Edinburgh

State

City of Edinburgh

Country

Scotland

Continent

Europe

Size

264 KM²

Population

482,000

Spending Budget

$970 - $3,423

Famous For

It is no wonder Edinburgh is so charming for overseas visitors. Its stunning mix of architecture includes medieval tenements, the Old Town and its cobbled wynds; not to mention the Georgian era buildings of New Town.

Best Time to Visit

June
July
August

History

In 1603, King James VI of Scotland succeeded to the English throne, uniting the crowns of Scotland and England in a personal union known as the Union of the Crowns, though Scotland remained, in all other respects, a separate kingdom. In 1638, King Charles I's attempt to introduce Anglican church forms in Scotland encountered stiff Presbyterian opposition culminating in the conflicts of the Wars of the Three Kingdoms. In the 17th century, Edinburgh's boundaries were still defined by the city's defensive town walls. As a result, the city's growing population was accommodated by increasing the height of the houses. Most of these old structures were replaced by the predominantly Victorian buildings seen in today's Old Town. In 1611 an act of parliament created the High Constables of Edinburgh to keep order in the city, thought to be the oldest statutory police force in the world. By the first half of the 18th century, Edinburgh was described as one of Europe's most densely populated, overcrowded and unsanitary towns. Visitors were struck by the fact that the various social classes shared the same urban space, even inhabiting the same tenement buildings; although here a form of social segregation did prevail, whereby shopkeepers and tradesmen tended to occupy the cheaper-to-rent cellars and garrets, while the more well-to-do professional classes occupied the more expensive middle storeys. Although Edinburgh's traditional industries of printing, brewing and distilling continued to grow in the 19th century, and were joined by new rubber works and engineering works, there was little industrialization compared with other cities in Britain. By 1821, Edinburgh had been overtaken by Glasgow as Scotland's largest city. Since the 1990s a new "financial district", including the Edinburgh International Conference Centre, has grown mainly on demolished railway property to the west of the castle, stretching into Fountain bridge, a run-down 19th-century industrial suburb which has undergone radical change since the 1980s with the demise of industrial and brewery premises. This ongoing development has enabled Edinburgh to maintain its place as the United Kingdom's second largest financial and administrative centre after London.

Present Day

Edinburgh is Scotland’s compact, hilly capital. It has a medieval Old Town and elegant Georgian New Town with gardens and neoclassical buildings. Its rugged landscape and particularly Arthur’s Seat a volcano fortunately extinct, make it a prime spot for urban exploration. With winding alleys, hilltop landmarks, and surrounding woodland creating picture-postcard views whichever way you turn, all making it a great place to explore. Looming over the city is Edinburgh Castle, home to Scotland’s crown jewels and the Stone of Destiny, used in the coronation of Scottish rulers. Many of the most popular tourist attractions are along the Royal Mile built along a steep hill running from Holyrood Palace up to the clifftop castle. It’s a great place to get a sense of medieval Edinburgh and there are Gothic churches, historic pubs, and dozens of small, courtyard spaces and passageways set off from the main road that offers unexpected discoveries, including seemingly secret stairways connecting the town’s different levels. A bustling and vibrant city, steeped in history and host to a variety of colourful festivals throughout the year, there is no shortage of things to do in Edinburgh.

Future

The region has been enduring a real period of growth – as exciting large scale developments move forward in the city centre and sustainable development schemes are brought forward in more rural Edinburgh. nspired by forward-thinking cities around the world embracing challenges posed by climate change, poverty and inequality, the ten-year plan aims to deliver a better connected, net zero carbon transport system, a healthier environment and a thriving, inclusive Capital. Amongst measures included in the Plan are the commitment to encourage a change in public behaviour towards the use of sustainable transport, the expansion of the tram and mass rapid transit network, improvements to bus routes, creating ‘mobility hubs’ in existing communities and new developments and introducing a city operations centre to monitor traffic. Additionally, the Plan pledges to create more liveable places less dominated by motor traffic and to build on the city’s network of walking, wheeling and cycling routes. Alongside the adopted Local Development Plan and emerging City Plan 2030, the City Mobility Plan also champions 20-minute neighbourhoods, an internationally recognised concept where local services are within a 20-minute walk of your front door. It goes even further to envision neighbourhoods where people’s daily needs can be met within a 10-minute walk or wheel from their house. By placing people at the heart of the Plan, the aim is to offer everyone sustainable choices for moving around the city, helping Edinburgh meet its target of net zero emissions by 2030 and providing safer, cheaper and healthier options for every member of society.

Must Visit Places ------------

Edinburgh Castle

Edinburgh Castle is built upon the massive Castle Rock, part of an ancient extinct volcano. The top of Castle Rock is more than 120 meters above sea level and it stands 80 meters taller than the land surrounding it to the north, south, and west so it can only be easily reached from the east. This historic fortress dominates the skyline of the city of Edinburgh and has played a pivotal role in Scottish history, both as a royal residence and as a military stronghold. The palace last saw military activity in 1745 and from then until the 1920s it obeyed as the British army’s main base in Scotland. Today it is one of Scotland’s most atmospheric and popular tourist attractions. Dominating the city from its great rock, Edinburgh Castle is an absolute must-visit spot. Well defended on its tall volcanic crag, not only has it witnessed royal ceremonies and feasts, but also cruel battles and ruthless politics. Visitors can discover its rich history that remains a great source of inspiration as well as the important national symbols it hosts such as the Stone of Destiny and the Honours of Scotland. A range of visitor facilities is on offer at Edinburgh Castle, from food outlets to guided tours.

Arthur’s Seat

The spectacular landscape of Arthur’s Seat and Holyrood Park is the backdrop to the capital and best enjoyed in summer when there’s good visibility and the Landscape is dotted with heather and willowers. The rocky peak of Arthur’s Seat was carved by ice sheets from the deeply eroded stump of a long-extinct volcano and is a distinctive feature of Edinburgh’s skyline. Arthur’s Seat can be accessed from the bottom of the Royal Mile and the park is also the site of a large and well-preserved fort. Once at the very top at 250m, visitors are rewarded with spectacular panoramic views across the city and out to the coast. It’s an energetic climb but well within the capabilities of most people, though trainers or hiking boots are recommended. There are various walking routes, with the red route being particularly scenic as it’s a circular walk from Holyrood Palace.

The Palace of Holyrood house

Open throughout the year, the Palace of Holyrood house stands at the end of Edinburgh’s Royal Mile. Commonly referred to as Holyrood Palace, it is the official residence of the British monarch in Scotland, but is more famous as the 16th century home of the ill-fated Mary, Queen of Scots. The highlight of the trip is Mary’s Bedchamber, home to the impoverished queen from 1561 to 1567.It was here that her jealous second husband, Lord Darnley, restrained the pregnant queen while his henchmen murdered her secretary and favourite, David Rizzio. A plaque in the neighbouring room marks the spot where Rizzio bled to death. Visitors can explore 14 magnificent historic and State Apartments, the romantic ruins of the 12th-century Holyrood Abbey, and the remarkable royal gardens. A typical visit to Holyrood Palace lasts between1 and 2 hours and families can explore the palace with a lively and interactive family audio tour.

The Loch Ness Explorer Tour

One of the most popular one-day tours from Edinburgh is a tour to Loch Ness, taking must-see of the most dramatic scenery of the Scottish Highlands. En-route to Scotland’s most mysterious loch, Loch Ness, there will be plenty of time to admire the wild, untamed beauty of Scotland. See the snow-capped peaks of the Grampian Mountains, including Britain’s tallest mountain, cross the wilds of the Rannoch Moor and take in the dramatic scenery of Glencoe. Loch Ness is a large, deep, freshwater loch in the Scottish Highlands extending for approximately 37 kilometres south-west of Inverness and its surface is 16 meters above sea level. Loch Ness is best known for alleged sightings of the Loch Ness Monster, also known affectionately as Nessie. This is a fantastic tour to Loch Ness visiting a diverse range of classic Highland scenery including many ’must-see’ sights and the chance to go monster hunting on Loch Ness.

The Three Bridges and Inchcolm Island Cruise

Enjoy a relaxing cruise on the Firth of Forth while a live guide provides rich, interesting commentary as you go. The Firth of Forth is the estuary of several Scottish rivers including the River Forth. It meets the North Sea with Fife on the north coast and Lothian on the South. Let the serene scenery wash over you and seethe Edinburgh skyline, the Kingdom of Fife, and the Three Bridges in one sweeping panorama. Venture out to the calm seclusion of Inchcolm Island and if you choose, hop-off for an optional walking tour of the ancient monastic island and explore the island’s historic Abbey that is one of the best-preserved group of monastic buildings in Scotland. The Island is also a haven for wildlife and is well known for its wartime coastal defences. While your cruise lookout for the oceanic wildlife including several seabirds, seals and watch out for the occasional porpoise. Binoculars are available to hire for a small, refundable deposit. Visitors can relax onboard in the observation lounge or on the outside decks and listen to the guide commentary.

The Royal Yacht Britannia

It is one of Scotland’s most popular visitor attractions. Built on Clydeside, the former Royal Yacht Britannia was the British Royal Family’s boating holiday home during their foreign travels. Sailing over a million miles around the world, from the time of her launch in 1953 until her decommissioning in 1997, she is now permanently moored in front of Ocean Terminal. Visitors can walk the decks and stateroom with an audio guide and learn about the ship’s fascinating history. Explore all decks, including the SunLounge, the Engine Room, and the Royal Deck tea-room, where many a Royal traveller enjoyed a cup of tea with a view. See the State Apartments, where guests like Nelson Mandela and Winston Churchill once slept, and visit the gleaming Rolls Royce Phantom which once travelled on the ship, and is still aboard. The tour, which you take at your own pace with an audio guide, lifts the curtain on the everyday lives of the royals and gives an intriguing insight into the Queen’s private tastes.

Edinburgh Zoo

Edinburgh Zoo, once the Scottish National Zoological Park, is an 82-acre zoological lot in Corstorphine, a suburb of Edinburgh. The land lies on the south-facing slopes of Corstorphine Hill, from which it provides extensive views of the city. Just a 10-minute journey out of the city centre by bus or car, it is home to over 1,000 rare and beautiful animals and the UK’s only giant pandas. The zoo also contains many endangered animals, including chimpanzees, sunbears, Indian Rhinos, and the amazing Giant Pandas. The penguins are one of the main attractions at the Zoo and visitors can see them walking or swimming in the globe’s largest penguin pool. The chimps have a special interactive enclosure and visitors following the Budongo Trail can get up close and personal with them. There are also lots of interactive activities for kids, a busy program of educational events, keeper talks, and hands-on animal encounters. With plenty of children\’s play areas, restaurants, picnic spots, and a fantastic gift shop, Edinburgh Zoo makes an ideal family day out.

The National Museum of Scotland

The National Museum of Scotland was formed in 2006 with the merger of the new Museum of Scotland, with collections relating to Scottish antiquities, culture, and history, and the adjacent Royal Museum, with collections covering science and technology, natural history, and world cultures. From dinosaurs to design, the museum boasts hundreds of objects spanning thousands of years and originating from countries across the globe. The museum traces the history of Scotland from geological beginnings to the 1990s, with many imaginative and stimulating exhibits. Marvel at ancient wonders and treasures from around the world and Scotland, in an almost endless array of galleries and exhibitions. See a full T-Rex skeleton, the Millennium Clock, Dolly the world’s cloned sheep, and much more. A museum that’s well worth a visit with audio guides available in several languages.

The Royal Botanic Gardens

The Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh is one of the world’s leading botanical gardens and a renowned scientific centre for the study of plants, their diversity, and conservation. Founded near Holyrood in 1670 by two doctors that studied medicinal plants, it moved to its present location in 1823. It’s beautifully landscaped acres includes splendid Victorian glasshouses, colourful swaths of rhododendrons and azaleas, and a world-famous rock garden home to over 5,000 alpine plants. With over 10.000 plant species, the garden is divided into various areas each dedicated to a variety of vegetation. The highlights are the Chinese Hillside, the Queen Mother’s memorial garden, and the Woodland Garden. Visitors can discover a history dating back nearly 350 years, learn about its plantings, and walk around 70 acres of beautiful landscape. A pleasure for all the family, the Garden also offers a fantastic view of the capital’s skyline.

The Battle of Bannockburn experience

Robert Bruce, King of Scots, faced an English army led by Edward II in June 1314. The English army was bigger, better equipped, and more experienced however, they lost to the determined Scots. The Battle of Bannockburn is an incredible interactive adventure that will change what you think about Scottish history and shake you up with a realistic 3D battle experience as you come face to face with soldiers, knights, and pages on both sides of the conflict. Witness the sights and sounds of battle, take your place in the Battle Room and see ancient battle strategies, weapons, and armor. Harnessing state of the art 3D technology, visitors can experience medieval combat like never before to learn about this crucial event in Scottish history. The centre also contains an award-winning cafe and gift shop, while the outdoor grounds contain a medieval garden, commemorative area, and Pilkington Jackson’s iconic statue of Robert the Bruce.