A beautiful city, rich in history, combining modern living with stunning Medieval, Georgian, and Neo-Classical architecture, Edinburgh, Scotland is home to over half a million in the capital city.
Edinburgh can be traced to the early Middle Ages with the earliest known human habitation dating back to 8500 BC. From the 9th century Edinburgh was the seat of the monarchy and the home of Scottish Parliament from its formation in 1235.
Edinburgh Castle
Sitting atop an extinct volcano, discover Edinburgh Castle on a fun and friendly guided tour to learn its incredible 3,000-year history and significant role in shaping Scotland. Hear in-depth knowledge of the Castle's main buildings and attractions as you walk through the site; Castle dungeons, the military prison, the Black Banquet, St. Margaret’s Chapel, the Crown Square, and The Honors of Scotland.
Scott Monument
One of the most iconic Edinburgh landmarks, the Scott Monument is a must-visit for tourists and locals alike. Dedicated to Sir Walter Scott, adventure to climb all 287 steps to the top of the tower. The closer to the top, the more the spiral staircase narrows and the more the steps are weathered away. A worthwhile climb upon reaching the top and taking in the unparalleled views of Edinburgh, while standing in the midst of the city center.
Arthur’s Seat
Located in Holyrood Park, at the end of the Royal Mile, Arthur’s Seat is a large, grass covered hill and all that remains of an extinct volcano–its jagged, grassy prominence rising up from the urban sprawl of Edinburgh. Some claim there is a connection between Edinburgh and King Arthur and although the history behind the name is unknown, Arthur’s Seat is thought by some to have been the location of legendary Camelot. Climb the brief hike to the top for unbeatable views.
The Scotch Whisky Experience
The only visitor attraction in the world to take guests on a grand tour of Scotland’s five whisky producing regions, telling the whole story of Scotch whisky. This immersive guided tour experience is interactive, informal and fun; exploring and tasting the secrets of single malt whisky.
Top Tips for Exploring Edinburgh
Wear comfortable shoes and be ready to walk! There is an abundance of clean, efficient public transportation from trams and trains, buses and taxis. Unless you're looking to do a day trip outside of the city; perhaps to spot Nessie at Loch Ness, or to visit any of the nation's 550 renowned golf courses, you don’t need a car to explore Edinburgh. In fact, cars don’t have access to the City Center of Edinburgh!
As you walk the city and see the sites, enjoy chatting with the locals. Edinburgh’s main industry is tourism and they welcome visitors from all over the world. Don’t feel pressure to plan your trip around the weather, because it’s never particularly great. Known colloquially to have four seasons in one day, wear layers so you can add or remove them as the day goes on and the season changes. And don't bother with an umbrella, the wind will blow it inside out--guaranteed. Consider wearing a hat, hood, or raincoat along with an adventuresome spirit! And be ready to duck into a local pub or fun little shop as an excuse to escape the rain. Rain showers won't last too long and they never spoil the fun. Best chances for optimal weather is late summer, during the world-renowned Edinburgh Fringe Festival – so fun! But don’t discount Christmastime in Edinburgh; when it's always breathtaking and magical.
With a vast array of Castle tours, high-tea at the Balmoral Hotel, a guided tour of Mary King's Close (a night-tour of the underground tunnels with fun and spooky ghost-tours and tales of the historic Black Plague), and site-seeing atop a double-decker open-top tour bus, there’s no end to the exploration of Edinburgh.
Do's and Don'ts for Tourists in Edinburgh
Do:
- Take public transportation - it’s clean, safe and easy
- Wear a kilt and pick your favorite (or family) tartan. (It’s like plaid, but with history!)
- Pronounce Edinburgh correctly: (Sounds more like Edin-borough)
- Wear a kilt; it's a men's formalwear tradition!
- Check out the Harry Potter tour to discover the city where Harry Potter was conceived
- Eat Haggis; what this traditional dish lacks in appearance it makes up for in flavor
- Drink hot tea with cream and sugar; a good cuppa can solve all the world's problems
Don’t:
- Don't refer to the Scottish people as being Scotch, they are proudly known as Scots. Remember, Scotch is Whisky!
- Don't ask what the men traditionally wear under their kilts. Unless you really want to know the answer, just be ready for it!
- Don't miss the immaculate, working 'clock-flower' in West Princes St Gardens--the first of its kind in the world.
- Don't bother with an umbrella, or be put off by the wind and rain!