Edinburgh what to see and what to do in the capital of Scotland

Capital Scotland. Edinburgh it is not just the capital of Scotland. It is one of the oldest (about 2000 years old) and fascinating cities in Europe, home to one of the most famous cultural festivals in the world and is the symbol of "scottishness“, which in the not too distant 1999, thanks to a convinced policy of decentralization of the English government, saw the rebirth of one of its standard-bearers: the Scottish Parliament, which had closed its doors in 1707, under the blows of unification. Where is Edinburgh located. The capital is located in the south of Scotland, in a north-central position with respect to Great Britain. Let's see what to see in Edinburgh.

Edinburgh castles

1 Edinburgh Castle

Prominent, in the Old Town (Old Town), is the castle, also known as Edinburgh Castle. It has stood since ancient times on a spectacular volcanic cliff. It is accessed by a drawbridge guarded by guards in kilts and crossing the immense courtyard called Esplanade, which in the summer hosts the parades and shows of the Military Tattoo.

Crossed the Lucullus Gate, a door with a shutter grate, at the top of the climb, appears St. Margaret's Chapel, a Norman-style church from the XNUMXth century. The Royal Palace, built in pure Scottish Renaissance style, is located on Crown Square and houses the fabulous Crown Jewels, Mary Stuart's apartments and the Great Hall, the original seat of the Scottish Parliament, with collections of arms and armour.

Edinburgh what to see

2 Royal Mile, the Royal Mile

It is impossible to visit Edinburgh without a walk on the “Royal Mile”. The backbone of the old city, connecting the castle to the Royal Palace of Holyrood, and the Royal Mile (about 3 km), dotted with ancient and prestigious buildings, such as the St. Giles Cathedral, of Presbyterian worship, with inside the Chapel of the Order of the Thistle, Scotland's highest order of chivalry, Parliament; Preacher John Konx's home or Huntly House, home to the City History Museum.

Edinburgh places of interest

3 The Royal Palace of Edinburgh

In Royal Palace of Holyrood (XNUMXth century) can be visited State Apartments, where the Great Gallery, immense hall with portraits of Scottish kings and Historical Apartments, who saw the troubled events of Maria Stuarda. Of the contiguous and original abbey of Holyrood (9,30th century) only a few suggestive ruins remain. The palace is open from April to October every day (18,00am-9,30pm) while, in the colder period from November to March, the palace is open from 16,30am to 10pm. The price of entry is around XNUMX pounds.

4 Holyrood park

It is undoubtedly the most beautiful park in Edinburgh, which boasts several. Is called Holyrood park and has several peculiarities. Among these theArthur's Seat, an area created within an ancient volcano, which presents interesting views. To the south of the Park, next to the entrance, there is another viewpoint of the city: Salisbury Crags.

What to see Edinburgh

5 Royal Yacht Britannia

A visit on board the Britannia (not cheap price) is a way to come into closer contact with the Royals of UK. On board the ship it is possible to visit the bedroom of the Queen Elizabeth, among others. Opening hours: from April to October from 9,30am to 16,30pm. From November to March, from 10,00 to 15,30. To reach the place simply board buses 11,34,22,36 and 36 from Princes street or the bus Britannia Tour da Waverley Bridge.

6 Princes Street Edinburgh

Nerve point of the Georgian New Town (New Town), the new city, built in the XNUMXth century, is Princes street, the most famous shopping street, with beautiful gardens and TheMound, a characteristic road, which connects it to Old Town, which overlook the National Gallery of Scotland, with masterpieces by Italian, Flemish, French and Dutch masters and the Royal Scottish Academy, which hosts temporary exhibitions.

7 National Gallery of Scotland

La National Gallery of Edinburgh houses the Old Masters painters collection, believed to be one of the most important in the UK after those of London. Entrance to the gallery is free and can be done from 10,00 to 17,00 (on Thursdays until 19,00).

National Gallery of Scotland

8 Museum of Scotland and Royal Museum Edinburgh

The Museum of Scotland collects many important and interesting finds. It is spread over six floors and comprehensively tells the story of Scotland. The older Royal Museum is a treasure chest that houses Greek works and North African relics. Free admission from 10,00 to 17,00.

What to see in Edinburgh

9 Edinburgh New Year's Eve: Hogmanay

Throughout Scotland New Year's Eve acquires so much value that it even has a name of its own: Hogmanay. In Edinburgh the New Year includes various rites but there is no village in Scotland that does not celebrate the arrival of the new year in a picturesque way.

10 Edinburgh and the Festivals

There is no doubt that the Scottish capital is also a city known for i Festival which are held throughout the year, especially during the summer, recommended period to go to Scotland. From the end of July until well into September, in fact, a Edinburgh is heldInternational Festival, which presents performances by opera musicians, dancers, theater actors and classical musicians. In August the Fringe Festival which brings together every type of show held in the street. Many performances are on the Royal Mile but the whole city is favorably affected by this wave of performances. Always ad Edinburgh, in the period of August, the Military Tattoo which brings together military musical bands from all over the world whose performances are held in the arena of Edinburgh Castle. Finally, it is worth remembering theInternational Book Festival andInternational Film Festival.

What to do in Edinburgh

11 Clubs and entertainment in Edinburgh

Nightlife is quite intense in Edinburgh. The city is full of clubs, especially pubs and bars, many of which are concentrated along the George Street. In the summer the city is populated by young people from all over the world, both for the festivals and for the attraction of the city. Although even in the summer months the temperature is not "mild" and less heavy clothing is recommended, life on the street is an integral part of this splendid city.

12 How to get there and how to get around Edinburgh Scotland

Edinburgh airport.Edinburgh International Airport (Edinburgh International Airport) is located approximately 12 kilometers from the city centre. It is connected to the city by Airlink bus that leave and arrive from Waverley. The distance is covered in about half an hour. There are also trains that run from Edinburgh Waterley station. Taxis are not cheap, in line with the city which is not for all budgets and transport to and from the airport costs between 15 and 20 pounds.

In Edinburgh it is convenient to get around on foot, given the concentration of interests in certain areas. In addition to city buses, roofless tourist buses are also useful, as they travel the city streets at various times. A different choice may be to do the Scotland by camper and the stop in Edinburgh is mandatory.

13 Where to eat in Edinburgh

The best restaurants in Edinburgh are found in the New Town. Here you can also find restaurants Scottish cuisine where you can enjoy haggis, shellfish, fish, etc.. In general, however, the city offers a decent range of restaurants. Both on the Royal Mile and in Leith, there are pubs and clubs to suit all budgets. During events it is advisable to book because the venues are almost always full.

14 Edinburgh hotels: where to sleep

Edinburgh offers a good choice of places to sleep. In particular, hotels are located in the New City but small accommodations (B&Bs, hostels, guesthouses, etc.) are also present in the Old City. During the busiest period, which almost always coincides with the Festival season, it is advisable to book well in advance to avoid the risk of sold-out. Several good-priced hotels can also be found on online booking platforms such as Booking.com or Laterooms. com.

15 Edinburgh Weather

Edinburgh climate. In the capital of Scotland the climate is quite cool and humid throughout the year. Temperatures Edinburgh. The temperatures at Edinburgh they vary from 4 degrees in winter to 15 in summer.

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