Edinburgh Travel Guide

Edinburgh Castle towers on its rock above the city—a grand old fortress, Edinburgh's top landmark and witness to Scotland's history and glory. High on a steep extinct-volcano rock (Castle Rock), it was a stronghold guarding the city, central to Scottish history. Through wars, sieges and royal drama, it holds the Honours of Scotland (the crown jewels, Britain's oldest) and the Stone of Destiny (coronation stone); the small St Margaret's Chapel (Edinburgh's oldest building); and the daily One O'Clock Gun. From the heights, the city panorama: medieval Old Town, Georgian New Town, the Firth of Forth. In summer, the Edinburgh Military Tattoo on the esplanade. Exploring Edinburgh Castle is the city's top sight.

Calton Hill is a city hill with superb panoramas and classical monuments—an easy, well-viewed hill famed for its Greek-style monuments and city views, Edinburgh's most photogenic viewpoint. Calton Hill, east of the center, is low—easy steps or path to the top—with superb city views. On top stand unique classical monuments, earning Edinburgh the 'Athens of the North': the National Monument (modeled on the Parthenon, unfinished—a few great Doric columns, hauntingly incomplete); Nelson Monument (telescope-like tower, climbable); and the Dugald Stewart Monument—forming Calton Hill's skyline. From the top, Edinburgh's classic panorama: the castle, the Old Town's Royal Mile, the elegant New Town, the blue Firth of Forth and Arthur's Seat—best at sunrise/sunset. Exploring Calton Hill is an Edinburgh sight of great views.

The Royal Mile is the historic spine of Edinburgh's Old Town, linking castle and palace—a stone-paved medieval street of ancient stone houses, the heart and soul of the Old Town, full of history, character and street life. About a mile long, one end at the castle on the rock, the other at Holyrood Palace—hence 'Royal Mile.' Along the castle rock ridge, the axis and essence of the (World Heritage) Old Town. Strolling it, ancient tall stone buildings line both sides; hidden narrow closes and wynds (Old Town alleys) hold old courts and stories. Along the way, history and life mingle: St Giles' Cathedral, Scottish historic buildings, Scottish shops (wool, tartan, whisky, souvenirs), pubs, restaurants and street performers. Walking the Royal Mile is a not-to-be-missed Edinburgh sight.

The Palace of Holyroodhouse is the British monarch's official residence in Scotland—a grand palace at the east end of the Royal Mile, below Arthur's Seat, the monarch's Scottish home and once a Scottish royal court, full of poignant history. At the east end of the Royal Mile, opposite the castle, it is the monarch's official Scottish residence—used during Scottish visits for royal events. Grand and elegant, tracing to the Middle Ages (from an abbey). Most fascinating: its tie to Mary, Queen of Scots, who lived here; her rooms remain, witnessing dramatic events, adding historical legend. Visitors see the State Apartments, historic royal rooms (including Mary's chamber), and art; beside it, the ruined Holyrood Abbey and palace gardens. Visiting Holyroodhouse is a knowledgeable Edinburgh sight.

Perched on Castlehill at the castle end of the Royal Mile since 1988, this attraction turns Scotch into theme park: visitors ride barrel-shaped pods through staged malting, distilling and maturing scenes. The centrepiece is a 3,384-bottle private collection - Portuguese collector Claive Vidiz gathered it over more than three decades before it arrived en bloc in 2006. After the ride, the tasting bar pours a dram matched to your palate, with a flavour journey substituted for anyone staying dry.

Mary King's Close lies underground near the Royal Mile in Edinburgh's Old Town, Scotland, a remarkably preserved historic street site. Once a crowded residential area of seventeenth-century Edinburgh, it was buried when the city expanded, and today guided tours lead visitors into dim passages and old rooms to learn about the lives of former residents and the history of plague. Entry is by timed guided tour, with guides telling the stories and legends of the close, creating a mysterious and slightly eerie atmosphere. One of Edinburgh's most popular historical experiences, it is best booked in advance. The tour lasts about an hour and suits those interested in the city's history and legends.