Edinburgh is one of the oldest cities in Scotland with the old town designated as a UNESCO world heritage site in 1995. The new town, to some who visit, is just as interesting with its neoclassical architecture offering masterful 18th century town houses illuminating the skyline in a soft sand colour. In short, Edinburgh is beautiful. Full of heritage, with the sea as a nearby back drop and the romantic 12th century castle taking centre stage looking over the main shopping district. This city is one not to be missed when travelling to the UK
One of the many fascinating historical facts about Edinburgh is the “city beneath the city”. The city lies on top of a network of deeply dug vaults which date back to the 18th and 19th centuries and have an extremely chequered past. Originally built as storage spaces and workshops to serve the businesses of the old town, they later became places for smuggling, betting and drinking and some reports state it was a place where some of the poorest Edinburgh cititisens lived. You can now partake in a fascinating underground walking tour of Edinburgh to see these vaults and hear and visualise the history of this ancient city. This is the only walk h
In a nutshell, Edinburgh is a must-see city. A week or weekend trip offers some of the finest restaurants Scotland has to offer, and as the city is relatively small and compact, our round up of the best Edinburgh city walks takes in all the sights and sounds of this most atmospheric city.
1. Underground walking tour of Edinburgh – As discussed already, this is a really unforgettable experience for those that like history. This is the only one of our walks that we suggest which isn’t a free walking tour in Edinburgh but it’s worth every penny especially on a blustery windy day in Edinburgh.
The tour usually begins near the Royal Mile, where you’ll meet your guide. From here, you’ll descend into the underground vaults, which are located beneath the streets of Edinburgh’s Old Town. Throughout the tour, your guide will share stories of real-life events and characters associated with the vaults, including tales of crime, poverty, and even alleged paranormal activity. These stories bring the history of the vaults to life and add an extra layer of intrigue to the experience. The complete start to finish journey takes about 1hr 30 minutes depending on which tour operator you use. Make sure you take an extra fleece or waterproof walking coat as it can get a little chilly down there and comfortable footwear is a good idea too.
For more details and to buy tickets and have a look at a few images to give you a taster of what’s in store “Viator” is a good place to start.
2. ROYAL MILE: This iconic street runs through the heart of Edinburgh’s Old Town, connecting Edinburgh Castle at the top with the Palace of Holyroodhouse at the bottom. If you’re coming out of the central Edinburgh waverley train station, the Royal mile is laid out before you in all it’s splendour. Along the Royal Mile, you’ll find many historic landmarks, a small green park area which lies below the castle and a line of shops, traditional pubs, and lively street performers. Wandering along this street with the castle always in view gives you a great sense of the majesty of this city
3. Calton Hill: For panoramic views of the city and its surrounding landscape, take a stroll up Calton Hill. This prominent hilltop is adorned with monuments such as the National Monument, Nelson’s Monument, and the Dugald Stewart Monument. It’s a popular spot to watch the sunset or simply admire the cityscape.
4. Arthur’s Seat: Take a hike up Arthur’s Seat, an extinct volcano located in Holyrood Park. The main path (the red trail) starts from this park and takes a little over 30 minutes to get to the top. It’s a fairly easy incline but obviously good weather gear and comfortable shoes are a must. The ascent offers breath-taking views of Edinburgh and its surroundings and It’s a fantastic way to experience nature within the city limits and get some exercise while enjoying unparalleled vistas.
5. Dean Village to Stockbridge: Another of Edinburgh city walks Follows the Water of Leith along a walkway from Dean Village to Stockbridge making for a serene stroll along a beautiful river. Dean Village is essentially a line of very picturesque cottages which crowd around the beautiful winding Leith river and again shows the history of the city and how people used to live many years ago. Ending up in Stockbridge trendy boutiques and cafes provide a calm more laid-back shopping experience as a contrast to the city’s bustling streets.
6. Princes Street Gardens: Escape the hustle and bustle of the city by wandering through Princes Street Gardens, situated in the shadow of Edinburgh Castle. These beautifully landscaped gardens offer a tranquil oasis amidst the urban landscape, with scenic paths, floral displays, and historic monuments.
7. The Meadows: This sprawling public park located near the University of Edinburgh is perfect for a leisurely walk or a relaxing picnic. The tree-lined paths, open green spaces, and recreational facilities make it a popular destination for locals and visitors alike.
8. New Town Architecture Tour: The elegant Georgian architecture of Edinburgh’s New Town is also a must see and you can partake in an Edinburgh guided walking tour to view the new town and learn more about this part of the cities 18th century origins. The neoclassical buildings, grand squares, and wide streets designed by renowned architects such as James Craig and Robert Adam are reflective of some of the squares you may see in London but placed in the this backdrop of open skies, parks and castles they do have an added beauty of their own.
Outdoor gear has been a difficult thing to navigate in years gone past, with fabrics qualities, cuts and colours geared towards the hard-core hiker who really only wanted their products to work when on a remote hill (and where no-one could actually see what they had on to protect them from the elements). Stylish outdoor …
Our selection of the best Edinburgh walking tours
Edinburgh is one of the oldest cities in Scotland with the old town designated as a UNESCO world heritage site in 1995. The new town, to some who visit, is just as interesting with its neoclassical architecture offering masterful 18th century town houses illuminating the skyline in a soft sand colour. In short, Edinburgh is beautiful. Full of heritage, with the sea as a nearby back drop and the romantic 12th century castle taking centre stage looking over the main shopping district. This city is one not to be missed when travelling to the UK
One of the many fascinating historical facts about Edinburgh is the “city beneath the city”. The city lies on top of a network of deeply dug vaults which date back to the 18th and 19th centuries and have an extremely chequered past. Originally built as storage spaces and workshops to serve the businesses of the old town, they later became places for smuggling, betting and drinking and some reports state it was a place where some of the poorest Edinburgh cititisens lived. You can now partake in a fascinating underground walking tour of Edinburgh to see these vaults and hear and visualise the history of this ancient city. This is the only walk h
In a nutshell, Edinburgh is a must-see city. A week or weekend trip offers some of the finest restaurants Scotland has to offer, and as the city is relatively small and compact, our round up of the best Edinburgh city walks takes in all the sights and sounds of this most atmospheric city.
1. Underground walking tour of Edinburgh – As discussed already, this is a really unforgettable experience for those that like history. This is the only one of our walks that we suggest which isn’t a free walking tour in Edinburgh but it’s worth every penny especially on a blustery windy day in Edinburgh.
The tour usually begins near the Royal Mile, where you’ll meet your guide. From here, you’ll descend into the underground vaults, which are located beneath the streets of Edinburgh’s Old Town. Throughout the tour, your guide will share stories of real-life events and characters associated with the vaults, including tales of crime, poverty, and even alleged paranormal activity. These stories bring the history of the vaults to life and add an extra layer of intrigue to the experience. The complete start to finish journey takes about 1hr 30 minutes depending on which tour operator you use. Make sure you take an extra fleece or waterproof walking coat as it can get a little chilly down there and comfortable footwear is a good idea too.
For more details and to buy tickets and have a look at a few images to give you a taster of what’s in store “Viator” is a good place to start.
2. ROYAL MILE: This iconic street runs through the heart of Edinburgh’s Old Town, connecting Edinburgh Castle at the top with the Palace of Holyroodhouse at the bottom. If you’re coming out of the central Edinburgh waverley train station, the Royal mile is laid out before you in all it’s splendour. Along the Royal Mile, you’ll find many historic landmarks, a small green park area which lies below the castle and a line of shops, traditional pubs, and lively street performers. Wandering along this street with the castle always in view gives you a great sense of the majesty of this city
3. Calton Hill: For panoramic views of the city and its surrounding landscape, take a stroll up Calton Hill. This prominent hilltop is adorned with monuments such as the National Monument, Nelson’s Monument, and the Dugald Stewart Monument. It’s a popular spot to watch the sunset or simply admire the cityscape.
4. Arthur’s Seat: Take a hike up Arthur’s Seat, an extinct volcano located in Holyrood Park. The main path (the red trail) starts from this park and takes a little over 30 minutes to get to the top. It’s a fairly easy incline but obviously good weather gear and comfortable shoes are a must. The ascent offers breath-taking views of Edinburgh and its surroundings and It’s a fantastic way to experience nature within the city limits and get some exercise while enjoying unparalleled vistas.
5. Dean Village to Stockbridge: Another of Edinburgh city walks Follows the Water of Leith along a walkway from Dean Village to Stockbridge making for a serene stroll along a beautiful river. Dean Village is essentially a line of very picturesque cottages which crowd around the beautiful winding Leith river and again shows the history of the city and how people used to live many years ago. Ending up in Stockbridge trendy boutiques and cafes provide a calm more laid-back shopping experience as a contrast to the city’s bustling streets.
6. Princes Street Gardens: Escape the hustle and bustle of the city by wandering through Princes Street Gardens, situated in the shadow of Edinburgh Castle. These beautifully landscaped gardens offer a tranquil oasis amidst the urban landscape, with scenic paths, floral displays, and historic monuments.
7. The Meadows: This sprawling public park located near the University of Edinburgh is perfect for a leisurely walk or a relaxing picnic. The tree-lined paths, open green spaces, and recreational facilities make it a popular destination for locals and visitors alike.
8. New Town Architecture Tour: The elegant Georgian architecture of Edinburgh’s New Town is also a must see and you can partake in an Edinburgh guided walking tour to view the new town and learn more about this part of the cities 18th century origins. The neoclassical buildings, grand squares, and wide streets designed by renowned architects such as James Craig and Robert Adam are reflective of some of the squares you may see in London but placed in the this backdrop of open skies, parks and castles they do have an added beauty of their own.
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Outdoor gear has been a difficult thing to navigate in years gone past, with fabrics qualities, cuts and colours geared towards the hard-core hiker who really only wanted their products to work when on a remote hill (and where no-one could actually see what they had on to protect them from the elements). Stylish outdoor …