1) Edinburgh Old Town
This scene has thankfully changed little over the centuries, with the Old Town of Edinburgh remaining remarkably intact. Together with Edinburgh’s New Town, it now forms part of UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Edinburgh Old Town.
2) White Horse Close
This quaint looking close is hidden of the Royal Mile, close to the Scottish Parliament building. It is of medieval origins, however underwent significant renovation works in the 1960’s.
White Horse Close, Edinburgh.
3) Camera Obscura
Camera Obscura is located only few hundred metres from Edinburgh Castle, close to the top end of the Royal Mile. Dating back to 1852, this major tourist attraction offers a variety of fascinating optical illusions. The building features a roof terrace offering fantastic views of the city and nearby Edinburgh Castle.
Camera Obscura, Edinburgh.
4) Vintage Red Phone Boxes, Royal Mile
The iconic red phone box used to be a common sight up until around the 1980’s Sadly with each year that passes their number lessens. However Edinburgh is an exception, offering three in a row!
Vintage Phone Boxes, Royal Mile.
5) St Giles Cathedral
Sitting on the Royal Mile, St Giles has been a place of worship for almost 900 years, and has endured many turbulent years when religion in Scotland was once an issue to be fought over. Thankfully we now live in more peaceful times, and the cathedral is a major visitor attraction.
St Giles Cathedral, Edinburgh.
6) The West Bow
The West Bow is a wonderful curving street located in the Old Town just off the Grassmarket. The name comes from an ancient archway which once stood at the bottom of the street. In past times these arches were often referred to as ‘bows.’
The West Bow, Edinburgh.
7) Edinburgh Castle
The castle dominates the city sky line from all viewpoints, and is one of Scotland’s most spectacular sights. The castle rock has been inhabited at least 900 B.C., and not surprisingly has been the scene of many a bloody battle.
Edinburgh Castle Main Entrance.
8) The National Monument of Scotland
Designed in the 1800’s by renowned architect, William Henry Playfair, many visitors to Edinburgh will be unaware that it is basically a half finished building. The monument sitting on Calton Hill was left partially completed due to a lack of funds, and became known as ‘Scotland’s Disgrace.’
National Monument of Scotland, Edinburgh.
9) Cockburn Street
With similarities to the West Bow, Cockburn Street is another spectacular curved street of Victorian origin linking the Royal Mile to Waverley Station. The street is named after Lord Cockburn who was very keen to preserve Edinburgh’s architectural legacy.
Cockburn Street, Edinburgh.
10) Old Courtyard off Royal Mile
If visiting Edinburgh, always try and venture slightly ‘off the beaten track.’ No matter how many times you visit, you will always find something new like this old courtyard hidden away behind the Royal Mile.
Old Courtyard off Royal Mile.
11) The Scottish Parliament Building
The Scottish parliament building is a highly controversial building in a spectacular setting at the bottom end of the Royal Mile. It’s ultra modern design isn’t to everyone’s taste, plus when built it greatly exceeded it’s allocated budget causing much uproar. However it can’t be denied that it’s certainly unique, and well worth a visit.
The Scottish Parliament, Holyrood.
