With its medieval Old Town, spooky narrow alleys and cobble-stoned streets, cemeteries and ghost stories, and the prominent castle perched atop Castle Rock overseeing all that goes on in and around the city, Edinburgh is a place where history is palpable in the air and awaits around every corner. As the Scottish capital, it has a lot more to offer than its interesting past, but there’s no argument in the fact that Edinburgh’s main draw is the UNESCO World Heritage Site comprised of its Old Town and New Town, and all to be unearthed therein.
One of the best things about Edinburgh is how walkable it is – it may be the second most-visited city in the UK after London, but the difference in size and population between these two metropolises could almost not be wider. Edinburgh is certainly a friendlier destination for those that like to simply wander. You cannot walk far without stumbling across some major point of interest, whether it be the Grassmarket where a livestock market and charming program of public executions used to take place, churches such as Greyfriars, St Giles and Canongate, or the Royal Mile with its extensive array of shops, pubs, restaurants and, in true Edinburgh style, buskers.
If you’re up for an adventure, climb Arthur’s Seat, just over a kilometre from the castle, from where you can enjoy exceptional views across the city and surrounding landscape. The journey to the top is a relatively easy climb and well worth the effort – the panorama of the city with its hilly backdrop and the iron-grey waters of the Firth of Forth present a dramatic vista you won’t soon forget.
For the less activity inclined, Calton Hill also offers outstanding views across the city, with the alluring Old Town and Edinburgh Castle rising in the distance.
Edinburgh always has plenty to offer, but there are certain times of year when the city really comes to life. The Edinburgh Festival Fringe is the biggest and most well-known – in fact, the city transforms so completely that your experience if you visit at this time of year as oppose to quiet January will be very different. Fringe sees performers from all over the world gather to busk, put on stage shows, sing, juggle, attempt to make you laugh with their stand-up and much more.
The event is held annually in August as part of the larger Edinburgh International Festival, which also includes the Edinburgh Military Tattoo and the Edinburgh International Book Festival. The 2014 edition of Fringe showcased acts from 51 countries in 299 venues with a total of more than 3000 shows.
Your days in Edinburgh should not end with the sunset. As with most of the UK, pubs are a popular option – and also happen to be one of the best venues for sampling some of Scotland’s proud cuisine. Haggis, black pudding and stovies are all included on most pub grub menus, and are a must-try. Haggis in particular is an essential part of your Scottish itinerary – the national dish, which consists of minced offal of sheep, cow or pig mixed with suet, oatmeal, onions, spices and seasoning, can be found in many forms, but is most traditionally served with ‘neeps and tatties’ (swede and potato).
Ghost tours are a popular after-dark activity for tourists visiting the city, usually including a visit to Edinburgh’s creepy underground vaults, where you will learn all about how people used to somehow actually live there due to overpopulation of the somewhat more traditional above-ground city, along with a graveyard or two. These guides are out to scare you, so if you are prone to claustrophobia or terror at ghost stories told to you while standing in an allegedly haunted dark crypt, such tours are best avoided.
Harry Potter fans may be aware that J.K. Rowling began the writing of the series while living in Edinburgh. She frequented several cafes in the area surrounding Greyfriars Kirkyard, with one in particular claiming the prestigious title of being the birthplace of the phenomenon. Visit The Elephant House for your token ‘I’m a Harry Potter fan’ photo with their sign outside. Along with the cafe, Harry Potter fans might be interested to visit Greyfriars Kirkyard, from where Rowling took several names as inspiration for characters, including one notable example: Thomas Riddell, found to the north-west corner of the cemetery.
Courtney Gahan is a serial expat, traveller and freelance writer who has bartered with Moroccan marketeers, seen the sun rise at Angkor Wat and elbowed her way through crowds on NYE in NYC.
