Take a Journey Through the Historic Streets of Edinburgh

By Ryan F

The rolling hills and ancient beauty of Scotland frequently draw world travelers to their shores. Scotland’s capital city of Edinburgh is an epicenter of everything that makes the country so wonderfully unique. The hilly landscape of Edinburgh is a visual journey through two important pieces of Scottish history. The medieval-rooted “Old Town” sits at a lower geographic level than that of the Georgian “New Town”. Throughout the city’s history, these two sections have greatly impacted the lives, events, and construction of Edinburgh. Today, both offer a wealth of fun activities, beautiful sights, and a taste of Scottish culture.

Walking the “Royal Mile” is a surefire way to see some of the best Edinburgh has to offer. The bottom of the mile features the 17th-century marvel, the Palace of Holyroodhouse. Today, the palace is a functioning parliament building, but the carefully crafted architecture makes it a great spot for visiting sight-seers. Right beside the palace is a location known as Arthur’s Seat. Odd as it may seem, Arthur’s seat is a now dormant volcano and popular tourist attraction. 

Located in the heart of New Town is Edinburgh Castle. The castle has stood on Scottish soil for centuries, serving as a destination for royalty, military, and civilians alike. This legendary structure is also said to be one of the most haunted locations in the city, making it a key stop on local ghost tours. Visitors who are not interested in spooky fun will have plenty to look at in Edinburgh Castle too. The Scottish Crown Jewels are housed in the castle, as well as a large host of artifacts and historical information. 

Not far from Edinburgh Castle is the Scotch Whisky Experience. In this replica distillery, visitors are able to choose the ingredients to make their perfect blend. The staff guides visitors through the process of making good Scottish whiskey and shares the tricks of the trade with those lucky enough to join. Whether your tastes guide you toward ghost tours, whiskey, or royal intrigue, Edinburgh is a city with layers of culture. It is an excellent destination for any world traveler.