Edinburgh Main Attractions

Edinburgh is a city like no other. The capital of Scotland is a metropolis crowned with ancient castles, bustling cobblestone streets and overflowing with culture, history and natural beauty. As one of Europe’s oldest cities, it has experienced many different eras of growth, change and development. Edinburgh is also known as the world’s festival capital, hosting numerous festivals throughout the year such as the world-famous Edinburgh Fringe Festival. With its unique combination of old and new, Edinburgh is a stunning city to visit for the first time.

Getting to Know Edinburgh

Edinburgh is Scotland’s second-largest city after Glasgow and has a population of around 480,000 people. It is located on the east coast of Scotland and has been the capital since 1437. The city is known for its hilly terrain, with several hills dominating the skyline. This includes Arthur’s Seat, Calton Hill and the Castle Rock, all of which offer spectacular views of the city. The city centre is divided into two distinct parts: the Old Town and the New Town. The Old Town dates back to medieval times, with its winding streets, cobbled alleys and centuries-old buildings. The New Town was built in the 18th century and is known for its impressive Georgian architecture.

Edinburgh is a vibrant and cosmopolitan city. It is home to numerous museums and galleries, as well as a lively nightlife. It was also voted one of the friendliest cities in Europe by Rough Guide readers in 2017. Edinburgh offers something for everyone – art lovers, culture buffs, history enthusiasts, nature lovers, foodies, partygoers and more. Whether you’re visiting for a few days or a few weeks, there’s something for everyone in this magical city.

The Must-See Attractions in Edinburgh

Edinburgh is one of the most beautiful cities in Europe and there are plenty of attractions to explore. Here are some of the must-see attractions in Edinburgh for visitors who want to get the most out of their trip.

Edinburgh Castle

One of Edinburgh’s most iconic attractions is its castle. Situated on Castle Rock, this 1,000-year-old fortress looms over the city and is one of Scotland’s most impressive fortifications. Edinburgh Castle has been a royal residence since the 11th century and still contains some of the original furnishings from centuries past. Inside the castle, visitors can explore the Great Hall, the Royal Apartments, St Margaret’s Chapel and the Crown Room, as well as the Scottish National War Memorial and the National War Museum. There are also regular performances by the Royal Scots Dragoon Guards outside the castle walls.

The Royal Mile

The Royal Mile is the longest street in Edinburgh and stretches from Edinburgh Castle to Holyrood Palace. The street is lined with centuries-old buildings, shops and restaurants, and there are plenty of landmarks for visitors to explore. The Royal Mile is also home to several important historical sites such as St Giles’ Cathedral and John Knox House. Visitors can also explore some of Edinburgh’s hidden gems such as Mary King’s Close or The Real Mary King’s Close – an underground alleyway from the 17th century which has been preserved beneath the Royal Mile.

The Scottish National Gallery

The Scottish National Gallery is located on The Mound in the centre of Edinburgh and houses Scotland’s national collection of fine art. It boasts over 3,000 works of art including works by Picasso, Monet, Degas and Rembrandt. The gallery also hosts temporary exhibitions throughout the year. Visitors can explore the galleries or enjoy a bite to eat at the café located inside the gallery.

Holyrood Palace

Holyrood Palace is the official residence of Queen Elizabeth II in Scotland and has been home to many kings and queens throughout its history. The palace is open to visitors throughout much of the year and offers guided tours to explore its many rooms and gardens. Visitors can also explore the Holyrood Abbey ruins located next to the palace.

Popular Tours in Edinburgh

For visitors who want to make their trip even more memorable, there are plenty of tours available in Edinburgh for all ages and interests. Here are two popular tours that offer something special for visitors to Edinburgh.

Edinburgh Castle Evening Tour

This two-hour evening tour begins at Edinburgh Castle and takes visitors on a journey through centuries of history as they explore this magnificent fortress. The tour includes visits to St Margaret’s Chapel (the oldest building in Edinburgh), Mons Meg (a massive 15th century siege gun), the Royal Apartments and the Great Hall. The tour also includes a visit to the castle’s dungeons – an unforgettable experience for those brave enough to enter! Visitors can book an Edinburgh Castle Evening Tour through Viator for an unforgettable experience exploring this iconic landmark after dark.

Edinburgh Ghost Tour

This two-hour guided tour takes visitors on a spooky journey through some of Edinburgh’s most haunted places including Canongate Kirkyard – a graveyard filled with centuries-old graves – Greyfriars Kirkyard – home to “The Mackenzie Poltergeist’ – and Huntly House – home to many spirits including “The Green Lady’. Visitors will also explore underground vaults that were once used as prisons during the 18th century. This tour is not suitable for those under 12 years old or those with a fear of ghosts! Visitors can book an Edinburgh Ghost Tour through GetYourGuide for an unforgettable experience exploring this mysterious city after dark.

Conclusion

Edinburgh is a magical city filled with history, culture, natural beauty and plenty of attractions for visitors to explore. From its ancient castles to its vibrant nightlife, there is something for everyone in this captivating city. Whether you want to explore Edinburgh Castle or take a spooky journey through its underground vaults, there are plenty of tours available that can offer something special for all ages and interests. So what are you waiting for? Make sure to check out all that Edinburgh has to offer on your next trip!