Enchanting Edinburgh: Castles, Kilts, and Culture

Edinburgh is a special place, and if you are looking for a unique thing to do in your next vacation, visiting this city is definitely a good idea! In this article, we will explain to you the top reasons you should visit the Auld Reekie, and we will also provide you with a guide to show you the best destinations within the city. Keep reading to learn about them!

Why You Should Come to Edinburgh

Have you ever thought about spending a weekend in Edinburg? The first time you set foot in this place, you will notice and feel how warm Scottish people are. They are known for their passion and friendliness, and you can experience it by visiting one of the local pubs and seeing how they make great drinking buddies.

Once you are done with all the drinking and laughing, you can go outside and delight yourself with Scottish cuisine. The great thing about dining in Edinburgh is that you can find numerous Michelin-starred restaurants within the area. If you want a more relaxed ambiance, you can take a stroll to one of the dockside bars in the Leith region.

You should also not miss the opportunity to watch a rugby game in person while you are in the city. Even if it is not your cup of tea, chances are you will be impressed by how heated and emotional a rugby game can be here. Remember, if you are from the US, you should not confuse the game with your football game.

If you are a fan of nature, then you should take your chance to get out of the city and visit the nearby dormant volcano. You can also take a hike to one of the hills that surround the city and enjoy the tantalizing views from its top. In addition, Edinburgh also provides history lovers the opportunity to the Vikings, Romans, and other ruling monarchs from the past.

Top Places You Should Visit in Edinburgh

Do you need more reasons to make Scottland’s capital the next destination you should visit? The friendly people and the lively culture are some of the best things that make this city a must-visit. And, whether you want a weekend getaway or a week-long stay, you can use this guide to make the most of your trip to Edinburgh.

Calton Hill

Remember the dormant volcano we talked about earlier? This place is located on it! Afar from the city’s center, you can notice it, mainly because of the Athenian acropolis that pokes above Scottland’s skyline. Half of the areas here belong to Edinburgh Town Council, which means it is accessible by the public, and the rest is occupied by local residents.

The acropolis structure on the top of this hill may lead you to think that is some remains of an ancient civilization, but it is actually not. It is actually an unfinished structure of a national monument that was initiated in the early 1800s. The great news is that this place rarely gets busy so you can have a tranquil moment here.

Edinburgh Zoo

This is the ultimate place to go if you visit the city with family members. The zoo is located in the city’s western section and it is home to more than 2,500 animals. To reach this place, you can just hop on bus 26 from Princess Street. Also, the zoo is in operation until 6 in the evening, so you can have enough time to enjoy all the attractions.

Arthur’s Seat

Located within the Holyrood Park complex, this one is a popular destination where visitors can enjoy a lot of outdoor activities. People can either take a morning or afternoon stroll here and many of them will walk up to its famed peak to enjoy the view from there. Two ancient volcano remains can be seen from there, and they are nicknamed Lion’s Head and Haunch by locals.

Before being made available to the public, only members of the royal family can access Holyrood Park. Nonetheless, millions of people visit the complex each year today. Those who visit Arthur’s Seat usually continue their journey to St. Anthony’s Chapel and Duddingston Loch. There is also a park nearby where you can picnic under the summer sun.

National Museum Of Scotland

This world-class museum offers visitors great storytelling through numerous galleries that display marvelous collections from Scotland’s long history. It dates back to the late 1800s and it now welcomes visitors every day. Due to the vast size of the area, make sure you come here with a clear plan so you don’t spend too many hours wandering around.

Edinburgh Castle

Sitting atop the Royal Mile not far from the city center, this historic site has been standing strong since the 1300s. Due to the amount of tourists visiting this place, it is recommended that you buy your ticket in advance. If you buy the ticket this way, you can save a couple of euros and you will be given a specific time slot so you can plan your visit here better. And, if bring your kid, don’t forget to pick up an engaging quiz from the audio guide booth.

Up to 2 million people visit Edinburgh Castle each year, which is why the queue can get quite long during peak season. For this reason, it is recommended that you come here during August or Christmas. If possible, try to avoid the weekends because there are usually larger crowds. And, make sure you come before noon. The place is quite big so it may take more than a couple of hours to explore.

The Takeaway

People from a wide range of cultures and ethnicities call Edinburgh their home, which is why you will experience a different kind of atmosphere when you are here. From lively festivals to bustling local markets, this city offers a lot of things for visitors to see and enjoy. All in all, this city is the place to be if you want to have the ultimate Scotland experience!