Talk to anyone that’s been to Edinburgh and they’ll tell you how much you need to go. It’s a city with thousands of years of architecture and stories that will inspire your imagination unlike anywhere else in the world. Edinburgh is an unforgettable city and is one that will leave you with pictures and memories you’ll keep for the rest of your life. London’s nice but there’s a reason you’ll unanimously be told to visit a city up north instead.
Victoria Street’s iconic and colorful buildings in an otherwise stone-faced metropolis makes it a must see for visitors. It’s a unique place in Edinburgh and has bustling shops along narrow sidewalks. Along your walk bask in the sounds and smells of local shops and eateries filling the air and echoing around the bend.
Victoria Street was built between 1829-34 to improve access around the city but continues to be the most colorful places in Old Town. It’s a location that’ll capture your attention and it’s one of the most picturesque places in the city for good reason. Go for a stroll on Victoria Street for a colorful break from the cobblestone streets and limestone buildings.
It was designed by Thomas Hamilton to be the beginning of the city’s transformation. The Greek influenced architecture and brilliant colors accent the picturesque neo-classical buildings along the street. Although there are some that argue their style is more similar to “Old Flemish” – either way they brighten even the dreariest days!
Like many Old Town streets there are some darker speculations and rumors about the remnants of the past. Victoria Street is the home of the notorious “Wizard of the West Bow” who was executed in 1670! Major Weir’s house was allegedly demolished in the reconstruction of the street, but evidence and supposed hauntings suggests otherwise.
I mean look at this picture! Why wouldn’t you want to visit Edinburgh Castle? It’s Scotland’s leading attraction for a reason! There’s something to be said about visiting anywhere that’s been around for centuries.
The 80-meter cliffs make the castle one of the most successfully defended fortresses in UK history. If the breathtaking angles and cliffs aren’t thrilling enough for you, Edinburgh Castle is built on top of a volcano – fortunately for Edinburgh residents it’s an extinct volcano.
Edinburgh Castle has been at this location since the 12th century but evidence and was home to the Scottish royals until 1603. Even though time has changed some things – some relatively recently, thanks to the KGB.
There are only a few castles in the world that rival Edinburgh Castle – Pictures don’t even come close, it’s a place you have to experience the castle maintains a uniquely dramatic and historical feel.
Edinburgh Castle has its share of infamous rumors in its long-standing history. A local favorite is that any university student that enters the castle will fail their final exams. So don’t be surprised if you don’t see many university students – no sense in pushing their luck.
Inside the castle walls visitors can romanticize at St. Margaret’s Chapel. The chapel’s history falls back to Queen Margaret herself who died of a broken heart days after her husband King Malcolm III was killed in battle. The chapel is officially the oldest building in Edinburgh thanks to a command from Robert the Bruce to spare the chapel in an attempt to destroy the castle to keep it from falling to the English.
For hundreds of years people have visited Calton Hill for its unique and stunning view. It’s the inspiration and location for the panorama as the Irish painter Robert Baker sketched a 360-degree view of Edinburgh from the top of the hill. The top of the hill is the perfect place for a sunrise, sunset, or clear night sky over the city.
One of the most astonishing monuments on Calton Hill is the National Monument, or as locals have christened it “Edinburgh’s Shame”. The Athenian-inspired monument was designed to commemorate the men who gave their lives in the Napoleonic Wars, but ran out of funding and was never completed. It’s had numerous failed attempts at being completed but fortunately the locals have a good sense of humor about it.
Edinburgh has more listed buildings from the world heritage site list than anywhere else in the world. Everywhere you look is a photo opportunity and with so much to offer charging your camera the night before is an absolute must. Visitors fortunate enough for a sunny day or clear night sky will be thrilled by the historical character of the city in the natural light.
Some of social media’s most liked photos from Europe were taken in Edinburgh. With its 112 parks, it has more trees per person than any other city in the UK and mixed with the architecture you’ll see why artists visit to find their inspiration.
Arthur’s Seat is a regular visit for most locals and must see for tourists. It’s a relatively easy climb and has been the inspiration for and featured in numerous novels including Frankenstein by Mary Shelley and The Underground City by Jules Verne. The origins of its name is still unknown but rumors vary from it being the location of the fabled Camelot to it receiving its name for the original settlers of the area.
Edinburgh’s an incredible place filled with its own history and stories about witchcraft. It’s also pretty common knowledge that an author J.K. Rowling wrote some of Harry Potter in an Edinburgh café (The Elephant) in Old Town not too far away from Victoria Street. Like many other writers, musicians, and artists before her she took inspiration from the landscape for her characters and locations.
It’s not uncommon to see men and women on the streets playing their bagpipes, especially the closer you get to the castle and Old Town. Even if you’re not a fan of the pipes, you’ll find yourself catching the sound along an alleyway and like a moth to a flame you’ll be drawn to it. It’s well worth a few Euros for a picture and some will even take a request.
As the world continues to take another spin around the sun, Edinburgh has kept some things the same but with a few technological advancements. The black cabs are a staple in the UK and have been claimed as the best cabs in the world. These days most of them have apps making them even easier to relax and admire the city as you pass by.
Sir Walter Scott was a prolific writer and is often considered both the inventor and the greatest practitioner of the historical novel. The Scott Monument is the second largest monument for a writer in the world, it’s difficult to miss between the detailed gothic architecture and enamoring crowd surrounding it. If you can visit the museum the view from the 4th level is well worth the climb.
While in Walking through Edinburgh’s Old Town, you may notice a small church called Greyfriars kirk. It just celebrated its 400-year anniversary and although the lighting and plumbing have changed, it has still kept its history. Take a stroll through the graveyard and you may be lucky enough to find some of Edinburgh’s most famous historical residents.
The Forth bridge is nothing short of a national marvel in Scotland and is a testament to their ingenuity and craftsmanship. The railroad bridge is an UNESCO World Heritage Site and architects and visitors alike can be inspired by the views and accomplishments of the 19th century bridge. The 3 bridges constructed over 3 centuries provide a scale of the achievements of man and architecture over time.
As you travel through the city, you’ll begin to realize the magnitude of the history of the area. With thousands of years of occupancy it’s no surprise there have been some historically significant figures in Edinburgh’s time. There are countless memorials and monuments scattered throughout the city, but try not to get used to it, you may walk by one you’re looking for.
From its castle to its cobblestones, Edinburgh is overflowing with history. It’s a place where the locals have become the charm, and it’s no wonder why so many people travel to Scotland’s capital. One of Europe’s hidden gems, it’s a city that brings out it’s the photographer in all of us. Where else in the world can you travel and leave with a panoramic pictures and images that have you reliving stories for hours?