Summer is quickly approaching, and while many people will be planning extravagant trips abroad, one of the best things about living in the UK is that you do not have to travel far to find beautiful scenery. There are so many incredible cities to explore, but there is no other place quite like Edinburgh, with its Gothic architecture that makes its buildings look straight out of a fairytale.

However, what makes Edinburgh so special is its castle, which sits on volcanic rock and towers over the city, looking striking against the sky no matter where you are. I grew up in Edinburgh, and a common mistake I often see visitors make every year is relying on social media to find the most photogenic places to visit. It has become extremely popular online to suggest visiting the Waterstones bookshop on Princes Street, as it offers a magnificent view of the castle from its cafe.

If you visit, you can climb the stairs up to the third floor of Waterstones to visit the cafe, which has large Victorian windows where you can see the castle while enjoying something to eat.

You often see people taking photos at the Waterstones windows with their favourite books or staring dramatically at the castle, which has made it a cliché.

The only problem is that everyone knows about this location, and there are only three tables near the windows, so seating is very limited.

What social media does not tell you is that the Waterstones cafe is often incredibly overcrowded, and even if you get a seat, you will constantly be disturbed by people standing over you trying to take photos.

Instead, if you want a better view of Edinburgh Castle, I suggest skipping Waterstones and going next door to the Willow Tea Rooms, a beautiful restaurant known for serving afternoon tea.

Most visitors do not know that The Willow Tea Rooms exist, as from the street it looks like a small and quite dark space, so many people simply walk past without noticing it.

However, inside there is a staircase that leads up to a much larger dining area with even bigger windows than the bookshop next door, offering an even better view of the castle.

It is usually easy to get a table, and there is plenty of space, so you do not have to worry about people taking photos above your head while you are trying to relax.

If you come to Edinburgh and want to take great photographs or simply enjoy beautiful scenery while you eat, I highly recommend The Willow Tea Rooms.

It is one of my absolute favourite places in the whole of Edinburgh, and I think it captures everything I love about the city in one view.