Edinburgh: Exploring the Scottish capital
Edinburgh, the capital of Scotland, is one of the most popular destinations in the world. Having more attractions per city centre square foot than any other European capital, there is always plenty to see and do on a trip to Edinburgh.
Visible from almost every part of the city, Edinburgh Castle is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the city. The castle has been in use for more than 1000 years and continues to dominate both the Edinburgh skyline and Scottish history books; although, it is currently mainly used as a tourist attraction. Managed by Historic Scotland, the castle is Scotland’s most popular paid tourist attraction, with more than a million visitors every year.
Like the castle, Arthur’s Seat is visible from many parts of the city. Rising to around 251 metres, Arthur’s seat is a popular walking route for tourists and residents alike, thanks to the spectacular view it offers those willing to make the climb. For those climbing, it is worth considering that there are many different routes to the top, each with a different level of difficulty.
A popular attraction that is often missed by tourists due to its location away from the Old Town is the Royal Botanic Gardens. Founded in 1670, Edinburgh is one of four gardens located across Scotland for the use of growing medical plants. The Edinburgh garden located in Inverleith is home to nearly 34,000 plants or about 7% of known plant species. For those visiting Edinburgh, this free attraction provides a relaxing break from the hustle and bustle of the city centre.
Holyrood Palace, the official residence of Scottish Royalty since the fifteenth century continues to serve as one of Edinburgh’s most popular tourist attractions. Originally founded as a monastery, the palace now serves as a popular tourist attraction. Holyrood Palace also hosts part of the Queen’s Gallery, an exclusive royal collection of art making it extremely popular with art lovers alike who visit the city.
For those looking to venture outside of the city, the Forth Rail Bridge over the Firth of Forth is an attraction not to be missed. Considered a feat of Scottish engineering, the bridge has been popularised on banknotes and cinema advertisements. With easy access by public transport, this attraction is ideal for those looking to escape the city for a few hours.
The city’s popular attractions and wide range of flights to Edinburgh continue to make it a popular destination with tourists. In what is considered a relaxing and beautiful city, the most difficult feat is perhaps finding the time to see everything.
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The information contained within this article is the opinion of the author and is intended purely for information and interest purposes only. It should not be used to make any decisions or take any actions. Any links are included for information purposes only.
