How to spend top weekend in Edinburgh - ideas on extraordinary attractions and sites

For hundreds of years Edinburgh Castle has been the main historic symbol of the city, but not all travelers know about unique hidden places of interest in Edinburgh. Fans of mystics and horror stories will like the so-called catacombs of Edinburgh, more famous as Mary King's Close. Until the 17th century, the noisy street was a center of crafts and trading, but everything changed when the city suffered from an epidemic of plague. The street was turned into a quarantine zone and hundreds of people were brought to it every day and were isolated from the outer world. Mary King’s Close became the last resort for thousands of people, so nowadays this place is always connected with mysterious stories about ghosts that thrill both locals and travelers. Sealed in the 18th century, the catacombs became available for visiting only in 2001. Since that time, many mediums and explorers of paranormal activity have visited that place. For tourists a part of the underground labyrinth has been transformed into a small museum. Just like two hundred years ago, Mary King’s Close is distinguished by a mysterious and thrilling atmosphere.

Having walked in the catacombs, it’s time to go up and visit one of the most interesting observation decks in Edinburgh - Arthur’s Sea. A hill with the symbolic name appeared because of volcanic activity thousands of years ago. Nowadays, a climb to its top remains one of the most popular entertainments among fans of walking. Several trails lead to the top of the hill, including short and steep ones, and long and flat roads. Travelers, who reach the top of the hill, are guaranteed to rest in the atmosphere of peace and serenity. There are several mysterious stories connected with Arthur’s Sea. In 1836, local boys found a small cave on one side of the hill with 17 small coffins with wooden figures inside. The purpose of those figures is still a mystery. Many consider the hill an important cult center of ancient times.

Calton Old Burial is known as one of the most peaceful and secluded places in the city. The burial was founded in the beginning of the 18th century. It’s a very interesting place from the architectural and historic point of view. There are several obelisks and monuments devoted to victims of military actions in the cemetery. Many visit this place to see tombs of famous culture and art figures. Calton Old Burial will be liked by fans of excursions and those who wish to stay away from the city noise. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

Deacon Brodie's Tavern occupies a separate place in the list of historic places of Edinburgh. A marvelous history of this gloomy building is not known even to all locals. In the 18th century, the building belonged to a prosperous merchant, Deacon Brodie. For many years the talented swindler managed to live a double life. In the daytime, he was an obedient merchant, and at night he was robbing local people. With time, the secret of Mr. Brodie was revealed and he was beheaded on one of the city’s squares. The historic building has survived till our days, and, currently, it’s a charming pub, in which guests can drink their favorite beer and enjoy national delicacies.

When it comes to hidden places of Edinburgh, the wonderful restaurant named The World's End is definitely worth a mention. The restaurant is mostly visited by local people. The inimitable atmosphere of local heritage, rich menu, and décor with many antique elements – it’s hard to imagine that such an attractive and silent place can be located in the very heart of the old town.