Scotland is heralded as a stunning country, often likened to New Zealand in terms of its landscape, and its compact and hilly capital is no exception. Boasting a medieval Old Town, and grand Georgian New Town, its very own extinct volcano you can walk up, miles of coastline, and an unmissable castle on a hill, you won't get bored easily. So, if you're planning a trip to the capital, edinburgh, here's everything you need to do.
Arthur's Seat and The Crags
How often do you visit a city with an extinct volcano slap bang in the centre? Not often, until you visit Edinburgh.
Walking up Arthur's Seat takes a couple of hours, and you'll be rewarded with stunning panoramic views over the city and out over the ocean. Next to Arthur's Seat you'll find the cliffs of The Crags which you can also walk up, as well as three lochs and the tranquil Hollyrood Park.
Edinburgh Castle
It's almost impossible to visit Edinburgh and not spot the Castle, sitting proudly on Castle Rock in the centre of the city, dominating the skyline. The picturesque castle is a hotbed of Sottish history and is part of the World Heritage Site. To enter the Castle you can pay between £13-16, but you can head up to the Castle Esplanade for free where you'll get incredible views of the city.
Calton Hill
Yet another hill in the centre of the city, this time home to a replica acropolis, two observatories, and a collection of famous monuments.
Only a five minute walk up Calton Hill from Princes Street, you'll once again receive breathtaking panoramic views of Edinburgh and be able to spot iconic city landmarks. The perfect place to catch the sunset.
Edinburgh's Old Town and the Royal Mile
Edinburgh's medieval Old Town is home to the famous Royal Mile, a sloping 'Scots mile' connecting the Castle at the top and the Scottish Parliament and Hollyrood Palace at the bottom.
The Royal Mile is home to medieval architecture, historic alleyways and closes, a range of shops and museums, and St Giles Cathedral.
Dean Village
Wandering into Dean Village feels like you've stepped into a completely different place. Although historic and beautiful like the rest of Edinburgh, Dean Village was a separate village until the 19th century where Mill workers used to live.
Its industrial past can still be spotted by old millstones and carved stone plaques. Make sure to visit Well Court, a quaint and picturesque courtyard, and walk along the Water of Leith. Tranquil and peaceful - it's hard to believe Dean Village is only five minutes from the city centre.
Head to one of Edinburgh's Beaches
Edinburgh occupies the east coast of scotland which means you not only get beautiful sea views from the city centre, but there are also a selection of beaches you can visit. Although it might not be sunbathing weather, a walk along the beach is a must. Head down to Portobello to enjoy a walk along the Promenade where you'll find an Amusements, cafes, pubs and ice cream stands.
Alternatively, head to Cramond Village where you can walk across a causeway to Cramond Island- but make sure to check the tide times!
National Museum of Scotland
Edinburgh is home to tons of great museums and galleries, the National Museum of Scotland being a definite highlight. Initially head up to the stunning Grand Gallery, and then you can start exploring the many galleries that span subjects from the Natural World (where you'll find animals hanging from the roof), Science and Technology (where you'll find world-famous Dolly the Sheep), 7 floors of Scottish History, Design, Art and Fashion, World Cultures, and two constantly changing exhibitions. Don't forget to head up to the Roof Terrace, where you'll get panoramic views of the city and a particularly good view of the Castle.
