Why Scotland's charming capital City of Edinburgh is worth a visit.

Why Scotland’s Charming Capital City is Worth a Visit.

 A visit to the United Kingdom almost always begins and ends in London.  With good reason! London is a cosmopolitan city, with a pulsating edge. It is exciting. It is fun. It has a treasure trove of great museums, art galleries, stunning architecture, palaces, and castles, churches, beautiful parks, theaters, great restaurants, pubs, and a modern history dating back to 43 A.D.  It is also somewhat of a launching pad to Continental Europe: accessible to both France and Belgium by train.  But amenities and convenience come with a price.  And in the case of London, the price tag is especially steep.

London is one of Western Europe’s most expensive cities to visit.  The average hotel price in the English capital is 127 GBP, or the equivalent of 199.00 USD. Note that the dollar is worth less than the pound. Visitors from the U.S will see an exchange rate of .64 pence for every dollar. So unless you have very deep pockets, or have been saving up for your vacation of a lifetime, a trip to London is going to cost you.

There is however, no need to despair.  There is another alternative. Namely, further north, to Scotland’s charming capital city of Edinburgh, a designated UNESCO world heritage site.  It may stand in the shadow of its larger, more popular Southern, neighbor, yet, Edinburgh can offer visitors everything that London has to offer. Albeit on a smaller, and much more affordable scale. Here, you will find, great museums, art galleries, stunning architecture, monuments, castles, churches, beautiful parks, and gardens, theaters, great restaurants, pubs, some of the world’s best whiskey, and a modern history, as old, if not older than that of London.

What more, Edinburgh is safe, clean, much less crowded, locals are friendly and it has an old world charm that’s all its own. The city is divided into two: New Town, the modern, planned, urban, city built between 1767 and 1850. This part of the city retained much of the original neoclassical and Georgian period architecture. Old Town with its carefully preserved, cobblestoned streets, reformation era buildings, narrow alleys, and courts is the quintessential medieval city. At its heart is the Royal Mile, the street which runs from the fortress commonly known as Edinburgh Castle down to Holyrood Palace.  This contrast between old and somewhat modern, makes Edinburgh especially picturesque.  It has the type of old world vibe that London will never be able to deliver.

Edinburgh is a compact city: a city made for walking. Visitors will save money because they’ll never need to get on a bus, or hail a taxi. Most, if not all, the major tourist’s attractions are within the city center. And generous Edinburgh will allow visitors to visit many of its museums for free. The average hotel price in Edinburgh is 102 GBP, or the equivalent of 159.00 USD.

Getting there: Most major airlines fly into London’s Heathrow. A connecting flight from Heathrow to Edinburgh takes approximately one hour and twenty minutes.

Where to stay: There is a wide variety of hotels to choose from. Recommendation: Hotel du Vin, 11 Bristo Place, Edinburgh, EH1 1E2 UK, 44 844 736 4255.  Price per night approx. $181.  This former asylum, turned boutique hotel is located in the heart of Old Town: minutes from the Royal Mile, National Museum of Scotland, and Edinburgh Castle.

Things to see:

The Castle: this impressive medieval fortress built on a rock overlooking the city is a must see.  Most of Edinburgh’s and Scotland’s history is tied to this formidable building.  It is impossible to see it all in one day. It is vast. But a stroll through the castle at their own leisure will take visitors back in time. If possible, stay long enough to hear the cannon go off.  1:00pm every day, except Sundays.  Admission: 16:50 GBP, 28USD, Child 9:90 GBP 15USD

Holyrood Palace, Canongate, Edinburgh. Located at the end of the Royal Mile, Holyrood Palace is the official residence of Queen Elizabeth 2^nd, whenever she visits Edinburgh.  The palace is open to the public from 9am- 6pm.  There is a café and gift shop. Visitors are also allowed access to the gardens and nearby park. Admission: Adult 11:60 GBP, 18USD Child 10:60 GBP, 17USD, Children 5 and under free.

Museums and galleries:

National Museum of Scotland: Chambers Street, Edinburgh. Scottish history, science and technology, world cultures, art and design, all in this amazing museum. This is where you will find Dolly the sheep: the first cloned mammal. Open daily10am-5pm. Admission free.

Scottish National Gallery: Located on the Mound, the area separating Old Town from New Town. Mon-Wed, Fri-Sun. 10am -5pm. Thurs 10am-7pm.  Admission free.

Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art: 73/75 Belford Road, Edinburgh. Open daily 10am-5pm. Admission free.

Monuments:

Scott Monument: Gothic structure honoring Scottish writer Sir Walter Scott. Located in the Princess Street Gardens in Edinburgh’s New Town.

Calton Hill: Situated beyond the east end of Princess Street in the middle of the city is Carlton Hill. Here visitors will find, The National Monument, Nelson Monument, Dugald Stewart Monument, Robert Burns Monument, City observatory etc. The Scottish philosopher David Hume is buried in the nearby Old Calton Cemetery.  Great views of the city.

Things to do:

Arthur’s Seat: Dormant volcano located in Holyrood Park adjacent to Holyrood Palace. Hike to the top, to get the most stunning views of the city.

Water of Leith walkway: Walk or bike on the path that runs alongside the river of the same name.

Edinburgh International Festival: August of every year the City of Edinburgh comes alive, with a collection of arts and cultural festivals.

Whiskey Tour: Expert guides will take visitors through the history of whiskey making. There is a barrel ride through a replica distillery. And yes tasting is involved. Prices vary based on the type of tour. Adults 14-60 GBP, 22-94 USD, Children 7GPD, 11USD. Children under 5 free. The Scotch Whiskey Experience, Castle Hill, The Royal Mile, Edinburgh. Tickets can be bought online.

Walking tours: recommendation Sandemans: A free walking tour that takes visitors through Old Town. Visitors will learn interesting titbits about Scotland's and Edinburgh's history. Knowledgeable guides. Tips are welcomed at the end of the 2hr tour.

Eat/Drink

Edinburgh is definitely a foodie town. There are some really great restaurants. Recommendation: Ondine 2, George IV Bridge, Edinburgh. Wonderful Seafood restaurant located in Old Town just off the Royal Mile.

The White Hart:  34 Grassmarket, Edinburgh. A supposedly haunted pub, which also claims to be the city’s oldest. Beer, Pub grub, live music.

Arcade Bar Haggis and Whiskey House. 48 Cockburn Street, Old Town.  Dedicated to both haggis and whiskey. 

Short bread. These rich, buttery, sweet, goodness are everywhere. Indulge!

Note: When visiting Scotland opt for GBP which is printed by the Bank of England and accepted all over the U.K. The Bank of Scotland also prints Scottish notes, which though widely accept in the U.K may not be accepted elsewhere. 

Edinburgh is close enough to London: less than five hours by train. Tickets start at 30 GBP, 47USD.  It is a city steeped in history and tradition. It is picturesque, clean, and charming. Take the time to visit this gem of a city on your next trip to the British Isles.  You won’t regret it!