Edinburgh is one of the world’s most beautiful cities. Image via Adobe Stock
Oh bonnie Scotland: Explore the historic city of Edinburgh
Edinburgh, the enchanting capital of Scotland and UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a city that begs to be explored.
Edinburgh is one of the world’s most beautiful cities. Image via Adobe Stock
Steeped in history and home to breath-taking natural scenery, inspiring architecture, world-renowned festivals, rich culture, and a burgeoning culinary scene, Edinburgh is a city like no other.
Edinburgh’s main attractions
Edinburgh Castle
Dominating the city skyline from the peak of an extinct volcano is Edinburgh’s most popular and famous attraction, the Edinburgh Castle.
This ancient stronghold has been home to royalty for hundreds of years including Mary Queen of Scots, Queen Margaret, and James VI and visitors to the castle shouldn’t miss the age-old tradition of the shooting of the One O’clock Gun, which dates back to 1861.
Edinburgh’s Scott Monument
Another one of Edinburgh’s famous landmarks is the Scott Monument, a magnificent Victorian Gothic monument constructed in 1846 to commemorate Edinburgh-born writer Sir Walter Scott.
Standing tall in the heart of Princes Street 200 feet above the city, it is the largest monument to a writer in the world and boasts breath-taking panoramic views of the capital and surrounding countryside from its summit.
St Giles’ Cathedral
This beautiful crown-spired cathedral is located on the High Street dates back to the 12th Century and is home to Scotland’s chivalric company of Knights, the Chapel of the Order of the Thistle.
The building also features exquisite stained glass windows and memorials to over 200 distinguished Scotsmen and is well worth a visit.
The National Galleries of Scotland
Comprising the Royal Scottish Academy Building and the National Gallery of Scotland, the National Galleries of Scotland can be found at the foot of the Mound and feature works by pre-eminent artists such as Titian, Da Vinci, Vermeer, Degas, Turner, and Cezanne, to name but a few.
Art-lovers might also want to explore the other galleries that form part of the NGS — the National Portrait Gallery on Queen Street and the Dean Gallery and Gallery of Modern Art in the West End.
But there’s so much more to Edinburgh than just sightseeing — top fashion stores, world-class restaurants, and a bacchanalia of bars call to be explored.
George Street / West End Village
Enjoy some retail therapy and fine dining in George Street or the beautiful West End Village.
George Street is packed with some of Edinburgh’s trendiest, shops, bars, and restaurants and is the perfect spot to indulge in some retail therapy and catch up with friends for drinks, dinner, or a light bite.
Centred on the vibrant, cobbled William Street at the West end of Princes Street, the West End Village is a charming collection of stylish boutiques, quirky galleries and stores, and unusual gift shops.
The Stand
Have a laugh at one of the country’s most iconic comedy clubs – The Stand, which showcases comedy legends and upcoming comedians every night of the week.
Cabaret Voltaire (Cab Vol)
Home to big-name DJs and underground cult favourites, Cabaret Voltaire, or Cab Vol is one of the city’s most popular nightspots where you can sip cocktails in cozy nooks and crannies and party into the wee hours.
Also read: Post-lockdown eco-tourism: Learn how to travel more kindly
