13 Taylor Swift inspired trips in & around Edinburgh

Taylor Swift's 2008 song 'Love Story' became the first song ever to reach number 1 in both the pop and country music charts in the US. She’s obviously a romantic so maybe she would enjoy the ‘most romantic hotel in the UK’? Located in Edinburgh’s Old Town, The Witchery is a top spot for a candlelit dinner. This part of Edinburgh will surprise you at every turn with its beautiful buildings and magical views. You could also watch the sunset over on Calton Hill or take a romantic stroll along Portobello Beach.  

‘Karma is a cat, purring in my lap 'cause it loves me, flexing like a goddam acrobat…' Taylor has three cats – she loves them! You might not know that two of her beloved cats are Scottish Folds! We think she would love Maison de Moggy, Scotland’s first cat café. A cosy, homely café experience where customers can relax in feline company whilst enjoying the purr-fect cuppa. Not a cat person? No problem - Edinburgh is a coffee mecca, so you won’t be short of choices for your morning pick-me-up. 

With the numerous references to colours in Taylor’s music – each era of course has a different colour – we think Edinburgh’s parks and gardens would be right up her street. Lavender, purple pink, all the shades of red, never seen that colour blue... from Princes Street Gardens to Lauriston Castle Gardens, Edinburgh is famous for its green spaces. Just one mile from the city centre, the Royal Botanic Garden will show you colours you can't see anywhere else!

‘Who uses typewriters anyway?’ Taylor Swift would definitely take inspiration from the rich literary heritage of Edinburgh. She would be in good company with famous writers and artists in the Tortured Poets Department! Did you know the city was the world’s first UNESCO City of Literature? With top literary spots like The Scottish Poetry Library, Scottish Storytelling Centre and The Writer’s Museum to visit, you’ll see why so many creative people have been inspired by the Scottish capital. 

From country chic to rockstar glam - Taylor Swift is a style icon. Let your inner fashionista shine and discover a choice of shops in Edinburgh to kit yourself out in fashionable threads. Stop in at the St James Quarter for big name brands or find a quirky vintage shop in Leith... so you never go out of style. Travel through to Glasgow where you’ll find even more exciting shops and markets like Hidden Lane and The Barras.  

‘It's like I've got this music in my mind...’ Just a short train ride from Edinburgh, Glasgow is the perfect city for music lovers. There is a legendary music scene here that encompasses everything from classical to country music. On your visit be sure to stop in at brilliant cultural attractions like Kelvingrove Museum and The Burrell Collection. Glasgow is also regularly voted one of the friendliest cities in the world. Taylor even references Glasgow band The Blue Nile on her new album! 

‘Let's get out of this town, drive out of the city, away from the crowds...’ Fancy a trip to Tay Country? Just 1 hour north of Edinburgh, the region encompasses Angus, Fife, Perthshire and the city of Dundee. There is truly something for everyone here. From world-class museums and historical landmarks to picturesque fishing villages and thrilling outdoor adventures. Keep Perth Museum in mind for your trip – newly refurbished and reopened, it now houses the world-famous Stone of Destiny.

Taylor Swift is a country girl at heart and we think she (and you) would love the Perthshire countryside. This is a place of lush green forests and pretty towns and villages like Dunkeld. She loves baking too so what better place to visit than Dunkeld’s Aran Bakery – a trendy little artisan bakery in the town. This part of Scotland is also amazing for hiking with over 2000 kms of walking trails in the area. 

Perhaps like Taylor Swift you have some Scottish ancestry? A trip to Scotland is the perfect chance to visit places associated with your family tree. It's easy to research your Scottish roots online with comprehensive records and archives - but you need to visit Scotland to truly experience the country of your ancestors. Who knows – you could be from the same family line as Taylor herself!? Let’s hope so. Even if you don’t have Scottish ancestry you could explore clans and tartans, or ceilidh dancing!

On the new version of Taylor’s 1989 album she is surrounded by seabirds – is she hinting at a beach holiday in Scotland? Maybe. You’ll find East Lothian is the perfect spot for a bit of summer beach relaxation – and it’s a very easy trip from Edinburgh on the train. North Berwick is a lovely seaside town where you can stroll along the beach with an ice cream. Or you could venture slightly further to sunny Dunbar. This is your chance to enjoy some salt air and summer weather by the sea. 

If you’re looking for an iconic Scottish view, then visit the amazing Forth bridges on your Taylor Swift adventure. This is a great spot for photographs, and you could also take a trip to Dunfermline – Scotland’s newest city. There is an American connection here. Dunfermline was the birthplace of Andrew Carnegie, a famous entrepreneur who made lots of money in the States. He gave much of his wealth away to charity! You can visit his birthplace in Dunfermline. 

'And you know I love Springsteen, faded blue jeans, Tennessee whiskey...' – what about trying some Scottish whisky Taylor!? Where better to try a whisky cocktail than one of Edinburgh’s fantastic bars. Enjoy a night out on the town and stay out late enjoying the party atmosphere. Some top recommendations include Panda & Sons, Devil’s Advocate and Johnnie Walker Princes Street. But as you might expect there are plenty of places to try Scotland’s national drink in the capital. Hungry? Edinburgh is also a great culinary destination with some exciting venues such as Edinburgh Street Food. 

‘Once upon a time, the planets and the fates and all the stars aligned…’ This is one of many references to stars and planets in Taylor’s music. For our final Taylor Swift trip suggestion why not head out for a bit of stargazing in Scotland? If time allows, travel south west to Dumfries & Galloway where you’ll find some of the clearest night skies in Europe. This would be a perfect way to end your Scottish holiday!