Edinburgh

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Edinburgh, the capital of Scotland, is one of those cities that feels almost alive with its past, from the cobbled streets to the looming presence of Edinburgh Castle, the city is surrounded by natural beauty, with Arthur’s Seat, an ancient volcano, offering sweeping views across the city and out towards the sea. It’s not just a place for history buffs; the landscape itself feels like something out of a book.

Edinburgh Castle, sitting right in the heart of the city on top of Castle Rock, has been there for centuries and played a major role in Scotland’s past. Its origins trace back to the 12th century when it was built by King David I, although the site itself has seen human occupation since the Iron Age. The castle became a critical fortress during the Wars of Scottish Independence in the late 13th and early 14th centuries, frequently switching hands between the English and Scots. Over time, it evolved into a royal residence for Scottish kings and queens, before later serving as a military garrison and state prison. Today, Edinburgh Castle is home to Scotland’s Crown Jewels and the Stone of Destiny, which has been used in the coronation of Scottish monarchs for centuries, making it a symbol of Scotland’s enduring heritage.

But Edinburgh isn’t just about its old stone buildings. The city has a modern side too, and it’s especially famous for its festivals. Every August, Edinburgh comes alive with the Fringe, the world’s largest arts festival. People from all over the world come to perform, from comedians to theatre groups to musicians, making it one of the most exciting times to visit. And it’s not just the Fringe—throughout the year, there are various festivals that keep the city buzzing.

After you’ve had your fill of performances, the museums and galleries are another must-see. The National Museum of Scotland has something for everyone, from ancient artifacts to natural history exhibits. For art lovers, the Scottish National Gallery is home to some amazing pieces, including works by artists like Turner and Van Gogh. And all of this is within walking distance from the city centre, which makes it easy to visit on foot.

One of the best parts of Edinburgh is its connection to the outdoors. You don’t even need to leave the city to go for a hike—Arthur’s Seat and the surrounding Holyrood Park are right there. Climbing up to the top of Arthur’s Seat offers one of the best views of the city and beyond, and it’s a popular spot for both tourists and locals. If you want to explore a bit further, the Pentland Hills just outside Edinburgh offer more hiking trails and beautiful scenery.

The city has also been home to many famous people over the years. Sir Walter Scott, the novelist and poet, was born here, and his influence is still felt, especially with the towering Scott Monument on Princes Street. Arthur Conan Doyle, the creator of Sherlock Holmes, was also from Edinburgh, and you can even find little nods to his famous detective throughout the city. More recently, J.K. Rowling wrote much of the Harry Potter series while living in Edinburgh, with several spots in the city rumoured to have inspired parts of her magic world.