Edinburgh is well worth a visit and, in fact, both the Old and New Towns of Edinburgh have been declared UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
While in Edinburgh, a must-see is the Edinburgh Castle which perches on Castle Rock high above the city. Fortifications have existed on Castle Rock for over 3,000 years and the Castle as it stands today is home to such wonders as The Stone of Destiny and The Scottish War Memorial. It also plays host to the Edinburgh Military Tattoo where, every year, performers and military professionals from all over the world put on spectacular and colorful displays that are watched by an audience of 100 million worldwide.
Edinburgh also features many beautiful churches and abbeys and some of them, like the Abbey and Palace of Holyroodhouse are also of great historical significance. Holyroodhouse is the British monarchy’s official residence in Scotland and provides visitors with access to such things as the Queen’s Gallery, which features a selection of art from the Royal Galleries. The Palace is located at the end of Edinburgh’s Royal Mile and is perhaps best known as the home of Mary, Queen of Scots.
Greyfriars Kirk is one of the oldest buildings to be found beyond the boundaries of the Edinburgh Old Town and dates back to 1602. Both the church and its nearby cemetery, Greyfriers Kirkyard, are well worth visiting, even if it is only to see the final resting place of Greyfriars Bobby, the dog that remained loyal to his master to the very end. And Greyfriars Bobby now has a place in official Edinburgh history as his collar and feeding bowl are permanently on display at the Museum of Edinburgh. This museum complex, which was built during the 16th and 17th centuries, is a loving tribute to this greatest of all Scottish cities and features exhibitions and displays that explain the city’s history from its earliest times until modern day. Highlights include its breathtaking collection of Edinburgh silver, pottery and glass.
One of the more interesting architectural sites in Edinburgh is the Sir Walter Scott Monument. This Victorian Gothic construction is located in the Princess Street Gardens and visitors can clamber up the spiral staircases contained inside this 200m high tower to be rewarded with awe-inspiring views of the surrounding city.
Edinburgh has a rich and fascinating history and is a favorite destination for travelers from all over the world.