Edinburgh, Scotland
Edinburgh: The Historical Capital of Scotland
The city of Edinburgh is old; cobblestone streets and protected historic buildings are everywhere. It’s a place you’ve never seen anything like before and also happens to be a perfect hub from which to see the rest of Scotland.
As the capital of Scotland, Edinburgh is a city that brings visitors from all over the world but it’s not normally the ‘capital’ that people come to see. The odd-angled streets, the towering Edinburgh castle build on volcanic rock jutting out from the centre of Edinburgh, all the stunning old architecture and cobbled paths make it one of the most unique cities in Europe.
On this page, we’ll explore the historical significance of Edinburgh, answer common questions about visiting the city, give you a run down of the best places to visit (with an interactive map you can save and use as you like) as well as a list of the best tours to take from Edinburgh to then see the rest of Scotland - and have the best vacation in Scotland possible!
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12 Fun Facts About Edinburgh Scotland
Edinburgh is a city rich in history, interesting stories and unique characteristics.
Here are 12 fascinating facts about this remarkable city:
Edinburgh Castle's Volcanic Foundation
Atop Castle Rock in the centre of the city, Edinburgh Castle is built on an extinct volcano that last erupted over 340 million years ago! Bonus fact, there has been a royal residence on that lump of rock since the 11th century! (More on Edinburgh Castle and it’s history to come).The Royal Mile's True Length
Contrary to its name, the Royal Mile measures one mile and 107 yards, stretching between Edinburgh Castle and the Palace of Holyroodhouse. It’s not far off, but a fun fact to tell your travel companions when walking up the mile (and a bit) on your next trip to Scotland.
3. Home to the World's Largest Arts Festival
Every August, Edinburgh hosts the Fringe Festival (pictured), the world's largest arts festival, featuring thousands of performances across various venues. You’ve got comedy, dance, danger defying performances and everything in between. It might be worth planning your trip around this incredible festival!
4. Birthplace of Harry Potter
Author J.K. Rowling penned parts of the Harry Potter series in Edinburgh cafés, drawing inspiration from the city's landscape and architecture. There’s a lot of conjecture about where she wrote the famous books but it’s clear she go A LOT of inspiration during her time in Edinburgh. Consider, in Greyfriars Cementary, there are grave stones dedicated to the Potters, McGonagall, Moodie, Black and Thomas Riddle!
5. A City of Abundant Greenery
Edinburgh boasts 112 parks and more trees per head of population than any other city in the U.K., making it one of the greenest cities in the country.
This is a fact I love - what better metric for a truly great city than the amounts of trees per inhabitants! The picture shown is of Princes Street Gardens next to Waverley train station.
6. Pioneering Fire Safety
In the 1800’s Edinburgh was essentially all wooden buildings packed close together and most buildings required fire for cooking and heating - a recipe for disaster as you can imagine!
So in 1824, Edinburgh established the world's first municipal fire service, led by James Braidwood, who later founded the London Fire Brigade.
7. A City of Literary Heritage
Edinburgh was the first city to be designated a UNESCO City of Literature in 2004, recognizing its rich literary history. It has been home to famous writers such as Sir Walter Scott, Robert Louis Stevenson, and Arthur Conan Doyle. The city also hosts the annual Edinburgh International Book Festival, attracting authors and readers from around the world.
8. The One O'Clock Gun Tradition
Since 1861, a cannon has been fired from Edinburgh Castle at 1 pm daily (except Sundays, Good Friday, and Christmas Day). Originally, this was a time signal for ships in the Firth of Forth to set their maritime clocks, a crucial tool for navigation. Today, it remains a popular tradition and will scare you half to death if you’re not prepared for it!
9. A City of Two Towns
Edinburgh consists of the medieval Old Town and the elegant Georgian New Town, both of which are UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The Old Town features narrow, winding streets, historic buildings, and hidden closes, while the New Town, built in the 18th century, showcases neoclassical architecture and grand squares, reflecting the city's expansion during the Enlightenment.
10. Home to a Knighted Penguin
Edinburgh Zoo is home to Sir Nils Olav, a king penguin who has been an honorary member and mascot of the Norwegian Guard since 1972. Over the years, he has risen through the military ranks and was officially knighted in 2008. He continues to be an important symbol of the zoo’s close ties with Norway.
11. The National Animal is the Unicorn
Scotland’s national animal is the mythical unicorn, symbolising purity, power, and independence. The unicorn has been associated with Scotland since the 12th century and appears in Edinburgh’s architecture, coat of arms, and even on the gates of the Palace of Holyroodhouse, the official royal residence in Scotland.
12. A Hub of Education
Founded in 1582, the University of Edinburgh (pictured) is one of the world’s most prestigious institutions. It has been at the forefront of scientific discoveries, including the cloning of Dolly the sheep in 1996. The university has produced influential alumni such as Charles Darwin, Alexander Graham Bell, and former British Prime Minister Gordon Brown, reinforcing Edinburgh’s reputation as a center of learning and innovation.
What is Edinburgh most known for?
Cute cobblestone streets, narrow alleyways and being the greenest city in the UK- we’ve covered a lot of the ways Edinburgh is known and unique in our top 12 facts but why do people want to come to Edinburgh and what else is it known for?
Whisky! The water of life, Scottish whisky, is abundant in Edinburgh. Check out the Scotch Whisky Experience, located near the iconic Edinburgh Castle to see a selection of 3,000 individual bottles!
Beneath Edinburgh’s lively streets lies the eerie underworld of the Edinburgh Vaults, built in the 18th century within the arches of South Bridge. Initially used for storage, the vaults fell into disrepair and became a hub for illicit activities, rumored to have even sheltered serial killers Burke and Hare. Rediscovered in the 1980s, they now offer spine-chilling tours, bringing the city’s dark past to life.
Formed in 2006 from the merger of the Royal Scottish Museum and the Museum of Scotland, the National Museum of Scotland blends history, science, and culture under one roof. With free entry and rotating exhibitions covering everything from ancient artefacts to modern innovations, it’s a must-visit for history buffs and curious minds alike.
Haggis is a well-known dish in Edinburgh, though its unique flavour and texture make it an acquired taste. It has a rich, earthy flavour and a coarse, crumbly consistency. I personally love it and advise EVERYONE who comes to Scotland to at least try this delicacy.
Made from sheep’s heart, liver, and lungs, the meat is minced with onions, spices, and seasoning before being traditionally cooked inside a stomach casing. Once ready, it’s served with mashed turnips and potatoes, known as “neeps and tatties.” In Edinburgh, the classic way to enjoy haggis is with a dram of whisky, a pairing deeply rooted in Scottish tradition.
Is Edinburgh worth visiting?
Long story, short - absolutely! Edinburgh's attraction lies in its ability to transport visitors to the past while still being a lively & entertaining city. The city's distinct character, gothic architecture, and rich cultural heritage make it a must-visit destination in Scotland and then a hub from which to explore the rest!
From the Royal Mile to the vibrant atmosphere of the Grassmarket and the beauty of Princes Street Gardens, Edinburgh offers lots of spots that will captivate and inspire you. Having said that, we always suggest that visitors of Scotland eventually get OUT of the cities and into the Highlands or Lowlands - where the real spirit of Scotland lives.
You can do just that on one of our day tours leaving from Edinburgh, or for those looking for a fully loaded Highland and Island adventure, we offer 2-7 day tours where you’ll explore places you wouldn’t have dreamed off!
What is the most popular street in Edinburgh?
The Royal Mile (Pictured) stands as Edinburgh's most popular and historic street. Stretching approximately one mile, it connects the Edinburgh Castle to the Palace of Holyroodhouse. The street is lined with intriguing shops, traditional pubs, and captivating landmarks, including St. Giles' Cathedral, the Real Mary King's Close, and numerous museums and attractions.
Spending time in Edinburgh, and getting the most out of it, means a lot of walking and the Royal Mile is a must-walk. Also, consider heading along to Princess and Victoria Street - they’re not far from each other. Princess street is where you’ll find striking views of the castle and the Walter Scott Monument, Victoria street is the colourful curving street you’ll have probably seen in a photo somewhere before - there’s also a great Harry Potter shop there!
What is Edinburgh's most famous food?
No visit to Edinburgh is complete without indulging in its traditional culinary delights. At the top of the list is haggis (mentioned and pictured before), a savoury dish made of minced sheep's offal, onions, spices, and oats, traditionally served with neeps (turnips) and tatties (potatoes).
Another iconic Scottish staple is Scotch whisky, known for its rich flavours and distinct regional variations. For those with a sweet tooth, don't miss out on trying a traditional shortbread or sampling some cranachan, a dessert made with whipped cream, raspberries, oats, and whisky. Yum!!
Interested in Scottish cuisine? Read our list of the 11 Iconic Scottish Foods you Should Try!
How long is enough time to visit Edinburgh?
The answer to these kinds of questions is always: it depends. It depends on you! Are you a city-lover, want to spend days walking the museums, looking out for hidden architecture and working your way around everything Edinburgh might have to offer?
Well then, you might consider spending over a week in Edinburgh alone!
For the majority of people travelling to Scotland though, time is limited and there is much more to see than just Edinburgh. My recommendation (based on advice to most people) is to spend 2 days in Edinburgh. If you’re very limited, just spend one, if you have more time then another day could go nicely (or spend it in the Highlands!).
With careful planning and prioritising, you can make the most of your visit and have lots of time for the rest of Scotland. For an example two days in Edinburgh; spend your first day exploring the historic Old Town, strolling along the Royal Mile, and visiting attractions like the Edinburgh Castle and St. Giles' Cathedral.
On the second day, wander through Princes Street Gardens, and perhaps explore the National Museum of Scotland or take a hike up Arthur's Seat for panoramic views. Although two days may leave you longing for more, it is enough to experience Edinburgh's charm and immerse yourself in its unique atmosphere.
Is it a long walk up to Edinburgh Castle?
The journey to Edinburgh Castle can be an enjoyable and scenic walk, but it does involve an ascent up Castle Rock. From the Royal Mile, the walk to the castle's entrance takes approximately 15 minutes.
While it may involve a moderate uphill climb, the reward awaits as you reach the pinnacle and witness the incredible castle and the breathtaking views of the city below. For those who prefer a less strenuous option, there are also buses and taxis available to transport visitors to the castle entrance!
A Short History of Edinburgh City
Edinburgh’s history dates back thousands of years, with evidence of human settlement as early as 8500 BC at Cramond. During the early Middle Ages, the imposing Castle Rock became a key defensive stronghold, eventually housing Edinburgh Castle. From the 7th to the 10th centuries, the area was under the control of the Anglian Kingdom of Northumbria before coming under Scottish rule.
By the 12th century, Edinburgh had grown into a significant royal residence, and King David I granted it a royal charter, formalising its status as a burgh. The city played a pivotal role in Scottish history, particularly during the Wars of Independence in the late 13th and early 14th centuries, when it changed hands between the Scots and the English multiple times.
By the 15th century, Edinburgh was firmly established as Scotland’s capital, and it flourished as a center of trade, learning, and governance. The city continued to grow despite turbulent periods, including the Reformation and conflicts between England and Scotland. In the 18th century, the Scottish Enlightenment transformed Edinburgh into a hub of intellectual and cultural progress, earning it the nickname "Athens of the North." To accommodate its growing population and modern ambitions, the elegant and spacious New Town was developed alongside the medieval Old Town, creating the city’s distinctive dual layout.
Edinburgh remained Scotland’s largest city until the industrial boom of the 19th century saw Glasgow overtake it. Despite this, Edinburgh retained its reputation as Scotland’s political and cultural heart. The late 20th century brought a resurgence in Scottish self-governance, culminating in the re-establishment of the Scottish Parliament in 1999.
Top 23 Things to See & Do in Edinburgh, Scotland
You can interact with this map of the top 23 locations to see in Edinburgh by zooming in and out, clicking on the location icons to see and learn more about them. You can also pick up a full Scotland map like this, for free, but with itineraries for trips around the country and more than 350 locations.
Click the side bar icon < to open the menu of all the locations listed on this Edinburgh map.
P.S. - It’s best used on desktop!
Tours from Edinburgh to the rest of Scotland
We hope that you’ve found this article about Edinburgh to be useful, interesting and a great tool to plan your Scotland vacation. At Scotland’s Wild we’ve been planning and leading epic trips around the country for almost 10 years! (yes, it’s almost our birthday!) So we have a wealth of knowledge about Scotland and freely share it with anyone who wants it.
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