Best Walking Tour in Edinburgh

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The capital of Scotland is certainly among the most fascinating cities in the United Kingdom. It’s considered one of the most beautiful capitals in Europe thanks to its extraordinary architecture. Edinburgh is the perfect city for art, history, and literature lovers. Don’t miss the opportunity to discover it with a local guide who will take you to the main monuments of the city. Join the best walking tour in Edinburgh now!

Best walking tour in Edinburgh

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The meeting point of the best walking tour in Edinburgh is High Street. From here you’ll explore the main sights of the city. The first one will be Edinburgh’s Castle.

Edinburgh’s Castle is one of the most famous castles in Scotland that stands on Castle Hill, a volcanic hill. We’re talking about one of the most visited historic sights in the country, with approximately two million visitors each year. From there you can admire one of the most beautiful views of the city. Once it was used for military purposes, but now is mostly dedicated to hosting several areas and halls that you can visit. The first place to explore inside Edinburgh Castle is the Royal Palace. It is the ancient residence of the kings. Then you will find the palatine chapel: it is the small church of Saint Margaret as well as the oldest building in the entire fortification. This church was built by David I in honor of his mother.

The castle is also the fantastic setting for the spectacular Military Tattoo parade, as well as the setting for the Harry Potter movie. If you are a fan of this saga, you can’t miss it!

 

Holyroodhouse Palace: a must-see place

Then you’ll visit the impressive royal residence.

Holyroodhouse is a royal residence inhabited by the Queen in some months of the year before her death. This residence is very loved by the royal family thanks to its comfortable location and for being close to the city center. Every time Queen Elizabeth went to Edinburgh, she would have a ceremony in which the mayor would hand over the keys to the city to the Queen. Important events and meetings with senior officials are still held here today. Inside, you will witness a unique experience. You will visit the private apartment of Maria Stuarda: located in the oldest part of the building. This place tells and preserves the entire life of the Queen. Another very important room and the largest in the palace is the «Great Gallery». Here you’ll be in front of 96 portraits of members of the royal dynasty.

 

 

 

Saint Giles Cathedral

We’re not even joking with this one!

Saint Giles Cathedral is located in the center of the Royal Mile and is a beautiful Gothic-style building. Despite its name, Saint Giles is not a cathedral, but one of several former cathedrals in Scotland. For example, also Glasgow Cathedral or Dunblane Cathedral retains the title of cathedral despite having lost this status. However, it remains a religious and very important symbol of Scotland, as it was built on an ancient sacred site. It’s the main and most important Protestant Church in Edinburgh.

Inside the cathedral, you’ll find the Thistle Chapel. We’re talking about the chapel dedicated to Scotland’s oldest important order of knights, the Thistle, the national symbol of Scotland. It includes the sovereign of Great Britain and 16 knights personally named by the king.

 

 

The Writers Museum

Are you a fan of history and literature? Then you must visit one of the most impressive museums in the city. The Writers Museum in Edinburgh is home to manuscripts, portraits, and personal objects of three great Scottish writers. We’re talking about Sir Walter Scott, the inventor of the modern historical novel, Robert Burns, and Robert Louis Stevenson. Those three are the most emblematic figures in the history of Scottish literature.

The museum is housed in a former noble residence known as Lady Stair’s House, dating back to 1622, and formerly owned by a Scottish noble family. Inside you’ll find different areas and exhibitions. They include items such as personal belongings, ancient manuscripts, and more. If you are a lover of history, you cannot miss this experience!

 

 

The Scotch Whisky Experience

For a great local and different experience, you’ll move to Royal Mile.

In the Scotch Whiskey Heritage Center, retrace thousands of years of history of the production of this famous spirit. Here you will discover all the secrets that make this liqueur so famous. You will learn how it is made and also how to distinguish the different types of whiskey. With the help of a local guide, you’ll learn all the secrets of Scotland’s national drink. This experience is also ideal for those who want to taste whiskey for the first time!

 

Book your bed in Edinburgh

If you’re looking for accommodation to stay in Edinburgh, we recommend our St. Christopher’s Inn. This amazing hostel is located in Old Town, the perfect location to discover the city. Here you’ll find a lot of activities and parties where you’ll meet different people from all over the world. What are you waiting for? Book your bed now!