This summer I spent 6 days in Edinburgh, Scotland. Edinburgh is a port city on the Firth of Forth. The culture is rich here, with interesting food, architecture and history. The people adopt a more formal dress code and usually walk everywhere. We stayed in the heart of Edinburgh among the walking streets of Rose Street.
Jamie Oliver the “naked chef” has a restaurant here, but make sure you get a reservation, or you will be disappointed as it fills up quickly. We attended a wedding in one of the many ornate limestone churches in Edinburgh, and reception at Edinburgh Castle. We viewed the crown jewels and explored this amazing fortress on a cliff with breathtaking views of the city. We walked the Royal Mile among various shops and restaurants to Hollyrood Palace, the Queen’s residence when she stays in Edinburgh. We climbed the Scott Monument and Calton Hill, part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The Scottish National Gallery is where you will find some of the World’s greatest art, including Rembrandt’s self -portrait. Outside you will find kilted bagpipers who will entertain you on the picturesque grounds, called the Mound.
We loved the 100 year old Edinburgh Zoo featuring penguins and pandas, and we ventured out by train to Stirling Castle, where in the 16th century, it was a centre for art and culture, and a favored residence of Scotland’s Royalty. A 67 meter monument stands on a hilltop nearby, that honors a 13th Century Scottish Hero, Sir William Wallace.
No need to rent a car here as trains and buses are readily available. One should spend at least a week here, and also visit nearby Glasgow.
