Edinburgh: The Best Places To Visit

Edinburgh is a beautiful city that is known for its unique culture and history. The city has a rich history that dates back centuries and is steeped in tradition. It is one of the most important cities in the United Kingdom and has plenty to offer visitors. Whether you are looking for a cultural experience, an adventure, or just want to relax and explore, Edinburgh has something for everyone.

Introduction to Edinburgh

Edinburgh is the capital of Scotland and the second largest city in Scotland. It is located on the east coast of Scotland and is a thriving city with a population of around 500,000 people. The city is known for its stunning architecture, historic sites, and vibrant nightlife. It is also home to many festivals throughout the year, such as the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, which is the largest performing arts festival in the world.

The city dates back to the 12th century and has been an important political and cultural centre ever since. Edinburgh is home to several famous landmarks, such as Edinburgh Castle, which is one of the most famous castles in the world. Other popular attractions include the Royal Mile, a cobbled street connecting Edinburgh Castle to Holyrood Palace, and Arthur’s Seat, an extinct volcano with stunning views of the city.

Edinburgh is a great city to visit for any type of traveler. Whether you are looking for a romantic getaway, a cultural experience, or just want to explore the city, there are plenty of things to see and do. From its renowned architecture to its bustling nightlife and history, Edinburgh has something for everyone.

Things to See

There are many things to see and do in Edinburgh. Here are some of the best places to visit:

Edinburgh Castle

Edinburgh Castle is one of Scotland’s most iconic landmarks and one of the most popular tourist attractions in the city. It is situated atop an extinct volcano in the heart of the city and is one of the most visited castles in Europe. It was built in the 12th century and has been at the centre of Scotland’s history ever since. The castle is home to the Scottish Crown jewels and the Stone of Destiny, and visitors can explore the castle’s many chambers and towers.

The Royal Mile

The Royal Mile is a cobbled street that runs from Edinburgh Castle to Holyrood Palace. It is lined with shops, cafes, restaurants, and pubs, making it one of the most vibrant areas of Edinburgh. Along the way, visitors can stop at St. Giles’ Cathedral, explore old buildings such as The Real Mary King’s Close, or visit one of the many museums that line the street.

Arthur’s Seat

Arthur’s Seat is an extinct volcano located in Holyrood Park near the centre of Edinburgh. It stands at 251 metres high and offers stunning views of the city below. The peak can be reached via a short hike and is a great place to watch the sunrise or sunset over Edinburgh.

The National Museum of Scotland

The National Museum of Scotland is located in the heart of Edinburgh and is one of the largest and most popular museums in the country. It features a wide range of exhibits covering Scottish history, culture, science, art, and more. There are also interactive exhibits, film screenings, and live performances.

Edinburgh Zoo

Edinburgh Zoo is one of Scotland’s most popular attractions and is home to over 1,000 animals from around the world. It is located on Corstorphine Hill in west Edinburgh and visitors can explore over 80 acres of parkland while seeing many different species of animals. There are also plenty of interactive exhibits and activities for children to enjoy.

Popular Tours in Edinburgh

Edinburgh offers plenty of tours that visitors can take to explore the city’s history and culture. Here are two popular tours that visitors can book:

Private Tour of Edinburgh Castle

A private tour of Edinburgh Castle is one of the best ways to explore this iconic landmark. The tour takes visitors through all of the castle’s most important chambers and towers, including St Margaret’s Chapel, the Great Hall, and more. Visitors will also get to learn about the castle’s history from their knowledgeable guide as they explore its various rooms and tunnels. The tour lasts around two hours and can be booked here.

Tour of Royal Mile & Old Town

This tour takes visitors through Edinburgh’s Old Town and along the Royal Mile. Visitors will get to explore some of the city’s oldest buildings such as The Real Mary King’s Close and St Giles’ Cathedral as well as learn about its history from their knowledgeable guide. The tour lasts around three hours and can be booked here.

Conclusion

Edinburgh has something for everyone and there are plenty of things to see and do for any type of traveler. Whether you are looking for a cultural experience, an adventure, or just want to relax and explore, Edinburgh has it all. From its stunning architecture to its vibrant nightlife and history, there are plenty of reasons why it is one of Scotland’s most popular cities.