Edinburgh is a charming city. With its cobblestone streets and Gothic architecture, it’s an excellent place for a weekend away if you find yourself in Scotland.
Rich in beauty and history, Edinburgh and its people are a real delight. Let’s look at some of the main attractions to check out in the capital of Scotland on your next trip.
The Royal Mile
This long, historic street is the primary thoroughfare in the Old City and is full of buskers, tourists snapping pictures and great spots to eat. It will also get you to and from many of the main attractions on foot.
St. Giles Cathedral
Also referred to as the High Kirk of Scotland, St. Giles Cathedral is found between the Castle and the Palace and is the perfect representation of the Gothic architecture we mentioned earlier. It is open seven days a week, and you can get a guided rooftop tour to learn about it while you visit.
The Mackenzie Poltergeist
If you enjoy ghost tours, you’ll love Edinburgh as it is one of the most haunted cities in the world! Sir George Mackenzie had many religious dissidents killed and rumour has it his vengeful spirit still terrorises the area. You can learn all about it on one of the many haunted walking tours around the city.
Edinburgh Castle
If you are a history or architecture buff, then you can’t go past Edinburgh Castle. One of the main tourist attractions in Scotland, it’s open daily from 9:30-6pm and it’s not to be missed if you’re in Edinburgh.
The Scott Memorial
This gothic tower is the second tallest monument to a writer in the world. It was created for Sir Walter Scott, a novelist, playwright, and historian (famous for Rob Roy). You can also get a great view of the city from the top of this little stair climb.
The Elephant House
Fans of Harry Potter will probably already know that this is the cafe where J.K Rowling wrote the books, and now this cafe is always brimming with people heading there to take pictures and soak in the vibe that inspired a phenomenon.
Edinburgh has a lot to offer, but if you’re short on time then this list will ensure you still get to see the top attractions and tourist sites. Marvel at the stunning scenery, electric atmosphere and enjoy the many photo opportunities thanks to the architecture.