Edinburgh is correctly regarded as one of the prettiest cities in Europe, so it is no surprise that with over 1 million visitors a year it is the second most visited city in the UK (after London). The jagged volcanic peaks of Castle Rock, Calton Hill and Arthur’s Seat form the spectacular landscape onto which the city was built. This scenery combined with the great wealth and variety of the city’s architecture makes Edinburgh not only one of the most picturesque cities in the world, but also one of most interesting to visit.
The first fortification was constructed on Castle Rock in the 9th century BC. This original fortress grew to be Edinburgh Castle and became the focus for the city’s develpoment. During the ice age glaciers rolled over Scotland from west to east to form the current landscape. Most importantly Castle Rock, itself a volcanic plug, was eroded into a classic “crag and tail” formation. This easily defendable geological formation became the focus of the city that would grew to be the capital city of Scotland.
The city of Edinburgh expanded upon its rocky outcrop, constrained by its geography and the city walls, into one of the most densely populated, dirty and cramped medieval cities in the world. Up until the the end of the 18th century the city existed solely as one street, the Royal Mile, which ran from the Castle to Holyrood Palace. This area, now know as the “Old Town” was made a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1995 and is home to many of the city’s historical attractions, including Edinburgh Castle, St Giles Cathedral, The Museum of Scotland, Edinburgh University, The Mercat Cross, The Royal Museum, The Camera Obscura, The Scotch Whisky Heritage Centre and Gladstone's Land.
At the beginning of the 19th century Edinburgh broke free and expanded with the creation of one of the world’s first, and at the time the largest, planned town. This spacious, organised Georgian development, now know as the “New Town” is hugely different to the Old Town and the obvious contrast between the two parts of the city is a huge part of it’s visual excitement. The New Town was made a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1995 and this once-residential development is now the city’s shopping district as well as containing many attractions, including The National Gallery Of Scotland, The Scott Monument, The Botanic Garden, Princes Street Garden and The Scottish National Portrait Gallery.
Edinburgh in the 21st century is a great city to visit, its rich history and culture guarantees that you will never be at a loss for something to do during the day. This vibrant city is also crammed full of excellent restaurants, bars, cafes, theatres and nightclubs meaning that your evenings and nights will also always be full.
As well as a wealth of cultural events that take place all year round Edinburgh is also hosts two world famous events. Hogmanay is the Scottish New Years Eve party when 500,000 people gather in the capital for a huge street party that should not be missed. Perhaps the most famous event is Edinburgh Festival which takes place throughout August. This month is always an exciting, and sometime hectic time to visit as the population swells, there are constant shows and the city’s streets are taken over by acrobats, jugglers and street performers.
Although these festivals attract a lot of visitors, Edinburgh is a great place to visit anytime of the year. With its extensive list of things to do, and Scottish charm, don’t be surprised if you end up staying longer than you intended.