5 Spots You Must Visit On Your Trip To Edinburgh

Despite all its modernity, Edinburgh is one of the most picturesque and historical cities in Europe. There is much to view and explore in this city, ranging from the historical and commercial center with blackened stone buildings known as the Old Town to the more modern and buildings with the ‘prime’ more glossy colored buildings of the New Town. 

1. Edinburgh Castle

Travelers should not leave the city without paying a visit to some of the most iconic structures in the world such as Edinburgh Castle. This magnificent castle sits atop the Castle Rock and looms over the city in the most literal of senses. Dating back to the 12th century, Edinburgh Castle holds history of centuries in its historical castle. Stroll outside the castle premises, and you get to enjoy views such as St Margaret’s Chapel which is the oldest building in Edinburgh. Do not leave without seeing the firing of One O’Clock Gun at noon and mesmerizing views of the city. The Royal Mile is a must-visit but the adventurous should be ready to walk up and down towers which may be steep.

2. Royal Mile

The Royal Mile is Edinburgh’s most visited street; measuring one mile and one hundred yards and starting from Edinburgh Castle and ending at the Palace of Holyroodhouse. In essence, the Royal Mile is a historical tour with several closes, wynds, museums, churches, and buildings of significance to explore in the city. Some of the attractions that can be viewed in this one full mile are St Giles’ Cathedral, the Scottish Parliament, John Knox House, and the Real Mary King Close, a buried street that was overbuilt as the city grew. Strolling is the best thing to do to get a feel of the history of the city and therefore it’s recommended to spend some time on the Royal mile.

3. Princes Street

Some of them may arrive in Edinburgh by train and their first glimpse of the city is likely to be this famous shopping centre – Princes Street. This is a broad, handsome street which lies in the north-south direction from the Edinburgh Castle up to the valley pointing to the New Town from the Old Town. Thanks to its position, which offers great views of Edinburgh Castle and its location near other tourist attractions such as The National Gallery of Scotland and the shopping center, Princes Street is always filled with people. The long street provides good shopping opportunities, High Street shops, souvenir shops, old-fashioned pubs, and vibrant bars. What a great place to visit in the middle of the city center, it is so busy!

4. Arthur's Seat

If you are up for it, then the hike up Arthur’s Seat will reward you with stunning and unobstructed views of the city of Edinburgh. The Arthur’s Seat stands at 251m high and is one of the extinct volcanoes found within the Holyrood Park area and is linked to the well-known geological scar on Edinburgh’s castle. This is a great opportunity to go for an uphill trek on the grassy terrains that offer a vantage view of the city skyline. You can look right across to the mountains beyond Edinburgh, which is something to marvel at on a clear day. The opportunity arises to capture great shots of the landscape with gorse bushes, rocky crags, and vast, bare hillsides making for great climbing on Arthur’s Seat.

5. National Museum of Scotland

Being one of the best places to visit in the UK, one cannot mention Edinburgh and avoid the National Museum of Scotland at all. This first-rate museum specializes in Scottish history coupled with other interesting scientific, artistic, and cultural collections. Just roam around the 22 galleries of the museum and its rich and diverse art pieces are sure to fire up one’s imagination. On display, there are over 18,000 objects including the first cloned mammal Dolly the sheep, the 8,500-year-old skull of a human, and the stuffed body of Greyfriars Bobby. This means that in this place alone, there is so much that you will see and this will take lots of time.

This city boasts a fine collection of medieval and Georgian architecture and is exceptionally beautiful; it is rightfully considered to be one of Europe’s most attractive capitals. Exploring around the Royal Mile, one can feel the spirit of history; strolling Princes Street is always lively; Arthur’s Seat and Edinburgh Castle offer the most stunning view. 

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