Scotland is a wonderful country that, in addition to hiding an extraordinary variety of landscapes, offers good gastronomy, strong and ingrained cultural traditions, art, music, history and, of course, welcoming people. Among the many corners of Scotland that are worth visiting today, we want to highlight Edinburgh, one of the best starting points to visit the Highlands and other places in the country. In addition, surrounded by mountains, it is a city with a rich history that is home to many tourist attractions.
So that you can get to know Edinburgh a little better, today we want to talk to you about some of its main tourist spots. These are places that you should visit yes or yes if you have the opportunity to travel to the Scottish capital. Of course, it has cost us a lot to select 10 places, so we apologize in advance for all the attractions that have been left in the pipeline. Would you like to join us?
Edinburgh castle
First of all, we want to talk about Edinburgh Castle, a fortress built on a volcanic rock, specifically at the top of Hight Street, also known as the Royal Mile (we will talk about it below). It is the most visited tourist attraction in the city.
Palace of Holyroodhouse
Founded as a monastery in the 12th century, the Palace of Holyroodhouse also served as the main residence of the kings and queens of Scotland since the 15th century. It is located at the end of the Royal Mile and is currently the official residence of Queen Elizabeth II in Scotland. It is a jewel of classical architecture.
Royal Mile
The Royal Mile is the avenue that connects Edinburgh Castle with the Palace of Holyroodhouse. Located in the heart of the old town, it is 1.8 kilometers long, that is, one Scottish mile. Along the street you can find dozens of alleys and patios that are worth visiting.
Calton hill
How could it be otherwise, we also have to talk about Calton Hill, a hill located east of the New City, which houses important monuments , such as the one dedicated to Nelson or the National Monument. Of course, the best thing about this place is that it offers fantastic views.
Arthur’s Seat
Another place worth visiting is Arthur’s Seat, the main peak of the group of hills that make up Holyrood Park, a natural landscape of great beauty. From this place you can also enjoy wonderful views of Edinburgh.
Royal Yacht Britannia
If you visit Edinburgh you will have to see the Royal Yacht Britannia, the flagship of the British Royal House for 43 years. In 1997 it was converted into a floating museum by order of Isabel II. It is anchored in the port of Leith.
Edinburgh Royal Botanic Gardens
We also want to tell you about the Royal Botanic Gardens in Edinburgh, which is both a scientific institution and a tourist attraction. Founded in 1670, it has 28 hectares, in which almost 35 thousand plant accessions and more than 17 thousand cultivated taxa can be found.
Saint Giles Cathedral
The most important religious building in Edinburgh is Saint Giles Cathedral, which does not really have the category of cathedral, although it looks so aesthetically. The most remarkable element is its dome in the shape of a royal crown.
Dean village
We also recommend visiting Dean Village, a small and peaceful town located on the banks of the River Leith that was founded in the 12th century. It looks like something out of a story.
Mary King’s Close
Finally, we want to talk about Mary King’s Close, the most famous alley in Edinburgh. It is located under the buildings of Old Town, on the Royal Mile and, although it was closed to the public for years, since 2003 it can be visited. During the tour you will discover the misery that reigned in this underworld during the 16th and 17th centuries.
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