Scotland's capital city sits atop an extinct volcano. It's home to a medieval castle, winding cobblestone streets, and hosts the world's largest arts festival each August.
Edinburgh, Scotland's capital, is a city where medieval streets wind beneath a castle perched on an extinct volcano. You can walk the Royal Mile, climb Arthur's Seat, or visit the National Museum of Scotland. In August, the city transforms during the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, filling with performers from around the globe. Edinburgh's literary past is evident in places like the Writers' Museum, while its present-day food scene offers both traditional and innovative dining experiences.
Exploring Old Town and New Town
Edinburgh's Old Town and New Town, both UNESCO World Heritage Sites, show the city's architectural changes over time. In Old Town, you'll walk cobblestone streets lined with tall, narrow buildings from medieval times. The Royal Mile, running from Edinburgh Castle to Holyrood Palace, is Old Town's main street. As you explore, you'll discover closes (alleyways) and wynds (narrow lanes) that offer insights into the city's history. New Town, built in the 18th and 19th centuries, looks quite different with its wide streets and Georgian architecture. You can see elegant townhouses and crescents, especially around Charlotte Square and George Street.
Edinburgh Castle and Royal Mile
Edinburgh Castle sits atop Castle Rock, visible from much of the city. Inside, you can see the Scottish Crown Jewels, known as the Honours of Scotland, and the Stone of Destiny, used in coronation ceremonies. The castle also contains the National War Museum and offers extensive views over Edinburgh. As you walk down from the castle, you'll be on the Royal Mile. This historic street includes St. Giles' Cathedral, known for its crown spire, and the Scottish Parliament Building, a modern structure among older surroundings. The street has many shops selling Scottish items, including whisky and tartan.
Arthur's Seat and Holyrood Park
For some outdoor activity within the city, go to Holyrood Park and climb Arthur's Seat. This extinct volcano is 251 meters above sea level and provides a challenging hike. From the top, you can see Edinburgh, the Firth of Forth, and the surrounding area. The park also has the ruins of St. Anthony's Chapel and Duddingston Loch, home to many bird species. After your hike, you might visit the nearby Palace of Holyroodhouse, where the British monarch stays when in Scotland.
Edinburgh Festival Fringe and Cultural Events
Each August, Edinburgh hosts the world's largest arts festival, the Edinburgh Festival Fringe. The city fills with performers, including comedians, musicians, and theater groups. You can see shows in many types of venues, from large theaters to small basement rooms. At the same time, the Edinburgh International Festival presents performances in classical music, theater, and dance. Throughout the year, you can attend other events like the Edinburgh International Book Festival and the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo.
Museums and Galleries
Edinburgh has museums covering many topics. The National Museum of Scotland takes you through the country's history, from prehistoric times to today. It also has collections about science, technology, and world cultures. The Scottish National Gallery displays paintings from the Renaissance to the early 20th century, including works by Scottish artists. The Writers' Museum focuses on the lives of Scottish authors Robert Burns, Sir Walter Scott, and Robert Louis Stevenson. For something different, visit the Camera Obscura and World of Illusions, where you can try interactive exhibits and optical illusions.
