Edinburgh is a culturally and historically rich city filled with old tales, customs and traditions. With fairytale castles and enormous areas of lush green gardens and parks, It is a city so beautiful; it steals your heart away. If you are travelling to Edinburgh anytime soon then check out these must see places in the city, this is a list I have compiled for you all based on my personal experience from my recent travels to Edinburgh.
Edinburgh Castle is the icon of Scotland and a world heritage site. The castle is home to the stone of destiny, the national war museum of Scotland, the 15th century Mons Meg gun and many such historical artifacts. The tickets for adults costs £16.50 and the castle is open for visitation on all seven days from 9:30 to 17:00.
Old Town: Picturesque view with narrow alleys, cobbled streets and hidden courtyards with millions of stories to tell. The old town boasts of historical sites like the Royal Mile to the Palace of Holyroodhouse. The Edinburgh Fringe and Festival is the most happening event in Scotland which takes place in August in the Old Town.
Princes Street Gardens: This is Edinburgh one of the most beautiful and photogenic park in the city. The garden is located in the valley between the new and old town and has the Edinburgh Castle on one side. The garden has a variety of flora along with cafes and kiosk.
Calton Hill: Is a place from where you can see the Edinburgh skyline. There are a lot of tourist destinations on calton hill like the nelson monument and the collective gallery which features works of new and upcoming artists. It is one of the best places to go to for stunning views of the city.
Mary Kings Close: Is one of the spookiest mysteries of Edinburgh. Lying beneath the city chambers, this warren of hidden street is filled with tales of murders and ghosts. If you dare, then visit this place on Halloween night.
Camera Obscura: Is one of the oldest tourist destinations and a world of illusions. It is a place where one can see live moving landscape of the city and watch passerby in the streets below. A magical place where you can see both the view of the city and the country side for miles if the weather permits.
Arthurs Seat: Is the highest point of the Holyrood Park. It’s an ancient extinct volcano located 251 meters above sea level with breathtaking view of the city. One can hike to the top on a warm sunny day to enjoy the view. It is a pleasant and easy 3 mile hike with multiple routes to the top.
Holyrood Park: A small walk from the heart of the city, Holyrood Park is an enormous park filled with a variety of flowers. The highest point of the park is Arthurs Seat, from where one can view the entire city. One can also visit the St Anthony’s Chapel and Salisbury Crags which are located within the park.
Edinburgh Zoo / Scott Monument: Perfect place to visit if you are an animal lover. The Edinburgh zoo has over 1000 species of exquisite animals from around the world. It is also home to the only koalas and giant pandas in the entire UK. The zoo also has designated play areas for kids, a gift shop and numerous restaurants. The zoo also conducts educational talks and animal handling sessions and its open 365 days a year.
HMY Britannia: The Royal Yatch Britannia lets you experience royalty and what it’s like to live a queen’s life on the waters. Britannia is a royal residence for official receptions, relaxing family times and royal honeymoons. It’s a ship like no other. Now it is a popular tourist attraction with 5 star service and exclusive events.
Which one are you the most excited to visit? Let me know in the comments below.
