Scotland’s dynamic capital city
The starting point of most Scottish adventures is Edinburgh, Scotland’s capital city, where the ancient and modern combine to create a unique atmosphere. Centuries of fascinating history have shaped this city nicknamed “Athens of the North”, which is especially noticeable in the different architecture and vibes of the Old and New Towns, which are on the UNESCO World Heritage list. With a population of just over half a million people, Edinburgh has a conveniently compact and walkable city centre, which makes it easy to reach all the attractions on foot.
The medieval heart of the city centre, the Old Town, is a great place to wander, with its labyrinthine closes (alleyways), cobbled lanes and plenty of other nooks and crannies where you can discover hidden gems. This is where you will find the most famous historical landmarks, including Edinburgh Castle, the Royal Mile and Holyrood Palace.
At the bottom of Edinburgh Castle you’ll find the lush Princes Street Gardens, which separate the old from the new. From the busy Princes Street, the main shopping street, you’ll find the glorious New Town, with its Georgian (18th century) architecture. Here you’ll discover more upscale shopping on George Street and stately attractions such as the National Gallery of Scotland.
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