Who hasn’t dreamt of visiting Scotland and its famous and beautiful landscapes? Edinburgh is an experience you will never forget. Great food, stunning views and a relaxed lifestyle. A student city with festivals and an incredible nightlife. Here are some reasons why you should definitely plan a trip to Edinburgh: What more could anyone want?
1. The Old Town is wonderfully medieval.
You cannot leave Edinburgh without walking down the Royal Mile. The main street and most touristy place of the city is located in the old town and it’s full of hidden gems and secrets. Discover them during the day by wandering along shops…or at night with one of the organized tours. Running from the castle to Holyrood Palace, this cobbled street is lined with intriguing architecture, a variety of museums, mysterious closes and countless statues. You could easily while away an afternoon absorbing its sights, from St Giles Cathedral and Canongate Kirk to the Museum of Childhood. Don't miss The Devil’s Advocate: housed in an old Victorian pump house, this bar and restaurant makes for an atmospheric place to refuel.
2. You will come across the most stunning views in the most unexpected of places.
The best is only a 10-min walk from the main street! Edinburgh boast a dramatic skyline, with countless vantage points from which to admire it. A hike up Arthur’s Seat – the extinct volcano that dominates Holyrood Park – is rewarded with spectacular panoramas across the city. Alternatively, scale 287 steps to the top of the 19th-century Scott Monument for 360-degree views, or climb Calton Hill to admire the outlook over the castle and Princes Street. Outside of the centre, Inverleith Park to the north and Blackford Hill to the south offer different perspectives.
3. Visit Arthur’s seat, an extinct volcano.
You can embrace nature at any time by climbing to the top of the city’s very own extinct volcano. If you’re already in Holyrood park, take the opportunity to go up Arthur’s seat, a hill with excellent views of the city. This location is very appreciated by hikers but don’t worry, it’s quite easy to climb! It’s a great place to grab some fresh air and another outstanding panoramic view of the city.
4. It’s world’s leading festival city.
Edinburgh is home to the largest arts festival in the world, not to mention 11 other major international festivals! August marks the start of the renowned Edinburgh Fringe Festival, when everything from gigs to gags take over the city. Edinburgh also boasts one of the world’s best New Year’s Eve celebrations: Hogmanay – with its impressive fireworks and street party vibe – is something no visitor should miss.
Edinburgh surely knows how to get festive.
5. It’s the perfect base for exploring Scotland’s other iconic attractions – most are only a day trip away!
So make a proper trip of it and explore the rest of our beautiful country by tour bus or train. The Highlands, the Lothians and the beautiful Kingdom of Fife are all easily accessible within a couple of hours’ journey from the Capital.
6. The iconic Edinburgh Castle.
The main attraction and the masterpiece of the city. You will surely be amazed by its architecture and view point either at its bottom or at the top of it. Don’t forget to learn more about the history of the castle and the city itself inside its museums.
7. It's bursting with culture.
Edinburgh has countless museums and galleries. Make your first stop the Museum of Edinburgh or the National Museum of Scotland, to learn all about the nation's fascinating past. Then call by the Scottish National Gallery to eyeball treasured works from the likes of Van Dyck, Van Gogh and Cézanne. Don't forget the Gallery of Modern Art – split across two sites – for a contemporary angle, or the City Art Centre which frequently runs enticing exhibitions
8. The Scotch Whisky Experience.
Just a stumble from Edinburgh Castle you’ll find the world’s foremost whisky museum ‘The Scotch Whisky Experience’. It’s home to the world’s largest private collection of Scotch whisky not to mention a great tour to explain just how it comes to be.
9. And finally… according to readers of The Telegraph and many other publications, Edinburgh is the best place to live in the UK!