Great for views and such and other Edinburgh, United Kingdom Things to Do Tips

Besides being an excellent location for views of the city, Arthur's Seat and the official royal residence (haha), Calton Hill is also a great option for picnics or a simple lie-down/nap/conversation with the skies. Also has a handful of monuments and Greek columns for the trigger-happy. For those who are too lazy to do the 45minute walk up Arthur's Seat, Calton Hill is a good bet as it only takes 5 mins to reach the top.

Leave a Comment

Achieving international fame by The Da Vinci Code and enjoying a constant stream of tourists since, the Rosslyn Chapel is a small chapel that packs a lot within its walls. Most notable is the intricate column carvings by the apprentice who was later struck dead by his master as the latter was furious that he had gone ahead with it before him-- never mind that the younger of the two did a much better job at it). The guided tour makes no mention of the sealed underground vault, but feel free to ask the friendly tour guides.

The sudden influx of tourists has its pros and cons-- the positive side is that there is a lot of money for lengthy restoration. Unfortunately for us tourists, this also means that it is impossible to get a picture of the chapel without any scaffolding. Take some, leave some.

Is it worth the bus ride all the way of out Edinburgh, you ask? 50/50. Come if you have time to spare.

Leave a Comment

Directions: Take a bus from the Monument. Bus ride might take about 45mins-1 hour.

Though I received a lot of enthusiastic recommendations from friends prior to visiting, I must honestly say that I think it's less fascinating than its admission is worth. But for those interested in history (particularly that of Mary, Queen of Scots) there will be a very thorough and engaging walk-through musuem of various knights/royalties etc. The castle itself isn't particularly jaw-dropping, but still a decent and well preserved one by any measure.

Watch for the changing of the guars outside the main hall. Other points of attraction include that cannon that was never fired save once, an abandoned tavern-like room, underground tunnels/caves used to stash royal treasures during times of war and a hall of shields and medieval goodies.

Perhaps if there's a caveat I can offer, it is to not go with sky-high expectations. Then, you will enjoy the castle much more.

Leave a Comment

Directions: Walk to the very end of the Royal Mile.

I know a handful of people who absolutely hate the whine-like sound that the ubiquitous bagpipe makes, but perhaps owing to my Scotland childhood years, I really enjoy this instrument that can be herad around every corner of the city streets. Embrace it, otherwise you'll just be overwhelmed wherever you go.

Leave a Comment

Directions: Close eyes, walk due north, south, east, or west.