A journey through the capital of Scotland (pronounced Edimbra) is an awesome chance to feel like you travelled in time! Most important part of Edinburgh is divided into Old Town (from medieval ages) and the new town (from 18th Century), and skyline is dominated the Castle, located on the castle rock, from where it overlooks the city.
In the Old Town, everything happens around the Royal Mile that runs from the Castle to the Palace of Holyrood. Surprisingly, no part of the street is actually named The Royal Mile, in terms of a legal address; however, everyone there refers to it with this name.
New Town is a planned area, created when overcrowding inside the old city walls reached breaking point, and it was necessary to find a new spot for the rich people, to prevent them from moving to London. With this development, wealthy people moved from small houses in the old streets to bigger Georgian homes on wide roads.
The following is a proposed plan of 2 days in Edinburgh. If looking for a recommendation, stay in the Old Town, as close as Possible to the castle. I stayed in a hostel below it and it was definitely amazing.
Day 1 in Edinburgh
Start Day 1 visiting the Castle. Depending on how much you want to see of it, it could take over 3 hours. Oldest part of the castle standing is St. Margaret chapel, which goes all the way to the XII century. Most of the buildings within the castle are from 16th century, having been altered, mainly the interiors. Personally, I think one of the most important things to be seen within the castle is the Stone of Destiny (also known as the Stone of Scone), that is the place where first Scottish, now British monarchs are crowned. The Stone has been an eternal dispute between London and Scotland, as it was taken to Westminster in 1296, then stolen by Scottish nationalists and returned to Scotland in 1950, then returned to Westminster, and finally given back to be held in Edinburgh in 1996. It is expected to remain there unless it has to be used for coronations. Last Monarch to be crowned with the stone was Elizabeth II. The stone can be seen in the Crown room, inside the Royal Palace. Other interesting spots are the Great Hall and the Scottish war memorial.
After the Castle, take the first stairs on your right and go down to Johnston terrace, go across it and continue on the stairs next to the Castle Rock Hostel. They will take you to Grassmarket square, a great place for views, pictures and coffee. Leave Grassmarket onto Cowgate head.
First thing you´ll find is Greyfriar´s Cemetery. I am not a fan of cemeteries at all, but this one has some memorable things such as the tomb of Bobby, a Skye Terrier who spent 14 years guarding his owner´s grave until passing away himself. A nice statue of the dog can be seen onto Candlemaker row. Other stories about bodies being stolen by medicine students from University of Edinburgh are noticeable as well. You will see cages over some tombs! Also, as you are already there, you can take a look at the Elephant House Café. Nothing fancy about it, but place of peregrination for Harry Potter fans, as it is said that J.K. Rowling started the collection there.
You will be then standing at George IV Bridge, from there you can visit the National Museum of Scotland, with a free entrance and a wide variety of exhibitions, including the stuffed body of Dolly the sheep, the first successful clone of a mammal from an adult cell.
Turn north onto the bridge, heading to the Royal Mile, but stop for some minutes onto Victoria Terrace and walk a few meters west. It is possible top 5 in the Edinburgh spots to take pictures! You will see the lovely mix of colours with the ancient buildings and the stone pavement.
After enjoying the view, head onto Royal Mile, turn right and enjoy the walk towards the castle, and please, please, go through alleys, get lost and enjoy the places that inspired Stevenson to write Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde. Whenever you feel like, stop in some pub for a beer, it is full of them. One of the most famous is Deacon Brodies Tavern, in the corner of George IV Bridge and the Royal Mile, but please find your favourite and comment on that here! I´d love to check new places in my next journey to Scotland. Oh, and have some scotch!
Where the night takes you after the pub is up to you my friend! Tour will start again tomorrow Morning right here, in front of Deacon Brodies Tavern.
Edinburgh Alley
Day 2 in Edinburgh
As said, Day 2 will start on the Royal Mile, right where George IV Bridge Finishes and Bank Street begins. From there you can walk north onto The Mound, to start getting into the New Town. First, take a walk through Princes Street Gardens, enjoy the view of the castle and cross towards the rear side where you will see St. John´s Church, and you can start walking around New Town. While modern and not so full of amazing little streets and corners as the Old Town, it is still enjoyable and full of nice Architecture. Please appreciate the layout of the streets, and check out George Street, and don´t miss Sir Walter Scott Monument on the corner or St Davis and Princes. It is the largest monument to a Writer in the world, and it was inaugurated in 1845.
After that, take Waverly Street back into the Old Town, go through Cockburn and get onto The Royal Mile, heading east. Walk all the way until the Palace of Holyrood , without missing to get lost in the middle. It is the best way to find hidden spots! The palace at the end of the Royal Mile is the official residence for the British Monarch, and can be visited all year round except when the Royal Family is there. Admissions are not cheap (considering museums in Britain are free) but if interested, can be worth the price.
After seeing and possibly visiting the Palace, you can appreciate the modern Building of the Scottish Parliament, right in front. Once done, you can take the Royal Mile back east, to continue enjoying the ancient buildings, Scottish culture and, before finishing, stopping by the statue of Adam Smith, right in front of St. Giles cathedral.
Probably you will be checking out some other of the many pubs and cafes the city has to offer. Do not forget to comment here about your favourite spots after visiting Edinburgh!