Edinburgh is the capital of Scotland and one of the most captivating cities in the United Kingdom. It sits on seven hills overlooking the Firth of Forth. The Old Town winds along the Royal Mile from Edinburgh Castle to Holyrood Palace. It is a maze of medieval alleys called closes and wynds. The New Town was built in the 18th century with elegant Georgian architecture. Together they form a UNESCO World Heritage site. Edinburgh has a population of approximately 530,000 people. But the city welcomes over 4 million visitors each year. The city is famous for its festivals, especially the Edinburgh Festival Fringe in August. The Fringe is the largest arts festival in the world featuring over 50,000 performances each year. Edinburgh is also a city of literature. It was the first UNESCO City of Literature in 2004. Writers like Sir Walter Scott and Robert Louis Stevenson have called Edinburgh home.

Edinburgh Castle

Edinburgh Castle is the most famous landmark in Scotland. It sits atop Castle Rock, a volcanic plug that rises 120 meters above sea level. The oldest surviving building is St. Margaret’s Chapel built in the 12th century. The Crown Jewels of Scotland are displayed in the Crown Room. The Stone of Destiny is also kept here. It was used for centuries in the coronation of Scottish kings. The One o’Clock Gun fires every day at exactly 1 PM except Sundays. This tradition dates back to 1861. Admission to the castle costs approximately GBP 19.50 for adults. Allow at least two to three hours for a visit. The views from the castle ramparts are spectacular, stretching across the city to the Firth of Forth.

The Royal Mile

The Royal Mile is the main thoroughfare of Edinburgh’s Old Town. It runs for one Scottish mile, approximately 1.81 kilometers, from the castle to Holyrood Palace. St. Giles’ Cathedral is the most important church on the Royal Mile. It dates back to the 14th century with a distinctive crown spire that is a symbol of Edinburgh. The Real Mary King’s Close is an underground street sealed off after the plague of 1645. It has been preserved as a tourist attraction revealing how people lived in the 17th century. The Scotch Whisky Experience offers an interactive tour of Scotland’s national drink. Prices start at approximately GBP 17 for adults. Street performers and musicians add energy to the Royal Mile throughout the day.

Arthur’s Seat and Holyrood Park

Arthur’s Seat is the highest point in Edinburgh at 251 meters above sea level. It is the remains of an extinct volcano that last erupted 340 million years ago. The summit offers panoramic views of the entire city. The hike takes approximately 30 to 45 minutes. Holyrood Park surrounds Arthur’s Seat and covers 260 hectares. The park has three lochs and the dramatic Salisbury Crags cliffs. The park is free to enter and open year-round. Sunrise and sunset are the most beautiful times to hike. Holyrood Palace sits at the base of the park and is the official residence of the British monarch in Scotland.

Edinburgh Festivals

Edinburgh is famous for its festivals. The Edinburgh Festival Fringe is the largest arts festival in the world. It runs for three weeks in August. The first Fringe took place in 1947. Today the Fringe features over 50,000 performances across more than 300 venues. Tickets range from free to approximately GBP 20. The Edinburgh International Festival focuses on classical music, opera, and theatre. The Military Tattoo takes place on the Esplanade of Edinburgh Castle each August with military bands from around the world. Tickets range from GBP 30 to GBP 200. The city also hosts a spectacular Hogmanay celebration on New Year’s Eve attracting over 100,000 people.

Day Trips from Edinburgh

Edinburgh is an excellent base for exploring Scotland. The Scottish Highlands begin just an hour north. Stirling is a historic city 45 minutes from Edinburgh by train. Stirling Castle was the childhood home of Mary Queen of Scots. The Wallace Monument commemorates William Wallace. Admission costs approximately GBP 12. The Kingdom of Fife includes St. Andrews, famous for its university and golf courses. The Old Course at St. Andrews is the oldest golf course in the world dating back to the 15th century. Rosslyn Chapel is a mysterious 15th-century chapel made famous by the Da Vinci Code. It is located 30 minutes south of Edinburgh. Admission costs approximately GBP 10.

Would you spend your Edinburgh holiday exploring the castle and Royal Mile, hiking Arthur’s Seat, or using the city as a base for exploring the Scottish Highlands?

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