Tallinn, Estonia

Tallinn is a favourite with cruise ships, and a big draw for tourists looking for a mix of old and new. The Old Town, which is listed in the UNESCO World Heritage List, is a curious hotchpotch of twisting cobblestone lanes and dramatic spires, framed with old-fashioned iron streetlamps and home to bustling mediaeval markets. The old-fashioned ambience of this beautiful part of the city is juxtaposed by the coffee shops with free Wi-Fi, perfect for a spot of people watching after wandering the Old Town.

Tallinn, Estonia by XisPics

Also part of the Old Town is the Cathedral of Saint Mary the Virgin and the bell tower, which you can climb if you are up to ascending the steps. It’s well worth it if you do manage the climb; the view across the city is spectacular and it’s absolutely free.

Out of the Old Town, Tallinn has plenty to offer in the autumn. If it’s warm, a wander around the Japanese Garden at Kadriog Park is a must, or a visit to The Estonian Open Air Museum in the Rocca al Mare part of the city, where you’ll find a fascinating chunk of Estonian history complete with thatched cottages and traditional Estonian crafts. It’s also a good place for eating al fresco. If a bit of retail therapy is on the cards, Rocca al Mare also houses a huge shopping mall. Art lovers will love the Kumu Art Museum – don’t expect Old Masters though, as this gallery is more for the modern art connoisseur.

To get around the city and see as much as you can, it’s advisable to invest in a Tallinn Card that gives you access to all of the city’s public transport network; buses, trolleybuses or trams. The card also gives you free entry to many of the city’s attractions, including the Open Air Museum and Tallinn zoo.

Edinburgh, Scotland, UK

Autumn and Edinburgh are the perfect combination, offering a period of calm between the frenetic Festival shenanigans and the joyful revelry of Hogmanay. The atmospheric streets of the city lend themselves perfectly to cooler, darker months, and the bounty of pubs and restaurants make Edinburgh the perfect hiding place if the clouds should burst.

Edinburgh, Scotland, UK by a_marga

Edinburgh has no fewer than five Michelin-starred restaurants if you want to indulge your foodie leanings, including Restaurant Martin Wishart in cosmopolitan Leith, which serves beautifully presented and exquisitely tasteful French cuisine… but the prices are eye-watering, so it’s definitely a treat.

When the weather is good, make the most of a walk to Arthur’s Seat and the amazing views across the city. For rainy days, there are galleries galore, or the offbeat shopping streets of Stockbridge, which are perfect for finding one-off boutiques, quirky shops and delis. Grassmarket, in the Old Town, is a great place for anyone looking for vintage clothes or individual fashion shops.

Edinburgh Castle has to be top of everyone’s tourist agenda, with its Stone of Destiny and the Scottish crown jewels to see. If you love your art, take your pick from the Scottish Galleries that offer everything from modern art to old masters.

Not into culture? You don’t have to be! You can play at being a spy and head up to the famous Camera Obscura – see what people are up to down below from the vantage point of the rooftop periscope, which was actually Edinburgh’s first ever official tourist attraction. The Edinburgh Pass will get you admission to the galleries, zoo and many other tours and attractions, from just £30, which is well worth it considering that admission to the Camera Obscura alone is £11.50. When you’ve filled yourself full of sightseeing and you just want to put your feet up with a coffee, the Elephant House is famous for being where J.K. Rowling wrote a rather famous first novel…

Stockholm, Sweden

Another must-see for any autumn tour of Europe worth its salt is Stockholm, ‘The Green and Blue City’. Stockholm is actually 14 islands connected by 57 bridges, a little like a Nordic version of Venice. Wherever you go in Stockholm you’re never too far away from water. Although Sweden starts to cool down after August, early autumn in Stockholm is beautiful; the lush green landscape changes to browns, reds and oranges, and although it can feel chilly, the skies are clear.

Stockholm, Sweden by Mark Doliner

If you’re looking for a culture-infused autumn city break, this one’s for you. Not only is the city packed with world-class museums and attractions, but they are mostly accessible on foot, so you can get around a fair few of them on an average short break. The Stockholm Card is amazing value for money and gives you free admission to 80 of the city’s top attractions, as well as free travel on all public transport.

For one of the best views of the city, head to the City Hall and take one of the scheduled guided tours. The view from the tower is worth the effort of the climb. If you’re in the city at the right time, and love vintage, there’s a vintage street market in Stockholm city every two weeks, and a classically designed hidden gem – the Birger Jarlspassagen – is a haven for designer label aficionados and luxury beauty emporia. Take in the picturesque Old Town too, where you can wander the streets hunting for photo opportunities.

For a taste of Swedish history, it’s almost obligatory to pay a visit to the Swedish Royal Palace in Gamla Stan, close to the Old Town. You might just catch a change of the guard! Take in some of the museums too – the amazing Vasa Museum with its preserved shipwreck, the Nordic Museum, which is a museum of cultural history by day and a centre for music and events by night, or the National Museum of Art.

City breaks in the autumn are perfect if you like to explore without trampling other tourists, or get into attractions without heaving queues. The heat is off and you can tour some of Europe’s loveliest cities at your leisure.

Written by Katharina Kraetzer, a blogger who loves to travel in Europe. This summer she will visit Italy and Slovenia.

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But a Royal Mile is not just a set of streets, rather a multitude of tourist attractions, many of which are true treasures of Scottish history. And, a must see places for any visitor.

Museums, historic buildings, statues and more make the Royal Mile such a desired place for any tourist to go to.

Edinburgh Castle, Scotland, UK by Boon Low

Below I list 6 of the must see museums of the Royal Mile.

The Peoples Story Museum

The Peoples Story Museum is a celebration of the lives of the people of Edinburgh in the 18th century. Located beside the historic Cannongate the museum, through various expositions showcases the everyday lives of the citizens of Edinburgh. You can visit a recreated bookbinders workshop, kitchen, see a classroom and a creche from those times, a traditional living room and more.

What’s really fascinating about the museum is the detail in which everything has been recreated. Sometimes when wandering between various exhibitions you can really feel as if you were there, in those times.

Location: 163 Canongate, Royal Mile

Writers’ Museum

A museum dedicated to the work of Scotland’s great literature figures. The museum features an exciting collection of manuscripts, publications, first editions and even portraits of famous Scottish writers.

Location: Lady Stair’s House, Lawnmarket

Mary King’s Close

A museum not for the faint of heart. This 1600s built network of underground streets and passages is one of the darkest secrets of the city. Various tales surround the close, some saying that this has been the place where the sick where brought in to die during the great plaque of 1600s. Others claim that the place is haunted. All in all, it is not a place for the faint of heart.

Location: 2 Warriston’s Close, Edinburgh

Museum of Childhood

This is a place where you can feel a child again. Located MK of the Royal Mile, the Museum of Childhood is filled with toys from the past. Discover what children used to play with MK years ago, and perhaps even find the kind of toys that you used to play with as a child (I did!).

Location: 42 High Street

Museum of Edinburgh

If you want to discover the history of the city and find out how it develop over the years, then you must head down to the Museum of Edinburgh.

As the name suggests, this museum is all about the city. View old plans, artifacts, glassware and more.

Location: 142 Canongate

Our Dynamic Earth

Probably the most exciting of all museums on the Royal Mile, Our Dynamic Earth is a fully interactive museum presenting the history of our planet, from it’s formation to today and beyond.

Go back in time to witness the beginning of the universe and slowly move through times with this set of interactive displays and presentations. The museum also features two cinema shows, one in total 3D (and it’s great!).

Location: Very end of the Royal Mile, right at the Palace of the Holyrood.

About the Author: Thomas is a travel writer and accommodation specialist working for Staycity Edinburgh, the leading serviced apartments provider in the city.

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Cruise from Seil Island / Tim Kelly (aka Aleister Kronos)

One of the most difficult decisions to make, however, is when it comes to where you visit if you’re looking for a quiet retreat in beautiful surroundings – and this isn’t because Scotland doesn’t have many of these areas, but because it has them everywhere!

From the northern coastline right down to the English border, if you’re looking for somewhere to completely unwind and relax, Scotland is without doubt your place.  But where exactly?

Well, you can’t go far wrong with the Argyll coast.

Where is the Argyll Coast?

Covering the south western part of the country, the Argyll coast, unlike other parts of Scotland, is known almost solely for its sheer natural beauty above all else and although the islands in the area are well-connected by road and ferry crossings to the county’s bigger cities, they’re worlds apart when you’re actually there.

Iona west coast / Phillip Capper

Plus, with just 90,000 people scattered throughout the whole region (that’s approximately a quarter of the population of Edinburgh, but in an area of land that’s 30 times bigger), it very often seems as though there are only a few dozen people near you – at most – wherever you are.

What to See on the Coast

So what should you expect from the Argyll coast area of Scotland?

With 26 inhabited islands, lots of dramatic coast lines is one of the most notable expectations!  From awe-inspiring cliffs to wonderful, gentle beaches, paddling in some of the areas many crystal clear bodies of water will take you away to a completely different part of the world.

And with quaint towns and villages offering the ability to sit back and soak in the relaxed pace of life wherever in the area you’re visiting, the simplicity of life just oozes out and it’s impossible to not be absorbed by it.

Easdale Island / nz_willowherb

If you fancy something a little more physical, however, try ambling along one of the many well-laid out paths in the area.  Some away from the beaten track for the more adventurous, but just as many available for everyone to enjoy, for some, walking isn’t fun or exciting in anyway – walk around the Argyll coast, however and it’s almost guaranteed you won’t want to stop.

If you’re planning on basing your Scottish stay around relaxation, you really can’t go wrong if you head to any part of the Argyll coast.  Fantastic coastlines, a beautiful, serene atmosphere and enough breathtaking scenery to give you completely different views of the country every day of the year, the Argyll coast really is the ‘Secret of Scotland’ – and possibly the best kept secret the country has.

Matthew Bettoli writes for Cottages and Castles who provide the perfect Argyll Islands accommodation for your next holiday.

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Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Jon Mountjoy

What to Visit

Edinburgh is a history lover’s dream. It’s best to start at the famous 12th century castle, where you can enjoy great views over the city spread before you. Next, take a stroll down the Royal Mile and admire the period buildings until you reach the Palace of Holyroodhouse. Once the home of Mary Queen of Scots – the country’s most iconic monarch – you can visit her chambers today as part of the museum.

Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by SteveR-

Near the palace lies St Arthur’s Seat, the impressive mountain that hovers over the city. The original abbey connected to the palace sits at the top and energetic visitors can enjoy a hike to explore the ruins and more excellent panoramas over Edinburgh.

The Old Town – home to the Scottish Parliament building – is also well worth a visit, whilst the Royal Botanic Gardens make a charming setting for sunny strolls.

If shopping is more your thing, a walk along the shopping Mecca of Princes Street should be top of your itinerary. This is the place to visit the big name stores, but you can find more independent and craft shops in quirky Grassmarket – just the place for Scottish souvenirs and unique gifts.

Where to Eat

Like all good capital cities, Edinburgh has an excellent range of restaurants, from the Michelin starred gourmet establishments to budget student haunts. To treat yourself to a taste of Scotland, head to Kyloe Restaurant & Grill, where all the steaks come from local Aberdeen Angus beef. For fish fans, Ondine is the best place to indulge a love of seafood in the heart of Edinburgh. Take a seat at the amazing Crustacean Bar and fill up on clams and local oysters washed down with champagne.

Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by dozydotes

Where to Drink

There are a great number of old fashioned pubs in Edinburgh around the Grassmarket and Cowgate areas, and you won’t be disappointed if you head here on a night out. Great music is on the menu at Jazz Bar on Chambers Street, where live bands and a laid back atmosphere make for a fun evening.

A weekend in Scotland wouldn’t be complete without a visit to the Scotch Whisky Experience on the Royal Mile. Although the last tour is at 5pm so it’s more an afternoon than evening treat, the fun of sampling different malts and trundling through the factory in a carriage that looks like a barrel can’t be overstated!

Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by ayustety

Where to Sleep

On a weekend getaway, a central bed and breakfast in Edinburgh is just what you need. Tania Guest House in Edinburgh is a short stroll from the Royal Mile, so you won’t have to worry about catching the last bus or shelling out for a taxi. The modern rooms start at £30 a night, making this B&B in Edinburgh a bargain so close to the city centre. For a special or romantic city break, try boutique Ritz Hotel, which boasts four poster beds and a cocktail bar.

Alice Woolliams is the Editor for Enjoybedandbreakfast.com, a travel website for accommodation with personality in the UK. The website offers a growing selection of quaint B&Bs, charming inns, small boutique hotels and guest houses. You can find her on twitter @enjoybnb when she’s not travelling the world!

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Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Matt Riggott

1. Arthur’s Seat/ Holyrood Park

Arthur’s Seat, the extinct volcano, is one of the defining features of the Edinburgh skyline. It is in Holyrood Park which lies close to the city centre and is one of Europe’s largest urban green spaces, containing an array of hills, lochs, glens and ridges. Lying about a mile east of Edinburgh Castle, it’s the highest point in the city and provides panoramic views over the spectacular skyline. It’s a popular walking spot among tourists and locals. Don’t be put off by its height: it’s not too steep so it’s relatively easy to climb.

2. Gilmerton Cove

Hidden beneath the streets of south Edinburgh, Gillmerton Cove is a series of underground tunnels and chambers. Guided tours of the cove are popular; a guide will take a small group down for around forty-five minutes to one hour and will explain the history and myths surrounding the cove. Entrance is £5 per adult. The attraction is very popular so it’s advisable to book in advance.

3. Royal Botanical Garden

Located 1.5 miles north of Princes Street (one of Edinburgh’s main shopping streets) is the Royal Botanical Garden. The garden spans 31 hectares and is a family favourite, with plenty of benches dotted around for picnics. If you don’t fancy making your own sandwiches fear not, because the garden also features an on-site café and restaurant which provides food, and shelter for when the weather isn’t as good. Entrance to the site is free; there’s a charge to enter the specialist greenhouses but according to reviews, seeing them is worth the extra cost.

After a long day of outdoor activities why not consider staying in one of the serviced apartments Edinburgh has to offer?

Phil Hudson, PR & Marketing Support, SilverDoor International Serviced Apartments

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1. Edinburgh Castle

Alternatively used as a castle, fortress, and seat of government, Edinburgh Castle has dominated the city since it was first built in the 12th century. It sits at Castle Rock, a formation of volcanic rock that juts up into the sky.

The oldest surviving structure in it is St. Margaret’s Chapel. This Romanesque church was built by King David I in 1124. The Great Hall was finished in 1511 and has held such national events as the coronation dinner for King Charles I in 1633.

If you’re interested to view the Crown Jewels of Scotland, you can see them in the Crown Room. Built in 1617, the room holds the royal sceptre given to King James IV in 1494 and a sword presented by the Pope in 1508.

Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Kevin Gibbons

Read further info at official site of Edinburgh Castle

2. Palace of Holyroodhouse

At the opposite end of the Royal Mile from Edinburgh Castle stands the Palace of Holyroodhouse. This palace is the official home of the British monarch when in residence. Its abbey, dating from the early 12th century, was also built by King David I. Cloisters and royal chambers were added throughout the 13th century. From them, Scottish kings continued to add buildings and fortifications to the palace. A fire destroyed much of its eastern edge in 1650. However, under King Charles II, the palace underwent a restoration and expansion. The palace that exists today is much as it was when these plans were completed in 1679.

You can visit the historic apartments of Mary, Queen of Scots, who lived at the palace after her return from France in 1561. Her Bedchamber is in the west corner tower. You can also visit the Outer Chamber, where her husband murdered her secretary.

For the heartier among you, you could climb up Arthur’s Seat, just near the palace, and visit the original abbey. A fragment of the Holy Cross which is the abbey and palace’s namesake is on view here, having arrived in the 14th century.

Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Nigel Swales

Read further info at official site of Palace of Holyroodhouse

3. Royal Botanic Garden

These 70 acres of gardens were originally founded in the 17th century as grounds for medicinal studies. There are still sites for research and education throughout the gardens. More than 10,000 botanic specimens were introduced to the gardens in the 20th century. The Royal Botanic Garden also hosts cultural events and has numerous spots for relaxing walks or picnics.

Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Hector Garcia

Read further info at official site of Royal Botanic Garden

4. John Knox House

Named for the father of the Presbyterian Church of Scotland, it’s not confirmed that John Knox ever lived in this 15th century home. Even so, the house is considered a well-preserved example of the quality craftsmanship of the time.

The house has been incorporated into the Scottish Storytelling Centre, a complex of culturally important buildings that preserve and promote the historic Scottish art of storytelling.

Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Rictor Norton & David Allen

Read further info at official site of John Knox House

Bio – this article was written by Ross who is a travel writer and writes about Edinburgh at edinburghguide.org.uk and travelideas.org.uk.

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The castle complex consists of a group of objects originating from the 12th to 20th century, thanks to which a visitor can see how the castle changed over the centuries from the fortress through a royal palace, garrison and finally into a state prison. At a place, where the castle stands now, was a fortress already in the 6th century, built by King Edwin of Northumbria – after whom the city is named.

Edinburgh Castle can be visited either by yourself or you can use the services of local guides, who tell you about the history of the castle, about the battles that took place here and other interesting legends. Another option is to rent an audio guide, which costs about £3.

Visitors should not miss a tour to the Royal Botanical Gardens, which are located about 3.2 km from the castle. Do not be surprised if among the plants you find a cannon ball – during the wedding celebration of Mary Stuart, Queen of Scotland, a cannonball was fired in her honour from the castle and fell to the gardens.

The castle is open daily from 9:30 to 17:00 (during the summer to 18:00) and a basic admission is £15. For further information visit official website of Edinburgh Castle.

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