Scotland is one of the most beautiful countries in the world. I say so and the results of some surveys that have been carried out in recent years say so. Not only can you visit spectacular lakes and mountains throughout its geography, but you can also soak up the atmosphere that is breathed in cities like Edinburgh , which is one of the 10 most fascinating capitals of Europe.
So that you can make the most of your stay there, I want to recommend five plans that I could experience in the first person. I enjoyed them so much that I couldn’t keep them for myself without sharing them on Vuela Viajes.
Stroll down the Royal Mile
The Royal Mile is the most important street in the capital of Scotland. It is the one that connects Edinburgh Castle with the Palace of Holyroodhouse, which by the way is still one of the official residences of the Queen of England.
Normally it is quite full, although in no case will you get overwhelmed because you can walk without problems, without having to avoid people every two by three. You can stop for a drink or to buy a souvenir , such as a kilt , which is the name given to the typical Scottish skirt.
If you visit the city in August, you will be lucky enough to enjoy the Fringe Festival , which this year takes place between the 3rd and the 27th of that month. It is an alternative festival in which there is room for all kinds of shows, many of them free for the simple fact of being done on the street. The one that most caught my attention when I was there was a kind of concert held in a church.
Visit to Edinburgh Castle
It is the jewel in the crown, one of those essential visits in Edinburgh that are worth it. It is where the Royal Mile begins and offers spectacular views of the city . Admission is £ 16.50, although children between the ages of 5 and 15 pay £ 9.90 and those over 60 pay £ 13.20.
During your visit you will not be bored. The best thing is to see the Crown Chamber , the Mons Meg (a huge cannon from the 15th century) the War Prison (the first prison in Edinburgh), the Chapel of St. Margaret, the Royal Palace and the National War Museum , where they exhibit very important pieces that summarize some 400 years of military history.
Between April and September you can visit from 09:30 to 18:00. Between October and March, visits start at the same time, but end at 5:00 p.m.
Night Ghost Tour
Scotland is a country full of myths and legends that arouse your curiosity from the moment you arrive there. Beyond the Loch Ness monster, which undoubtedly is the one that monopolizes the majority of visits, it must be borne in mind that many paranormal events were recorded in Edinburgh that are still talked about in its streets.
To get to know them, and to discover interesting facts about their history that are not boring at all, I recommend you sign up for the nightly Ghost Tour , which a few years ago started at 9:30 p.m. and cost 5 pounds per person . There is also a very similar free tour, but I don’t know if it is as interesting as the one I did.
They will tell you about ghosts , take you near a cemetery, and tell you stories that will likely keep you from sleeping. Whether you believe it more or less will depend on how open-minded you are. I got into the stories and the truth is that I really enjoyed it.
Arthur’s Seat, the best viewpoint in Edinburgh
If you want to get away from the city a bit without having the feeling that you have gone to the outskirts, the best thing you can do is go to Arhtur’s Seat, a hill that is located on the opposite side of the Royal Mile if we take as a reference the Edinburgh Castle.
Arhtur’s Seat, which by the way is volcanic in origin, is the highest peak in a group of mountains known as Holyrood Park . From its 250 meters high you will contemplate fantastic views of the city. Getting there does not involve any difficulty, especially if it is accessed from a path that connects with a parking lot next to Lake Dunsapie Loch. It is a 25 minute walk that is very pleasant, although going through other trails the views are better.
Listen to live music in a pub
Few things are as genuine from the UK as listening to live music in a pub. In Edinburgh it is quite common to have the possibility of having a beer at night while a singer or a music group delights you with their songs. I know that it is something that can also be done in cities like Barcelona or Madrid, but it is worth experiencing it first-hand there, since everything is much more authentic.
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