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!

View Edinburgh – A Historic and Vibrant City Scotland, United Kingdom in a larger map

The post Edinburgh – A Historic and Vibrant City | Scotland, United Kingdom appeared first on Best of European Union.

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.

View Edinburgh Historical Hotspots Scotland, United Kingdom in a larger map

The post Edinburgh Historical Hotspots | Scotland, United Kingdom appeared first on Best of European Union.