconic landmarks like St Giles’ Cathedral and Mary King’s Close.
On this strip, there’s plenty of tartan, cashmere and souvenir shops. So if you’re in for the history, souvenir shopping, this is the place to be in Edinburgh!
Did you know? Tartan is a material, weaved to interlocking colored stripes made up of horizontal and vertical patterns. This is used in traditional Scottish clothing such as the kilt. The kilt originated from the Scottish Highlands as a symbol of honor.
On the Royal Mile, there’s various museums and attractions like Camera Obscura and the World of Illusions.
- Location: Castlehill – Walk towards Edinburgh Castle and you’ll find it on your right-hand side.
- Opening Hours: 7 days a week between 8:30 am-10 pm. (Times vary on the days)
Do Cars Still Pass By Here In Old Town?
Although Old Town is a busy pedestrian area, please be aware that traffic still passes by.
5. Understand Various (Including Islamic) Collections At National Museum Of Scotland
Featuring collections from different corners of the world including Ancient Egypt, Fashion and the pre-Historic Era.
Exploring these collections provides a deeper understanding of the diverse history of our world.
- Free Entrance
- See opening hours on the website.
6. Victoria Street
The final part of my trip was a quick stop at Victoria Street in Old Town. This street is protected under the UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Named after Queen Victoria (another ruling monarch of the UK) and designed by the architect Thomas Hamilton, built between 1829 and 1834.
Consisting of colorful boutique shops, Victoria Street is great spot for a photo. Do lookout for cars, as they still drive through this road.
If you’re a Harry Potter fan, you’ll be thrilled to find an authorized retailer selling official merchandise: The Enchanted Galaxy fandom and gift shop!
Top #MustVisit Sights On Your Edinburgh Visit!
While the above should be enough to cover an independent Muslim-friendly day trip in Edinburgh, if you have more time, I recommend that you explore these other highlights and options:
7. Check Out The Iconic Edinburgh Castle
A historic gem in the heart of Scotland, Edinburgh Castle features a royal residence, military fortress, and prison. You can either book a ticket online or purchase it on the day.
Ticket Prices:
- Online Price: £19.50
- On The Day Price: £22.00
Opening Hours:
- Every day between 9:30 pm-5 pm. May vary during public holidays.
- Location: Castlehill, Edinburgh EH1 2NG
8. See How Royals Live At Palace Of Holyroodhouse
The official residence of the British Monarchy is open to visitors all year round.
You can explore the State Apartments, 12th-century Holyrood Abbey, and the Royal Gardens, all with a complimentary multimedia tour in 10 languages.
It’s an opportunity to take a step back in history and imagine how the royalty lived, including the famous Mary, Queen of Scots.
Ticket Prices:
- Online Price: £20.00
- On The Day Price: £22.00
- Opening hours can be found in this link.
9. Climb up Arthur’s Seat
You might have seen this location scattered all over social media when it comes to Edinburgh. Ever wondered why? Because an ancient volcano at the highest point of Holyrood Park.
At 251 meters above sea level, Arthur’s Seat offers breathtaking views of Edinburgh and the Lothians. Roughly it takes 2 hours to climb there and back, so time yourself when you think of coming here
10. Dean Village
Other things to do and see on your Muslim-friendly Edinburgh trip, first on the list is an exploration along the picturesque riverside spot based in the West End of Edinburgh.
It is a 20-minute walk from Princes Street. You can also take a bus and walk for 5-6 minutes.
11. Calton Hill
Offers surreal and panoramic views of the city and beyond. It is a volcanic hill located towards the east of Princes Street.
12. National Gallery of Scotland
The National Gallery of Scotland is home to some of the most famous international and Scottish artwork.
There are different exhibitions happening every month.
- Admission is free.
- Find more details on Gallery’s website.
- Location: The Mound, Edinburgh EH2 2EL
What About Worship?
The Edinburgh Central Mosque is a great spot to perform your daily prayers. Here you can potentially meet other Muslimahs too.
Check out this gallery post for an inside look on what it’s like there, and the Women’s Section.
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