Many tourists who come to Edinburgh call it a fabulous city. There are many reasons for that. For example, the numerous hills on which the city stands are connected by streets-bridges passing one above the other. In Edinburgh, there are many monuments to compatriots who fell in numerous wars of the British Empire. Not less in it and benches. They are installed by local residents in memory of loved ones. Of course, one day will not be enough to see the whole city. But even during the day you can feel its charm.
Castle of the Kings of Scotland
Edinburgh Castle is the heart of the city. It all started with him. You can spend a lot of time in the Castle, getting acquainted with the expositions of numerous museums, looking at cannons, climbing narrow stairs to different levels of the castle, and just admiring the city from a height of 130 m. Due to the coronavirus, tickets must be booked in advance, some museums are partially or completely closed . But even in this mode, you can spend half a day in the fortress. At the entrance, along with the ticket, you can purchase audio guides so as not to miss anything.
The first place to visit is the Royal Palace. It was built in the 15th century. and bears little resemblance to the dwelling of crowned persons because of its simple decoration, small rooms and cramped stairs. The Grand Hall, built in the 16th century, is also open to tourists. for feasts and state receptions.
At the National War Memorial, visitors can wander in silence and contemplate the eternal. The books stored there contain the names of all those who died in the wars of the 20th century, not only people, but animals and birds. If you are a lover of antiquities, be sure to visit the chapel of St. Margarita, erected in 1130. Only a few people can fit in it. Don’t miss the shot of the “Hour Cannon”, by which the sailors of past centuries compared their watches.
Royal Mile
You can refresh yourself after visiting the castle in one of the many restaurants or pubs on the Royal Mile – the street connecting the castle with the royal residence of Holyrood. In addition to cafes and shops, there are many different museums and churches on this central street of the Old Town.
For example, there you can find a place where in the 16-17 centuries. witches were burned. A memorial plaque and a drinking fountain in their honor hang on the wall of the Weaving Factory – an exhibition of tartans – Scottish checkered fabrics.
The next building houses the four-story Camera Obscura museum of optical illusions, on the roof of which you can launch huge soap bubbles and look at the city through a telescope.
If you are more interested in whiskey, then look into the building opposite – the Scotch Whiskey Museum. Here you can learn more about the history of the alcoholic beverage, taste and buy its different varieties.
Poet Robert Burns and philosopher David Hume lived and worked on the Royal Mile. One of the houses – Lady Stars Close – is reserved for the Museum of Writers, which contains manuscripts and personal belongings of Walter Scott, Lewis Stevenson and Robert Burns. You can visit this museum for free.
You can also visit the Cathedral of St. Giles. It is notable for the fact that one of its walls has been preserved from the 12th century, and the bell tower is crowned with a 500-year-old crown, which can be seen from afar. It is believed that this church became the prototype of the large hall of Hogwarts from Harry Potter. Numerous statues, high ceilings, flags with coats of arms of cities, a statue of an eagle – all this will impress fans of the little wizard.
In the remaining time, we advise you to explore the streets adjacent to the Mile or go down a little lower into the city and relax in the Princess Street Gardens.
