Explore Edinburgh
In 1707, at the time of the Act of Union, Edinburgh was a small capital city, little more than a single street running west to east down a defensive crag from the Castle to Holyrood Palace, with narrow lanes - or wynds - branching off on both sides, in a layout that resembled the bones of a fish.
Today Edinburgh is the leading festival city in the world, home to phenomenal summer festivals, most notably the Edinburgh Festival and the Fringe Festival. It is also a UNESCO ( United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation) World Heritage Site. Wherever you look, the city buzzes with a sense of excitement all year round. Packed with medieval tenements, narrow wynds of the Old Town and the sweeping elegance of the Georgian New Town, there's no question that Edinburgh deserves its reputation as one of the most stunning and enthralling cities in the world.
With lots of world-class visitor attractions, sightseeing in Edinburgh is pretty easy, and you can experience different centuries of history without even moving.
Edinburgh Castle, the Royal Mile and Holyrood Palace
Set high above the city on top of an extinct volcano, the stunning Edinburgh Castle draws millions of tourists every year. The famous Royal Mile connects the Castle at the top of the mile and Holyrood Palace, the British Monarchs' official residence when in the capital, at the bottom.
The Scottish Crown Jewels and Stone of Destiny are kept safe in the castle and can be viewed in the crown room on scheduled tours. The Stone of Destiny was officially returned to Scotland from England in 1996.
Ghost tours
In the 17th century, Edinburghs' strict city walls meant that the city couldn't expand out only up. As a result, Edinburgh built a city upon a city to handle its increasingly overcrowded citizens. Today, Edinburgh has an underground city full of narrow streets known locally as closes'. This hidden world is shrouded in urban legends and tales of murder.
If you're feeling brave why not take one of the many ghost tours down into the bowls of the city. Mary Kings' close is by far Edinburghs' most famous tour. However, be warned. It 'isnae fae the faint haerted' (not for the faint of heart).
Local sights and exhibitions
The National Museum of Scotland is on Nicholson Street and surrounded by the Edinburgh University. The Museum regularly changes their exhibitions and plays host to some of Scotland's most prized history. A great way to spend a morning. Across from the Museum is Greyfriars Bobbys' graveyard. The famous pup who loyally guarded his masters grave everyday for 14 years until his own timely death. Greyfriars Bobby was the only dog in the history of the United Kingdom to be granted 'Freedom of the City' by the government. You can take guided tours around the graveyard or venture in alone if you wish. Tourists have taken to rubbing Bobby's nose for luck.
Just two of the very many things to see and do in Edinburgh.
Explore Scotland!
If you fancy leaving the city walls and travelling a little further you'll be amazed at what you find as you 'explore Scotland'.