"Scotland's Capital" Edinburgh by MDH

Edinburgh Travel Guide: 3,356 reviews and 6,585 photos

Downtown Edinburgh and Calton Hill. - Edinburgh
Downtown Edinburgh and Calton Hill.
Easily up there with London

What a great place this city is. Edinburgh is Scotland's political and cultural capital; you might say Glasgow is, but I think Edinburgh stands out. Although it's smaller than Glasgow, Scotland's largest city, a number of the region's most important and historical sites are here. Edinburgh is ultimately a city that sits somewhere between the old and the new; old neighborhoods abound around contemporary buildings.

Nestled on a series of extinct volcanic hills overlooking the Firth of Forth, Edinburgh was made the political capital in the 12th century when King David I moved his court here and founded the beginnings of Holyrood Palace. The city was the scene of many pitched battles and long sieges between attacking English armies and rival Scottish clans vying for the crown throughout the Middle Ages. However things considerably calmed down in 1707 in the Act of Union, when England and Scotland were united to create one country--Britain. However, it came at a price: Scotland's bitterly contested independence.

Today, devolution from London has given some autonomy back to Scotland (as well as Wales and Northern Ireland). Although a not an independent nation, it has its own parliament, tax collection, and its own bank. This could possibly be the beginning of a federal arrangement in Britain, but who knows?

Edinburgh is filled with many old historic neighborhoods that coincide with ultra-modern buildings. Its appearance is initially dark and brooding, thanks to its often dim skies and gray architecture, but the city is much more inviting than it appears, with tons of museums, lively pubs, clubs, cafes and great people to see.

Aside from its historic importance, many people already will know Edinburgh well through the various books of Irvine Welsh, whose "Trainspotting" became a huge international literature and film hit.

Anyways, check it out.

Pros and Cons
  • Pros:Lively, always interesting, with plenty of eye candy in old buildings, museums, shops, tours and a very vibrant nightlife.
  • Cons:Scotland doesn't enjoy the best weather, but that's expected. Drug use, AIDS, and prostitution have not been kind to Edinburgh, but the city is recoverng.
  • In a nutshell:It might look dark and gray, but this is a very fun and exciting city to visit.
  • Last visit to Edinburgh: Dec 2003
  • Intro Updated May 11, 2004
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Reviews (14)

The entrance to Edinburgh Airport - Edinburgh Flying into Edinburgh Transportation (3)

Located almost seven miles from the city center, Edinburgh International Aiport serves much of the United Kingdom and... more travel advice

Lothian buses lined up on Princes St. in New Town - Edinburgh Buses in Edinburgh Transportation (3)

The city is thankfully compact and most of the major sights are within walking distance of each other. However, if you... more travel advice

Waverley Station between Old (r) and New Town (l). - Edinburgh Trains to Edinburgh Transportation (3)

Being one of Britain's major cities, Edinburgh can be easily accessed from all other parts of the UK. There are direct... more travel advice

The Espionage during day; it's better at night - Edinburgh Edinburgh Clubbing Nightlife (1)

Espionage is a cheesy yet fun place to go to on a Saturday night after a few drinks and you're feeling a little sloppy.... more travel advice

Comments (5)

  • Reply
    sourbugger's Profile Photo
    Feb 27, 2006 at 3:04 PM

    nicely written stuff, good to see you around again inspired photo in warning & dangers

  • Reply
    kolabor's Profile Photo
    Nov 14, 2004 at 12:29 PM

    I'd love to go to Edinburgh... and you assured me it's worth it :)

  • Reply
    travelife's Profile Photo
    May 14, 2004 at 9:34 PM

    Liked those pictures of Edinberg!

  • Reply
    grishaV1's Profile Photo
    May 13, 2004 at 2:42 PM

    espionage sounds like fun! and the pic of edinburgh ccastle was reallz good with the snow around. lots of good info on your page i learned a lot

  • Reply
    lidia664's Profile Photo
    Jan 9, 2004 at 8:03 AM

    ...and your Edinburgh is awesome too. Nice pictures

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