The most interesting landmarks and historic sites in Scotland's capital, Edinburgh.

1. The Best of Scotland
Edinburgh:
Thierry Dentice

2. Reigning as the second most populous city in
Scotland, Edinburgh still represents the heart of
Scottish culture, tradition and spirit. The country’s
capital since the 15th century, Edinburgh is home to
important governmental institutions such as the
Scottish Parliament and the Church of Scotland,
along with cultural including various national art
galleries.

3. Edinburgh rich historical center is further
marked by landmarks ranging from the city’s
world famous castle to the mixture of both old
and new towns attracting over one million
visitors annually. The old and new towns of
Edinburgh are UNESCO world heritage sites that
connect two very different time frames in the
country’s history.

6. Consisting of more than four-thousand buildings
between the 15th and 18th centuries, these districts
provide an authentic glimpse into Scottish
architecture during a monumental period in the
countries somewhat tumultuous history.
Interestingly divided into two parts, the old town,
along with the city’s castle, dominates the southern
part of the city while the newer, post 15th century
area is situated to the north.

8. As one of the most popular social celebrations in
the city, the Edinburgh festival consists of events
such as the festival fringe, the book festival and the
military tattoo. If you happen to enjoy theater or
live performance, taking the time to experience
some more classic musical performance or visual
productions is a fundamental way to explore art in
modern day Scottish society.

9. The Edinburgh festival is a large-scale, well-
known comedy event that brings comedians
from all over the world to showcase their latest
routines or stand-up material throughout the
city. This massive festival, including a spectrum
of food and art events occurs every year
between July and September.

10. Summerhall, one of Edinburgh’s most
interesting multi-art venues, exhibits everything
from science lectures to the latest creative food
recipes from local restaurants in the city. To
further explore the trendier, more
underground areas of Edinburgh, making a
special trip to the famous Grassmarket allows
for any tourist or local to find the perfect
vintage objects.

14. In order to experience the rawer, more off the
beaten path areas of Edinburgh, taking a half day
to see the capital’s coastline is often a forgotten
adventure for many visitors in town for a little
while. Once at the seaside, you can enjoy the
Turkish baths along with tasting some of Scotland’s
finest fish and chips in front of breathtaking ocean
views. Though there is little minimal Victorian
influence left in this outer part of Edinburgh, this
beach town called Portobello is an ideal spot to
experience a less touristy area of Scotland.

15. A newer trend in the city’s diverse traditions, more
and more visitors are becoming increasingly
attracted to the art of gin-making. Even though
Scotland’s capital is indeed more well known for its
long whisky heritage, tour-lead guides through
various gin distilleries have quickly become a
popular way for tourists to explore this fairly new
city-wide development.