11 Reasons to Visit Sottish Capital Edinburgh

1. The Medieval Charm

In Edinburgh, it seems the time has stood still taking one back to medieval spells of stone buildings, scary vaults and narrow walkways. Walking down the Royal Mile from the Castle to Holyrood Palace in the Old Town transports you to another era, gory anecdotes and elongated history of Edinburgh. Makes one ponder is it where Harry Potter lived once? No surprise J.K. Rowling wrote Harry Potter series mostly at the Elephant House Café and finished at Balmoral Hotel in the city.

2. Her Majesty’s Yacht Britannia

“Discover what life was like on board The Queen’s floating royal residence.” In over a four decades long stint the Royal Yacht has sailed more than a million nautical miles around the globe before getting decommissioned from royal use in recent years. The yacht is now open to visitors and leaves one in owe after visiting the fabulous state apartments and royal bedrooms and the stunning royal deck tea room on the yacht.

3. Hike to Arthur’s Seat

How do you keep fit in Edinburgh? Just follow the King’s path to Arthur’s Seat. The hill walks rewards one with gorgeous panoramic views of Edinburgh from height of 250 meters! The favorite bit is hanging around lush green Salisbury Crags cliffs in the picture on the way to top.

4. For the Love of Literature

Edinburgh is unquestionably literary capital of the English-speaking world. The imposing Victorian Gothic structure, Sir Walter Scott Monument, standing tall in beautiful Princes park is biggest monument in world dedicated to a writer! True to the words ‘One crowded hour of glorious life is worth an age without a name.’ by Novelist Sir Walter Scott. Since 2004, first of its kind, Edinburgh is honored with designation UNESCO City of Literature. One can climb the monument and views from height from 200 feet are simply outstanding.

If you’re a student living in student housing in Edinburgh and are a fan of the literary world, Edinburgh is unquestionably the literary capital of the English-speaking world. The imposing Victorian Gothic structure, Sir Walter Scott Monument, standing tall in beautiful Princes park is the biggest monument in the world dedicated to a writer! True to the words ‘One crowded hour of glorious life is worth an age without a name.’ by Novelist Sir Walter Scott. Since 2004, the first, of its kind, Edinburgh is honored with the designation UNESCO City of Literature. One can climb the monument and views from heights of 200 feet are simply outstanding.

5. The Castle

The icon of Scottish empire, the Edinburgh Castle, is more than 1000 years old! The castle houses magnificent wooden roofed Great Halls, the “Honors of Scotland” crown jewels and the legendary “Stone of Destiny”. In Summers, the castle hosts super popular Edinburgh Military Tattoo festival with musical performances and enactments by kilted Scottish pipers.

6. Garden Party at Holyrood Palace

Sitting at the bottom of Royal Mile, the Palace of Holyroodhouse, is official address of the British monarchy in Scotland. The beautiful maneuvered lawns at the palace are venue for one of the three Garden Tea Parties hosted by the Queen annually to recognize people for their outstanding contribution to public services. And of course, tour of the palace gives glimpse of the living of the British royalty!

7. Bewitching Bagpipe Melodies

One is never too far from hearing haunting melodies of bagpipe when in Edinburgh! The captivating music goes perfectly with the Scottish legends of lochs and monsters. The tunes would haunt you for long even after leaving the city.

8. Scottish Parliament Building

In everything legendary and oh so beautiful in Edinburgh this striking modern architecture specimen stands out! Built at cost of a whooping over £400 Mn and as recent as early 2000’s it’s been part of a public debate. It is possible to watch the Parliament in session from the Public Gallery with prior tickets. May be some day it will be house of independent Scotland in post Brexit world!

9. To Be Ahead of Time

Since 1902 the luxurious The Balmoral hotel dominates Edinburgh skyline with its clock tower. The clock is set three minutes ahead of actual time so that the passengers wouldn’t miss their trains! J. K. Rowling finished authoring the Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows book at this very hotel back in 2007.

10. Meet Greyfriars Bobby

The lore goes in 19th century there was a Skye Terrier Greyfriars Bobby who spent his last 14 years of life guarding his master’s grave. In present day, a bronze life-size statue of Bobby is commemorated and is reputed to be Edinburgh’s smallest listed building. As the locals do, rub his nose for some luck!

11. Ghost Stories

Edinburgh has dark past of torturing monarchs, witch hunts, bloody public punishments and grave robbers setting perfect premise for ghost stories. Eccentric tombstones at Greyfriars Kirkyard and underground vaults at Mary King’s Close very well tickle the paranormal fantasies. Many torus operate starting at mid night to acquaint one with experiences from the other side.

Wait, there's more...

Have you heard of the Royal Yacht?

Discover what life was like on board The Queen’s floating Royal residence.” In over a four decades-long stint the Royal Yacht has sailed more than a million nautical miles around the globe before getting decommissioned from royal use in recent years. The yacht is now open to visitors and especially famous among students residing in student accommodation in Edinburgh and leaves one in owe after visiting the fabulous state apartments and royal bedrooms and the stunning royal deck tea room on the yacht.