Colors of Edinburgh - traditions, festivals, mentality and lifestyle
Residents of Edinburgh are quite friendly and sociable, even though they may seem to be a bit closed at first glance. Finding an explanation to this fact is not really complicated - the fact is according to the local etiquette rules people should stay calm during the acquaintance or at the first meeting. Locals usually greet each other with the phrase «How do you do?» and a slight handshaking (by the way, this is true for both men and women). Locals do not like to talk to strangers. They will not refuse to help a lost tourist, but talking to strangers even on any ordinary topic is considered a sign of bad taste. Residents of the city have great respect to elderly people. They always pass them forward in stores and free seats in subway. Travellers are also recommended to follow these rules, otherwise your behavior may seem strange and bewildering.
Discovering the architecture of Edinburgh from bird's eye view! Edinburgh Castle, St Giles Cathedral, Balmoral Hotel , St. Cuthbert Church, St. Andrew St. George Church, University of Edinburgh, National Monument of Scotland, all those monuments are defining the image of Edinburgh … Open
Palace of Holyroodhouse, Scott Monument, St. Mary Cathedral, National Gallery of Scotland, Nelson Monument, as well as many others, they all become the world's cultural heritage objects and remain as iconic monuments for Edinburgh … Open
On December 31 the central streets of Edinburgh turn into the concert hall under the open sky. A lot of Scots and tourists from all over the world gather in the downtown, to enjoy and celebrate the unforgettable atmosphere of the real holiday, which reigns in the city. At midnight, colorful and bright New Year's fireworks light the famous Edinburgh Castle, which stands on top of the basalt rock. On New Year's Eve, in the center of Edinburgh, you can find entertainments and music to your liking - from concerts of classical music by candlelight in a cathedral, concerts under the open sky, live music in pubs and to national vigorous dances under bagpipe sounds. If you are the great fan of Celtic culture, then book your tickets to Edinburgh on the April 30, when Beltane Fire Festival takes place. This is the Celtic pagan festival, which is devoted to the fire and the beginning of summer; it has also very special location - mysterious Calton Hill. In the Celtic calendar, this day is considered the beginning of summer and is celebrated by the kindling of fires on sublime places. The participants of this festival jump through fires for ritual abstersion.
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 … Open
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City tours, excursions and tickets in Edinburgh and surroundings
Reference information
Cathedrals and basilicas near Edinburgh
♥ Metropolitan Cathedral of Our Lady of the Assumption, Edinburgh, 1 km from the center. On the map Photo
♥ Former Cathedral of St. Andrew, Saint Andrews, 50.3 km from the center. On the map Photo
♥ St. Andrew’s Cathedral, Dundee, 58.1 km from the center. On the map Photo
♥ Metropolitan Cathedral of Our Lady of the Assumption, Edinburgh, 1 km from the center. On the map Photo
♥ Former Cathedral of St. Andrew, Saint Andrews, 50.3 km from the center. On the map Photo
♥ St. Andrew’s Cathedral, Dundee, 58.1 km from the center. On the map Photo
Survived castles around Edinburgh
♥ Castle 'Edinburgh Castle' Lothian, 0.2 km from the center. On the map Photo
♥ Castle 'Craiglockhart Castle' , 0.3 km from the center. On the map Photo
♥ Castle 'Merchiston Tower' , 2 km from the center. On the map Photo
♥ Castle 'Craigmillar Castle' Lothian, 4.6 km from the center. On the map Photo
♥ Castle 'Dalhousie Castle' , 12.3 km from the center. On the map Photo
♥ Castle 'Fa’side Castle' , 12.8 km from the center. On the map Photo
♥ Castle 'Aberdour Castle' Fife, 13.2 km from the center. On the map Photo
♥ Castle 'Edinburgh Castle' Lothian, 0.2 km from the center. On the map Photo
♥ Castle 'Craiglockhart Castle' , 0.3 km from the center. On the map Photo
♥ Castle 'Merchiston Tower' , 2 km from the center. On the map Photo
♥ Castle 'Craigmillar Castle' Lothian, 4.6 km from the center. On the map Photo
♥ Castle 'Dalhousie Castle' , 12.3 km from the center. On the map Photo
♥ Castle 'Fa’side Castle' , 12.8 km from the center. On the map Photo
♥ Castle 'Aberdour Castle' Fife, 13.2 km from the center. On the map Photo
Unique landmarks in Edinburgh and around
Lochleven Castle
From the series “The Greatest Castles of Scotland”
Check on the map: Distance from Edinburgh center - 30.4 km.
The castle remained in Douglases' hands for the next 300 years. At that time, it was used as a prison for high-level individuals. Mary, Queen of Scots, was imprisoned here in 1567. The last owner of the castle was a famous architect Sir William Bruce. He turned this place in a beautiful estate with a great park. After the architect’s death, Lochleven Castle was never used as a place for living. With time the castle became empty. A lot of buildings are still ruined today. …
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Camera Obscura and World of Illusions
From the series “15 Unofficial Man-Made Wonders of the World”
Check on the map: Distance from Edinburgh center - 0.6 km.
The mirror maze, in which everyone will be able to experience a so-called inner compass, attracts great interest. The swirling colored tube is visited by only the bravest people, confident in their vestibular apparatus. In the mysterious rooms visitors could be on opposite sides of the mysterious world. One of them literally turns into a giant, and the other becomes a midget. This is just part of the incredible surprises prepared by the unusual museum in Edinburgh. …
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Saudi Arabia to Open 38 Hotels in Diriyah
Diriyah is one of the first mega projects in Saudi Arabia. Hotels and other infrastructure will start opening next year, and all works are expected to end in 2026. The first 18 restaurants in Bujairi Terrace will start operating already in early 2022. Read this
29.03.2024
Diriyah is one of the first mega projects in Saudi Arabia. Hotels and other infrastructure will start opening next year, and all works are expected to end in 2026. The first 18 restaurants in Bujairi Terrace will start operating already in early 2022. Read this
29.03.2024
Colors of Edinburgh in photos
Search for popular touristic sites on Edinburgh map
Cityguide on traditions, mentality and lifestyle of people in Edinburgh. Learn the best periods to visit Edinburgh to discover its soul - authentic festivals, events and celebrations. We will also reveal the interesting habits, attitude towards the world and to tourists in Edinburgh.