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Historic capital of Scotland...
One of the world’s greatest cities, Edinburgh enjoys a dramatic
location on the southern edge of the Firth of Forth. The medieval Old
Town coexists happily with the elegant Georgian architecture of the New
Town under the brooding eye of the city’s ancient castle.
Edinburgh’s Royal Mile is one of the
world’s most captivating streets. Running from the castle to
Holyrood Palace, it affords breathtaking views over the Firth of Forth
and of Arthur’s Seat, the 251m-high extinct volcano south-west of
the city centre. Edinburgh Castle is the best place to start your
exploration of the Scottish capital. Beautiful, mysterious, and
romantic, its foundations date back to 850 BC and its oldest surviving
section dates from 1130. Formerly the symbolic seat of Scottish royalty,
today it is home to the army’s Scottish Division. You can see the
changing of the guard every hour on the hour and admire the Scottish
crown jewels. The Palace of Holyroodhouse has been a royal residence
since the 16th century and is still the Queen’s official residence
in Scotland. Stroll around the grounds and visit the ruins of the
medieval Holyrood Abbey.
Take a walk in Holyrood Park – a vast expanse
of fields, mountains, moorlands, and lochs. Parliament Square is
well worth a visit. Home to St. Giles’ Cathedral - the High Kirk of
Scotland - there is a cobblestoned Heart of Midlothian set in the
ground. Find out how whisky is made at the Scotch Whisky Heritage
Centre. Visit John Knox’s house on the Royal Mile. The father of
Presbyterianism, Knox’s house dates from 1490 and features an
outside staircase and overhanging upper floors. Other places worth
visiting include the Museum of Childhood, the National Gallery of
Scotland, the Scottish National Portrait Gallery and the Sir William
Scott Monument. Climb up Calton Hill for a breathtaking view over the
city. Edinburgh is weighed down with pubs and bars of all kinds. Stop
for a pint in one of the many along the Royal Mile or head for Grassmarket.
Check out the clubs located in old vaults under the George IV and South
bridges. For good restaurants, head for the Royal Mile, Grassmarket,
Princes St, Leith Walk and Stockbridge. If you’re in Edinburgh
between mid August and early September you’re in for a treat.
This is when the Edinburgh International Arts Festival takes place.
One of the world’s best arts festivals, the atmosphere in the
city becomes truly electric!
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