Edinburgh has been the capitol of Scotland since 1437 and is the seat of the Scottish Parliament.  It is truly one of Europe's most beautiful, albeit compact, historic cities.  Its compact nature however, provides an exceptional advantage in that nearly every point of interest is within walking distance!

In the heart of old Edinburgh you will find yourself surrounded by vestiges of the medieval past combined with elegant Georgian style buildings and award winning modern architecture. This marvelous city center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and a true wonder to behold. (There are 4,501 registered buildings in the city.)

Edinburgh's Old Town streets invite the leisurely stroll. You’ll really need to take your time here to truly take in the the timeless elegance and incredible history that seems to simply hang in the air. It is unmistakable, you cannot miss it.

Edinburgh Castle
 
Edinburgh Castle dominates the heart of the city and sits at the end of the Royal Mile.

All along the Royal Mile you will be greeted by marvelous medieval and reformation-era buildings.

Due to space restrictions of the time, starting around the 1500s, Edinburgh’s Old Town sprouted some of the earliest high-rise residential buildings known in Europe. Some were as tall as ten stories or more.

Over time these buildings where built over, leaving numerous vaults and passageways below, creating and contributing to the somewhat sinister legends of the Edinburgh underground.

The Ruins of Holyrood Abbey. 

This Augustinian Abbey was built on the grounds of the Royal Palace of  Holyroodhouse in 1128 under the rule of King David the First of Scotland.

For several hundred years, the abbey was the site of numerous royal coronations and important state weddings. 

Due to its notoriety, it was also subjected to numerous military assaults all through the 1500's which left the buildings heavily damaged.   Repairs were frequently made over the years and in 1758 there were attempts to rebuild the abbey but a hurricane just ten years latter ensured that the abbey would forever remain as we see it today.

Standing here virtually alone on a quiet gray day, you can feel hundreds of years of Scottish history, and nearly hear footsteps across the stones.  This is one lonely, bleak location that is definitely worth the effort to get here!  

Interesting Edinburgh Facts

Movies involving Edinburgh:

• The Da Vinci Code

• Journey to the Center of the Earth

• Trainspotting

• The 39 Steps

• The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie

Edinburgh Nightlife:

There's an excellent social climate here with numerous music venues, theaters, restaurants and 'hundreds' of pubs.
 

Von Zuko's Favorites
Edinburgh Best Spots

Quaint Pubs and Taverns

Hot Spots

Live Music

Shopping

• Jenners Department Store
• Princes Street (main shopping street)
• William Street (stylish boutiques)
• Raeburn Place (antiques and jewelry)
• George Street (high-fashion)

Dining Favorites

• Circus Wine Bar & Grill
  58a North Castle Street
• The Witchery by the castle
  Castlehill, The Royal Mile

Culture & Heritage Attractions

• Edinburgh Castle
• Edinburgh Old Town
• Scott Monument
• Holyrood Palace
• The Fruitmarket Gallery
• The National Gallery (Art & Culture)
• Museum of Scotland
• The University of Edinburgh