WHY EDINBURGH IS SO POPULAR AND FAMOUS

I always recommend the bus as the very first thing to do. It gives you an all-rounded experience of the highlights. You are in a much better position to decide what you DO want to see, once you’ve been on the bus. Besides, it’s great fun too!

The city has quite an intriguing history of ghosts, so brace yourself for all the anecdotes and decide for yourself whether it is believable.

From Calton Hill (in central Edinburgh) you’ll have some spectacular panoramic views of the city. There is a collection of historic monuments and architectural splendor. It is famous for its Athenian acropolis and the Nelson Monument.

Calton Hill dates all the way back to the early 1800s and is rich in history, from the prehistoric era to now.

At the head of the Royal Mile is Edinburgh Castle, with a stunning view of the city below and even Auld Reekie. Try to plan your visit so that you are there at 13h00 which is when the gun is fired from Mondays to Saturdays.  

What Is Edinburgh Castle Known For?

Edinburgh Castle is famous for the annual Edinburgh Military Tattoo. It’s also home to the Crown Jewels (the Honors of Scotland) and serves as a military station. In addition, the castle is home to the Scottish National War memorial.

How Long Do You Need To Stay In Edinburgh Castle?

Set aside about two hours from start to finish.  That said, if you’re a speed demon, you can do it in about an hour.

A colorful, bustling, vibrant, and historic marketplace, and event space that sits directly below Edinburgh Castle. It’s a great spot for a break with all its pubs, cafes and if you have a bit of energy left, some particularly good independent shops.

The ship was built in 1953 and has a rich history of British royalty.  Thus, a must-see for royalists. Lunch or at the very least, an afternoon tea is not negotiable. I will go back for sure, even if it’s just for lunch.

At the foot of the Royal Mile is the Palace of Holyroodhouse. It was an absolute treat seeing where HRH Queen Elizabeth II entertains guests and the old throne rooms used by past monarchs. We climbed the narrow winding staircase to view the bed chamber of Mary Queen of Scots and where David Rizzio (her private secretary) was brutally murdered.

This popular and captivating attraction is a science center about the natural process that shaped our planet from the Big Bang to now. It is located on Holyrood Road.

Explore an alleyway under the Old Town buildings. Mary King was a merchant burgess from the 17th century. She resided in the close. There are many tours that include the close and many other underground vaults at which point you’ll get to hear about the many myths, urban legends, Edinburgh’s ghosts, stories of hauntings, and many murders.

The second-largest monument to a writer in the world can be found here in Edinburgh. Named after the Scottish author Sir Walter Scott it is 61.11 m (about 200 feet) high with several viewing platforms.

The monument was constructed after his death in 1832 and carries 64 figures of characters from his novels. Construction was completed in 1844.

Previously, I’ve mentioned the harmonious sounds of the church choir. Conversely, lovers of Whisky will have a less sober experience at the Scotch Whisky Experience! Without giving away too much, I will just mention that you’ll get to see a spectacular cellar hosting the World’s Largest Collection of Scotch Whisky.

I love organ music and quite enjoy the harmonious sounds of a choir. And this is exactly what you may encounter if you’re lucky enough when you visit the 12th-century St Giles’ Cathedral. St Giles’ Cathedral is also known for its magnificent architecture.

The museum, on Lady Stair’s Close, is a Robert Burns fan’s must. Also celebrating Sir Walter Scott and Robert Louis Stevenson is well worth your time whether you like literary history or not.

Another free attraction is the Museum of Childhood, which celebrates childhood in Scotland through time. Young and old will enjoy this museum.

The People’s Story (telling the story of life in and of Edinburgh’s residents through the centuries) sits just opposite the Museum of Edinburgh.

Meander through a recreated 17th-century garden.

The 500-year-old Gladstone’s Land building depicts luxury life through the centuries.

Here you can view the debating chamber of witnesses in a live parliamentary session.

If ever you find yourself in Edinburgh, go to the Glenkinchie Distillery. Imagine 90,000 bottles of Whiskey evaporating each year!? They call it the “Angels’ share”! Those angels must be VERY happy. (lol)

I’m not a Whisky drinker but it’s not every day that one gets to tour Scotland. I thoroughly enjoyed the whisky tasting. My preferred whisky was The Glenlossie. It has a vanilla undertone and is the lightest in the range.

Glenkinchie lies, as the name might suggest, in a glen of the Kinchie Burn near the village of Pencaitland, East Lothian. It is situated about fifteen miles from Edinburgh. The distillery is set on farmland. The name ‘Kinchie’ is a corruption of ‘De Quincy’, the original owners of the land. Its origins date back to around 1825.

The Royal Mile comprises a succession of streets that is the main road in the heart of Edinburgh’s Old Town. The main thoroughfare (about 1.8 km / 1 Scots mile long) got its name from its traditional use as a ceremonial route for kings and queens for the last 500 years.

Go on to the award-winning Firth of Forth at Hawes Pier and enjoy magnificent sightseeing such as the Red Forth Rail Bridge, the historic Inchgarvie Island, Inchcolm Island, Forth Road Bridge, Queensferry Crossing.

The captain will share some fascinating anecdotes about Edinburgh.

Also, keep a watchful eye for some seals, puffins, and other wildlife throughout the cruise.

Harry Potter fans will not be disappointed when visiting Edinburgh. Must-see sites include:

• Diagon Alley. Also known as Victoria Street and Candlemaker Row in Edinburgh.
• The Spoon Café where J.K. Rowling started “telling” the world about the now-famous Harry Potter.
• Elephant Cafe was another popular spot where J.K. Rowling took pen to paper.
• George Heriot’s School (founded in 1628) was the inspiration behind the magical school of Hogwarts.
• Greyfriar’s Kirkyard in Reading is close to the coffee houses J. K. Rowling frequented. Hence the theory that some of the gravestones may have been the inspiration behind some of the famous Harry Potter characters. 

In addition to the above attractions, you may also see J.K. Rowling’s handprints on High street (#253), Edinburgh.