Must Visit Edinburgh

Edinburgh, the historic capital of Scotland, is full of charm and character. From its impressive UNESCO World Heritage-listed Old Town to its vibrant culture, Edinburgh has something to offer everyone. Whether you’re visiting for a few days or a few weeks, there’s plenty to see and do. From its stunning architecture to its vibrant festivals, there’s no shortage of activities to fill your time in Scotland’s second-largest city.

History of Edinburgh

Edinburgh has a rich and colourful history. It was founded in the late 12th century as a royal burgh by King David I of Scotland. Over the centuries it grew into an important city and eventually became the capital of Scotland in the 15th century. In the 17th century, Edinburgh was at the centre of the Scottish Enlightenment and became known for its scientific and philosophical achievements.

Edinburgh was also heavily involved in the industrial revolution and developed into an important manufacturing centre. In the 19th century, the city was noted for its remarkable engineering feats, such as the construction of the world’s first passenger railway line. Today, Edinburgh is a thriving cultural hub with a variety of attractions and activities, from its famous festivals to its thriving art scene.

Things to Do in Edinburgh

Edinburgh is full of exciting things to do and see. From its world-famous festivals to its stunning architecture, there’s no shortage of activities to keep you entertained. Here are just a few of the many things to do in Edinburgh:

Festivals

Edinburgh is renowned for its festivals, which include the world-famous Edinburgh Festival Fringe and Edinburgh International Festival. Every year, visitors flock to the city to enjoy the vibrant atmosphere and diverse range of events, from comedy shows to classical music concerts. Other notable festivals include the Edinburgh Jazz & Blues Festival, the Edinburgh Science Festival and the Edinburgh International Book Festival.

Architecture

Edinburgh is home to some of the most beautiful architecture in Europe. The city’s most famous landmark is Edinburgh Castle, a medieval fortress perched atop Castle Rock. Other impressive buildings include the Gothic St Giles’ Cathedral and the neoclassical Royal Botanic Garden. The Old Town’s narrow cobbled streets are lined with 17th-century tenements, while the New Town offers impressive Georgian terraces and squares.

Museums

Edinburgh is home to a variety of museums and galleries. The National Museum of Scotland is one of the city’s most popular attractions, with its vast collection of artifacts from around the world. Other notable museums include the National War Museum and the National Gallery of Scotland. There are also several smaller galleries and museums devoted to topics such as art, history and science.

Outdoor Activities

Edinburgh is an ideal destination for outdoor enthusiasts. The city is surrounded by stunning scenery and offers plenty of outdoor activities, from hiking in Arthur’s Seat to kayaking on the River Forth. There are also several parks and gardens for visitors to explore, such as Princes Street Gardens and Calton Hill.

Popular Tours in Edinburgh

Visiting Edinburgh is a great way to experience Scottish culture and history at its finest. To get an even better understanding of the city, why not book one of these popular tours?

Edinburgh hop-on hop-off Tour

The Edinburgh hop-on hop-off tour gives visitors an easy way to explore the city’s most popular sights. The tour starts at Waverley Bridge and takes visitors on a route that includes all the main landmarks such as Edinburgh Castle, Holyrood Palace and the National Museum of Scotland. Passengers can hop off at any stops along the route to explore or take photos, before hopping back on to continue their tour. The tour takes around two hours and includes audio commentary in multiple languages.

Book an Edinburgh hop-on hop-off tour here.

Edinburgh Castle Tour

The Edinburgh Castle Tour is an excellent way to learn about one of Scotland’s most iconic fortresses. During this guided tour, visitors can explore all areas of the castle, including St Margaret’s Chapel, Mons Meg and the Royal Palace. The tour also includes an audio guide in multiple languages, so visitors can learn all about the castle’s long history as they explore. The tour takes around two hours and includes access to all areas of the castle.

Book an Edinburgh castle tour here.

Scottish Whisky Tour

The Scottish Whisky Tour is an excellent way for visitors to learn about Scotland’s national drink – whisky! During this guided tour, visitors will have the chance to visit a whisky distillery and learn about how whisky is made using traditional methods. The tour also includes a tasting session and the chance to buy some whisky souvenirs at the distillery shop. The tour takes around three hours and includes both audio commentary and a knowledgeable guide who will answer all your whisky-related questions!

Book a Scottish whisky tour here.

Conclusion

Edinburgh is an exciting and vibrant city with plenty to see and do. From its impressive UNESCO World Heritage-listed Old Town to its annual festivals, there’s something for everyone in this exciting city. Whether you’re looking for culture or outdoor activities, or just want to explore one of Scotland’s most iconic cities, Edinburgh has something for everyone!