Edinburgh Tourist Attractions

Edinburgh is one of the most beautiful and historic cities in Europe. Located in the east of Scotland, it’s the second largest city in Scotland and the seventh most populous in the United Kingdom. The city is known for its stunning architecture, historical monuments, and breathtaking landscapes. It’s also a major cultural hub, with a vibrant art scene and lively nightlife.

Edinburgh has been a popular tourist destination for centuries, and each year millions of visitors come to explore its many attractions. It was founded in 8th century AD by the Picts and the Angles, and it has been an important center of power ever since. The city served as the capital of Scotland from 1437 to 1707 and has been home to many famous people such as Robert Burns, David Hume, and JK Rowling.

Today, Edinburgh is a bustling metropolis with plenty to offer visitors. There are numerous museums, art galleries, and historic sites to explore. There are also a plethora of restaurants and pubs to choose from, as well as plenty of shops and markets to find unique souvenirs. Edinburgh is also home to several annual events, including the world-famous Edinburgh Festival Fringe and Hogmanay celebrations.

History of Edinburgh

The history of Edinburgh dates back to 8th century AD when it was founded by the Picts and the Angles. It was then known as Eidyn and it served as a major fortress for northern Scotland. In the 11th century, King Malcolm III of Scotland made Edinburgh his royal residence and it became the capital of Scotland in 1437. During this period, Edinburgh became a center for politics and culture. The first university in Scotland was founded in 1582 and the city grew rapidly through the 18th century with the advent of the Enlightenment. In 1707, Scotland joined England to form the United Kingdom and Edinburgh became a major center for intellectual debate and economic activity.

Today, Edinburgh is a vibrant and diverse city with a population of over 500,000 people. It’s a major tourist destination and it’s known for its stunning architecture, historical monuments, lively nightlife, and world-renowned annual events. Edinburgh is also home to several universities and is one of Europe’s most important financial centers.

Things to Do in Edinburgh

There are countless things to do in Edinburgh for all ages. Whether you’re a culture buff or an outdoor enthusiast, you’ll find plenty of activities to keep you entertained. Here are some of the top attractions in Edinburgh:

Edinburgh Castle

Edinburgh Castle is one of the most famous landmarks in the city and it sits atop an extinct volcano in the heart of the city. The castle has been an important military stronghold since the 12th century and has served as a royal residence for centuries. Today, visitors can explore the castle’s many rooms and attractions, such as St Margaret’s Chapel, the Royal Palace, the half moon battery, and much more.

Royal Mile

The Royal Mile is a cobblestone street that runs between Edinburgh Castle and Holyrood Palace. It’s lined with shops, pubs, restaurants, and historical monuments that offer an up-close look at Edinburgh’s past. Along the mile you’ll find several attractions such as St Giles’ Cathedral, Mercat Cross, Canongate Kirk, and much more.

Holyrood Palace

Holyrood Palace is the official residence of the British monarch in Scotland. The palace dates back to the 16th century and was once home to Mary Queen of Scots. Today, visitors can explore its many rooms, gardens, and courtyards as well as see artifacts from its past inhabitants.

National Museum of Scotland

The National Museum of Scotland is one of the most visited museums in Scotland. Located in the heart of Edinburgh, it houses a vast collection of artifacts from all around the world including Ancient Egyptian mummies, Chinese jade carvings, Scottish natural history specimens, Impressionist paintings, and much more.

Arthur’s Seat

Arthur’s Seat is an extinct volcano located in Holyrood Park that offers stunning views over Edinburgh. The peak stands at 251 meters above sea level and visitors can climb it for a truly breathtaking experience.

Calton Hill

Calton Hill is another great viewpoint in Edinburgh offering panoramic views of the cityscape. It’s also home to several monuments such as the Nelson Monument, Dugald Stewart Monument, Robert Burns Monument, and much more.

Royal Botanic Garden

The Royal Botanic Garden is one of the most beautiful gardens in Scotland with 70 acres of landscaped grounds and diverse flora from around the world. Visitors can explore its many gardens or take a guided tour to learn more about its history.

Popular Tours in Edinburgh

In addition to exploring the city on your own, there are also a variety of tours available for visitors who want to experience more of what Edinburgh has to offer. Here are two popular tours that are worth considering:

Edinburgh Walking Tour

This two-hour walking tour takes visitors through Edinburgh’s old town district as they learn about its history from experienced local guides. Along the way you’ll visit historical sites such as St Giles’ Cathedral, Greyfriars Kirkyard, Mercat Cross, Parliament Close, and much more. You’ll also learn about legendary characters like Greyfriar Bobby and Deacon Brodie as well as have time to explore independently before finishing back at St Giles’ Cathedral. You can book an Edinburgh walking tour online or on-site at any tour office or hotel reception desk in the city center.

Edinburgh Ghost Tour

The Edinburgh Ghost Tour is a 90-minute walking tour that takes visitors through some of the city’s spookiest sites such as Greyfriars Kirkyard and South Bridge Vaults. Led by experienced local guides, you’ll learn about haunted tales from Edinburgh’s past as well as some modern day ghost stories from those who have experienced them first hand! You can book an Edinburgh Ghost Tour online or on-site at any tour office or hotel reception desk in the city center.

Conclusion

Edinburgh is one of Europe’s most beautiful cities with plenty to offer visitors. From stunning architecture to lively nightlife and world-renowned annual events such as the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, there are countless attractions that make this city a must-see destination for any traveler. There are also several popular tours available that allow visitors to experience more of what this amazing city has to offer. No matter what type of traveler you are or what kind of activities you enjoy, there’s something for everyone in this wonderful Scottish capital!