What can Edinburgh Offer?

If your time in Edinburgh is short like mine then deciding what to do and see can be a challenge as there is such a lot to see.

Visit St. Giles’ Cathedral

St. Giles’ Cathedral is located on the Royal Mile and was originally built in the 12th century. The building dates to the 14th century and was formerly a Roman Catholic Cathedral. In addition to the beautiful architecture the cathedral is home to some notable monuments including one to Scottish author Robert Louis Stevenson, who wrote Treasure Island and Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. Remember that this is a place of worship, so dress respectfully.

Mary King’s Close

Mary King’s Close is a historic close located under the Edinburgh City Chambers building on the Royal Mile. It took its name from one Mary King, a merchant burgess who resided on the Close in the 17th century. There are daily tours with a guide that last about an hour and a half and is definably worth the money. Tickets can be purchased here.

Greyfriars Kirkyard

Situated in the heart of Edinburgh’s Old Town, adjacent to the Greyfriars pub, Greyfriars Kirk was founded in 1620. Take a stroll around he graveyard. You may come across the Tom Riddle grave famous from JK Rowling fictional character in the Harry Potter books.

Greyfriars Bobby

Located inside Greyfriars Kirkyard at the main entrance, Bobby was a Skye Terrier that was looked after by a local policeman John Gray for the last two years of his life. After John Gray’s death Bobby reportedly guarded his grave in the Kirkyard for fourteen years. There is a bronze statue dedicated to Bobby outside the graveyard and a gravestone inside the yard. 

Flodden Wall

The wall is a remarkable example of medieval architecture. Despite significant sections being lost over time parts of the wall remain intact. Part of it can be found inside Greyfriars Kirkyard. Work began on it after the disastrous 1513 Battle of Flodden when the English army defeated the Scots, and the wall was built to protect the city from any potential invasions.

David Hume Statue

David Hume statue is a bronze monument dedicated to the Scottish philosopher that was unveiled in 1995, located outside the high court building on the Royal Mile. The statue has one gold toe from people rubbing it for good luck.

Wonder the streets of the city

The best way to explore Edinburgh is to slip on your comfortable shoes and wonder the cobbled streets gazing up at the architecture.

Two of the most famous streets are Cockburn Street and colourful Victoria Street.

Soldier Bear Memorial

Soldier bear is dedicated to Wojtek a member of the Polish armed forces that was sent to battle when Nazi Germany invaded Russia. Private Wojtek stumbled upon an orphaned bear cub and looked after it were the bear grew up and learnt to carry ammunitions and water supplies for the troops. Wojtek was transferred to Scotland after the war and the bear was taken to Edinburgh zoo.

Calton Hill

Calton Hill is a quiet place to escape the noise of the city and admire the view. Take a hike to the top of the hill where you can sit and relax. The National Monument of Scotland which is a memorial to the soldiers who fought in the Napoleonic Wars between 1803-1815, and the Nelson Monument dedicated to Horatio Nelson are located here.

Edinburgh Castle

Built in the 12th century Edinburgh Castle sits on an extinct volcano overlooking the city’s Old Town. It holds the record as the most besieged place in the UK and you can easily spend hours here exploring and learning the castle’s history (the Scottish Crown Jewel exhibit is here) Admission is GB£19.50. Tickets can be found here.

Hike to Arthur’s Seat

Arthur’s Seat is an extinct volcano on the outskirts of Edinburgh. With a height of 823 feet, it provides hikers with a picturesque panorama of the city. Arthur’s Seat can be seen on the drive into the city and from Edinburgh Castle.

Walk the Royal Mile

The Royal Mile is defined as the 1 mile distance from the Palace of Holyrood and Edinburgh Castle. This pedestrian road is lined with pubs, restaurants, and shops. It’s touristy and incredibly beautiful and historic.

Scott Monument

Built in 1846 the Scott Monument commemorates the life of Sir Walter Scott, the author of novels as Ivanhoe and Rob Roy. The Gothic spire monument was created to honour his works and contributions to Scottish culture as well as to the city of Edinburgh itself. Admission is GB£8.

Where to eat and drink

You will be spoilt for choice on choosing where to eat and drink in Edinburgh. I basically strolled the cobbled streets and just sat down when I was hungry or wanted to have a drink.

Makars Gourmet Mash Bar –

https://makarsmash.com/edinburgh

This is a very popular venue to eat located at 9 and 12 North Bank Street. Reservations enter through number 9. Walk-ins head to the entrance at number 12. Be sure to make a reservation to avoid disappointment. The food here is delicious and reasonably priced. Everything is served with mashed potato.

The Kenilworth –

nicholsonspubs.co.uk/restaurants/scotlandandnorthernireland/thekenilworthrosestreetedinburgh

Located at 154 Rose Street is a cozy pub that offers delicious food and plentiful drinks.

Deacon Brodies Tavern –

nicholsonspubs.co.uk/restaurants/scotlandandnorthernireland/deaconbrodiestavernroyalmileedinburgh

Located on the Royal Mile close to St Gile’s Cathedral is a busy venue offering pub food and drink in a quirky traditional environment.

The Boozy Cow –

boozycow.com

Located at 17 Frederick Street is a great bar downstairs under the streets of the city that offers great burgers, hotdogs and all sorts of drinks including milkshakes.

Clam Shell Chip Shop

Located on the Royal Mile near to St Gile’s Cathedral the Clam Shell offers great fish and chips. Why not try the local delicacy… Deep fried Mars bar? Surprisingly tasty!

Final Thought

It’s been several years since my last visit to Edinburgh. The city is beautiful steeped in history and beautiful architecture. It becomes very busy with tourists but not in a way that feels uncomfortable. Try the food. Drink what’s served. Act like a local. Really experience what the Capital of Scotland offers.