A visit to Edinburgh is always a joy. It is an incredible city that stands shoulder to shoulder with any other city. Its landmarks are justly acclaimed. The old city’s weathered wynds have stirred imaginations down the ages. The stylish arrangement of the new town is still as striking as in the late 18th century.
After the last three years, the hassles and tragedies of which we needn’t elaborate, Edinburgh is a cool and accessible city break for anyone in the United Kingdom.
Here are five reasons to visit Edinburgh and enjoy the best of Scotland’s capital city.
1. Edinburgh Castle
Edinburgh Castle is the symbol of the Scottish capital, and it is the tourist site most frequented by visitors. Visiting it is a must on your trip to Scotland.
Perched on its rocky outcrop on the hill of Castle Hill, it dominates Edinburgh and offers a vast panorama of the city and its surroundings.
The castle has the advantage of being very varied: you’ll discover sections of Scottish history, the life of an illustrious character, Mary Queen of Scots. You’ll explore ceremonial rooms like the famous Great Hall.
Far from any royal pomp, you’ll also learn about the life of prisoners in the jails of the royal castle.
Allow an average of three hours of your time to explore Edinburgh Castle. As well as seeing the castle’s exterior, courtyards and rooms, visit the National War Museum, the Chapel of St. Margaret and the Crown Jewels exhibition.
As this is a self-guided tour, the order is up to you.
The castle complex is quite large and is divided into different areas (there is no prescribed order to follow). It’s best to get a map at the entrance so that you don’t miss anything and can orient yourself.
2. Scottish Beer
People bleat on about Scotch Whisky till the Highland cows come home. Quite right too. But did you know Scotland produces some outstanding beers?
There are stouts, lagers, and ales. You name it! There’s always time to have a few pints amidst the beauty of the capital’s architecture and have a ‘blether’ (chat) with the locals.
One of the most exciting places to check out Scottish beer is the Innis & Gunn’s Edinburgh Brewery Taproom. There are so many different styles of beer to try, and the service is second to none.
Located at Lothian Road, in the heart of the city centre, the Taproom is a great place to start a little pub crawl or relax with a few beers and some great food before retiring to your hotel.
And, yes, there’s whisky and cocktails available too!
3. The National Portrait Gallery.
The Scottish National Gallery (formerly the National Gallery of Scotland) is the national art gallery of Scotland and is based in The Mound in the centre city of Edinburgh, near Princes Street. The Scottish National Gallery is regarded as one of the best national galleries globally for its comprehensive collection of art.
The building itself is an outstanding piece of design too. Designed in a neoclassical manner by William Henry Playfair, it was unveiled to the public in 1859.
It incorporates Scotland’s national art collection and houses Scottish and international pieces ranging from the Renaissance to the early 20th century. Take a wander around the beautiful corridors and admire an outstanding range of art that’s truly breathtaking,
The gallery is open to the public for free, and you can spend as much time as you want to look at the incredible artwork on display. There are also often special exhibitions that celebrate a particular artist or period in art history.
4. Old Calton Burial Ground at Carlton Hill
Just a short walk from Princes Street in Newtown is Calton Hill. With steps and developed paths, the hill, which was formerly intended as a park for the population to relax, not only offers a great view of Edinburgh. Incidentally, here is also one or the other sight. For example, the Old Calton Burial Ground, the oldest structure on the hill, is the final resting place of David Humes, the famous Scottish philosopher.
But the most striking thing when entering the former park is the acropolis-like structure in the middle, the National Monument.
And then there is the obelisk, the towering monument to the five political martyrs. One of them, for example, is Thomas Muir, who is considered the father of Scottish democracy.
In the spirit of the French Revolution, Muir also campaigned for civil rights in Scotland. He was promptly deported to the penal colony in Australia in 1794. Although he managed to escape to Paris, he died there in 1799.
The obelisk looks almost better from a distance, as it is part of the ensemble of the entire Calton Hill.
Altogether a breathtaking walk with interesting history and incredible views across the city.
5. The Royal Botanical Gardens.
The Royal Botanic Gardens in Edinburgh offer you one of the greatest botanical gardens anywhere on earth and are only a brief stroll from Edinburgh’s city centre.
Its purpose is to research, preserve and educate about the fascinating flora of the world for a bright future. If you need peace away from the buzz of the city centre of Edinburgh, this is the perfect spot. Open all year round. The gardens have 72 acres of stunning landscapes and grounds.
Make a point of stopping by to check out the greenhouses, which house over 2,400 plants from various nations and provide a truly magical and peaceful escape. Every greenhouse features a unique atmosphere and houses a range of tropical species from around the globe.
There are thousands of other amazing things to see in Edinburgh. A few days away in Scotland’s capital is the perfect start to the summer.