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Edinburgh

United Kingdom

Edinburgh

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PDF Guide

Our travel guides are free to read and explore online. If you want to get your own copy, the full travel guide for this destination is available to you offline* to bring along anywhere or print for your trip.

*this will be downloaded as a PDF.

Price

€4,95

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EdinburghGuide was updated:
Edinburgh effortlessly balances its weighty history with contemporary energy. The Royal Mile’s weathered cobbles lead past medieval closes and modern whisky bars, while the shopfronts of Princes Street mirror the jagged skyline of the Old Town. By day, you can hike up Arthur’s Seat for panoramas that stretch to the Firth of Forth; by evening, join the animated crowds at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe or browse the shelves of independent bookshops. Scotland's compact, hilly capital is a city where every alley holds a story waiting to be uncovered.

Do & See

Edinburgh offers a myriad of attractions and activities to explore. Begin by strolling along the historic Royal Mile, dotted with iconic landmarks such as Edinburgh Castle, St Giles' Cathedral, and the Palace of Holyroodhouse. Delve into the city's rich history at the National Museum of Scotland or take a ghost tour through the underground vaults. Immerse yourself in literary history at the Writers' Museum or visit the birthplace of Harry Potter at The Elephant House café. Don't miss the vibrant atmosphere of the Grassmarket, where you can enjoy lively pubs and charming shops. For breathtaking views, hike up Arthur's Seat or visit Calton Hill. End your day with a visit to the Royal Botanic Garden or catch a show at one of the city's renowned theatres.
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Edinburgh Castle

Edinburgh Castle

Perched atop Castle Rock, overlooking Scotland's capital for over a millennium, the iconic Edinburgh Castle holds a storied past as a military fortress and royal residence. Today, it stands proudly as a museum, showcasing a wealth of historic and precious treasures. Admire the splendour of the Scottish Crown Jewels, marvel at the ancient Stone of Destiny, and witness the medieval bombard known as Mons Meg. After exploring the castle's interior, venture outside to stroll along the charming cobbled promenades and meander through winding stone steps. As you do, take in the breathtaking vistas that stretch across the city, providing a picturesque backdrop to your visit.

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St Giles' Cathedral

St Giles' Cathedral

St Giles' Cathedral, the historic "Mother Kirk of Scotland", has been a focal point of religious and civic life on the Royal Mile since 1124. Its architecture is a tapestry of centuries, but the cathedral is most famous as the epicentre of the Scottish Reformation under firebrand minister John Knox. While the main body of the kirk is imposing, its greatest artistic treasure is the Thistle Chapel, an astonishingly detailed 1911 Gothic space housing Scotland's chivalric order. You can admire the beautiful stained-glass windows, see an original National Covenant, and find the bronze memorial to Robert Louis Stevenson. Just outside the west door, the Heart of Midlothian set into the cobbles is traditionally spat upon for luck. Free tours and audio guides help unravel the complex history within this essential Edinburgh landmark.

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Old Town

Old Town

Kick off your visit to Edinburgh with a visit to the Old Town. With its narrow winding streets, medieval architecture and centuries-old buildings, this charming district is the best place to get a glimpse into the city's rich heritage. Stroll along the famous Royal Mile, a vibrant thoroughfare lined with shops, traditional pubs and historical sites. Explore the hidden 'closes' and alleys that unveil stories of Edinburgh's past, and visit iconic landmarks like the imposing Edinburgh Castle and the beautiful St Giles' Cathedral.

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Royal Mile Guided Walking Tour

Royal Mile Guided Walking Tour

Dive into Edinburgh's historic past and discover the city's acclaimed landmarks and hidden secrets on this Royal Mile guided walking tour. Follow your guide along Edinburgh's legendary Royal Mile as you gain a fascinating insight into the famous writers, poets, and inventors who have called the city home. Hear tales of Scotland's national bard, Robert Burns, and see top landmarks like St Giles' Cathedral and the National Galleries of Scotland.

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Calton Hill

Calton Hill

Calton Hill offers one of Edinburgh's most accessible and spectacular viewpoints with a 360-degree panorama of the city, the Firth of Forth and Arthur's Seat. A UNESCO World Heritage site, its summit is dotted with neoclassical monuments, earning it the nickname "Edinburgh's Acropolis". Key structures include the unfinished National Monument, modelled after the Parthenon; the Nelson Monument with its time-ball telescope; and the Dugald Stewart Monument, a familiar city landmark. Importantly, the hill is also home to St Andrew's House, the headquarters of the Scottish Government, and the historic Old Royal High School. Today, the former City Observatory houses Collective, a contemporary art gallery. A short, gentle climb from Princes Street, Calton Hill is an unmissable stop for any traveller.

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