What to See and Do in Edinburgh: 12 Amazing Ideas, Edinburgh, Scotland

I continued straight ahead on the surfaced walkway, ignoring the steep steps to the right and after a few metres was greeted by a familiar view over Leith and the docks and across the water to the kingdom of Fife.

I noted the bright green shoulder of Princes Street Gardens, the Balmoral Hotel’s beautiful bell tower rising and bristling, the historic strip of Princes Street, Edinburgh Castle and Saint Giles Cathedral spire, all seemingly silent and still from this distance.

Here is the city’s best angle, I noted quietly, beaming with joy. Edinburgh in a single macro-glimpse. Well worth the journey up the hill for a newcomer.

Whether you are keen to admire Edinburgh’s rugged stone buildings, stroll the streets with your camera or learn about many gruesome tales from the long history of Scotland’s capital, it will be impossible to get bored.

In this city, every street corner is full of little surprises and architectural wonders from various stages of history.

Sitting on top of a volcanic hill and dating back to the 7th century, Edinburgh Castle is one of Scotland’s top attractions.

For many years, the castle was home to Scottish Kings and queens before it was converted into a powerful military fortress and later functioned as a prison. ...... (follow the instructions below for accessing the rest of this article).