As probably everybody knows Edinburgh -the capital of Scotland since 1437- is in world heritage sites of UNESCO since 1995. I have heard so many interesting fairy tales and stories about Scotland and Edinburgh that could trigger your urge to travel there. But the time I decided to head towards the city of rocks, Edinburgh was by the time I heard about the witchcraft stories. I guess I have a thing about supernatural stuff.
Between 15 CC and 18CC around 4000 men and women were executed in Edinburgh for claims of witchcraft. In fact, there was a two-phase test where hands and feet were tied down and they were thrown down to the lake from Edinburgh Castle. Innocent people could only prove their innocence by death. Can you imagine?? What is the use of innocence after death? Then there were rituals to say sorry to the innocent dead. If anybody passes this first test it was a proof of their witchcraft and they were burned alive this time!
Edinburgh Travel Guide
Where to visit in Edinburgh
As soon as I stepped into the castle I looked fort he North Lake but in order to forget the past they have built a Princess Gardens Park instead.
Famous Edinburgh Castle is within the old town that has a history of 5000 years. The castle which was built many centuries ago is still intact and stands with all its might. No commander could ever conquest this castle. If you get in from Gate House you reach the inner yard and after that you pass through Portcullis Gate to Argyll Battery section. The cannons you see here are fired 6 days a week at 13:00 (I do not know how they manage to find so many firearms for these cannons) There is a St. Margeret’s Chapel where marriage and baptism ceremonies are being held. In the upper yards the royal treasury and excellent jewellery is at display. While leaving the castle do not forget to buy souvenirs from the back yard.
When you get outside the castle in Royal Mile Street you ‘ll be seeing a lot of men wearing the kilt – the traditional Scottish skirt. You can take marvellous pictures of the narrow and beautiful old streets as you walk along here. If you are hungry I’d suggest the delicious meet in Wedgwood The Restaurant. It is a very good idea to walk til Holyrood and see the Holyrood Palace, Holyrood Park and Scottish Parliament alongside several monasteries.
The New town was built because of the limited capacity of the old town in 17 CC by architect James Craig and later on was finished by architect Robert Adam. Here you can explore the Oxford Street of Scotland, Princess Street and visit National Gallery of Scotland. You can get to the Scott Monument Tower and view the fairy tale city from the top. If you are feeling you are full that day I would suggest Cafe Marlayne to take a break.
Shopping tips in Edinburgh
For shopping in Edinburgh, you can visit Princes Street, Rose Street and Thistle Street. Hope you do like the Scotch plaid design :) The city itself is full of scotch plaid so you can have plenty of it. You should not forget to buy some Scotch Whisky of course. OK, whisky is not manufactured in Edinburgh but all different types of whiskies produced within the country are available in the city. Scotch Whisky Experience is an alternative where you can taste and buy yourself some whisky.
What to eat in Edinburgh
People here start the day with a very rich breakfast. Ham, Omelette, Mushroom, Jam and many more are served for breakfast. There are people that eat fish in the morning :) My suggestion for breakfast would be The Famous Peacock Inn. Potato-leek-mushroom is my favourite starter however I have to admit that I did not like the taste of their famous dish Haggis that is made of the whole internal organs of a lamb. Cranachan dessert is delicious. I would definitely urge you to try famous Scottish cheddar cheese. For a fair price, I ‘d suggest Kismot, for a nice evening meal my suggestion would be The Kitchin or Castle Terrace.
Nightlife in Edinburgh
The population is young and the whisky a lot so the Nightlife of Edinburgh is plenty. If you like you can witness the Nightlife that in Princess Street and George Street and watch Kilt Shows. The City Nightclub, Faith, Cabaret Voltaire, The Caves, Studio 24 and The Three Sisters Pub are among famous pub and nightlife destinations.
RELATED CONTENT: An Amazing City in Scotland: Aberdeen
