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
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Holyrood Park Visitor Guide
Arthur’s Seat in the middle of Holyrood Park is one of the highlights of any visit to Edinburgh, mainly because the top of this ancient volcanic plug offers unrivalled views of the city. Discover Holyrood Park in this complete guide which includes an overview, useful visiting advice, and immersive 360° photos.
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How to Find Outlander Filming Locations Near Edinburgh
The first season of the hit TV show Outlander was filmed in Scotland, and many of those early episodes were filmed near Edinburgh at places like Doune Castle near Stirling, East Linton Mills in East Lothian, and the village of Culross in Fife. Discover all of the Outlander filming locations in and around Edinburgh in…
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John Knox House Visitor Guide
John Knox House dates back to 1470 and can be found on Edinburgh’s Royal Mile. The building is now a public museum that depicts the story of the Scottish enlightenment and the battles between Knox, Mossman, and Queen Mary through a series of displays and artefacts.
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Lauriston Castle Visitor Guide
Lauriston Castle is a 16th and 19th century mansion house in Edinburgh that’s open for guided tours and walks around landscaped gardens. This historic attraction is managed by Museums & Galleries Edinburgh who maintain the sumptuous Edwardian decor that’s unchanged from the time the last owners moved out in the 1920s. Discover this hidden gem…
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Leith Visitor Guide
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.
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Museum of Childhood Visitor Guide
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…
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Museum on the Mound Visitor Guide
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…
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Ocean Terminal Visitor Guide
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),…
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OMNi Centre Visitor Guide
If you’re looking for a one-stop destination for entertainment and dining, then the Omni Centre is the perfect place to visit. Located in the heart of Edinburgh, this multi-purpose complex offers a variety of activities for visitors of all ages, from catching the latest blockbuster movie to indulging in dishes from a variety of restaurants.…
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Parish Church of St. Cuthbert Visitor Guide
In this post, we’ll explore the Parish Church of St. Cuthbert in Edinburgh, a stunning architectural marvel nestled in the heart of Scotland’s capital on the westernmost edge of Princes Street Gardens. Boasting a unique blend of architectural styles, the church has undergone several renovations over the centuries and is now one of the most…
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Portobello Beach Visitor Guide
Welcome to Portobello Beach, a charming seaside suburb of Edinburgh. In this article, you’ll take a good look around this beautiful beach which has two miles of golden sand that is perfect for sunbathing. Portobello Beach is a great place to relax and enjoy the sea breeze, and as it’s just a few miles from…
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Princes Street Gardens Visitor Guide
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…
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Royal Botanic Garden Visitor Guide
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.
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Royal Highland Show Visitor Guide
The Royal Highland Show is Scotland’s largest farming and countryside event. The show was founded in 1822 and is held annually at the Royal Highland Centre in Ingliston, Edinburgh. What started as a simple gathering for farmers to trade cattle has now become one of the country’s top events, attracting up to 200,000 visitors each…
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Royal Mile Visitor Guide
The historic Royal Mile in Edinburgh connects the Palace of Holyrood at the bottom to Edinburgh Castle at the top, on a road that is one mile in length (hence the name). The road runs through the heart of Edinburgh’s Old Town and is one of the top tourist destinations in the city thanks to…
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Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art Visitor Guide
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.
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Scottish National Gallery Visitor Guide
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…
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Scottish National Portrait Gallery Visitor Guide
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…
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Scottish Parliament Building Visitor Guide
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.…
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St Mary’s Episcopal Cathedral Visitor Guide
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…
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St. Giles Cathedral Visitor Guide
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…
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The Balmoral Hotel Visitor Guide
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.
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The Best Beaches Near Edinburgh
In this article, we’ll set out to discover the hidden gems of Scotland’s southeast coastline, specifically around the nation’s capital city of Edinburgh. Nestled along the shoreline you’ll find an array of stunning beaches just waiting to be explored – some of which see very few tourists even in the height of summer. In this…
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The Best Places 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…
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