Edinburgh may appear as something out of a fairytale with its stunning gothic castle and royal attractions, yet this vibrant city also has an underbelly that inspired 19th-century novelist Robert Louis Stevenson to pen “The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde”.
A compact city, Glasgow boasts both medieval Old Town and elegant Georgian New Town with their gardens and neoclassical buildings – both recognised by UNESCO World Heritage. Rising high above it all are Arthur’s Seat and Calton Hill for further eminence.
Old Town
Old Town is an intriguing maze of narrow streets and alleys that is packed with shops and restaurants, as well as being home to some of Edinburgh Castle and National Museum of Scotland, among many smaller but fascinating attractions. Explore this area on foot by following routes past medieval tenements, down hidden “wynds,” and into pedestrianized squares.
Edinburgh Castle, the medieval fortress that dominates Old Town’s skyline, was for hundreds of years the seat of power in Scotland; today its strategic position makes it an effective defense against invasion. Today the castle serves as a museum and military history center; while its walls offer stunning panoramic views over the city.
Edinburgh’s historic center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and its streets and houses are so well preserved that it seems you could almost have traveled back in time. Its medieval urban plan features a street grid extending outward from Royal Mile and curving around craggy summit of hill that sits castle.
Old Town was once known for being a notorious slum, plagued by fires and frequented by drunks and malevolent ghosts; yet it became the birthplace of modern science with scientists like Adam Smith and James Watt developing their revolutionary ideas there. Now however, its vibrant streets boast cafes, pubs and boutique stores while its landmark castle has become an attraction to tourists.
One of the Old Town’s most captivating sights is the Heart of Midlothian, a granite stone mosaic which marks the spot where author Sir Walter Scott was born. Surrounding it are shops selling everything from souvenirs and trinkets from Scotland to unusual gifts and trinkets. Harry Potter fans may recognize Grassmarket’s Victoria Street as its magical Diagon Alley counterpart.
Experience something truly out-of-the-ordinary by visiting the Camera Obscura, an optical illusion gallery using natural light. Or learn all about whisky production from barley to bottle at The Whisky Experience located in an old schoolhouse.
New Town
The New Town, built across a valley from Edinburgh’s Old Town in the 18th century to accommodate Edinburgh’s growth and provide more spacious living conditions, is much more orderly than its Old counterpart with wide, neoclassical streets lined with Georgian houses lining wide boulevards reminiscent of classical Rome. However, its elegant Regency-era streets hold many surprises from boutique shops to major fashion chains tucked in away among its rows.
The New Town was designed to court English royalty, hoping to lure wealthy citizens away from overcrowded, run-down and polluted Old Town. You can see this in street names such as “George Street,” which pays homage to King George III. Indeed, much of New Town is dedicated to royalty with its impressive neoclassical buildings and elegant Georgian squares that pay homage.
Before the New Town was constructed, Princes Street Gardens used to feature a lake. When construction started on it, however, this lake was drained as part of the process and transformed into The Mound, connecting both Old and New Towns – making for a lovely stroll with great city views!
New Town is also home to one of the city’s main shopping streets – Princes Street. Here, you will find many chain stores as well as some excellent independent boutiques like Veeno and Black Cat Bar (featured in Sip). On the west side of this street you can visit Charlotte Square where there is a memorial dedicated to Prince Albert.
Central New Town remains mostly unchanged since it was constructed, and you can get an idea of life during that era by visiting Georgian House at 7 Charlotte Square. Maintained by the National Trust for Scotland, you can tour its rooms full of period paintings and costumes.
The Royal Mile
Royal Mile in Edinburgh’s Old Town offers a unique concentration of historic buildings found nowhere else in Britain, making it the cultural and physical heart of Edinburgh. Millions visit annually for its vibrant cultural scene; shops selling tacky souvenirs lining this stretch may attract some but there’s much more to discover from its medieval roots and fascinating past!
The Royal Mile connects Edinburgh Castle and Holyroodhouse and features several historical sights along its route. Edinburgh Castle has played host to many significant historical events – from burning witches and mass executions, to serving as Queen Elizabeth II’s official Scottish residence.
Many buildings on the Royal Mile date back to the 16th and 17th century; others may even predate that. Towering tenements are arranged into closes and wynds accessed through pends that once provided homes to London’s aristocracy, gentry and merchants.
As in other parts of Old Town, buildings on the Royal Mile slope steeply away from its main streets, creating the illusion that this street is much smaller than it actually is. When combined with narrow lanes and cobbled walkways, this makes the street appear far less spread out than it really is.
One of the best things to do on Edinburgh’s Royal Mile is visiting the Camera Obscura and World of Illusions, opened in 1853. This five-floor optical illusion attraction offers something fun for children (and adults!) alike!
As there’s so much to explore on the Royal Mile, one could easily spend up to a full day exploring it. For an enjoyable and educational experience, opt for a guided walking tour led by professional radio actor James Bryce; his Scottish accent and entertaining delivery make for an engaging tour that provides you with insight into its history.
The City Centre
Edinburgh city centre is home to many important public spaces and facilities, including its two historic settlements (listed on UNESCO’s World Heritage List), multiple University of Edinburgh locations and Waverley railway station – not forgetting being Scotland’s economic heart and most visited attraction.
As its distinct character is defined by the juxtaposing historical areas – medieval fortress of Old Town and neoclassical design of New Town that had far-reaching influences on European urban planning – both with striking architectural styles, these areas come together harmoniously creating a cityscape unlike anywhere else in Europe.
Edinburgh is an energetic and lively city, boasting an engaging cultural life that contributes to its Outstanding Universal Value. Festivals throughout the year bring its streets alive with performances encompassing music, theater, literature, comedy and many other arts – not least its world renowned Edinburgh Festival Fringe!
Edinburgh is an oasis for artists and creatives, featuring world-class galleries and museums as well as an amazing range of bars, restaurants and cafes – including Michelin star establishments as well as street food vendors.
Discover the rich history of Scottish science at the City Observatory or appreciate contemporary art at Collective gallery; whisky fans can experience a bespoke tasting session at Johnnie Walker Princes Street.
Transport around Berlin is simple; buses and trams connect the central area to all parts of the city and airport, taxis are widely available and ride-sharing services like Uber are popular choices for longer journeys. Walking can also be a good way to experience more of Berlin’s charming streets – you might discover stunning new views as you get to know its rhythms better!