The capital of Scotland, Edinburgh, is always happy to welcome guests. Edinburgh is located in the Lowlands of Scotland, along the southern shore of the Firth of Forth and along the east coast of Scotland. It is the second largest city in Scotland, and also the second most popular tourist destination (London is first).
Citizens use English and its Scottish dialect to communicate.
Edinburgh is a majestic city, decorated with an ancient castle. Its amazing history will impress you no less than its modern beauty.
In 2004, UNESCO awarded Edinburgh the title "City of Literature". World-famous writers and literary figures lived and worked there, and the most incredible works of literature of the past and present were born.
The city is the best place for those who cannot imagine their life without books. You can go here with children, a noisy group or alone - this is a universal city with many opportunities, where there is something interesting for everyone.
Region |
Scotland |
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Population |
477,660 people |
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Population density |
1844 people/km 2 |
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British pound, euro |
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Timezone |
UTC 0, summer UTC+1 |
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Postal code |
EH1-EH13, EH14, EH15-EH17 |
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International dialing code |
Climate and weather
The capital of Scotland has mild winters and cool summers. In winter it rarely gets colder than 0 °C, and in summer the thermometer rarely rises above +24 °C. It is worth noting that such a climate is very favorable for people with diseases of the cardiovascular system and respiratory tract.
A characteristic feature of Edinburgh's weather is frequent showers. During the year, the most precipitation occurs in autumn and early spring.
South-westerly winds prevail here. Atlantic cyclones dominate in March and October. This feature is ensured by the city's location on the coast, where air masses from the North Sea influence.
Nature
Edinburgh, like all of Scotland, has amazingly beautiful nature. The majestic beauty of the mountains is combined with green meadows and many flower plantings. The city is located on the territory of the Lowlands of Scotland - it lies on two hills, connected by many bridges, on the picturesque southern shore of the Firth of Forth.
Attractions
The main attraction of the capital of Scotland, Edinburgh Castle, rises in the city center. The castle houses the famous Stone of Destiny. This is the sacred relic of Scotland, with the help of which monarchs were crowned. In addition, the castle has a museum and a chapel. Every day, except Sunday, at exactly 13:00, shots from a signal cannon are heard from the side. On major holidays, fireworks and fireworks explode over the castle, performances are held, and the Military Band Festival is held annually.
Castle Holyroodhouse- a historically important place. Once upon a time, political intrigues were woven within its walls, murders and conspiracies were committed. In it, Mary Stuart, being pregnant, was present at the murder of her Italian secretary David Ricci, who was killed on the orders of Lord Darnley, her husband. Today the palace is the residence of the British crown. Its halls display personal belongings of Scottish queens.
A very interesting place is the Writers' Museum. It is located on a narrow street off the Royal Mile. The works and personal belongings of Robert Burns, Lewis Stevenson, and Walter Scott are kept here. It often hosts specialized exhibitions dedicated to famous Scottish writers. At the entrance to the museum there is a medieval courtyard, where the thoughts of great writers over six hundred years of the country's history are carved on the cobblestone street.
Five hundred years of Scottish history can be explored in the portrait gallery Scottish National Portrait Gallery.
In galleries Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art And Dean Gallery you will see the works of modern authors.
Be sure to visit the Scottish National Museum. Here they will tell you the history of the country, tell you about the emergence of the nation, and demonstrate household items and works of art. Nearby is the Royal Museum of Scotland, where exhibits of industry, science, archeology, and decorative arts collections from all over the world are exhibited.
Visiting the royal yacht "Britannia", you can follow in the footsteps of high-ranking guests, look into the luxurious royal dining rooms and small laundries. The yacht belonged to the royal family for more than forty years. Many high-ranking persons became her guests. Now anyone can walk along the deck and look into the most secluded places of the yacht.
City authorities organize numerous festivals and holidays. The year ends and begins with a stunning New Year's celebration, where every Edinburgh resident participates. The world's largest Arts Festival, film and science festivals, jazz and blues festivals, the Fine Arts Festival, the Christmas Festival and other significant events take place here. These days, shops become galleries, churches become concert halls, and the city itself is full of fun. Young talents come here to perhaps begin their path to world fame.
Nutrition
Undoubtedly, the favorite dish of the local population is oatmeal. Various desserts are made from it, flatbreads are baked, and served as a side dish.
Excellent Scottish food is available in all its variety in Edinburgh restaurants. Game, excellent fish recipes, locally produced cheeses, beers and whiskeys all form the basis of Scottish cuisine.
Scotch whiskey is famous all over the world. And it is made in Edinburgh, in The Scotch Whiskey Heritage Center. Be sure to visit this place. They will give you a detailed tour, tell you the history of the origin of whiskey, conduct a tasting and provide a choice of more than 200 varieties of Scotch whiskey at the lowest prices in the city.
On the square Grassmarket and the street Rose St You will find plenty of traditional pubs serving excellent beer and excellent snacks to go with it. In a restaurant chain Chippy's You will be offered hamburgers and specialties of Scotland, such as haggis.
On the streets George IV Bridge And George Street you'll find Edinburgh's modern metropolitan bars.
A popular place among restaurants is called The Atrium. It has a cozy and slightly mysterious atmosphere - you will definitely like it.
The restaurant has a good reputation for national cuisine Haldanes. The restaurant's menu includes delicious dishes: crayfish, Scottish salmon, rabbit with apricots. Excellent whiskey will be a good addition to any of the best restaurant dishes.
The beer restaurant is quite popular Dirty Dick's. Its hall is furnished with antique wooden furniture and antique interior items, and the walls are decorated with large paintings. The menu has a huge selection of beers, light snacks, and salads.
Accommodation
In the Edinburgh area Cowgate Area and in the alleys Royal Mile low-cost hostels are concentrated. Small hotels and guesthouses are common throughout the city, but on the south side Minto Street, on Pilrig Street, the largest number of them are concentrated around Newington Road. These areas are located within a twenty-minute walk from the city center.
If you want to live comfortably, but do not want to spend a lot on accommodation, contact private individuals who rent out housing. In the city center there are many mansions for rent, where the most comfortable conditions will await you.
Entertainment and relaxation
People in Edinburgh prefer a relaxing holiday surrounded by nature, without haste or physical exertion. For those who prefer active entertainment, modern sports centers and golf clubs are open.
If you are a nightlife lover at night, visit a bar The Vaults. This is a great place for music lovers, lovers of exotic cocktails and dishes.
Night parties await at the club Espionage Club. Modern dance rhythms and an atmosphere of joy will captivate you until the morning. Dance lovers should also check out the club Venue Night, equipped with three dance floors and bars.
Club The Bongo will delight you with performances by famous DJs of all musical genres.
There is a club in ancient underground caves Cabaret Voltaire. It is open all week, presenting guests with a variety of events.
On Thursday and Friday, go to the cafe City Cafe 2. These days it hosts free parties.
Clubs are also very popular among young people Why Not, Opal Lounge, GHQ, Shanghai, Diva, Lothian road And The Hive.
Purchases
Street Princes Street is Edinburgh's main shopping mall. It is located on the north side of Edinburgh Castle and runs through almost the entire center, starting near the railway station and ending at Lothian Road. Be sure to check out the music store HMV and to the largest shopping center Topshop And H&M. Parallel Princes Street the street passes George Street, home to first-class restaurants and boutiques.
Scottish souvenirs you can visit The Royal Mile, near the castle hill. Bagpipes and kilts, Scotch whiskey and just souvenir magnets await you there.
Alternative clothing stores are located in the Old Town on the street Cockburn Street. You will find shops there with the most interesting and unusual goods.
On Multrees Walk Shops of the most expensive brands await you: Armani, Harvey Nichols, Vuitton, Vidal Sasoon, Calvin Klein.
Small cozy shops are located on Grassmarket in the Old Town.
Transport
The company's buses transport passengers to Edinburgh Lothian Buses. The fare for them is 1.7 €, children under 5 years old travel for free, and children from 5 to 15 years old are provided with significant benefits. A day pass costs €3.78. Bus drivers do not give change, so you have to pay the exact price. At night, special night buses run, the cost of one trip is 3.78 €.
You can always use taxi services. You can catch him on the streets of the city or call him by phone. For a telephone call you will have to pay 0.76 €. Taxi services are quite expensive. The minimum boarding fee is 1.90 € during the day and 3.15 € at night.
Connection
All modern types of communication are available in the capital of Scotland. Internet cafes are available for you, and Wi-Fi is available in many public places. Mobile Internet and mobile communications are provided by three main operators, city telephone networks, post office, and pay phones are available.
Safety
Be careful about the safety of personal belongings in crowded places (especially during city holidays). Do not carry large amounts of cash or original documents with you.
Business climate
Edinburgh is an economically developed city in Great Britain. The main branch of the economy is the service sector. Tourism, education, banking and modern technology constitute the main areas of business in the city.
Such large banks of the world as Clydesdale Bank, HBOS and the Royal Bank of Scotland have their headquarters in Edinburgh.
The city is the brewing center of Scotland. Large companies are located there Scottish & Newcastle And Caledonian Brewery.
Edinburgh hosts world-class scientific, diplomatic and business meetings.
By opening a business in Edinburgh, you make it possible for yourself to enter the global market of Europe and the USA. The prospects for the development of small businesses are very good, but they will have to withstand strong competition, especially in leading areas of the economy.
Real estate
In Edinburgh you can find properties to suit your needs and capabilities. According to Scottish law, property valuations are carried out by experts. The cost of housing depends on the location, age of the building, renovation, class. The average cost of apartments remains at 350,000 €, a house will cost you no less than 400,000 €.
To rent a home you will not need any special documents other than a passport.
Most government institutions are closed on weekends, so if you need to go anywhere, ask in advance about the opening days of the institution you need.
If you decide to travel around the city by bicycle, be aware that you must turn on a flashlight at night. Failure to comply with this rule may result in a fine of €50. In general, fines for non-compliance with traffic rules in the country are very high.
There is one ancient and interesting tradition in Edinburgh that will probably surprise you: gifts here are given not by the one who comes to visit, but by the one who receives. And this gift must be accepted so as not to offend the owners.
Edinburgh instantly evokes associations with castles on granite rocks, wrought iron bars, and ancient mirrors in heavy frames. This is partly true - castles are found in abundance in the Old Town, as well as various art galleries and museums. However, this city is truly alive. The day can be spent exploring the sights of Edinburgh, but the evening is better spent in a pub with a cheerful conversation or in a restaurant overlooking the harbour. After all, Edinburgh is multifaceted. Don't miss any of his appearances.
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The Royal Mile includes four streets, forming a vast and rather confusing quarter. It consists of an intricacy of smaller streets that weave around the Mile. The start of the Mile is believed to be at Edinburgh Castle. Here, around the twelfth century, a market appeared, around which wooden houses quickly appeared, which were also quickly burned by the British. Gradually, the purely commercial vector of the Royal Mile began to change its direction: it seemed that it had become a kind of New Babylon with a hundred or two professions, concessions and languages.
The Inquisition met here, its fires burned cheerfully, taverns and brothels opened their doors hospitably, the central court and the place where death sentences were carried out were nearby. Life on the Royal Mile was vibrant, as it is today. Parliament Square, Holyrood Bridge, Camera Obscura, St. Giles' Cathedral are attractions for every taste.
Holyroodhouse Palace
Almost at the very end of the Royal Mile there is a working royal residence where members of the royal family stay. As a rule, this happens in the summer - at this time the palace is closed to tourists. The history of the castle began in the twelfth century with the unsuccessful Sunday hunt of King David, who himself almost became a hunting trophy. The miraculous salvation of the monarch became the reason for the construction of first the abbey, and then Holyrood Castle.
Tourists can visit the royal dining room, the throne room, where ceremonies for knighting the Thistle are still held, the chambers of Mary Stuart with an authentic setting, as well as the royal gallery, which contains portraits of the royals who sat on the throne of Scotland throughout almost its entire history. . You can also stroll through the palace gardens and climb to Arthur's Seat. In winter, the palace is open to the public from 09:30 to 16:30, in summer - until 18:00. The price for an adult ticket is £11.30.
Holyrood Abbey
Adjacent to Holyroodhouse Palace is Holyrood Abbey. The once thriving church is now a deplorable – but no less magnificent – spectacle. The gloomy ruins of once lush halls are now covered in moss. Electric lighting is unnecessary here - in some places there are not enough large areas of the roof. But in the Middle Ages, meetings of nobles were often held here and the most important political decisions were made!
Over the past three hundred years, many local and foreign architects have proposed projects for the reconstruction of this cultural heritage, but none of them were ever realized. You can enter the Abbey grounds with a ticket to visit Holyroodhouse Palace. Their visiting hours are also the same.
Edinburgh castle
If you look at the castle from the city, you get the impression that it is floating in the air. It was originally created as a fortress and for many centuries was used for fortification purposes by various forces and political groups. Since the twelfth century, it became the official royal residence, and then the arena of the main actions in the confrontation between England and Scotland. The main royal relic, the Stone of Destiny, is also kept here.
Monarchs at all times laid their hands on him to solemnly take an oath before a high assembly. A tour of the castle will allow you to immerse yourself in the atmosphere of robberies, sieges, betrayals, political and love advances, prison everyday life and even magic - this is where some elements of the Harry Potter saga were filmed. Entrance fee is £16.50. In winter, the castle can be visited from 09:30 to 17:00; in summer, visiting hours are extended by an hour.
Scott Monument
One of the most crowded and noisy train stations in Edinburgh, Edinburgh Waverley, is located on Princes Street. It is not surprising that such a significant place received an equally significant name. The station was named after one of Walter Scott's characters, and not far from the giant building there is a magnificent monument. Its height exceeds sixty meters.
If you don’t know that this monument was erected in honor of the great Scottish writer, you might think that this is an unusual neo-Gothic church of the Victorian era - the composition of this monument is so large-scale and architecturally intricate. It offers perhaps the best views of central Edinburgh, although to admire it you will have to climb one of the spiral staircases, that is, overcome almost three hundred steps. The real architectural highlight of the monument is the sculpture of Walter Scott himself, sitting in a chair and stroking his dog.
Dead End Mary King
Just four hundred years ago, the quarter of Mary King, who was the daughter of a very successful lawyer, was perhaps the busiest in the capital. The King family owned most of the local buildings, and everything was going well until a plague outbreak occurred in the city. They began to round up those infected with the plague into Mary King's quarter, in order to then make them prisoners of these streets, simply walling up the dying people. The most famous of these sufferers was Little Annie, a girl who was put in the “basement of the dead” and is still searching for her parents. Oddly enough, there is still no powerful justification for such a heartbreaking story. All that is known for sure is that it was a quarantine zone.
Nothing can be said with complete certainty about “walling up”. One way or another, gradually they began to build a New City over the dead end, and soon it turned into a kind of catacombs, from which they ultimately turned it into a tourist attraction. It is better not to go down here without a guide and a powerful flashlight - you can get lost in no time. For an entrance ticket to the “city of the dead” you will have to pay 12.5 pounds. It is worth checking the opening hours on the official website, as they are constantly being adjusted.
Cathedral of Saint Egidio
This cathedral is better known as St. Giles' Cathedral. It is officially considered the main Presbyterian church in the country. Its construction began in the fourteenth century. Once upon a time, an ancient church stood on the site of the cathedral. Some of the pillars of the former building still support the vaults of the modern cathedral. Many people find the Cathedral of Sant'Egidio a bit gloomy with its Victorian stained glass windows and intricate stone carvings. As a rule, the most interesting place is the Thistle Chapel, where knightings still take place today.
The walls of this old chapel are painted with numerous coats of arms of aristocrats, members of eminent families and crowned persons who at different times were honored with becoming Knights of the Thistle. The cathedral grounds also contain the crypts of many famous Scottish personalities. During the summer, the cathedral can be visited from 09:00 to 19:00; special schedules apply on weekends. In winter it is open until 17:00. Entrance fee is £3, the opportunity to take several photos will cost £2.
Craigmillar Castle
Once a whole village grew around Craigmillar Castle, but now there are only numerous buildings around the central part of Edinburgh. The specificity of the castle is that it is perhaps the only Scottish castle that has preserved its authentic appearance. The first mentions of it date back to the beginning of the thirteenth century.
The most ancient components of the castle appeared another hundred years later. Among the most famous dead to ever reside in Craigmillar is Mary Stuart. The castle is open to visitors all year round. An adult ticket costs £6.
Greyfriars Kirk Church
Once upon a time, on the site of the modern church there was an abbey of the Franciscan Order - “Abbey of the Gray Brothers”. It is considered one of the oldest buildings outside Edinburgh's Old Town. Its age is estimated at four centuries. For a long time it consisted of two buildings, the earlier of which dates back to the Reformation period. This church has long been a real stronghold of Presbyterianism.
Greyfriars Kirk was the first Presbyterian church to have a stained glass window and even an organ. No less famous than the church itself is the local cemetery. Among the local ghosts there is a Jack the Ripper and a Hachiko, about whom several novels have been written.
National Portrait Gallery
The Scots took the creation of a national collection of portraiture and photography seriously. The very idea of opening such a gallery caused a wide resonance in society, but the government was in no hurry to invest money in this project. The first sketches of the modern gallery appeared through the efforts of the then famous philanthropist John Findlay, who two centuries ago allocated funds for the creation of a special building to house the collections.
The red sandstone building in the neo-Gothic style with stucco and numerous sculptural compositions on the eastern and northern facades still makes many passersby gaze at it. You can visit the gallery from 10:00 to 17:00 on all days except Thursday. On Thursdays it closes two hours later. Admission to the National Treasury of Portraiture is free.
Scottish Whiskey Heritage Center
Scotch whiskey has been a brand for centuries. This is not just a brand of alcohol, but the history of the country and its character. The Whiskey Heritage Center today houses more than three thousand collectible bottles of this drink. This project is always relevant, since the government is happy to invest money in the development of the center and attract partners.
The center itself occupies a sprawling building on the Royal Mile. The excursion usually includes theoretical and practical parts. Moreover, the practical experience is striking in its variability - usually the guest is offered to taste more than a hundred varieties of whiskey, which are produced in different regions of the country. The center is open from 10:00 to 18:30. An entrance ticket will cost a minimum of 14.5 pounds.
Museum "Our Dynamic Earth"
The museum amazes you even before you get acquainted with its exhibitions. The roof of this building is made in the form of a giant membrane, which is stretched on metal cables. It was decided to celebrate the new millennium in such an unusual way. The museum maintains an ideal balance of scientific reliability and entertainment in the presentation of material.
Thus, museum guests will be able to get a holistic picture of the processes through which the Earth was formed, as well as the various stages of development of the animal and plant world. Another important milestone is scientific forecasting. Questions of alternative evolution are raised. Full tickets cost £12.50, children's tickets cost £7.95. The museum is open from 10:00 to 17:30.
National Museum of Scotland
The modern National Museum is the result of the merger of the Museum of Antiquities and the Royal Museum. It is noteworthy that we are talking not only about moving collections and creating new excursion programs, but also about combining two buildings - a modern constructivist and an old Victorian one. The exhibitions relate to various fields of knowledge: history, geology, natural history, cultural studies.
Sometimes it seems that this entire flow of information has no system: next to the stuffed cloned sheep Dolly there is a hall of Elton John’s creativity, which goes into a hall with artifacts from Ancient Egypt. The most vivid impressions usually remain from the Great Hall - the largest room of the museum, richly decorated with sculptures of birds and filled with light. The museum is open from 10:00 to 17:00. Entrance to the museum is free.
National Gallery of Modern Art
The gallery opened only at the end of the twentieth century. A huge building in the neo-Gothic style with a luxurious garden was chosen to house it, which today has been turned into a large-scale sculpture dedicated to Charles Jenkins. According to the creators, the idea is based on chaos theory. The gallery's holdings are so huge that temporary exhibitions have to be held frequently. Visitors can get acquainted with the works of Picasso, Matisse, Nicholson, Braque completely free of charge from 10:00 to 17:00.
Forth Bridge
This bridge has an extremely important function. Essentially, it connects the southeast and northeast of the country. It began to be built at the end of the nineteenth century. During three years of construction, more than sixty people died. The scale of the project is amazing: ten times more metal was spent on it than on the construction of the Eiffel Tower.
The visual effect created by this bridge was so strong that many modern directors, artists and photographers chose it as a backdrop for their works. Some art historians also say that the Forth Bridge is not only an expression of modern art, but also its spiritual inspiration. The duality of nature is fascinating.
Royal Yacht Britannia
This yacht once belonged to Elizabeth II herself. Before being moored at the port of Leith, she achieved the status of the vessel that had been in direct service the longest than any other. She bobbed on the waves for almost forty-four years, making more than a thousand voyages and covering more than a million nautical miles. Most rooms have retained their authentic furnishings. Some cabins and the dining room are used for events. Entry costs £12. Most of the year, visiting is possible from 10:00 to 15:30.
Princess Street Gardens
A huge area of fifteen hectares between New and Old Edinburgh was given over to gardens, which residents and guests of the city still cannot get enough of. Back in the Middle Ages, on the territory of modern gardens, Lake Nor-Loch was created for fortification purposes, which, closer to the onset of the Modern Age, it was decided to drain to create a park area. Which was done brilliantly. Soon the two parts of Edinburgh were united by railway, and a huge number of statues and even fountains appeared in the park itself, which are still working.
Tourists come here not only for relaxation, but also to see the famous flower clock and rise above the city on a Ferris wheel. Of course, it is not the highest in the world, but even so it is worth pampering yourself and plunging into the world of the bright lights of the fair fun from a bird's eye view. In the summer months there is a large fireworks festival, and in the winter there is an ice skating rink. Entrance to the park is free.
Royal Botanic Garden
This botanical garden has more than a long history. Over almost five centuries of existence, it has changed its location more than once. It is noteworthy that it was originally created for educational purposes, so that young doctors and biologists could study the properties of various medicinal plants. Gradually, the profile changed from teaching to research. Now it is more of a place for educational relaxation. The park is divided into independent thematic zones, some of which are located directly in the open air, while others are located in greenhouses. If entry to the garden itself is free, then you will have to pay 4.5 pounds to enter some greenhouses.
The workers themselves often call the rockery the main pearl of the garden: a mountain river, waterfalls and lakes form a complex system. The Chinese garden is constantly growing and transports guests to the Asian landscape. The palm greenhouse with vines, bamboo and almost all types of palm trees is especially popular among visitors. The heather greenhouse and areas dedicated to local flora have incomparable charm. Entire sections of the garden are dedicated to environmental issues. It is best to visit the botanical garden in spring or summer, when all the plants are full of strength. During the warm season, the garden is open from 10:00 to 19:00; in the autumn-winter period it closes at 18:00.
Arthur's throne
The highest of Edinburgh's seven hills is Arthur's Seat, which is located in the park adjacent to Holyrood Castle. Once upon a time, this majestic hill was nothing more than a volcano, but today many call it the “lion’s head,” which is not far from the truth. At a certain angle, the shape of the hill really begins to resemble a formidable predator about to pounce. As for the official name of the hill, according to one version, the legendary Camelot Castle was once located here.
The only thing that can be said with complete confidence is that large-scale military battles actually took place on the territory of the hill. True, it is unknown whether King Arthur himself was somehow connected with them. Today, tourists enjoy climbing the hill to capture the colorful panoramas of Edinburgh.
Calton Hill
This hill is located east of the New Town and is another excellent viewing point, although the reputation of this place is not truly pure, rather the opposite. It was here that the city prison was located, and where death sentences were regularly carried out. Today, at the top there is a modern observatory, and three wide avenues diverge in different directions from the hill. A number of monuments adorn Calton Hill. The most unusual of them is the unfinished copy of the Parthenon, which attracts precisely because of its incompleteness.
In addition to London, another popular tourist destination in the UK is the city of Edinburgh. Being the capital of Scotland, Edinburgh is rich in historical and architectural attractions, numerous cultural sites, art galleries and museums, as well as, of course, a variety of evening entertainment opportunities: pubs, bars, restaurants, clubs.
The attractions of Scotland and Edinburgh regularly attract a lot of tourists, but a special influx of visitors begins at the end of summer. Edinburgh attracts three times more guests than usual in August, because it hosts famous Edinburgh Festival, which is a joint holding of several festivals of various directions.
Therefore, at this time it is better to take care of the issue of accommodation here in advance and look at numerous hotels in Edinburgh, as well as book them, which can be easily done thanks to the Hotellok service. Another reason for mass public celebrations is New Year or Hogmanay. when theatrical performances, fairs and other exciting events are held.
Brief history
Scientists have found that the first settlements on the territory of modern Edinburgh belong to the Bronze Age. This is evidenced by the findings of historians and archaeologists: primitive painting, ancient tools.
The first tribe to settle here was the Votadin tribe.. Even the ancient Romans in the 1st millennium BC. wanted to conquer this people, as evidenced by some surviving documents. The Votadins built the fortress Din Eidyn, which literally translates as “the fortress of Eidyn.” This name went through several transformations until it reached its modern name - Edinburgh.
After numerous battles, in 638 AD. The fortress came into the possession of the Northumbrian Angles, who had a huge influence on its development. During this period, the characteristic suffix “burg” was added to the name of the city.
Three centuries later, the fortress began to belong to Scotland. The fastest pace of development of the city can be attributed to the 12th century. Then the Church of the Holy Crucifixion (Holyrood Abbey) was built, and the royal court moved to Edinburgh Castle.
Later, the parliament that arose in Edinburgh determined the development of Edinburgh as the capital of Scotland. As the city's political influence waned, cultural life continued to flourish: local philosophers, scientists, writers and artists continued to play a significant role in world culture.
In 1450, Edinburgh was surrounded by a fortress wall; now this area is called the Old Town. It is characterized by tall buildings of 11, or even 14-15 floors, since Edinburgh could only grow in height at that time. In the 18th century, a new area arose to the north of the city - the New Town. Since 1995, these areas have been listed as World Heritage Sites.
Edinburgh has been the capital of Scotland since 1437. In 1998, the British Parliament adopted the Scotland Act, which determined the creation of its own parliament and administration here. They can adopt their own laws in Scotland and regulate the taxation system.
Local Attractions
Edinburgh is home to some of the must-see sites and attractions when visiting Scotland.
One of the first things you should visit is the main symbol and landmark of Edinburgh – Edinburgh Castle.. From the outside it seems that the castle is floating above the city. The observation deck here offers stunning views of Edinburgh. Jewelry, ancient weapons, and historical values are exhibited here for tourists.
No less worthy of a visit is the Palace of Holyroodhouse, which was previously an abbey. The ruins of the abbey remain here to this day, only now the palace itself serves as a royal residence. This is where official events and receptions are held when the Queen visits Scotland.
These two objects are connected by the so-called “Royal Mile”. This is the name given to four roads in Edinburgh, which are exactly one mile long. Moving down from Edinburgh Castle, along this street and its branches you can see some attractions and buy souvenirs.
Along the way, you can stop by the Camera Obscura and World of Illusions museum, where you can taste this traditional Scottish drink and learn how to make it.
Almost in the center of the Royal Mile is St. Giles' Cathedral, the center of religious life in Scotland.
The Royal Mile also has one secret street - Mary King's Dead End. In the 18th century, it was walled up when the city administration building was being built, and in 2000 it was opened again. Now on the territory of the underground street there is a museum showing the life of the Scots in the 16th-19th centuries.
Edinburgh opens the doors of its art galleries to tourists, among which the most famous The National Gallery of Scotland is the oldest of its kind in the region, the National Portrait Gallery and the Gallery of Modern Art on the grounds of the Royal Botanic Gardens. The botanic garden itself is also an attraction, as it is one of the oldest botanic gardens in the UK.
Edinburgh's history can be explored by visiting the National Museum of Scotland and the National War Museum. Also open to the public is the royal yacht Britannia, which has now been converted into a museum on the water.
Edinburgh is famous for its zoo, or rather, its inhabitants. It is located near the city center and was created not so much for entertainment as for research work. However, this does not prevent crowds of tourists from visiting it. The creators of the zoo were able to show not only the diversity of animals inhabiting our planet, but also convey the urgent problem of endangered animal species.
When you come to Edinburgh, you should definitely visit several unusual museums. For those interested in geology, biology, geography and other natural sciences, You should definitely see the exhibitions of the museum “Our Dynamic Earth”, where you can “visit” the epicenter of an earthquake or volcanic eruption, feel how the planet breathes, learn about various other processes and unusual phenomena on earth.
Those who are passionate about literature should visit the Museum of Authors, which tells about the pride of Scotland in the field of poetry and prose: Walter Scott, Robert Burns, Robert Stevenson. By the way, visiting this museum is free, which is determined by the tradition of “what to take from a poet.”
Edinburgh also delights children and those who remain children at heart, opening access to the Museum of Childhood, filled with souvenirs, books, entertainment, toys and other children's attributes. The museum always has a joyful and cheerful atmosphere that appeals to both young and adult visitors.
Important information for tourists
Tourists who want to visit all the sights and interesting places of Edinburgh and save money at the same time are better off purchasing an Edinburgh Pass, through which you can visit about 30 museums and galleries in the city for free, get discounts in shops and restaurants, and also travel around the city for free.
The price for a 1 day card is £24, 2 days £36 and 3 days £48. You can purchase it at the airport, train station or information offices throughout the city.
If we consider Edinburgh hotels, then the historical center naturally has the most expensive options. Edinburgh's relatively inexpensive hostels and hotels are located in the lower part of the Royal Mile and its side streets, as well as in the south of the city and Leith.
Edinburgh is a majestic ancient city in Scotland, topped by a castle on a granite rock towering high above the streets. But behind the historical surroundings lies the atmosphere of the city. You can spend time in museums and galleries during the day, and towards night you can sit in a pub, go to a club, theater or restaurant overlooking the harbor.
How to get to Edinburgh
Edinburgh International Airport is located 12 km west of the city. It receives flights not only from all over England, but also from continental Europe, Ireland and some cities in North America. The flight duration from Moscow, excluding connections, is about 4 hours.
The airport has an information office, luggage storage, ATMs, currency exchange, shops and restaurants, rent-a-car offices and Wi-Fi. You can get there by Lothian Buses Airlink service 100 from Waverley Bridge, which is located at the exit from the railway station. One way fare is 3.5-5.30 GBP, round trip about 10 GBP, travel time is 30 minutes, departure every 10-15 minutes, tickets can be purchased from the driver. The bus stops at West End and Haymarket along the way. You can also get there by taxi, the cost is 22-30 GBP, the journey takes 20 minutes.
In addition, Edinburgh can be reached from Glasgow Airport, which is located just 100 km to the west. Scottish Citylink bus number 905 connects the airport and Glasgow Buchanan bus station, where you can change to bus number 900 to Edinburgh (15-18.40 GBP, journey 2 hours, departures every 15-30 minutes). Prices on the page are for October 2018.
You can also get from Glasgow by First ScotRail train, the journey takes 50 minutes, departures every 15 minutes, fare 12-15 GBP.
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By bus
Edinburgh Bus Station is located on the north-east corner of St Andrew Sq, with entrances from the square and Elder St. There is an information office, wi-fi, and a storage room.
By train
Edinburgh's main railway station, Waverley (Waverley Bridge), is located in the heart of the city and receives trains from all over the country. Another station, Haymarket (Haymarket Tce), serves as a stop and departure point for westbound trains. Tickets can be purchased from the Edinburgh Rail Travel Center (4.45-00.30 Mon-Fri, 7-00.30 Sun) at Waverley station.
Weather in Edinburgh
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Edinburgh districts
Simply Town (town, from English “city”) is medieval Edinburgh with its Royal Mile, which leads from Holyrood Palace to the castle. This is the most interesting area of the city for tourists.
New Town (respectively, "new city") is the second half of the historical center, earning the prefix "new" for its 18th-century buildings. It is also the commercial center of Edinburgh, which is respected by shopaholics from all over the world for the abundance and quality of its stores.
Stockbridge and Canonmills is next door to New Town, with interesting shopping and the city's best leisure spot, the Royal Botanic Gardens.
Edinburgh/East - Portobello beach area and the historic village of Duddingston. Edinburgh/South is a popular part of the city for students as there are plenty of places to eat and, more importantly, drink. The famous Roslin Chapel is also located here, about which below. Edinburgh/West attracts with its zoo and (for connoisseurs and amateurs) Murrayfield rugby stadium.
Royal Edinburgh Ticket
The Royal Edinburgh Ticket is a great opportunity to see as many of the city's attractions as possible and save money. It allows you to visit 3 popular attractions of the city: Edinburgh Castle, Holyroodhouse Palace and the Royal Yacht Britannia. The ticket is valid for two days. Ticket price: 55 GBP, preferential (for pensioners over 60 years of age and students): 48 GBP, children (5-15 years): 30 GBP.
Edinburgh maps
Transport
Public transport in the city is provided by Lothian Buses, which operate mostly in the center of Edinburgh, and First Edinburgh - in the surrounding areas and villages near the city. Route schedules can be found at each stop. The cost of travel around the city is 1.5 GBP (children under 5 years old are free, from 5 to 15 - 0.7 GBP). Drivers of Lothian buses do not give change, they need to pay a strictly designated amount, but First Edinburgh are more loyal to tourists who get confused in unfamiliar papers and give them change. But Lothian Buses also offer to purchase a day pass for 5 GBP, which gives the right to an unlimited number of trips during the day, the ticket is purchased from the driver. Night buses also run around the city, departing once an hour from midnight to 5 am, fare 3-5 GBP.
By taxi
Black elegant Edinburgh cabs can be caught on the street, ordered by phone (+0.5-0.8 GBP per call) or found in the parking lot. However, it is worth keeping in mind that this type of transport is very expensive: the minimum fare is 2.1 GBP (at night 3.1 GBP) per landing plus the first 450 m, then 0.25 GBP for every 240 yards (220 m). In short, a typical trip of 2 miles (3.5 km) in the city center will cost at least 6-10 GBP.
Scotland is all about whiskey, and when heading to Edinburgh, you should immediately set aside a couple of hours for a visit to The Scotch Whiskey Heritage Centre. Here tourists will be given an unforgettable excursion, told about the history and origin of whiskey, distillation methods, types of malt and, of course, given a taste.
By bike
Although Edinburgh is full of hills and climbs, it is a very bike-friendly city if you follow certain rules. Firstly, we should not forget about the traffic that is atypical for Russia, and secondly, it is necessary to comply with local requirements: turn on the lights in the evening, do not drive on a one-way street in the opposite direction, do not drive through red lights, do not drive on lawns. Local police bobbies have the right to fine careless cyclists up to 40 GBP. Otherwise, beautiful Marquise, the pleasure of cycling around Edinburgh is truly incomparable.
There are representatives of many international rent-a-car companies in the city, but the best prices are in small local agencies.
Edinburgh Hotels
Budget hostels are concentrated in the Cowgate Area, at the bottom of the Royal Mile and its side streets. Guesthouses and small hotels are scattered throughout the city, but most are around Newington Road and Minto Street on the south side and Pilrig Street and Newhaven Road in Leith. Both of these areas are located within a 20-minute walk from the city center and are connected by bus routes.
Shopping and shops
The main shopping alley of the city is Princes Street (New Town), which is located north of the castle. It runs through almost the entire city center, from the railway station to Lothian Road. There are both large shopping centers (HMV music store, Topshop and H&M) and tourist-oriented souvenir shops and shops. Parallel to this street is George Street, which is also famous for its shopping and restaurants.
On Cockburn Street in the Old Town you can find “alternative” Princess Street shops with Scottish music and kilts, piercing accessories and “subcultural” clothing. The Royal Mile, especially on the hills near the castle, is an ideal place for shopping for Scottish-themed souvenirs: postcards, magnets, whiskey, kilts and bagpipes.
It’s a special pleasure to stroll through the Grassmarket (Old Town). Not so much because of the shops and cozy pubs located here, but because of the charming views of the castle and cute buildings. Multrees Walk (or simply The Walk) is the home of expensive brands Vidal Sasoon, Armani, Vuitton, Harvey Nichols or Calvin Klein (New Town).
The best photos of Edinburgh
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Cuisine and restaurants
Scotland is whiskey. So when going to Edinburgh, you should immediately set aside a couple of hours to visit The Scotch Whiskey Heritage Centre, which is located at the top of the Royal Mile. Here tourists will be given an unforgettable excursion, told about the history and origin of whiskey, distillation methods, types of malt and, of course, given a taste. You can also buy a bottle or two for home here: more than 200 types at very reasonable prices.
In general, it is very difficult to recommend any establishment in Edinburgh; they are all distinguished by good quality food and, of course, beer. Many traditional Scottish pubs can be found near the Grassmarket (there are not many locals here, but there are plenty of tourists).
If the romance of the Middle Ages has become somewhat boring, but you still want beer, you can go to modern Edinburgh bars on George Street and George IV Bridge. You can listen to music and go dancing in clubs near Cowgate and Lothian road, for example, Base, Gig and Diva. Other popular places among local youth: Opal Lounge, Shanghai, Bacaro, GHQ, The Hive, Octopussy (Thursdays at HMV Picture House) and Why Not.
There are plenty of pubs along the pedestrianized Rose St where you can grab a cheap bite to eat. And at Chippy’s establishments you can try hamburgers, blood sausage and haggis - the national Scottish dish made from lamb offal.
Edinburgh
Guides in Edinburgh
Entertainment and attractions in Edinburgh
The Balmoral Hotel with a giant clock on the tower (the symbol of the city), Edinburgh Castle and the so-called “Royal Mile” leading from the castle to the Palace of Holyroodhouse (the former palace of Mary Stuart, and now the residence of the Queen of England). In the city center is Princes Street, where the famous Scottish Monument and the National Art Gallery are located. Not far from the palace rises the rock “King Arthur’s Seat”.
Gland Stone Land is a shopkeeper's house built in the 17th century, where the furnishings and interior are preserved in their original form. On the ground floor there is a reconstructed shop with goods from that time, and on the top floor there are apartments furnished in the spirit of the 17th century.
The Scottish Monument is a monument to the writer, more like a church, one of the most famous attractions in Edinburgh. In the center of the city there is a 60-meter statue of Sir Walter Scott and his dog Maida.
Other Edinburgh attractions: St. Margaret, Castle Rock Castle, royal residence in Scotland, St. Gilles, the Scottish Parliament building, the Royal Museum, museums of modern history and the history of Scotland.
City galleries: Fruitmarket, Talbot Rice, Scottish Gallery of Modern Art, National Portrait Gallery of Scotland, Museum of Scotland. Walking tour of the historical center of Edinburgh, excursion to Roslyn Chapel and the Royal Yacht Britannia, excursion to Stirling Castle.
In Edinburgh, for an additional fee (15 GBP), you can visit Roslyn Chapel, richly decorated with symbolic sculptures and frescoes describing Bible stories, the times of the Knights Templar and the Masonic Society. Now, thanks to Dan Brown's novel "The Da Vinci Code", it has become even more popular among tourists - after all, it is here that the last chapter of the novel takes place.
Edinburgh sights
1. Edinburgh Castle
The majestic castle, which stands on the rocky base of an extinct volcano in the very center of the city, is not only the main attraction of Edinburgh, but a proud and solid symbol of the Scottish nation.The area around the castle has been inhabited since 800 BC, but today most of the remaining structures date from around the 16th century (with the exception of St Margaret's Chapel, the oldest building in Edinburgh, from the early 12th century). The castle itself was built during the early Middle Ages and completely rebuilt in the 17th century.
The main attractions of Edinburgh Castle arebreathtaking views of the city, beloved by tourists, the royal chambers, which contain the Scottish royal jewels and regalia of the state.In addition, here is the legendary “Stone” on which all the monarchs of Scotland were crowned.
Official website: www.edinburghcastle.gov.uk
Edinburgh Festival Theater
Edinburgh Theater Festival is the largest performing arts festival in the world and of course Edinburgh's main cultural attraction. The festival was first held in Edinburgh back in 1947. The festival takes place in August and by the end of summer, theatrical masters from all over the world come to the city.
Official website: www.edtheatres.com/
3. Museum of Edinburgh
All the secrets and magic of the ancient city of Edinburgh in a museum dedicated to history, from prehistoric times to the present day. The Museum of Edinburgh contains collections related to the city's history, from ceramics to documents. The building in which the museum is located is also of interest; Scottish aristocrats lived in it since the 16th century.
Official site: www.edinburghmuseums.org.uk/Venues/Museum-of-Edinburgh
4. National Gallery of Scotland
The National Gallery of Scotland is located in the heart of Edinburgh and is home to Scotland's largest collection of European painting and sculpture from the Renaissance to Post-Impressionism. The museum was opened to the public in 1859 and its collection includes paintings by Botticelli, Cezanne, Van Dyck, Picasso, Monet, Raphael, Rembrandt and Titian. The gallery also has the most comprehensive collection of Scottish paintings in the world. The National Gallery is a must-see for art lovers in Edinburgh. Tours of Edinburgh include a visit to the National Gallery.
To explore the sights of Edinburgh, take a guided tour.
Official site: www.nationalgalleries.org
5. Palace of Holyrood House
Initially, on the site of the palace, Holyrood Abbey of the Augustinian Order was located, founded back in 1128 by the King of Scotland himself. Since the 15th century, the abbey began to be used by crowned heads; it was here that Mary Stuart lived, and the interiors of her chambers have been preserved in the palace. Today the palace is the official Scottish residence of Queen Elizabeth II, and is used by the royal family for state ceremonies.
Official website: www.royalcollection.org.uk
6. Rosslyn Chapel
Rosslyn Chapel is one of the most famous attractions in Edinburgh; it was in its interiors that the Hollywood blockbuster “The Da Vinci Code” based on the book by Dan Brown was filmed. The chapel is a late Gothic church. founded in 1446. The history of the Rosslyn Chapel is covered in legends; it is believed that if you unravel the pattern on the ceiling, you will find out where the Templar treasures are located.
Official website: www.rosslynchapel.org.uk
7. Royal Botanic Garden
Edinburgh Botanic Garden is recognized as one of the best in the world, with six percent of the world's known plants growing here. Visitors can admire vegetation from 10 climate zones, from tropical palms to arctic tundra, and see some of the world's oldest orchids. The garden was created in 1670, and since then it has remained one of the main attractions in Edinburgh. The views of Edinburgh Castle from the garden are some of the best in the city.
Official website: www.rbge.org.uk
8. Royal Mile
The Royal Mile is a sequence of streets that form the main tourist thoroughfare of Edinburgh's Old Town. The Royal Mile is locatedbetween two of Edinburgh's historic landmarks,Edinburgh Castle and Holyrood Abbey.This is the busiest tourist road in the city. Almost all Edinburgh excursions center around the Royal Mile.
9. Royal Yacht Britannia
The pride of the ocean terminal at the Port of Leith, in the shopping and entertainment district of Edinburgh, is the moored famous royal yacht Britannia. The yacht is famous for the fact that its passengers were Sir Winston Churchill and Nelson Mandela who set foot on her decks, not to mention the British royal family themselves, who used the ship for 40 years.
Official website: www.royalyachtbritannia.co.uk
10. Rosslyn Chapel
Not far from the village of Roslyn near Edinburgh, the Roslyn Chapel is located, it became world famous after the world famous 2003 bestseller, Dan Brown's novel The Da Vinci Code. Built in the mid-15th century in Orkney by Earl William Sinclair, the chapel is believed to be associated with Freemasonry and the Knights Templar, and as a result it is the subject of many myths and legends.
From the outside, Rosslyn Chapel looks like a beautiful, small cathedral, churches in Scotland are usually very dark, gothic, but inside this chapel everything is incredibly rich, every inch of stone is covered with either carvings or sculpture.
Rosslyn Chapel is 10 kilometers from the center of Edinburgh and is served by a tour bus every 30 minutes from the western end of Princes Street.Adult tickets cost £9.open from 9:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
11. Linlithgow Palace
20 kilometers from Edinburgh lies a classic romantic ruin in the bucolic landscape of the Scottish hills, the former Stuart palace where Mary Stuart was born.
A royal estate existed in this place since the 12th century, and in the 14th century Linlithgow Castle was built; unfortunately, a strong fire in 1746 destroyed the palace, which was not subsequently restored. But fortunately, the palace has reached us in fairly good condition; it is worth looking at the large courtyard with a three-level fountain in the courtyard, many statues around the palace and a lush park.
12. Arthur's Seat
The Col or Arthur's Seat is an old extinct volcano, shaped like a saddle, from which a beautiful view of Edinburgh opens up and is the most ideal point for panoramic photography of the city. Unfortunately, you can only go up on foot; a well-trodden path leads there from hundreds of thousands of tourists; the ascent takes several hours at an average pace.
13. Alnwick Castle
For the last 700 years, Alnwick Castle has been home to the aristocratic Percy family, the Dukes of Northumberland.It is one of the largest residential castles in the UK, and is now perhaps best known as one of the castles in the Harry Potter films.
Erected in the late 11th century, Alnwick expanded steadily over the centuries, meaning a tour of it will introduce you toarchitectural styles ranging from medieval Gothic through Baroque to elements of Italian neoclassicism. LockAlnwick has one of the finest private arts and crafts collections in the country, as well as a weapons museum and an archaeological museum.
The parkland surrounding the castle includes a garden, the spectacular Grand Cascade, rope bridges and one of the world's largest wooden houses. Rose Gardencompletely dedicated to poisonous plants, where belladonna and broom grow. Almost every day there are events during which children candress up as medieval knights or learn how to fly a broomstick, Harry Potter style.
14. Scotch Whiskey Experience
Along with Edinburgh Castle, Scotch whiskey is Edinburgh's main attraction. A whiskey tour of Edinburgh includes a trip to the Whiskey History Museum, a tasting, and the opportunity to see the whiskey production itself. The bar offers a selection of 270 different whiskeys, and the restaurant serves traditional Scottish food.
Official website: www.whisky-heritage.co.uk
