Capital of Scotland. Edinburgh is not only the capital of Scotland. It is one of the oldest (about 2000 years old) and most charming cities in Europe, home to one of the most famous cultural festivals in the world and it is the symbol of “scottishness“, which in the not too distant 1999, thanks to a determined policy of decentralization by the English government, saw the revival 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 relative 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 the Edinburgh Castle. It rises from ancient times on a spectacular volcanic rock. It is accessed by a drawbridge guarded by kilts-wearing guards and crossing the huge courtyard called the Esplanade, which in summer hosts the parades and performances of the Military Tattoo.
Passing through the Lucullus Gate, a gate with a shutter grate, at the top of the climb, appears the St. Margaret’s Chapel, a Norman-style chapel from the 11th century. The Royal Palace, built in pure Scottish Renaissance style, is located on the 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 weapons and armor.
Edinburgh what to see
2 Royal Mile, the Royal Mile
It is impossible to visit Edinburgh without a walk along the “Royal Mile.” The backbone of the old city, connecting the castle to the Holyrood Palace, is the Royal Mile (about 3 km), dotted with ancient and prestigious buildings, such as the St. Giles’ Cathedral, a Presbyterian place of worship, housing the Chapel of the Order of the Thistle, the highest Scottish chivalric order, the Parliament; the house of the preacher John Knox or Huntly House, home of the City History Museum.
Edinburgh points of interest
3 The Royal Palace of Edinburgh
In the Royal Palace of Holyrood (17th century) you can visit the State Apartments, where the Great Gallery stands out, an immense hall with portraits of the Scottish kings, and the Historical Apartments, which witnessed the troubled events of Mary, Queen of Scots. Of the adjacent and original abbey of Holyrood (12th century) only some evocative ruins remain. The palace is open from April to October every day (9:30 AM – 6:00 PM), while in the colder period from November to March, the palace is open from 9:30 AM to 4:30 PM. The entrance fee is around 10 pounds.
4 Holyrood Park
It is undoubtedly the most beautiful park in Edinburgh, which has several. It is called Holyrood Park and has several peculiarities. Among these is the Arthur’s Seat, an area created inside an ancient volcano, offering interesting views. To the south of the Park, next to the entrance, there is another viewpoint of the city: Salisbury Crags.
What to see in Edinburgh
5 Royal Yacht Britannia
A visit aboard the Britannia (not cheap price) is a way to get closer to the United Kingdom’s Royals. On board the ship, it is possible to visit the bedroom of Queen Elizabeth, among others. Hours: from April to October from 9:30 AM to 4:30 PM. From November to March, from 10:00 AM to 3:30 PM. To get there, simply board buses 11, 34, 22, 36, and 36 from Princes Street or the Britannia Tour bus from Waverley Bridge.
6 Princes Street Edinburgh
The nerve center of the Georgian New Town (New Town), the new town, built in the 18th century, is Princes Street, the most famous shopping street, with beautiful gardens and The Mound, a characteristic street that connects it to the Old Town, which overlooks 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
The National Gallery in Edinburgh houses the collection of Old Masters paintings, considered the most important in the United Kingdom after those in London. Entrance to the gallery is free and can be accessed from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM (until 7:00 PM on Thursdays).
