As Scotland's capital city, Edinburgh is rich in the country's history and culture. It is also a desired destination for many travelers, attracting over one million foreign visitors a year. There are countless things to do and see in Edinburgh, and it would take a lifetime to experience them all. The following is a list of just a few essential things to do in Edinburgh.
Explore the Literary Heritage
Edinburgh was the first city ever to be named by UNESCO as a City of Literature, and for good reason. Many famous authors have lived in Edinburgh, such as Robert Louis Stevenson, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, and Irvine Welsh. If you're looking for an afternoon pick-me-up, stop by The Elephant House, the coffee house where JK Rowling began writing the Harry Potter novels. The National Library of Scotland holds millions of volumes, and houses archives and exhibitions for anyone interested in learning extensively about Scottish history. There are also many literary tours to choose from.
Edinburgh Castle
It wouldn't be a proper trip to Edinburgh without a visit its eponymous castle. Now Edinburgh's top tourist site, it also has served as a fortress, a military base, and a royal home. The castle can be seen from pretty much any point in Edinburgh, but it's definitely worth experiencing up close and personal.
Old Town and New Town
An understanding of the difference between Old Town and New Town is essential to appreciate both sections of the city. In Old Town, the roads are cobbled, narrow, and twisty, revealing hidden nooks at almost every turn. Here, where gorgeous Reformation-era buildings line the streets, the old meets the modern. Walking around Old Town truly feels like stepping back in time.
Where the streets of Old Town are a bit like a maze, New Town is neat and grid-like. The layout was inspired by the sense of order admired by Enlightenment thinkers, and the buildings are largely Georgian and neoclassical in design. It is home to some of Edinburgh's best shopping sites and the esteemed Scottish National Gallery.
These sites and actives are just a fraction of what Edinburgh has to offer. Come see for yourself the beauty of this fantastic city during our upcoming trip to Scotland.
