Edinburgh is still fondly referred to by Scots as ‘Auld Reekie’ which translates to ‘Old Smokey’ in reference to the absurd cloud of smoke that used to hang over the city from all coal fireplaces. Split into the medieval Old Town that can be traced back to the early Middle Ages and the elegant Georgian New Town known for its stunning neoclassical architecture, Edinburgh is a sincerely diverse city that offers endless hours of exploration to the enthusiastic wanderer. Together both towns were officially recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1995 due to their historical significance, striking quality and strong contrast in architecture.
The plans for New Town were originally drafted in 1766 with the intent of solving the severe overcrowding and poor conditions marking Old Town. Their attempt was successful in easing congestion and by 1820 the new city was completed and vast masses of Edinburgh's most wealthy and influential had relocated to this swanky alternative. The town is still to this day internationally celebrated as a town planning feat by experts. Broad avenues lined with Georgian townhouses and open squares dotted with shops and boutiques best describe the town’s settings. If you happen to be an ardent shopaholic, New Town is the neighbourhood for you. This stylish half of the city is known for its love for art and fashion, boasting impressive art galleries such as the Scottish National Gallery housing pieces by some of the world’s revered artists (such as the likes of Vincent Van Gogh and Salvador Dali) and the Scottish National Portrait Gallery, a grand neo-gothic palace comprised of beautifully aged red sandstone that contains some of the most recognisable faces in the country’s history. The area is also perfect for anyone seeking some luxurious leisure time by visiting independent coffee shops and artisan cafes or having drinks in trendy hotel bars and moody cocktail lounges.
With several centuries on New Town, Old Town is definitely a history buffs paradise.
However, no matter where you may place yourself on the historian scale, the area is guaranteed to have all visitors intrigued. Every square inch of the town’s cobbled streets is doused in antiquity. From hidden closes, underground secrets and some of Scotland’s most famous landmarks there’s just so much waiting to be uncovered. The town even houses one of Scotland’s ancient universities, the magnificent University of Edinburgh. Ranked 22nd in the entire world and the 6th best university in Europe, the university has a holding on many of the historic buildings based in Old Town. It is little wonder why over 75% of the entire city’s buildings are heritage listed. These 4,500 buildings are responsible for Edinburgh’s title of second most listed sites in the UK, after London. Moreover, at the very heart of the medieval town lies the illustrious Royal Mile, that funnily enough stretches almost exactly 100 metres more than a mile. Starting from the Palace of Holyroodhouse that houses the Queen when she’s in town and ending at Edinburgh Castle, arguably the country’s most acclaimed attraction.
Truly dominating the city’s wonderful skyline, Edinburgh Castle is hands down a must do for any and all newcomers. Believe it or not, the 900 year-old fortress was built on Castle Rock, a 700 million year old extinct volcano! Some archaeologists even believe that humans have occupied the rock since at least the stone age. Regardless, the now iconic Castle houses the Honours of Scotland, or rather the Scottish Crown Jewels, the oldest surviving set of it’s kind in the UK. Alongside this priceless relic, the Stone of Destiny is also kept in the looming castle. Used in the coronation of Scottish and English royalty, according to legend this traditional stone was secretly swapped for a fake one at some point in its lifespan. Upon visiting the castle, guests will soon discover that the site is littered with engaging curiosities in every nook and cranny. Located high above the Edinburgh Castle Great Hall’s fireplace, visitors may be able to spot a very small window known as the ‘laird’s lug’ meaning ‘the Lord’s ear’, in which residents could attempt to eavesdrop on the conversations taking place over dinner. The castle was even once home to an Elephant from Sri Lanka! The 78th Highlanders brought it back as a regimental mascot after returning from duties in the country in 1838. Whilst his name remains unknown he lived in the stables and was said to be the leader of the marching band with a keen love for beer. Throughout the Kingdom of Scotland, Edinburgh Castle is arguably the most significant stronghold as it was heavily involved in the 14th century Wars of Scottish Independence and is thus definitely worth a visit.
The city of Edinburgh bears a dynamic beauty like no other in the UK and is easily one of the most stunning in all of Europe. All of the previously mentioned historical monuments and gorgeous listed buildings are carefully intertwined with its equally striking natural landscape of rocky hills overlooking the sea. This intimate relationship between the man-made and mother nature is nothing short of breath-taking. If you are looking for the best spot to see it all from, consider Arthur’s Seat another ancient volcano with a view that is most certainly worth the small hike up it. The city’s unique natural landscape was in fact formed by a glacier many years ago. Many of the deep valleys, crags and cliffs are all thanks to the large stretches of moving ice sheets that shaped them.
The city is also an incredible family holiday destination for kids of any and all ages. Why not take them to visit the world’s one and only knighted penguin at Edinburgh Zoo. He goes by the name of Sir Nils Olav and has since been promoted to Brigadier since his 2008 knighthood. The 82-acre non-profit zoo is also home to pandas, tigers, giraffes, hippos and so many more amazing animals for the kids to ogle at. Furthermore, for the avid Harry Potter fan, child or not, you simply could not choose a better destination than Edinburgh to meet all your magical desires. Not only was the majority of the books written here, so too were all the films. Spend the day visiting all the famous film locations such as GreyFriars Kirkyard and Victoria Street or even visit the cafe in which J.K. Rowling used to write in!
Depending on what day of the year tourists visit, they may just coincidentally make it in time for one of Edinburgh’s internationally loved festivals. The Edinburgh Fringe Festival happens to be the largest arts festival on Earth comprising of more than 3000 shows and 50000 performances covered across a staggering 300 venues. You have never seen anything like it! The population doubles in size during the Fringe festival with people travelling in hordes from all over the globe just to experience a slice of it. The beloved Edinburgh International Book Festival is also the largest of its kind.
Edinburgh has a little something for everyone. Brimming with a rich culture, a dedication to arts and a visually evident history, the city deserves to be on everyone’s bucket list. No matter what time of year you visit, Edinburgh will welcome you with open arms and a plethora of captivating things to do and see during your stay.
