An Introduction to Edinburgh

Edinburgh is Scotland’s vibrant and historic capital city, lying at the heart of the country. With its dramatic skyline of craggy castle ramparts, towering spires and historic buildings, Edinburgh has a unique atmosphere that has captivated visitors for centuries. The city is known for its vibrant nightlife, rich history and stunning architecture, making it one of the most visited cities in Europe.

The city of Edinburgh dates back to at least the 6th century, and was officially founded in the 12th century. It was once home to many important historical figures, such as Robert the Bruce and Mary Queen of Scots. In the 18th century, Edinburgh became the centre of the Enlightenment movement and was one of the most important cities in Europe. Today, it is a bustling metropolis that combines its impressive history with modern culture and amenities.

Edinburgh is home to around 500,000 people, making it the second largest city in Scotland. It is a very popular tourist destination and attractions such as Edinburgh Castle, the Royal Mile and Calton Hill draw in millions of visitors from all over the world every year. The city is also renowned for its lively nightlife, great shopping, numerous festivals, and world-class museums and galleries.

Top Places To Visit In Edinburgh

Edinburgh has a wealth of places to visit that will appeal to everyone from first-time visitors to long-term residents. Whether you’re interested in history, nature, art or entertainment, there’s something for everyone in Edinburgh. Here are some of the top places to visit in Edinburgh:

Edinburgh Castle

Edinburgh Castle is one of the most iconic landmarks in Scotland and a must-visit destination for tourists visiting Edinburgh. The castle stands atop an extinct volcano, dominating the skyline of the city. It has been a royal residence since the 12th century and has been a witness to many battles and sieges. Visitors can explore the castle’s many buildings and exhibits including St Margaret’s chapel, its oldest surviving building, and the royal apartments. It is also home to the famous One O’Clock Gun which is fired every day at 1pm.

Royal Mile

The Royal Mile is one of Edinburgh’s most famous streets. It runs from Edinburgh Castle all the way down to Holyrood Palace, covering a distance of one mile (1.6km). Along its length are many historic buildings, monuments and attractions such as St Giles Cathedral and the John Knox House. There are also many pubs, shops and cafes to explore as you wander down the cobbled street.

Calton Hill

Calton Hill is one of the best places to get a view of Edinburgh’s skyline. It is home to many monuments and memorials such as Nelson’s Monument and the National Monument of Scotland. It is also a great place to watch the sunset over the city.

Arthur’s Seat

Arthur’s Seat is an extinct volcano which stands at 250m high and offers stunning views over Edinburgh and across Scotland. It is a popular spot for hikers who want to explore its many paths and trails. It is also home to a colony of wild goats who can be seen grazing on its slopes.

Holyrood Park

Holyrood Park is a royal park located at the foot of Arthur’s Seat. It covers an area of 640 acres and includes Salisbury Crags, an impressive cliff face with stunning views over Edinburgh. The park is also home to many species of wildlife such as red deer, foxes, hares and badgers.

National Museum of Scotland

The National Museum of Scotland is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Edinburgh. It houses over 20 galleries filled with exhibits on science, technology, art, design, history and natural history. Highlights include exhibits on dinosaurs, space exploration and Scottish history.

Palace of Holyroodhouse

The Palace of Holyroodhouse is a royal palace located at the end of the Royal Mile. It has been the official residence of British monarchs since 1603 and has witnessed many important events in Scotland’s history. Visitors can explore its opulent interiors which include paintings by Rembrandt, Rubens and Van Dyck as well as its extensive gardens which are open to the public.

Greyfriars Kirkyard

Greyfriars Kirkyard is a cemetery located close to Edinburgh Castle that dates back to 1565. It is home to many notable figures from Scotland’s history such as philosopher David Hume and writer Robert Louis Stevenson. It also has a resident colony of wild grey squirrels which can often be seen scampering around its headstones.

Popular Tours In Edinburgh

Tours are a great way to get an insight into some of Edinburgh’s most famous attractions and historical sites. Here are two popular tours in Edinburgh that you can book:

Edinburgh Castle Tour

The Edinburgh Castle Tour is an informative walking tour that takes visitors through the history of Edinburgh Castle from its founding in 1093 up to present day. The tour includes a guided walk through each section of the castle as well as an exploration into its many historical events such as sieges and battles. After exploring the castle itself guests will be taken to locations around Edinburgh that have been associated with the castle throughout its long history such as St Giles Cathedral and John Knox House. The tour lasts around two hours and can be booked here.

Ghosts And Ghouls Of Old Town Tour

The Ghosts And Ghouls Of Old Town Tour takes visitors on a spooky journey through some of Edinburgh’s darkest secrets. The tour passes by some of Old Town’s oldest buildings including Greyfriars Kirkyard and Mary King’s Close before exploring underground caverns beneath the city streets which were once used as plague pits during times of disease outbreak in Edinburgh. The tour lasts around 90 minutes and can be booked here.

Conclusion

Edinburgh is an incredible city with so much to offer visitors from all over the world. From its impressive history to its lively nightlife, there’s something for everyone here. Use this guide to help you find your way around this amazing city and explore some of its top attractions and tours!