Sightseeing in Edinburgh - what to see. Complete travel guide

Edinburgh is the city, where the Scottish spirit can be felt as vividly, as nowhere else. A bagpipe and a kilt are a part of everyday life even these days. Scottish food, which consists only of healthy products, is well-known for its high quality. Basically, Scottish food is based on such ingredients as beef, lamb, game and a lot of fish. Not only Scottish cheese and Scottish beer are known all over the world, but also Scottish whisky.

The Edinburgh Castle. The Edinburgh Castle is the most popular place of interest; it seems that the castle just hovers over the center of Edinburgh. If you use the drawbridge and go inside the castle, you will see the well-known Stone of Fortune, a sacred Scottish relic. Many years ago English and Scottish monarchs were crowned here. From the castle one can enjoy a wonderful view of the whole city. Every day, except for Sundays, on 1 p.m. you can hear the shoot of the castle alarm-gun. The Edinburgh Castle is often used as the location of the Annual Festival of Army Orchestras. The Edinburgh Festival, which takes place on the New Year's Day, is a great way to see magnificent holiday fireworks. More than that, in Edinburgh tourists can see interesting performances dedicated to new adventures of Harry Potter.

The Palace of Holyroodhouse. The Palace of Holyroodhouse, which used to be the place of gossips, murders and political intrigues, is nowadays the official residence of the Queen. It's situated right in the centre of the medieval Royal Mile, the central street, which leads to the Edinburgh Palace. It was the place, where Maria Stuart spent the worst days of her life. Her dramatic story simply cannot leave anyone indifferent. In the Palace of Holyroodhouse pregnant Maria has to face the death of her secretary David Riccio, who was killed by order of her husband. Today the palace is the place where you can look at numerous private items of Maria Stuart. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

The Writers' Museum. The Writers' Museum is located in a narrow street. Portraits, manuscripts and personal items, that are exhibited there, will provide visitors with information about life of such famous writers as Robert Burns, Walter Scott, Robert Luis Stevenson. Besides that, the museum is the location of specialized exhibitions devoted to other famous Scottish writers. The medieval court in front of the museum is called 'Makers' Court'. The cobblestone pavement of the area is full of carved aphorisms of Scottish authors. This is a kind of Edinburgh’s Alley of Fame.

Five galleries. Five galleries, which are scattered all over the city, feature works of outstanding artists of different periods of time. The National Gallery of Scotland is the place where you can look at the permanent exhibition of European art. The Royal Scottish Academy offers its visitors to enjoy the works by Monet, Titian and Gauguin. The Scottish National Portrait Gallery provides visitors with information about the 500-year old history of Scotland starting from Robert Burns and ending with Sean Connery. The Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art, just like the Dean Gallery, which is located nearby, is an ideal place for fans of modern art. Even the bushes there are true pieces of art.

The National Museum of Scotland. The National Museum of Scotland is the place where one can learn about the formation of the Scottish landscape, first citizens, the creation of the nation and about the changes, which have happened not only in Scotland, but in the whole country due to various inventions and discoveries. Marvellous art objects and simple everyday life items tell visitors about the Scottish history and the efforts that locals applied to develop their culture and self-consciousness. The Royal Museum of Scotland is situated in a small distance. It's a beautiful building in the Venetian style, where you will find various collections from all over the world. These collections will throw light upon art, science, industry, archaeology, environment and many other spheres of life.

The Royal Yacht 'Britannia'. The Royal Yacht 'Britannia' served the Royal family for more than 40 years. Monarchs, heads of countries, and presidents visited the ship. Nowadays, everyone can make an excursion in the upper and lower decks, and imagine themselves a celebrity. Here visitors can get closer to all aspects of the royal sea life from fabulous dining rooms to small narrow laundries.

Festivals. Festivals are very frequent in Edinburgh. In true, they are organized because of many occasions and reasons. This city really knows how to make a good holiday. New Year marks the start of a great celebration, and everybody is welcome to participate in it. Festival of Art is another great festival. Visitors are also welcome to attend festivals of cinema, jazz and blues, books, science, Christmas, the military parade and even a special festival dedicated to the art for children. Shops are turned into galleries, and churches – into concert halls. During these events the whole city participates in a festival. Young talents gather in Edinburgh and this city welcomes everyone.