Tim Stanton
2 November 2023
Edinburgh
Edinburgh is famous for its festivals and events. The city hosts some of the world’s largest and most diverse festivals, such as the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, the Edinburgh International Festival, the Edinburgh International Book Festival, the Edinburgh Military Tattoo, and the Edinburgh Hogmanay. These festivals showcase the best of arts, culture, comedy, music, literature, and entertainment from around the world. You can enjoy hundreds of shows, performances, exhibitions, and workshops every day. The festivals are usually held in August and December, but there are also other events throughout the year that you can join.Edinburgh is also a city of history and heritage. You can explore the city’s medieval Old Town and Georgian New Town, which are both listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. You can visit some of the city’s iconic landmarks, such as Edinburgh Castle, which dominates the skyline and houses the Scottish Crown Jewels; Holyrood Palace, which is the official residence of the Queen in Scotland; St Giles’ Cathedral, which is the mother church of Presbyterianism; and the Scott Monument, which is a tribute to the famous Scottish writer Sir Walter Scott. You can also learn more about the city’s past at some of the excellent museums and galleries, such as the National Museum of Scotland, the Scottish National Gallery, and the Museum of Edinburgh. Edinburgh is not only a city of culture, but also a city of nature. You can enjoy some of the most stunning views and landscapes in and around the city. You can climb up to Arthur’s Seat, which is an extinct volcano and the highest point in the city. You can also walk along the Royal Mile, which is a historic street that connects Edinburgh Castle and Holyrood Palace. You can also venture out of the city and visit some of the nearby attractions, such as Rosslyn Chapel, which is a 15th-century Gothic chapel that features intricate carvings and legends; Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park, which is a scenic area of lakes, mountains, forests, and wildlife; and Stirling Castle, which is one of the most important castles in Scottish history. Edinburgh is also a great destination for foodies and shoppers. You can taste some of the local specialties, such as haggis, neeps and tatties (sheep’s stomach stuffed with oatmeal, onions, and spices; mashed turnips; and mashed potatoes), Scotch pie (a meat pie made with mutton or lamb), Scotch broth (a hearty soup made with barley, vegetables, and meat), shortbread (a buttery biscuit), and whisky (a distilled alcoholic drink made from malted barley). You can also try some of the international cuisines that are available in the city, such as Indian, Chinese, Italian, French, and Thai. You can also shop for some souvenirs and gifts at some of the many shops and markets in the city. You can find everything from tartan (a patterned woolen fabric that is associated with Scotland), kilts (a traditional skirt worn by men), cashmere (a soft woolen fabric), tweed (a rough woolen fabric), whisky (a distilled alcoholic drink made from malted barley), books (Edinburgh is a UNESCO City of Literature), art (Edinburgh is home to many artists and galleries), and jewelry (Edinburgh is known for its silver and goldsmiths).