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Here's the thing about Edinburgh: the city above is bustling and busy, but there's a whole other world hiding right beneath your feet. The underground vaults tour at Mercat Cross was another fun way to explore it. One minute you're in the middle of the crowds, and the next you're heading down into the dark, with the noise of the city fading away behind you. It's a little eerie in the best way, and it makes you look at the streets above completely differently once you're back out in the daylight.

If you loved the Real Mary King's Close, this makes a great companion experience. It's another chance to get a feel for how much history is tucked beneath the city's surface. It's moody, atmospheric, and a perfect fit for anyone who loves that ancient, hidden-gem kind of travel.

💡 Pro Tip: Bring a jacket! It gets seriously chilly down there, even when it's warm out in the city above. A light layer will keep you comfortable so you can focus on the stories instead of shivering.

Craigmillar Castle: Edinburgh's Crowd-Free Hidden Gem

If you want a castle experience without the crowds, Craigmillar Castle is the place. It's just outside the center of Edinburgh, and it felt like our own personal playground. We had the grounds practically to ourselves, so we could wander at our own pace, poke into every nook, and do our own thing without anyone in our way.

I absolutely loved exploring it. There are spiral staircases everywhere, and we climbed them all (I may have tripped over a few steps along the way 😆). Heading up high rewards you with fantastic views over the countryside and the city beyond. It's a very hands-on kind of castle, where you get to roam, climb, and imagine what life was like inside these old stone walls. If you loved the grandeur of Edinburgh Castle but wished it were quieter, this is a great follow-up.

💡 Pro Tip: Wear sturdy, comfortable shoes. The steps are uneven and the spiral staircases are narrow, so watch your footing as you climb. Take your time up top, because the views are worth a slow look, and you'll likely have the space to yourself.

Located just an hour’s drive from Edinburgh is St. Andrews, and this coastal gem turned out to be one of the most unexpectedly highlights of our entire Scotland trip.

St. Andrews Cathedral
You can spot these massive 12th-century stone ruins before you even park. Once Scotland’s largest church, St. Andrews Cathedral is hauntingly beautiful. Walking the sprawling, peaceful grounds is completely free and offers stunning historic views against an ocean backdrop.

St. Andrews Castle
Just a short walk away, St. Andrews Castle sits dramatically on a clifftop overlooking the North Sea. While its dark history and unsettling dungeon are a sobering reminder of the past, the jaw-dropping coastal views from the cliff edge are unmatched.

💡 PRO-TIP: Right near the cathedral, you’ll find a beautiful, windswept sandy beach perfect for a quiet shoreline stroll. Afterward, head into the downtown area. This vibrant university town is incredibly walkable, packed with charming shops, and offers plenty of fantastic lunch spots for any budget.

DAY 6: Castles, Cathedrals & Putting Greens

📍 Day 6 Overview:

Morning road trip from Edinburgh to St. Andrews
St. Andrews Castle (dramatic clifftop ruins — absolutely stunning!)
St. Andrews Cathedral (one of Scotland's most impressive medieval ruins)
Round at The Himalayas Putting Course (yes, that St. Andrews Golf
Course!)

Discover the Magic of St. Andrews

Chasing the Greens: The Budget-Friendly Way to Experience St. Andrews Golf

Even if you aren't a golfer, you cannot visit St. Andrews without experiencing its legendary golf history. While playing a full round on the world-famous Old Course isn't budget-friendly, you can still soak up the same iconic views for just a few pounds right next door. The Himalayas Putting Course is a walk-on, no-reservation-needed green that offers a genuinely fun, accessible way to stand on that world-famous stretch of grass.

💡 PRO-TIP: Because the Himalayas course doesn't take bookings, lines can get long during peak afternoon hours. Go first thing in the morning or later in the evening to skip the crowds.

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