Edinburgh, Scotland - Things to See and Do

What to see and do in Edinburgh, Scotland

Visited June 2022

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Edinburgh has been the capital of Scotland since at least the 15th century

It is located in the southeastern part of the country, on the east coast of the Scottish Lowlands. The city is known for its rich history, stunning architecture, and cultural significance. It has a medieval Old Town and elegant Georgian New Town with gardens and neoclassical buildings. Edinburgh's Castle Rock reminds tourists of the Acropolis in Athens.

We visited Edinburgh on 6/12/2022. While there we visited the Old Town and New Town areas, toured the Edinburgh Castle and the Royal Mile, and the viewed the Palace of Holyroodhouse.

The Old Town and New Town areas of Edinburgh have been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the city is home to many famous landmarks, including Edinburgh Castle, the Royal Mile, and the Palace of Holyrood. Edinburgh is also known for its arts and cultural scene, with a number of festivals and events taking place throughout the year, including the Edinburgh International Festival, the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, and the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo. The city also has a thriving food and drink scene, with many traditional Scottish dishes and locally sourced ingredients on offer in restaurants and cafes.

In addition to its cultural offerings, Edinburgh is a major center of business and commerce in Scotland, with a number of major companies and financial institutions located in the city. It is also home to several world-renowned universities, including the University of Edinburgh, which is consistently ranked as one of the top universities in the UK and the world.

Overall, Edinburgh is a vibrant and historic city with a rich cultural heritage, and is a popular destination for tourists and residents alike.

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The Edinburgh castle is perched on top of Castle Rock which is the remnant of an extinct volcano. There has been a royal castle on the rock since at least the reign of David I in the 12th century.

The Royal Mile runs down the crest of the ridge from the castle to the royal residence in Holyrood Palace.

The gates to Holyrood Palace. Holyrood house has served as the principal royal residence in Scotland since the 16th century. Queen Elizabeth II spent one week in residence at Holyrood house at the beginning of each summer.