Edinburgh
Edinburgh
Edinburgh is a city that effortlessly combines ancient history with a vibrant, cosmopolitan atmosphere. Nestled on the southeast coast of Scotland, it’s a city of remarkable contrasts and stunning beauty.
The city borders the shores of the Firth of Forth to the north and the Pentland Hills to the south in a landscape that’s peppered with rugged hills and crags that are dominated by Castle Rock, a hill in the middle of the city that is the location of the world-famous Edinburgh Castle. Nearby is Arthur’s Seat, an 823-foot volcanic plug that is the focal point of Holyrood Park, and just a few minutes walk in the opposite direction is Calton Hill, home to many of the city’s most famous landmarks.
Edinburgh boasts a long history dating back to the earliest people who settled in Scotland. It was once home to the powerful Votadini tribe before it became an outpost of Northumbria, transitioning over the years to become the powerbase of Scottish royalty and eventually the capital city of Scotland. Today, it’s best known as a tourist destination, but it’s also a centre of excellence for learning, particularly in the field of medicine, in addition to being a hub for many of the UK’s largest financial institutions.
The Old Town and New Town, both UNESCO World Heritage Sites, are a testament to the city’s architectural splendour, with the Old Town’s sprawling collection of medieval closes contrasting starkly with the neoclassical grace of the New Town’s wide, orderly streets.
As for tourist attractions, Edinburgh is a treasure trove. The most iconic is undoubtedly Edinburgh Castle, perched atop Castle Rock and dominating the city skyline. The Royal Mile stretches away from the castle towards Holyrood Park and is lined with museums, a cathedral, and dozens of historic buildings like John Knox House and Canongate Kirk.
The Palace of Holyroodhouse (the official residence of the British monarch in Scotland) lies at the bottom of the Royal Mile and is a must-visit for history buffs, while those interested in literature and the arts can take their pick from the Scottish National Gallery, the Museum of Edinburgh, and the Writers’ Museum, all of which are just a short walk from the castle.
The city is also home to a number of festivals that are staged throughout the year including the world’s largest arts festival, the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, the International Book Festival, the Royal Military Tattoo, and the Edinburgh International Festival, amongst many others
Nature and wildlife lovers, meanwhile, can enjoy the beautiful Water of Leith, cycle along miles of footpaths next to the Union Canal, have fun at the superb Edinburgh Zoo, or visit the stunning Royal Botanic Garden.
Subcategories
Leith
Leith is a historic district of Edinburgh that centres around the Water of Leith, Leith harbour, and the restaurant-packed Shore. The district has a rich maritime history but it is now a popular tourist destination thanks to its combination of trendy bars, award winning restaurants, superb shopping areas and attractions including the Royal Yacht Britannia.
Museum of Childhood
Edinburgh is a treasure trove of history, culture, and unforgettable experiences. Among its many attractions, one stands out that not only takes you back in time but also brings out the child in you – the Museum of Childhood. In this article, you’ll find a comprehensive guide to visiting the Museum of Childhood that will…
Museum on the Mound
The Museum on the Mound is located in the Bank of Scotland building in the centre of Edinburgh. The free museum delves into the history of money in a collection of money-themed artefacts and displays that cover trade, art and design, technology, crime and much more. Discover the Museum on the Mound with this complete…
Ocean Terminal, Edinburgh
The iconic Ocean Terminal waterfront shopping and leisure complex in Edinburgh is an unmissable destination for locals and tourists alike, offering a unique blend of retail therapy, entertainment, and fine dining experiences. With its eclectic mix of high-street brands and independent boutiques, cinema, gym, and the impressive Royal Yacht Britannia (one of Scotland’s highest-rated attractions),…
OMNi Centre, Edinburgh
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Parish Church of St. Cuthbert
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Portobello Beach
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Princes Street Gardens, Edinburgh
Princes Street Gardens in Edinburgh is one of the largest public spaces in the city. Originally a body of water called the Nor Loch, the gardens were designed in the 1770s but weren’t created until 1820 when the loch was drained. Today, the gardens are a popular recreational area that features a number of popular…
Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh
The Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh features over 70 acres of beautifully landscaped gardens housing 100,000 plants just one mile from the city centre. The popular attraction is famed for its diverse plant collections that include alpines, Scottish wildflowers, tropical flowers and trees from across the globe.
Scottish National Gallery
The Scottish National Gallery in Edinburgh is home to some of the world’s greatest artworks, as well as an extensive collection of Scottish masterpieces. The gallery is adjacent to the Royal Scottish Academy between East and West Princes Street Gardens where visitors can relax in a purpose-built restaurant and café with terrace seating. See all…
Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art
The National Gallery of Modern Art in Edinburgh cares for, researches and displays the national collection of modern art. The gallery also stages art exhibitions and offers visitors the chance to explore artworks in its large grounds as well as indoors in the two 19th-century buildings.
Scottish National Portrait Gallery
The Scottish National Portrait Gallery offers a captivating window into the lives and legacies of illustrious Scots as well as the important events that shaped Scotland into the country it is today. This article delves into the world of portraiture to show you exactly what it’s like to visit the Scottish National Portrait Gallery in…
Scottish Parliament Building
The Scottish Parliament Building is situated opposite Holyrood Palace in Edinburgh. It is the seat of the Scottish Government and is open daily for guided tours. The building is a triumph of design but it has drawn a great deal of criticism over its cost which was more than ten times over the original budget.…
St Mary’s Episcopal Cathedral, Edinburgh
In this article, you’ll discover the magnificent St Mary’s Episcopal Cathedral, an architectural gem nestled in the heart of Edinburgh. This awe-inspiring building, with its soaring spires and intricate stonework, has been an integral part of the city’s skyline since its consecration in 1879. Even though it’s the largest religious site in the city it’s…
St. Giles Cathedral, Edinburgh
St. Giles Cathedral has been a focal point for religious activity in Edinburgh for over 900 years, although the present structure that we see today can trace its roots back to the 14th century. Due to its central location on The Royal Mile, St. Giles has become a popular tourist attraction and is an ideal…
The Balmoral Hotel, Edinburgh
The Balmoral Hotel is a historic building situated in the heart of Princes Street in Edinburgh, Scotland. The luxury hotel is located next to Waverley train station and was built in 1902 by the North British Railway Company. Today, it is a popular landmark that attracts visitors to its superb restaurants and bars.
The Best Attractions to Visit Near Edinburgh
As one of the most vibrant cities in the UK, Edinburgh is a top destination for tourists from around the world. The city centre is a treasure trove of attractions, but many visitors don’t realize there are just as many sights and experiences to be found outside of the city limits. A collection of amazing…
The Best Places to Visit in Edinburgh City Centre
Edinburgh is regarded as one of the top tourist destinations in Britain, second only to London for the number of attractions within it. As wonderful as places like the Botanic Gardens and the Royal Yacht Britannia are, they’re a little further away from the city centre than many tourists have time for. With that thought…
The Best Places to Visit in Edinburgh’s Old Town
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The Best Things to Do in Edinburgh for Adults
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The Best Things to Do in Edinburgh for Couples
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The Best Things to Do in Edinburgh for Families
Edinburgh hosts 12 major cultural events each year including The Fringe (the world’s biggest arts festival) and Edinburgh’s Hogmanay (one of the biggest street parties in the world). Edinburgh is also a UNESCO City of Literature and the city centre is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Discover the best family attractions in Edinburgh with this…
The Best Things to Do in Edinburgh on a Rainy Day
It rains a lot in Edinburgh – especially in winter – so visitors need to know exactly where to go and what to do when the clouds inevitably turn grey. Discover the best things to do in Edinburgh on a rainy day with this guide which includes details of the best indoor attractions such as…
The Best Things to Do in Edinburgh With Teenagers
The historic city of Edinburgh is brimming with exciting attractions for teenagers, including some of the best museums in Britain as well as beaches, shopping centres, and more cinemas and trendy restaurants than could ever be fitted into a single visit. In this article, we’ll dive into a world of fun and discovery as we…
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