Scotland, Edinburgh – If you’re planning a short holiday, Edinburgh is definitely a city to consider. With so much to offer it would take months to see all the attractions. But here I take on the impossible task of fitting in multiple touristic spots in just two days. While when visiting the Scottish highlands, car rental is recommended, you definitely do not need this in Edinburgh as public transport is very efficient and parking can be quite costly. A less than 30 minute ride will get you from Edinburgh airport to the city center. I always find that taking a walk around the city is always a good start to get a feel of what it has to offer
In August Edinburgh becomes a cultural hub, bustling with energy and good vibes. The Fringe Festival at the Royal Mile, the city’s main street, is an exciting place to visit for any cultural enthusiast. Actors and musicians performing along the street to hundreds of passers .
At the peak of the Royal Mile you simply can’t ignore Edinburgh Castle, the city’s most visited attraction. Built on a hill surrounded thick fortified walls, offering the city protection throughout the years.
Inside the castle you can visit the museum, the old prison cells, see the crown jewels and soak in the views from the castle. However it can get super busy, especially during this month and the castle can get super crowded with some of the main attractions having hour long queues. Tickets can be bought at the door for £19.50 or 2 pounds cheaper if online. The castle offers a historical overview of the city’s history. Multiple cannons surround the castle and at 1pm you can see the firing of the 105mm field gun..
In August the castle also serves as a magnificent back group for the annual Musical spectacle the Military tattoo, where military bands from around the world unite to entertain audiences.
I must admit that I wasn’t too keen on the show, and I bought tickets with very low expectations but I was pleasantly surprised. It was a wonderful spectacle from start to finish with the band members dancing in sync while playing popular tunes the band Queen, songs from The Greatest Showman and other iconic numbers. It is recommended that you get tickets months in advance as they do sell very quickly.
If you’re in for a good laugh and you don’t take yourself too seriously, the Camera Obscura, close to the castle is a fun attraction. The museum offers different optical illusions, such as series of mirrors making you fat, thin, tall or short, and other interactive illusions, which you can experience for yourself. Don’t worry no one was harmed in this photo.
For shopaholics, Princess Street is a delight with shopping complexes at every corner. Further down the street, close to the city Ferris Wheel, you will notice a very imposing monument dedicated to Sir Walter Scott, a Scottish novelist, poet, playwright and historian.
Edinburgh also offers gorgeous scenic landscapes boasting incredible views of the city. Ideally done early in the morning, a short hike of moderately easy uphill terrain will take you to Arthur’s seat. This is the highest spot in Edinburgh and offers 360 unobstructed views. So I would suggest to plan a couple of minutes at the top to take it all in, after all you’ve earned it following the hike.
So whether you are visiting Edinburgh on a city trip or making it you first stop before a tour of the Scottish Highlands, the city does not disappoint. If you love the buzzing city life but still look forward to a moment of peace surrounded nature you should definitely visit Edinburgh.
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