Top 10 things to do in Edinburgh

Literary, melancholic, dramatic and romantic - this is Edinburgh! With such landmarks as Edinburgh Castle and the Palace of Holyroodhouse, the city of the World Heritage is an increasingly popular destination in Europe.
Do you fancy the idea of ​​walking between medieval buildings and Gothic architecture, with the many shops, boutiques and nightlife the area has to offer? Read our guide to see what’s hot around our Kaplan Schools in Edinburgh, Scotland’s capital!

 

  1. Edinburgh Castle This should definitely be the first destination on the list. It’s one of the most admired castles in the world and is certainly the emblem of the Scottish city. Built in the 12th century, it’s rich in history and charm and offers breathtaking views. Admission is free and it’s only 15 minutes walk from Waverley Station and Princes Street. Fun fact: Every day at 13 o'clock you can hear the One O'Clock Gun, which is the echo of the cannon when fired from the ramparts.
  2. The Palace of Holyroodhouse – The official residence of the Queen of Scotland is an unmissable destination for thrill-seekers. In fact, this palace hides some of the most intriguing secrets of Royal Scottish history. Open daily, the entrance costs £ 10 per person and is only 15 minutes walk from the station.
  3. Scotch Whisky Heritage Centre - Retrace over 300 years of history in the production of Scotland's most famous liquor. Discover all their secrets and take part in a free taste test! It is located near the Castle in the upper part of the Royal Mile.
  4. The Scottish Parliament - At the end of the Royal Mile, this is housed in a futuristic building. If you are around, it's worth to go for a visit.
  5. The Museum - Writers 'Museum and Makars' Court - Edinburgh equals literature, having given birth to famous writers like Robert Louis Stevenson and Walter Scott. In this museum, you can see manuscripts and portraits of the leading Scottish authors up close.
  6. National Galleries - Playing host to over 5 national galleries with free admission, Edinburgh certainly has answers to all tastes with modern and classical art. Do not miss the National Gallery of Scotland, the National Portrait Gallery of Scotland and the Royal Scottish Academy.
  7. Where and what to eat? After visiting and exploring, you’re bound to get a little hungry. Well, you're in the right place -  Edinburgh has the largest number of restaurants to inhabit in a UK city. It offers the traditional Haggis, with meat, potatoes and spices as well as the soups and specialty meat - the steaks come first!
  8. Shopping - The heart of the historic Princes Street offers a large choice of boutiques and shops. If that’s not enough, you can head on Grassmarket and Victoria Street, where you will find food shops. For luxury lovers, Multress Walk is the answer.
  9. Movida - What about the evening? You don’t want to spend all your time in a hotel! Enjoy a cold beer in one of the many pubs or listen to traditional Scottish folk music in the local pubs. The Royal Oak on Infirmary Street is the ideal place as well as Whistlebinkies in South Bridge, which hosts different bands every night.
  10. The famous Edinburgh Festival - With over 12 festivals a year, there isn’t a dull moment in Edinburgh. If you go there for the end of the year, don’t miss out on the celebrations for Hogmanay and the Corn Exchange.

Ready to go? We are sure you will love it!

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