I am beyond HAPPY to finally reveal that I have moved to Edinburgh, Scotland!

If you follow me on Instagram, you probably already know that, but I wanted to officially share it here because this is a pretty BIG deal for me. After all, this isn’t just another trip or a temporary change of scenery. I’ve moved from the USA to Scotland and am starting a completely new chapter of my life in Edinburgh.

What a wild journey this year has been! I’m sure you know that 2026 is the Year of the Fire Horse and let’s just say my wild horse has not exactly stopped running! hahaha! There have been so many changes, decisions, emotions and unexpected turns along the way. But somehow, everything lined up.

Honestly, I couldn’t be happier that this new chapter of my life is happening back in Europe, because Europe has always felt more like home to me.

Don’t get me wrong, leaving the USA behind was a really BIG decision to make. I spent so many years living there (25 years) that it became my normal. My everyday life! However, the American dream is not for everyone. There is a difference between living somewhere and feeling like you truly belong. Deep down, I always knew I wanted to return closer to home. It was one of those feelings that never completely went away, even when life carried me in a completely different direction.

And now I’m here!!! Starting one of the happiest chapters of my life in Edinburgh, Scotland!❤️ I still have moments where I look around and think, Wait…I actually get to call this place home now?! So today, I’m sharing ten things I already love about my new life in Edinburgh!

1. The Simple Joys of Life

The simple moments here bring me so much happiness. Walking barefoot on the grass, leaving my flat and being surrounded by greenery, or simply sitting outside and enjoying the sunshine. It all feels so pure and peaceful.

Scotland is such a beautiful place to relax and be present. When the sun comes out, you’ll see families, children and friends enjoying quality time outdoors, having picnics and making the most of summer.

I’ve honestly missed that feeling so much. Picnics were something my family loved when I was little, so being able to enjoy that again feels really special.

Often, it really is the little things that make you the happiest!

2. Discovering Local Scottish Shops

One of the things I already love about living in Edinburgh is how easy it is to spend an afternoon browsing local shops filled with unique Scottish products. You can find everything from adorable postcards and artwork to the cutest mugs, all created by talented local artists.

This is something I really missed in the USA. Here, there are so many independent shops within walking distance, making it easy to support local artists and small businesses while discovering something new.

One of my favorites is the Scottish Design Exchange. I could easily spend hours in there! I love picking up little pieces to add new touches to our flat and make it feel even more cozy.

I’ve only been in Edinburgh for about four months, and I’ve already visited this shop several times. If you plan on visiting Scotland, I highly recommend this shop!

3. Festivals, Events, Museums & Galleries

One thing I quickly noticed after moving to Edinburgh is that there is always something happening. From local festivals to museums, art galleries, and outdoor activities, I never seem to run out of things to do.

In just a few months, I’ve honestly done more fun things in Edinburgh than I did during many years in America. My weekends have been packed with experiences, including the Morningside Umbrella Festival, Edinburgh Festival Carnival, Mardi Gras and more.

I also love how much people here value family time and enjoying life outside of work. And the best part? So many Edinburgh festivals, museums and cultural attractions are free. You don’t need to spend a fortune to have an amazing time.

For me, that’s definitely one of the biggest joys of life in Scotland!

4. Everyday Walks With Amazing Edinburgh Views

Even an ordinary walk to the supermarket feels a little extraordinary when you’re living in Edinburgh. How could I ever get tired of walking outside and being surrounded by beautiful Edinburgh views every single day?

I honestly never thought I’d enjoy food shopping this much! There’s something so special about turning a simple everyday errand into a walk through historic streets, beautiful architecture and gorgeous Scottish scenery.

And then there are the outdoor markets in Edinburgh, many of which pop up on weekends, giving you even more places to explore, shop and discover local food and handmade treasures.

I feel so blessed to call Edinburgh home! Sometimes I have to pinch myself that these incredible views are now part of my everyday life!

5. Easy Day Trips From Edinburgh

One of the many things I love about living in Edinburgh is how easy it is to escape for the day. St. Andrews is proof that some of the best getaways are just a short train or bus journey away!

We’ve already taken some amazing day trips from Edinburgh, and I can’t wait to share them with you. When sunshine is upon us, it’s so easy to throw a few things into a backpack, head to the train station and, within an hour or so, feel like we’re on a little summer holiday.

And knowing that I don’t have to travel far to relax by a beautiful beach makes me extra happy.

6. Edinburgh’s Incredible Coffee Shop Culture

The Edinburgh coffee scene is unmatched! There are incredible coffee shops around almost every corner, and not only is the coffee delicious, but the pastries? Yum, yummy!

One of my current favorite coffee shops in Edinburgh is Fortuna Coffee Bar. If you’ve been, you know what I mean!

I even live right next to a coffee shop, so every time I step outside, that gorgeous coffee aroma hits me. Honestly, how could I complain about that?

What I truly enjoy is seeing the cafés filled with people whether it’s a weekday or weekend…chatting, catching up and enjoying time together. Some of my favorite coffee spots are always full when I pass by no matter the day. It always puts a smile on my face because you can really feel that spending quality time with the people you love is cherished here. And I love and always will love drinking coffee!

7. The Beauty of Edinburgh’s Royal Botanic Garden

Some days, all I need is a peaceful walk through the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, surrounded by beautiful flowers, towering trees and that fresh Scottish air.

It’s such an incredible and relaxing place, and having it just a ten minute walk from my flat feels like having my own private garden right in my backyard!

I already love wandering through the gardens and discovering all the quiet spots in Edinburgh where you can sit, read a book, or enjoy the scenery. There’s something so peaceful about escaping into nature without actually leaving the city.

I also can’t wait to see how the garden transforms throughout the seasons. From spring flowers to colorful autumn leaves, I have a feeling this is going to become one of my favorite places in Edinburgh all year round.

8. Easy Public Transport

One of the biggest surprises after moving from the USA to Edinburgh is how easy it is to get around without a car. I can simply walk out my front door, hop on a bus and get wherever I need to go. Life in Edinburgh feels so much easier when you’re not dependent on a car.

In America, I was so used to driving everywhere. Even going to a coffee shop, grabbing groceries or finding somewhere to take a walk often meant driving first. I always missed the simple freedom of being able to walk wherever I wanted, whenever I felt like it.

Edinburgh has such a convenient public transport system, and I love having so many options right outside my door. It makes everyday life feel more relaxed and spontaneous.

With this beautiful car-free lifestyle in Edinburgh, I’m more than happy to say goodbye to spending so much of my life behind the wheel. I might never want to drive again!

9. Edinburgh’s Weekend Markets

Since moving to Scotland, I’ve loved discovering places that make the weekends feel extra special. For me, that started with the Neighbourgood Market in Edinburgh.

It was the first food market I experienced after moving to Edinburgh, and I LOVED it. The atmosphere was so fun! Now for the important part…the food! I tried the dumplings and the hot dog, and both were seriously delicious. There were so many tempting stalls that choosing what to eat was definitely the hardest part.

Since then, I’ve become a little obsessed with exploring the food and local markets around Edinburgh. For example, all week I look forward to the Grassmarket Market on Saturdays and Stockbridge Market on Sundays. A new favorite weekend hobby for me!

10. Strolling Down Picturesque Circus Lane

Circus Lane in Edinburgh is one of the city’s most picturesque streets, with its charming little houses and storybook feel.

I love walking through here when it rains. There’s something so magical about the cobblestones, cozy buildings and that beautiful Edinburgh atmosphere.

And the best part? Circus Lane is close to some of the cutest cafés, bars and shops, so it’s the perfect place to wander around and explore.

You’ll have to visit it yourself to see exactly what I mean. Trust me, you’ll feel the magic too!

So, can you picture yourself living in Edinburgh?❤️

I feel so grateful to call this beautiful city home. I’m finally learning to slow down and appreciate where I am. Also, this is only the beginning of my Scottish adventures! See you in the next one!!!