Exploring Edinburgh: A City Guide for Tourists

Edinburgh is Scotland’s capital and one of the most visited cities in the United Kingdom. It is a city full of history, culture and beauty. The city is full of cobbled streets, old churches, historic monuments and spectacular views. The city is steeped in history, with both medieval and Georgian architecture still standing in the centre of the city.

Edinburgh has been a major cultural hub since the Middle Ages. It is home to the world-famous Edinburgh Castle, a royal palace which has been the residence of several Scottish kings and queens. It is also home to the University of Edinburgh, one of the oldest universities in the United Kingdom. The city is known for its annual Edinburgh Festival, which attracts visitors from all over the world to experience the city’s unique culture and atmosphere.

Edinburgh is home to over 500,000 people, making it the second-largest city in Scotland after Glasgow. It is a vibrant and thriving city, with a range of activities to suit all visitors. The city’s nightlife is particularly vibrant, with a range of bars, clubs and restaurants to enjoy.

The city has a rich history and culture which can be explored through its many attractions. Here is a guide to some of the top attractions near Edinburgh.

The Royal Mile

The Royal Mile is the main street in Edinburgh’s Old Town and is one of the most popular attractions in the city. The street runs from Edinburgh Castle, at the top of the hill, down to Holyrood Palace at the bottom. Along the way, you can explore medieval buildings, ancient churches, museums and galleries. You can also find many traditional shops and pubs along the way.

The street is lined with monuments and statues, such as the statues of Scottish heroes William Wallace and Robert the Bruce. At the top of the hill, you can find Edinburgh Castle, a royal palace which has been home to generations of royalty. The castle is now a museum and you can explore its various chambers and take in views of the city from its walls. At the bottom of the hill, you can find Holyrood Palace, which is still used as an official residence by The Queen and Prince Philip when they visit Edinburgh.

The National Museum of Scotland

The National Museum of Scotland is one of Scotland’s most visited attractions and it is located just off the Royal Mile. The museum features artefacts from all over the world and showcases Scotland’s history from prehistory to present day. The museum also features interactive exhibits and family-friendly activities.

The museum is housed in two buildings, the Victorian building and the modern building. The Victorian building features collections from Ancient Egypt, Ancient Greece and Ancient Rome amongst other ancient cultures. It also features collections from Scotland’s history, such as weapons, coins and jewellery from Scotland’s past. The modern building features more modern exhibits such as transport, toys and designs from Scotland’s industrial age.

The National Galleries of Scotland

The National Galleries of Scotland are located on Princes Street near Edinburgh Castle and are some of the best galleries in Europe. The galleries feature works by world-renowned artists such as Rembrandt, Degas and Monet amongst others. You can also find works by Scottish artists such as John Bellany and Peter Howson.

The galleries are housed in two buildings, the National Gallery building on The Mound and the Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art on Belford Road. The National Gallery building houses a collection of European art from 1400 to 1900, including works by Raphael, Rubens, Titian and Botticelli amongst others. The Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art features works from the twentieth century onwards, including works by Francis Bacon, David Hockney and Lucian Freud amongst others.

Calton Hill

Calton Hill is one of Edinburgh’s most famous landmarks and it offers spectacular views across the city from its summit. The hill is full of monuments and memorials including The Nelson Monument, The Monument to Robert Burns and The Political Martyrs’ Monument amongst others. You can also find a camera obscura at Calton Hill which offers visitors an interactive experience in which they can explore Edinburgh through live images projected onto a screen.

Holyrood Park

Holyrood Park is a delightful area on the outskirts of Edinburgh which is full of natural beauty. The park is home to many historic sites such as St Margaret’s Loch and Arthur’s Seat which offers spectacular views of Edinburgh Castle and beyond. You can also find an array of wildlife in Holyrood Park including red deer, badgers, hares and foxes. You can also find many walking trails in Holyrood Park for visitors to explore.

The Royal Botanic Garden

The Royal Botanic Garden in Edinburgh is one of the oldest botanic gardens in Britain and it features an array of plants from around the world. The garden features several glasshouses which feature plants from across the globe such as cacti from deserts, tropical rainforests and more. You can also find an array of outdoor gardens including rock gardens, ornamental gardens and a pond area.

Popular Tours Near Edinburgh

Edinburgh has a range of tours available for visitors which offer an insight into its history and culture. Here are two popular tours near Edinburgh which are worth considering:

Edinburgh Castle Tour

The Edinburgh Castle Tour is one of the most popular tours in the city and offers visitors an insight into its fascinating history and architecture. The tour begins at the castle gates where you will learn about its history as a royal residence before exploring its chambers inside with a knowledgeable guide. You will learn about key moments in Scotland’s history such as William Wallace’s victory over Edward I at Stirling Bridge and Mary Queen of Scots’ imprisonment at Loch Leven Castle before viewing artefacts associated with these events at the castle itself. You will also explore the Great Hall, where Mary Queen of Scots held court during her time at Edinburgh Castle before taking in stunning views from its walls over Edinburgh City Centre. Book an Edinburgh Castle Tour today to experience all this for yourself!

Edinburgh Old Town Tour

The Edinburgh Old Town Tour offers visitors an insight into Edinburgh’s history as one of Scotland’s oldest cities. Explore many of its cobbled streets as you learn about its past as a medieval trading centre before discovering how it was transformed into a bustling capital during the Georgian era. You will explore some of its most iconic landmarks such as St Giles Cathedral, Parliament Square and Greyfriars Kirkyard during this tour before visiting one of its oldest pubs for an authentic taste of Scotland’s past! Book an Edinburgh Old Town Tour today to experience this amazing tour for yourself!

As you can see, there are plenty of attractions near Edinburgh which offer visitors an insight into its fascinating history and culture. Whether you are looking for centuries-old monuments or exciting activities for all ages, Edinburgh has something to offer everyone!