Edinburgh — Half of Scotland’s Wonder in One Urban Bundle

Sure, there’s plenty more to Scotland. But Edinburgh is one of Europe’s most entertaining cities. It seems to hold half of the country’s tourists — and for good reason. The Royal Mile, a leisurely and fascination-filled stroll gradually downhill from the castle to the palace, is one of Europe’s most enjoyable sightseeing walks.

p1-royal-mileEdinburgh’s Royal Mile: Hume and St. Giles – The pride of Scotland — from its philosophers (such as David Hume, depicted in this statue) to its very own Church of Scotland (embodied by St. Giles’ Cathedral, home church of the great reformer John Knox) — shows along Edinburgh’s historic High Street.

p2-nat-galScotland is a pint-sized nation, with just five million people. Its culture comes in easy-to-digest packages, like its delightful National Gallery.

p3-charlieAt Edinburgh’s National Portrait Gallery, you walk through history looking all the famous Scots in the eyes. This is the wannabe king, Prince Charles Edward Stuart. Also known as “Bonnie Prince Charlie,” he was clearly a dandy and a lady’s man (as a good percentage of the men of the Highlands died struggling to put him on the throne in the 1700s).

p4-whiskyWhisky is high on the experience list of most visitors to Scotland. While there are plenty of distillery tours, a visit to a fine whisky shop (like Cadenhead’s, at the bottom of Edinburgh’s Royal Mile) offers a chance to gain an education and have a small bottle filled directly from the cask of your choice.

Comments

7 Replies to “Edinburgh — Half of Scotland’s Wonder in One Urban Bundle”

  1. Come on now Steve……someone MUST have noticed who you are????? Are you really fooling anyone on this trip? Love the red walls in the museum!! Love the lipstick shade of Bonnie Charles….looks like lots of fun overall.

  2. Hey Rick,

    I love Edinburgh! My mother was born in Edinburgh. We have several dear friends living in the city. They are also fellow world travelers. The Royal Mile is delightful! I particularly like the John Knox house/Storytelling Centre. There is so much Scottish Tradition in this old city. If you have a change, the hike up to Aurthur’s seat is wonderful. The view is marvelous. You see all of Edinburgh sprawled out before you…Aah, memories! Keep enjoying the Scottish charm.
    Continue living the dream, my friend.

    Happy Travels,
    Will Rand

  3. We just returned from 2 weeks in Scotland and loved it all – Edinburgh, the Northern Highlands and out to Stornoway in the Outer Hebrides. Fascinating country with quite a history and very nice people. Will be watching your blog!

  4. Scotland is our first anticipated international trip. So, as inexperienced travelers, what should we expect as we talk about bringing home trinkets? Especially liquor! :) Customs, tarrifs, import tax – oh, my!

  5. I am enjoying this blog. We will be in Edinburgh for the festival in August.

  6. Sorry Courtney. You will have to do your own research. Obviously you have access to the internet. Be especially cautious about bringing home booze. Every country wants to tax it, coming and going.

  7. As a first time Uk traveler, I was amazed with it all! Just missed Steve by a day in York, we were there the 4th of July(we all sang the “Star Spangled Banner” on the bus ride to the hotel) We went to Ireland, England, Wales and Scotland. All the big cities-I would say Edinburgh was the most relaxed. Loved every minute of it, even getting lost!!

Comments are closed.