Not everyone is able to remember the name of the capital of Scotland and exactly where it is located. Meanwhile, Edinburgh is considered one of the most beautiful cities in Western Europe, you can easily name at least 10 reasons why you should visit it.
Brief information
The name of the capital of Scotland comes from Auld Reekie, which literally means "old smokehouse". It was given to the city because of the abundance of chimneys, the smoke from which was visible before the city itself opened to the traveler's eyes. Today Edinburgh is considered the second largest city in the country and it is here that the national parliament sits.
The compactness of the city allows you to reach any of its attractions on foot. Every day for everyone, special walking tours lasting 3 hours are organized, which are carried out completely free of charge. But at the same time it is not forbidden to give the guide a tip.
Edinburgh landmarks
And those who do not want to walk in a crowd, but strive for solitude, should go to Mount Arthur's Seat. Its height is low, only 251 meters, but it offers a magnificent view of the city's surroundings.
For some fun, head to Bannermans, a pub that not only serves excellent beer, but also hosts concerts by various artists.
Edinburgh also has its own beach, 5 km from the city is the suburb of Portobello with a magnificent promenade, which can be reached by a regular bus.
From a very interesting side, Dean Village opens to tourists - a part of the city that combines historical monuments that perfectly coexist with modern architecture.
Arriving in Scotland, one cannot but try the masterpieces of local cuisine. The Irn Bru national drink is very sweet and glows orange. If the sweetness is not enough, you can buy a deep-fried Mars bar, which will be fried in front of the eater. Well, if you don't want something sweet at all, you can order lamb tripe. They say that it is very tasty, despite the unappetizing name.
Numerous music festivals take place in Edinburgh every year, such as the Beltane Festival, held on Calton Hill and dedicated to the traditions of Celtic culture.
It is worth visiting Calton Hill outside of the festival. And not only for the sake of a beautiful view. Here, for example, is located the National Monument, an unfinished copy of the Athenian Parthenon and a monument to Nelson.
The Meadows is a large park, immersed in greenery, in which something is constantly happening: festivals, competitions, holidays. The park is especially beautiful in spring, when the paths are strewn with crumbling almond petals.
Well, what kind of Scotland is without ghosts. Not far from the South Bridge, at the Greyfriars Kirkyard cemetery or just on the streets of the city, you can easily encounter, if not the ghosts themselves, then the storytellers who saw them. Well, if someone does not believe in spirits, he can go on an excursion called The Burke and Hare Murder Tour, following in the footsteps of famous serial killers.
