Steffi's Blog

Can there anywhere be a more beautiful and beguiling city to arrive at by train? To emerge from the bustling subterranean bowles of Waverly Station and find yourself in the very heart of such a glorious city is a happy experience indeed. (Bill Bryson, 1996)

The view as you walk out of Edinburgh’s Waverly Station is probably the finest first impression of any city in the world. (Lonely Planet)

Waverly Station is indeed an impressive train station and so is the first impression you get when walking out of it. However, in Edinburgh it is not only the first impression which is impressive and breath-taking. The whole city, the atmosphere, the architecture, the history, the culture and many many other things, making Edinburgh the charming city it is, fulfilling the interests of almost everybody. However, it also completely justifies its status as the capital of Scotland, being a buzzing centre of contemporary aspects: Festivals, fashion, economy and everything a modern-day person could possibly ask for. It wonderfully combines the past and the present.

It is said that, for international visitors, Edinburgh is the second favourite UK city for tourism after London. Having seen both cities I have to say that I am surprised that it is ‘only’ the second favourite city. Coming after London again, it is also the second most important financial centre in Britain, which also due to the opening of the impressive new Royal Bank of Scotland HQ, a potent symbol of the ‘New Edinburgh’ (who knows for how long it will be able to show its potency). Edinburgh’s finance sector accounts for over 5% of the total number of jobs in Scotland. This example represents very well the importance of Edinburgh for the whole country.

However, interesting as these facts may be, I’d say that they don’t really impress most of the tourists too much. This ‘job’ is taken over by the city’s rich offer of, for example, history and culture.

Having a look around the city (or even only checking the maps) it is easy to see what attracts all the thousands and millions of visitors to Edinburgh every year.

There is so much to do in Edinburgh, it is impossible to name everything, you simply can’t do it justice but here are some things you really shouldn’t miss.

First of all, and I guess every visitor has heard of this attraction, the Castle has to be named. Perched high upon its own volcanic rock, it is easily visible from many view points all across the city. Walking the Royal Mile (which actually is a mile and an eight long, the Old Scots mile) up towards the Castle it offers an impressive view, lying on the very top of the street. Edinburgh Castle dates back to the 12th century and every day at 1pm you can hear the gun shots. Even if you are not at the Castle for this spectacle, be prepared to hear it in many corners of the city. Only seeing it from the outside is worth a stroll up the Royal Mile. However, you can also go in and join a guided group (12 Pounds for Adults, but a very good 50% off for kids)

On the other end of the Royal Mile you will find the Palace of Holyroodhouse, the Queen’s official residence in Scotland. The palace is full of history and it is open to visitors (whenever the Queen is not there, of course ). However, admission fee not particularly low (the Palace alone is about 10 Pounds and joint Palace and Gallery will cost you 13 Pounds).

Strolling through City Centre you will find that it is both beautiful and compact. Many sights of the Old and the New Town can easily be covered on foot. Walking from one end of the Centre to the oppsoite end takes about 30 minutes. The Old Town represents the largely medieveal heart of Edinburgh. Most of its important historical monuments (e.g. Edinburgh Castle, Holyroodhouse Palace and St. Giles’ Cathedral) can be found here.

Walking out of the City Centre, heading north towards Leith (a former independent burgh, most of the people will tell you that they are from Leith and not from Edinburgh), you will find the Royal Yacht Britannia lying at the Ocean Terminal. The ship was decommissioned in 1997, until when it belonged to Her Majesty The Queen and was used for official state occasions and private holidays by the Royal Family (in 1981, Charles and Diana spent their honeymoon on it). After its decommissioning the City of Edinburgh bougth the Yacht and now she is permanently lying at the Ocean Terminal. However, if you intend to visit the ship and go on board, be prepared for an entrance fee of about 10 Pounds. Lying behind a shopping centre you can hardly see anything of it without paying the admission charge.

The last thing I would like to reccommend here is the Calton Hill. Taking a few steps up the hill it offers fantastic views of Edinburgh Castle, Arthur’s Seat and Holyrood Palace. Climb up the Nelson Monument to increase the panorma. It is a nice little stroll and it is free.

If you don’t want to bother with buying a travel guide or a special map, just have a look around, there are many places where you can get free maps. They are good enough if you just want to walk around and explore the city by yourself. Here is a nice little link to a website offering you maps for different tours in Edinburgh.

If you are a fan of the plenty of events and festivals which take place throughout the whole year, year in and year out, you might want to check out this website. It offers a detailed calendar of the festivals, with descriptions and advice for each of them. Here you also have the opportunity to get yourself tickets for your favourite festival. Unfortunately, I can’t give any advice or recommendations regarding the festivals. However, they are famous not only in Edinburgh but all over Europe and they are certainly worth a visit.

So, enjoy Edinburgh and fall in love with it. I am sure that many many people will come back to this wonderful and charming city, which offers almost everything to almost everybody.