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This project was born from work, humility and experience in order to make people who visit Scotland feel part of its history and its legends.

If you would like an experience tailored to you, we offer personalized packages with a variety of options. You can choose the duration of the tour, focus on specific aspects of the city’s history, and explore the locations that are of interest to you.

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## 1. King's Knot

The King's Knot is a geometric, stepped octagonal earthwork in the ancient royal gardens, where jousting tournaments, hunting and falconry used to take place.

In 2011, archaeologists from the **University of Glasgow**, in collaboration with the Stirling History Society and the Stirling Archaeological and Countryside Society, carried out a survey. Their findings showed that there exists a round feature on the site that predates the visible earthworks.

This discovery has been linked to **the legend of King Arthur**, as it is not the first time it has been said that **King Arthur**'s table could be found in [**Stirling**](https://scotlandcitytours.com/blog/things-to-see-and-do-in-stirling). Around 1375, the Scottish poet John Barbour said that 'the roundtable' was to the south of Stirling Castle; in 1478 the English chronicler William of Worcester told how 'King Arthur kept the roundtable in Stirling Castle'; and Sir David Lindsay, a 16th century Scottish writer, added to the legend in 1529 when he said that Stirling Castle was home to the royal chapel and the Round Table.

Perhaps King Arthur is less of a myth than we assumed...

![Kings Knot.jpg](/uploads/Kings_Knot_7956923267.jpg)

## 2. John Damian

John Damian was an Italian cleric who promised **King James IV** immeasurable amounts of money which he would produce by means of secret alchemical processes learned in Italy.

Damian directed the construction of alchemical furnaces at **Stirling Castle**, receiving aqua vitae (i.e. wine spirits), mercury, ammonium salt, alum, litharge, orpiment, saltpetre, silver, sugar, sulphur, tin, verdigris, vinegar and white lead for this purpose in his laboratories. These are all standard alchemical substances of the **medieval period**.

Damian never succeeded as an alchemist and to save his name he had to fall back on other ideas. In December 1507, the alchemist declared to the king that he could "fly to France" from **Stirling Castle** using a pair of artificial wings.

On the day of take-off, Damian arrived bearing huge wings. The entire court attended the event. Damian climbed the wall and jumped off like Buzz Lightyear in the Toy Story movie - and the rest is history. Damian fell, plummeting down, but the good news is that he survived the fall and only broke his leg.

![Bird Man.jpg](/uploads/Bird_Man_5e7d1fc678.jpg)

## 3. Douglas Garden

Named after **William Douglas**, because King James II threw him out of a window of the old King's building and Douglas was buried here.

In 1452, **King James II** invited the Earl of Douglas to dinner at the castle in order to iron out their differences. A few years earlier two of Douglas' nephews had been murdered in **Edinburgh Castle** in a somewhat cruel manner in the presence of the king (an episode known as the Black Dinner of Edinburgh Castle). The dinner with William Douglas was to be a dinner of death, music, entertainment and the finest delicacies; the king wanted the two of them to abandon the rivalry between their houses. When the king saw that William would not listen to reason, he flew into a rage and threw William out of the window. The window can be seen from the courtyard and from inside the building.

## 4. The christening feast of the future king of Scotland

On 30 August 1594 the christening feast of Prince Henry Stuart, son of James Stuart, was held. This banquet was held in the Great Hall of the castle, where of course the best dishes of **Scottish gastronomy** would have been served; but the highlight of the event was the presentation of a wooden boat measuring 5.5 metres long by 12 metres high and floating on an artificial sea, from which fish and seafood were served. It also sported 36 cannons on its sides for firing blanks.

![Great Hall Stirling.jpg](/uploads/Great_Hall_Stirling_a008c46908.jpg)

## 5. Stirling heads

These are a series of carved wooden cartouches, decorated with the heads of queens and courtiers also known as **'Stirling Heads'**. Described as 'among the **finest examples of Scottish Renaissance wood carving** now in existence', the cartouches in the King's apartments are replicas of the Stirling Heads, which were removed after a roof collapse in 1777. Of the estimated 56 original heads, 38 survive. The original 38 are on display in the upper floor of the palace, in a gallery accessed from the inner courtyard.

![Stirling heads.jpg](/uploads/Stirling_heads_3139801422.jpg)

## 6. The hunt for the unicorn

In the tapestry room we find "**The hunt for the unicorn**". These tapestries were commissioned by Historic Scotland and were woven in the castle itself, in the area where the stables used to be. The originals used as a model date from the 16th century and can currently be found in the **Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York**. The creation of the replicas is the work of 11 years (2002 - 2013) and more than 16,000 hours of work.

The set of 7 tapestries is the story of the hunt for the unicorn's horn, which possessed magical powers of purification. The scenes are instructive with rich Christian iconography: the unicorn is an image of Christ, and the maiden represents the Virgin Mary. The climax is reached with the death and rebirth of the unicorn as a representation of the Passion and Resurrection.

![Sala tapices Unicornio.jpg](/uploads/Sala_tapices_Unicornio_940230c61b.jpg)

## 7. Wars of Independence

During the **Wars of Independence**, 1296-1357, the castle played a very important role, changing hands several times due to its strategic location. In 1296, the first year of these wars, **Edward I** took the castle without any opposition, as only one soldier was found to be in charge of opening the entrance gates. Just 8 years later, in 1304, Edward I wanted to besiege the castle, which was again in Scottish hands; the Scots surrendered before the planned siege, using 17 engines of war, took place. But as Edward had had a **siege weapon** built for the occasion, which he had christened the ‘Warwolf’, he ordered a number of Scottish soldiers to be brought inside the castle so he could test his weapon.

## 8. The world's oldest football

In 1981, a football made of pig's bladder dating back to the 16th century, was found during renovation work. It is known from records that football was already being played at that time and was becoming a popular sport, but the truth is that it was disliked as it was dangerous and led to many injuries. Today the football is housed in the **Smith Art Gallery in Stirling**.

![Primer Balon.jpg](/uploads/Primer_Balon_157b6f91fe.jpg)
_<center>Photo taken at Stirling Museum, Smith Art Gallery.</center>_

## 9. Coronation of Mary Stuart

Mary was crowned "**Queen of Scots**" on 9 September 1543 in the Chapel Royal at **Stirling Castle** when she was only 9 months old, with crown, sceptre and sword – imagine a baby with all that on her! The ceremony was officiated by Cardinal David Beaton, Archbishop of St Andrews Cathedral.

There are no remains of the chapel, but if you visit **Stirling Castle,** you can see marks on the floor in the inner courtyard which indicate where it once stood.

## 10. The castle rock

The rock on which **Stirling Castle** stands was formed over 350 million years ago after the eruption of a volcano. During the second ice age, the melting ice sculpted the rock which you can see today, making the castle an **impregnable fortress** from the north and west, as the rock is almost vertical.

The crag has been lived on for 3,000 years and has been inhabited by people from the Romans to **Queen Elizabeth II** herself, although she probably welcomed the Romans.

## 11. The Lady in Green

Lady in Blue, Lady in Pink, Lady in White. Stirling Castle is full of **female ghosts**, but the best known is the Lady in Green.

The Lady in Green is said to have been a servant of **Mary Stuart**. She was a girl from the **Scottish Highlands** and had a premonition that if her queen slept in the old fortress one day, she would not live to tell the tale.

On the night of 13 September 1561 Mary was staying at Stirling Castle. The servant decided to spend the night near her queen to protect her, but the night was very long, and the servant fell asleep in such an unlucky position that she brushed against one of the candles next to the queen's bed, and the whole thing went up in flames. Mary was able to save her own life, but the maid died in the fire, thus becoming the **ghost called Green Lady**.

![Green Lady.jpg](/uploads/Green_Lady_37faff6bc5.jpg)

## 12. Castle Ghost known as Highland Ghost

The most active ghost at **Stirling Castle** is the **Highland Ghost**. On more than one occasion staff and visitors have seen him appear, in full traditional costume. Mistaken for a tour guide on many occasions, visitors are surprised when they approach him and he simply turns and walks away, **disappearing before their very eyes**.

In 1935, this **mysterious ghost** was apparently captured by the camera of an architect who was conducting some surveys for upcoming construction work. If you encounter it, don't panic, it won't harm you.

![Highland Ghost.jpg](/uploads/Highland_Ghost_1d77e6b380.jpg)

Football, boats, unicorns, ghosts... this castle is full of life and the occasional lost soul. I hope this guide can help you on your **visit to Stirling Castle**, a magnificent fortress with a fascinating history.


stirling-castle-g7.jpeg

12 Fun Facts about Stirling Castle

**Glasgow** is currently one of the most visited cities in the United Kingdom and not many decades ago it was one of the most important cities of the Industrial Revolution, although today only remnants of that past remain.


Glasgow catedral.jpg

Glasgow

Guide tours and free tours in Glasgow

## 1\. For its history and industrial past

The **River Clyde** has been the raison d'être of this city since ancient times, as it was the gateway to the Atlantic Ocean. The area is believed to have been settled since the Bronze Age, thanks to the natural space it offered for fishing and hunting.

Although **[Glasgow](https://scotlandcitytours.com/blog/things-to-do-and-see-in-glasgow)** was founded in the 6th century, it was not named a Royal Burgh until 1611. Its commercial port was of little importance until the 18th century, and the arrival of trade with the Americas in sugar, tobacco, cotton, linen and other important commodities of the time.

The Scottish Enlightenment produced great minds, but it was none other than **James Watt** whose improvement of the steam engine sparked the **Industrial Revolution**. It was the basis of the locomotive and, therefore, of the railway and the consequent development of communications that led to a spiral of progress in which we still seem to be involved today.

![Glasgow city.jpg](/uploads/Glasgow_city_feab1f20d7.jpg)
_The River Clyde. Photography: Adam Marikar_

## 2\. For its museums

Glasgow offers a wide range of culture, with **more than 20 museums** and galleries of all kinds; **you won't get bored in 2 days**. From the classic museum to a motoring museum on the banks of the River Clyde, to one of the most important modern art galleries in Scotland.

Between all its museums there are more than 1.5 million objects on display, some by artists as important as Van Gogh, Monet or Degas. On second thoughts, you might need more than 2 days to see them all.

![Glasgow Museums.jpg](/uploads/Glasgow_Museums_47296d0bd8.jpg)
_Kelvingrove Museum_



## 3\. Because it's a UNESCO City of Music

From festivals to small concerts, **Glasgow** has an impressive music culture. You'll find concerts every day of the year: bagpipes, jazz, funk, electronica and a whole host of other musical styles - it's a city that makes a lot of noise.

The **SSE HYDRO** is one of the largest concert venues in the world, and has hosted performances from **Paul McCartney, Backstreet Boys, Bruno Mars, Arctic Monkeys, Prince, Ed Sheeran, to Elton John and Madonna**.

![Glasgow HyDRo.jpg](/uploads/Glasgow_Hy_D_Ro_314dc1da30.jpg)
_<center>The SSE Hydro</center>_


**Glasgow** is also the birthplace of bands such as Travis and Franz Ferdinand. Before you visit Glasgow, I recommend you check this website to see if there are any concerts or festivals that you like.

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## 4\. For its green spaces

With **more than 90 parks**, Glaswegians can boast about their green spaces, where you can play golf, or attend concerts and festivals.

**One of the largest is Glasgow Green**, a 55-hectare park relatively close to the historic centre. Also quite large is the 34-hectare Kelvingrove, next to which you can find the museum of the same name and the University of Glasgow. And another one I would like to highlight is the Botanic Garden, which is a bit more secluded, but if you visit the city outside the winter months it is a recommended visit.

![Glasgow Green.jpg](/uploads/Glasgow_Green_99392d6a3d.jpg)
_Glasgow Green_


## 5\. For its shops

With just **over 1,500 shops spread across the city,** **Glasgow** is a shopper's paradise, second only to London in this respect. You'll find the most exclusive brands as well as those that are not quite as exclusive.

The main street for clothes shopping is Buchanan Street and it is a favourite shopping street not only for locals, but also for people from the surrounding towns and even Edinburghers. I hope you don't get lost in the fitting rooms and have time to visit the city.

![Buchanan Street Glasgow.jpg](/uploads/Buchanan_Street_Glasgow_565b5750d2.jpg)
_Buchanan Street_

## 6\. For the football

Although England invented football, **the first professional football player was Scottish and born in Glasgow**, by the name of Fergus Suter. Netflix recently released a miniseries telling his story: "The English game".

Glasgow has a great football culture with its two big football clubs and bitter rivals: **Celtic, a Catholic team**, and **Rangers, a Protestant team**. If you get the chance to visit the city on match day, I recommend you try to get a ticket to see it at the stadium, the fans are a pure spectacle, especially at Celtic's grounds.

![Glasgow Futbol.jpg](/uploads/Glasgow_Futbol_630f1b931f.jpg)
_<center>Football logos. Celtic and Rangers FC</center>_



**Football, museums, parks, shops, history... I think these are more than enough reasons to give this great city a chance. The city with the friendliest people in the UK, but a horrible Scottish accent.**

Glasglow PPL.jpg

6 reasons to visit Glasgow

**Top 10 places to eat in Stirling**

Enjoy the Scottish cuisine

One of the things you can't neglect, even when you're on holiday, is eating. It takes a lot of energy to do all the tours we want to do, doesn't it? And I'm sure most of you have already been scouring the internet to find out what you can find to fill your stomach in this cold country.

Most people who have typed "**Scottish food**" into the Google search engine have probably already read about **Scotland**'s most famous dish: **[haggis](https://scotlandcitytours.com/blog/what-is-haggis)**. But for those of you who are a little less well prepared, haggis is all those parts of a sheep that you don’t really want to eat, but much less waste: heart, lungs, liver, kidneys and so on. All these scraps are ground up and mixed with onions, oats and spices, and cooked in the animal's own stomach. Fortunately, nowadays it is usually wrapped in other, more hygienic materials and comes in two forms: meat-based and vegetarian. It's a pretty heavy meal, but it's definitely one of those things you have to try. Wherever you go...

**Haggis** is usually eaten with mashed potatoes and turnip mash (you'll see it as neeps & tatties on restaurant menus) and a whisky sauce. You can also find haggis in the full **Scottish breakfast**, not to be confused with the **English breakfast**, which is only served south of Dumfries.

But it's not just haggis that Scottish people live for. Another quite typical thing around here is soup or, as we would call it, a kind of chunky mash. It's usually made of various vegetables and lentils, with quite a strong flavour and, as I said, tends to be a bit thick. It's ideal for warming the stomach during the winter months and one of the most typical soups is **Cullen Skink**, a soup made from onion, potato and haddock (a fish that can be found off the coast of Scotland).

The last thing you can't leave without trying is the tablet, and no, I don't mean the one you used on the plane to watch Netflix or play Candy Crush, I recommend you don't sink your teeth into this one for your own good. The typical Scottish tablet is a sweet made from condensed milk, sugar and butter, usually flavoured vanilla or ginger. For me, it's definitely a must-try if you have as much of a sweet tooth as I do.

And now that we've finished our brief overview of Scottish cuisine, let's get down to what really matters to you: where can I eat in Stirling? Well, here are the 10 best places we could find to recommend:

## 1\. The Bannockburn Coffee House

Located next to the famous **Bannockburn** Esplanade (the one where William Wallace's battle was fought), here you can still taste the regional gastronomy at a very good price. It also has vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free options, and homemade cakes that you can feast your eyes on.

[**41 Main Street, Bannockburn, Stirling FK7 8LX**](https://www.google.com/maps/place/The+Bannockburn+Coffee+House/@56.089917,-3.915009,17z/data=!4m5!3m4!1s0x0:0x2fd82548090483da!8m2!3d56.0908214!4d-3.9147324?hl=es)

## 2\. The Bluebell Tea Room

Tea rooms are a very British thing where people go, effectively, for tea. This one, located in the centre of **Stirling**, is an ideal example of what you would expect from such a place. They offer **breakfast, brunch and lunch**, and a wide variety of teas and sweets.

## 3\. The Allan Park Pub & Restaurant

Holding the title of best restaurant in **Stirling**, this is a pub offering traditional food located in the city centre. From breakfast to dinner, it has a varied menu (with alternative options of course), **great quality** and an unbeatable atmosphere, a place that is definitely worth a visit.

[**20 Allan Park, Stirling FK8 2QG, United Kingdom**](https://www.google.com/maps/place/Allan+Park+-+Pub,+Restaurant+%26+Coffee+House+(w%2F+rooms)/@56.115987,-3.940077,13z/data=!4m8!3m7!1s0x0:0x53e0373a2173d204!5m2!4m1!1i2!8m2!3d56.1160019!4d-3.9401374?hl=es)

## 4\. Portcullis

Located near the castle, the name refers to those huge metal grates that could be raised and lowered to cut off access to the castle. **Considered the second-best pub in the city**, it offers a very local atmosphere and good food.

[**Castle Wynd, Stirling FK8 1EG, UK**](https://www.google.com/maps/place/The+Portcullis/@56.121986,-3.944444,16z/data=!4m8!3m7!1s0x0:0xba05e15b8386f870!5m2!4m1!1i2!8m2!3d56.1219813!4d-3.9444207?hl=es)

## 5\. No 2 Baker Street

Could this be a reference to the famous private investigator Sherlock Holmes? Maybe. What is clear is that this is a great place to eat and drink, with an extensive menu in both respects. Elementary, my dear Watson.

[**No 2 Baker Street**](https://www.google.com/maps/place/No+2+Baker+Street/@56.1189262,-3.9385338,15z/data=!4m2!3m1!1s0x0:0x60e843be760cb53b?sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwib98SY-v_1AhWGLMAKHRRGA-0Q_BJ6BAgmEAU)

## 6\. The Allan Water Cafe

Great cafe and restaurant in the centre of Stirling with a good number of years and a family history behind it. It has a wide variety of food on offer, the chippy or fish & chips being one of the most popular with locals, another must try.

[**15 Henderson St, Bridge of Allan, Stirling FK9 4HN**](https://www.google.com/maps/place/The+Allanwater+Cafe/@56.155629,-3.949886,16z/data=!4m5!3m4!1s0x0:0x230d85c334db4d5c!8m2!3d56.1556289!4d-3.9498861?hl=es)

## 7\. Brae

For quality Scottish food, using fresh, local ingredients. This restaurant has won several awards for its dishes in recent years.

[**5 Baker St, Stirling FK8 1BJ**](https://www.google.com/maps/place/5+Baker+St,+Stirling+FK8+1BJ/@56.1188004,-3.9409972,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m5!3m4!1s0x4888629527d5f11b:0x5c2022a65c9c8d87!8m2!3d56.1188004!4d-3.9388085)

## 8\. Monterey Jack's

Can boast some of the best burgers in **Scotland**!!! Located in the Old Town, next to the Athenaeum.

Especially the cheeseburger is excellent.

[**1 Corn Exchange Rd, Stirling FK8 2HX, UK**](https://www.google.com/maps?ll=56.118274,-3.938715&z=16&t=m&hl=es&gl=ES&mapclient=embed&cid=10364910612201347664)

## 9\. Nicky-Tams

One of the oldest pubs in Stirling. It offers a wide variety of beers, and you can also eat here. Located in the **Old Town**.

[**29 Baker St, Stirling FK8 1BJ, UK**](https://www.google.com/maps/place/Nicky-Tams+Bar+%26+Bothy/@56.119113,-3.939453,16z/data=!4m5!3m4!1s0x0:0x689fb1cd12a5d9f6!8m2!3d56.1191302!4d-3.9394278?hl=es)

## 10\. Hermanns

Very elegant place, with Scottish and Austrian cuisine using local produce. Very **close to the castle**.

[**Mar Place House, 58 Broad St, Stirling FK8 1EF, UK**](https://www.google.com/maps/place/Hermanns/@56.121152,-3.943731,16z/data=!4m5!3m4!1s0x0:0xb8831a01a34b1635!8m2!3d56.121167!4d-3.9437219?hl=es)

Of course, these are just a few of what (in our humble opinion) are the best places to eat in the city, but if you find any other hidden gems, don't hesitate to recommend them - we always like to discover new things. And watch out for the **Haggis**, it is very filling.

| Best Tours in Other Cities |
| ---------------------------- | 
| [Tours in Edinburgh](https://scotlandcitytours.com/tours-edinburgh) | 
| [Tours in Glasgow](https://scotlandcitytours.com/tours-glasgow) |


the ** HAGGIS ** is a typical Scottish dish? This preparation is served on BURNS day to the sound of bagpipes. Made with liver, heart and lungs of sheep, fat, oat flakes and mutton or beef,

7-mejores-sitio-para-comer-en-Stirling.jpeg

10 best restaurants in Stirling

The best or the worst **whisky** are born the same way, although there are many factors that affect the final product, such as water, grain, temperature, time in the cask, type of cask, type of yeast, **distillery** or stills. All these variables mean that a whisky can either win the world's best whisky award or you’ll find it on the supermarket shelf for around 10 euros.

It is also one of the most elaborate distilled beverages in existence, and the reason for this is that **by law in Scotland** whisky has to be aged in an oak cask **for at least 3 years**, otherwise you can't call it **whisky**. But do you know how it is made and what the ingredients are? There are three main ingredients: **water**, **grain** and **yeast**.

![Cata de whisky.jpg](/uploads/Cata_de_whisky_a90793bae9.jpg)

**Water**

In **Scotland** there is a mythical saying that goes "**today's rain is tomorrow's whisky**"; and how true it is. In these cold northern lands, water is plentiful, which is why many distilleries are located near lochs or rivers, as this is where they get their water supply. Although I can tell you that the tap water in Scotland is so good that some distilleries take it directly from there.

The most important question is that of the hardness of the local water, as the final result of the **whisky** will depend on it. Whether the water is hard or not depends on the amount of dissolved minerals it contains, such as calcium, zinc, magnesium and iron; the more minerals it contains, the harder it is. In Scotland, the water is generally soft.

![Killin, Tierras Altas de Escocia.jpg](/uploads/Killin_Tierras_Altas_de_Escocia_9b33289e0d.jpg)
_<center>Killin, Tierras Altas de Escocia</center>_

**Grain**

Wheat, rye, barley or corn are the grains commonly used in the **whisky-making process**. Each gives a different flavour to the distillate. Barley is usually the only grain used to make **Scotch whisky**.

One of the things we need to make alcohol is sugar (starch). The grain itself contains starch, and to free as much starch as possible it has to be malted. You have probably seen bottles that says "**malt whisky**" but this has nothing to do with the Mediterranean country Malta. For a whisky to be called malt whisky, the grain must first be malted, which is simply the process of germinating the grain. This releases enzymes that help to release a higher starch content.

However, there are also whiskies that are made from unmalted grain; these would be "**single grain**" or "**blended grain**" whiskies.

![cebada.jpg](/uploads/cebada_361a1b10ee.jpg)

**Yeast**

It is the **only organism** permitted in the production of this spirit. In order to produce alcohol, the fermentation process must take place, and yeast is responsible for this. The sugar extracted from the grain is converted into alcohol by the yeast. There are countless varieties of these **micro-organisms,** and each one gives a totally different flavour to the whisky than another.

Different types of grain contain **wild yeast**, and high-yielding cultured yeast is often added to start the fermentation process.

![fermentacion.jpg](/uploads/fermentacion_58abb25b1d.jpg)
_<center>Levadura en fermentación</center>_

**The whisky-making process**

The first thing we need is **the best quality malt** in order to make the best **Scotch whisky**. The grain has to be ground in a mill to facilitate the extraction of the sugars in the mashing process.

The mashing process consists of mixing the grain with water in a tank at a certain temperature, which can range from 60ºC to 80ºC depending on the **distillery**. In this way the sugars are extracted from the grain. The resulting liquid **is called “wort”** and is very sweet due to the extracted sugars.

The next step would be fermentation, but first, the wort has to be cooled, because at a high temperature the yeast would be stressed, it would die and without it, **fermentation** would be impossible. This process is usually carried out in wooden or stainless-steel vats, with a capacity of between 20,000 and 250,000 litres. It normally lasts between 2 and 3 days.

![Cuba de fermentación.jpg](/uploads/Cuba_de_fermentacion_1337741215.jpg)
_<center>Fermentation vat at the [ **Abhainn Dearg**](https://abhainndeargdistillery.co.uk/), distillery on the Isle of Harris.</center>_

After several days, the micro-organisms have done their job and have transformed the sugar into alcohol; now all that remains is to distil it and to do so, the **fermented wort** has to be brought to a boil.

Alcohol reaches its boiling point at a lower temperature than water, at 78.4 ºC, when it turns into vapour, which is collected and cooled, thereby becoming an **alcoholic liquid**. This process is completed in copper stills, resulting in a clear liquid that will spend at least 3 years in an oak cask in a warehouse in the **Highlands** or Lowlands of this wonderful country.

![Alambiques de de la destilería Glengoyne.jpg](/uploads/Alambiques_de_de_la_destileria_Glengoyne_74d4eb2bfb.jpg)
_<center>[**Glengoyne** ](https://www.glengoyne.com/) Distillery Stills</center>_



The **oak cask** will have a major influence on the final product. Nowadays, virgin casks are not typically used, instead second-hand casks are used that have previously held Bourbon or wine.

![Barricas llenas de whisky.jpg](/uploads/Barricas_llenas_de_whisky_e6905c6f31.jpg)
_<center>Casks filled with whisky at the **Abhainn Dearg** distillery.</center>_ 



In short, depending on which water, which grain, which yeast or even which cask is used **to make the whisky**, you will get one flavour or another. The smallest detail in the production process can make a big difference, but it is because of this that Scotch whisky is exquisite, it is the best, but what best describes it: it is **Liquid Gold**.

If you want to know about the history of **Scotch whisky**, the different regions where it is distilled and the different types, [this article](https://scotlandcitytours.com/blog/whisky-history-and-more) tells you all about it. Plus, I'll help you choose whisky!

Some of the information in this article was taken from the [Illustrated Atlas of Whisky](https://www.amazon.es/gp/product/846771607X/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=carlospaz-21&camp=3638&creative=24630&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=846771607X&linkId=38f7d70d520dcee3e822e33e24bdf038). For more books about whisky and Scottish history in general, check out my article [Books About Scotland](https://somosescocia.com/blog/14-libros-sobre-escocia).


Como se hace el whisky.jpg

How is whisky made?

![Glasgow lloviend.jpg](/uploads/Glasgow\_lloviend\_7903cd3cb3.jpg)

_<center>A beautiful spring day</center>_

I should also add that Glasgow is a windy city, so bringing an umbrella is not the best way to protect yourself against the rain; I always recommend bringing [**waterproof clothing**](https://www.amazon.es/s/ref=as_li_ss_tl?k=ropa+waterproof&__mk_es_ES=%C3%85M%C3%85%C5%BD%C3%95%C3%91&crid=VSGZ1ZPPQ5OF&sprefix=ropa+water,apparel,205&ref=nb_sb_ss_fb_1_10&linkCode=ll2&tag=carlospaz-21&linkId=73374aa15fd34e5c34d97d1bf3b2b620&language=es_ES)!

## What's the weather like in Glasgow?

The **temperature** here is actually one of the "warmest" in all of **Scotland**, classified as an **oceanic climate**, due to the currents that travel over from the **Gulf of Mexico**. For this reason, **the average temperature in winter is 5ºC**; although that doesn’t mean the thermometers won’t dip below 0ºC some days! In summer the average temperature is around 20ºC, but it can occasionally reach 27ºC.

Also, most days are cloudy in this city, so a sunny day is indeed a gift. If this happens, don’t waste it! Do all the outdoor activities or tours you can, since it will surely rain the following day.

The coldest months are December and January, with very humid days and few hours of daylight. I don't want to discourage anyone from [​​visiting **Glasgow**](https://somosescocia.com/blog/que-ver-en-glasgow), but I have to tell the truth even if it hurts! However, the beautiful thing about visiting in December is getting to see the Christmas market in **George Square** (although it didn’t happen in 2020 due to **COVID-19**).

The warmest months are July and August, although the days can still vary a lot in temperature. One day it could be 25ºC with incredible sun and the next it will be 15ºC, cloudy and raining... seriously, always bring your waterproof clothing!

![Glasgow tiempo.jpg](/uploads/Glasgow\_tiempo\_531cecd8c9.jpg)

_<center>Glasgow, Renfrew Street</center>_

|Tours|
|---|
|Book our [Glasgow Free Walking Tour](https://scotlandcitytours.com/tours-glasgow/glasgow-free-tour)|

## Seasonal weather in Glasgow

### Winter

Depending on the month, temperatures can range from **-14ºC to 17ºC**. It’s not always that dramatic of course, so you should always check the weather forecast before visiting **Glasgow**.

### Spring

During this season, if you visit around April you can expect anything **between -4ºC to 24ºC**. These are the historical minimum and maximum temperatures seen in April, but the usual average is around 9ºC.

In May it rises to an average of 11ºC, and in June to an average of 14ºC.

### Summer

Don't let the season fool you, you will see cold and rainy weather on many days during these months. Even in July, the hottest month, **the average temperature is only around 16ºC**. **For me, who's been in the UK** for 11 years, this is a day for wearing shorts and a T-shirt; depending on which country you come from, this could feel pretty cold!

![Glasgow city.jpg](/uploads/Glasgow\_city\_1cf8474824.jpg)

_<center>Clyde river</center>_

### Autumn

This is one of my favourite seasons of the year, with those coppery and ochre colours that flood the parks and streets of **Glasgow**, as the leaves fall from the trees.

Here, humorously, we start saying **"Winter is coming"** from August onwards since the temperatures begin to drop again in September. October and November continue to get colder, with average temperatures ranging from 6ºC to 9ºC.

In December 1995, the country’s historical lowest temperature was registered at -19.9ºC; the historical highest was registered in June 2018 at 31.9ºC. However, as I say, these are very extreme temperatures and it is not usual for this to happen!

![Glasgow kelvingrove.jpg](/uploads/Glasgow\_kelvingrove\_dbcfa3c465.jpg)

_<center>Kelvingrove museum</center>_

So, I think after all of that, you are now ready to [visit **Glasgow**](https://scotlandcitytours.com/blog/things-to-do-and-see-in-glasgow), whether in the cold winter or the less cold summer, with your waterproof clothing and comfortable, waterproof walking shoes.


Glasgow city.jpg

Weather in Glasgow

We will introduce you to the history of this medieval city, which is more than 3000 years old. We will walk through its most picturesque streets, such as the Royal Mile, Chambers Street or Victoria Street. Learn about the alleys where people lived in the 17th century. We will tell you how they died during the Black Death and about the beaked doctors who tried to cure them. Exciting stories await you!


Royal_mile_blog.jpg

Edinburgh

Best Tours in Edinburgh

Edinburgh Walking Tours

## History

The **origin** of this spirit is lost in antiquity. It is known that the Celtic people of Ireland brought distilling to **Ireland** in the 5th century. The first distillers, wherever they were based, made spirits that were too strong to drink, so honey was added to sweeten them, as well as spices and other ingredients, making the first whiskies more like liqueurs.

The origin of **the word whisky** itself is also unclear. In the 17th century it was called strong water (English), usquebaugh or uisge beatha (Gaelic) or aqua vitae (Latin), the latter being popular with whisky lovers as it means **'water of life'**. Whatever the origin, the word whisky did not gain official recognition until 1755 with its entry in the dictionary.

For centuries, whisky was a local drink. In the **Highlands** it was made in small stills and in the **Lowlands** large quantities were produced, mainly for export to England. Although the English would spoil it by re-distilling it with a vegetable product to make Gin – they will do anything to avoid accepting that **Scotch whisky** is good.

Between the 18th and 19th century, **whisky** was "legalised", i.e. an attempt was made to have fiscal control over the distilleries, which led to the birth of underground distilleries. In the end, the state legalised the use of small stills, thus ushering in the modern **Scotch** **whisky** industry.

In addition, in the 19th century, the popularity of whisky grew due to the invention of **Coffey stills**, or **continuous distillation**, which made whisky smoother and less intense. But the biggest uptick in its popularity was experienced thanks to phylloxera, an aphid that destroyed grape harvests in France, which reduced wine and cognac production and left people with no choice but to drink whisky.

And in the 20th century, oak casks that had previously held **Sherry** or **Bourbon** began to be used to mature the distillate, giving these spirits aroma, colour, flavour and character, but also thanks to the use of only water, barley and yeast, this **Liquid Gold** came to life.

Although **Scotch whisky** is the most popular whisky in the world (wherever I go and whenever I travel, I always find a piece of **Scotland** in the bars of the world), it cannot be said to be the best. For several decades now, different countries around the world have been specialising in the **distillation** of this drink, but it is the Japanese who take the lead in the **[World Whisky Awards](https://www.worldwhiskiesawards.com/)**. Japanese whiskies have been sweeping the board in recent years, although Canada, New Zealand, the United States and even India are achieving great quality in their distillates. In 2019, whiskies from these cold lands did not win in any category, but let's hope they receive more in the coming years, as I wouldn't trade Scotch whisky for that of any other country.

## Whisky Regions

Whisky distilling **regions**: **Islay**, **Lowlands**, **Highlands** and **Campbeltown**. These are the generic ones, as within the Highlands we have **Speyside** and Islands. The regions just help us to label the whisky, as nowadays a typical **smoky whisky** from the Islay region can also be made in the Highlands, for example.

![Regiones del whisky.jpg](/uploads/Regiones_del_whisky_2a3b4981cc.jpg)

## Types of whisky

Within the regions, there are also different types of whisky. I will summarise very briefly what they are:

### Single Malt

This is **single malt whisky**. “Malt” refers to the process of the germination of the grain: malting. "Single" refers to the origin of the whisky, a single distillery. The grain used for this whisky is barley, no other grain can be used. This whisky can be blended with another malt, either of the same or a different age, but they must be from the same distillery. It is the **most popular whisky** in Scotland. My favourites are the smoky ones.

### Single Grain

This would be whisky from **a single grain**. This can be barley, rye, corn or wheat, or unmalted grain. It is not very well known and is usually used to make blended whisky. I have never tried it, although I have a bottle of this type, a Clan Denny 21-year-old, which I hope to open soon.

![Clan Denny 21.jpg](/uploads/Clan_Denny_21_be727538a2.jpg)

### Blends

This is **blended whisky**. It is obtained by blending different whiskies, it must have at least one Single Grain and one Single Malt, but it can have many more. It is usually a very popular whisky. They are the most typical, as whiskies such as **[Ballantines](https://amzn.to/3ycUbZG)** or **[Johnnie Walker](https://amzn.to/3gIQ4Jd)** are of this type.

#### Blended Grain

This is one of the **rarest whiskies on the market**. To produce this type of whisky, you have to combine two or more Single Grains. I can say from my personal experience that the most famous Blended Grain whisky. [Compass Box Hedonism](https://amzn.to/3WoGLnN), does not disappoint, and is very good value for money.

#### Blended Malt

Another **rare** whisky. These whiskies are produced by blending two or more Single Malts from different distilleries. The most popular is **[Monkey Shoulder](https://amzn.to/3ycUbZG)**, but there are also lesser-known whiskies such as Glencoe MacDonald's 8-year-old with Cask Strength 58%. You can find them, as well as all other Blended Grains, at a good price.

![Glencoe MacDonald - 8 year old Whisky.jpg](/uploads/Glencoe_Mac_Donald_8_year_old_Whisky_fc16b59c64.jpg)

I would like to clarify one thing: **BOURBON IS NOT WHISKY**. What a pleasure it is to get that off my chest. Distillation was brought to the United States in the 18th century by Scottish and Irish settlers. Although the **origin of Bourbon** is not well documented, it is known that it began to be distilled in the same century that distillation arrived.

Experts have always included this drink in different types of whiskies, because the process to distil this spirit is the same as any other whisky, but (of course there is a but) the grain used has to be at least 51% corn, sometimes up to 70% or 80%, the rest being made up of different cereals. **Bourbon** also has no minimum ageing period, so products that have been matured as short as three months can be sold as Bourbon (any Bourbon aged less than 4 years has to be indicated on the label). In addition, this beverage has to be produced in the **United States**.

This is only a general overview of this drink, as there can be many variants of it. The most famous ones are **[Jim Beam](https://amzn.to/34W4yCy)**, **[Wild Turkey](https://amzn.to/3gL7JA0)** or **[Jack Daniels](https://amzn.to/3LrPiya)**.

If you want to immerse yourself more in the wonderful **world of whisky**, I recommend the book “**[Illustrated Atlas of Whisky](https://www.amazon.es/gp/product/846771607X?ie=UTF8&linkCode=ll1&tag=carlospaz-21&linkId=52610289cfc25c9d163a7749d9c2a590&language=es_ES&ref_=as_li_ss_tl)**”, by Michael Jackson (not the singer). It costs about 15€ and contains a lot of information to help you understand this drink and its origins.

Now comes the best part; it's time to decide what to order in the pub! And with more than 3,000 varieties, whisky is probably the most complicated drink to choose. Anywhere you go you can ask for "a dram of whisky, please", to which the bartender will reply "Which one, pal? So here are a few recommendations to make your choice easier:

## Lowlands

**[Glenkinchie 12](https://amzn.to/34W4yCy)**. Sweet and smooth, the whisky of Edinburgh.

**[Auchentoshan Heartwood](https://www.amazon.es/Auchentoshan-Whisky-Three-Wood-700/dp/B001LLUPIY?__mk_es_ES=%C3%85M%C3%85%C5%BD%C3%95%C3%91&crid=PSAM256Z5419&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.Lx0eozZtS5R2Y4ykIhpwt0FAODszH5uI0CsfjpOZhdxvwDDg4wZAzJvqJ8PmNNtRN2njyQUhTHaa_lbjeCbawCdsQ3VX-M7knd4FfgvPzFCZDa9YBKq4v5VctT4llylgBwyumwLpgxJ47hySJhjWmSdI35LmLYV9wqf1FG08hYUSJLyS4dYT9sYZZBS57d-IH7Gl0aUjk9VpVdDUy7PLVcalG-_IhtTyH4LT80B27iQsL4qNVlbqWgooOgSu8i0UmHNqiv0q5NhrRzikG172lcco9R2yJL7nQ8CyyjGy2UA.0V6NlJGwogyRCc6QdrSl8MK6Kx0g4gMFQA_n4-T0_UE&dib_tag=se&keywords=Auchentoshan+Heartwood+whisky&qid=1714676433&sprefix=auchentoshan+heartwood+whisky%2Caps%2C102&sr=8-2&linkCode=ll1&tag=carlospaz-21&linkId=3afbbcd028c478c078a76f95c5a7e15c&language=es_ES&ref_=as_li_ss_tl)**. Matured in bourbon and sherry casks.

## Highlands

**[Glengoyne 12](https://www.amazon.es/GLENGOYNE-24152-Glengoyne-12-A%C3%B1os/dp/B00IXL9MGG?__mk_es_ES=%C3%85M%C3%85%C5%BD%C3%95%C3%91&crid=2A95RVKRKAPXP&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.k0rQ_I9tUvkI4-VJcv1dXo4txcS5FlV49NbtvySow5YFUjFVwiouWyaUkV4jtCIJB8F44KVlwbzqAlsRgAobGmNeHY3JO8yi8XZPJ7hD_hy9mEnkzvmN78_mBGTxM1aBdTkPI3fWMvLiIEwD_T4RPL4LOf1xQi3Q7ar_a-udDTT87ZUK68Xgj2ChV6vts5lF6Mk0QtqBUt8kC5MGXXTC8hhY7a2_GcT3F3PGSqGdQi_hNxspF2UZaABM112YO3v6Eb0DdF6H8x_8M9MhP9Ok-kXtajPC5wl87CVoG5vPb_s.JutCa_bFzhUkiLUXzswpFXaHM5rScVifDdRAiwQOw34&dib_tag=se&keywords=Glengoyne+12&qid=1714676525&s=grocery&sprefix=glengoyne+12%2Cgrocery%2C129&sr=1-1&linkCode=ll1&tag=carlospaz-21&linkId=698916cf2eeccdfb48f3e273f1f80cd1&language=es_ES&ref_=as_li_ss_tl)**. Whisky that is very good value for money.

**[Ardmore](https://www.amazon.es/Ardmore-Legacy-70-L/dp/B00OGMTNT2?__mk_es_ES=%C3%85M%C3%85%C5%BD%C3%95%C3%91&crid=39GGVYXTXOS93&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.dBaX_Ik3tBqbsA-JC2gUbtKRrg2DSdVc8Jl1dmsFiBxUXTwa9UPTxlY7RJjULj18P3roiZoUY3g2aXF8iT9BmFcDBgZ93wKYVoSG3qvpHYy8OXPL4YBuF4P5PLJEBXtQ1h2OIPwhxJCYqTII-MrHtw.vlkXo8hLoC2JSu5N5aU5lkI5tk5GARFyQrtb5cPsRrY&dib_tag=se&keywords=Ardmore&qid=1714676551&s=grocery&sprefix=ardmore%2Cgrocery%2C87&sr=1-2&th=1&linkCode=ll1&tag=carlospaz-21&linkId=772f0fd25fcf8f8550286c3838b60e2a&language=es_ES&ref_=as_li_ss_tl)**. From the region of Aberdeenshire comes this whisky, and it does not disappoint.

**[Highland Park 12](https://www.amazon.es/Highland-Park-Whisky-escoc%C3%A9s-paquete/dp/B01BP5O0JU?__mk_es_ES=%C3%85M%C3%85%C5%BD%C3%95%C3%91&crid=1GI4MOUJII5CE&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.K2osXIy5pEni53CFzbsKk58BcK5fw3QcfvLZO-mVBUnMNfnrp0ireh2vHH0LBs7JS2DggiaEwl44Qrt9d5jEUsTpdpsrQ7KMs1SufhEkagzXgOSJG3kZfK7go4mDJ0BVA6S4Tuk9Ht4kEHbCTF_MSd7vF6hddLAbnJzOJKZ_EBQjsP5LR2C_O5-zPEiJwE0yWhITd_1QVsTvbBOQoTN2yltBj_JIJuD4bKnPfeXPOZhGMQm2Ob0lEwHI8-2owr7Oo0v5biEW5DXtQyOtSSsirIHD1QS7LIe7HBboxvFpfTs.Y01qxH-wOZofuzODgBEqGmuU8IzsOd0X1ColSTkdbno&dib_tag=se&keywords=Highland+Park+12&qid=1714676595&s=grocery&sprefix=highland+park+12%2Cgrocery%2C88&sr=1-3&linkCode=ll1&tag=carlospaz-21&linkId=e18014ccb397d262032d990d79fa6f51&language=es_ES&ref_=as_li_ss_tl)**. From the remote Orkney Islands, a favourite of the Scottish people.

**[Old Pulteney 12](https://www.amazon.es/Ardmore-Legacy-70-L/dp/B00OGMTNT2?__mk_es_ES=%C3%85M%C3%85%C5%BD%C3%95%C3%91&crid=39GGVYXTXOS93&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.dBaX_Ik3tBqbsA-JC2gUbtKRrg2DSdVc8Jl1dmsFiBxUXTwa9UPTxlY7RJjULj18P3roiZoUY3g2aXF8iT9BmFcDBgZ93wKYVoSG3qvpHYy8OXPL4YBuF4P5PLJEBXtQ1h2OIPwhxJCYqTII-MrHtw.vlkXo8hLoC2JSu5N5aU5lkI5tk5GARFyQrtb5cPsRrY&dib_tag=se&keywords=Ardmore&qid=1714676551&s=grocery&sprefix=ardmore%2Cgrocery%2C87&sr=1-2&th=1&linkCode=ll1&tag=carlospaz-21&linkId=772f0fd25fcf8f8550286c3838b60e2a&language=es_ES&ref_=as_li_ss_tl)**. Possibly one of the finest whiskies in the Highlands.

**[BenRomach 10](https://www.amazon.es/Highland-Park-Whisky-escoc%C3%A9s-paquete/dp/B01BP5O0JU?__mk_es_ES=%C3%85M%C3%85%C5%BD%C3%95%C3%91&crid=1GI4MOUJII5CE&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.K2osXIy5pEni53CFzbsKk58BcK5fw3QcfvLZO-mVBUnMNfnrp0ireh2vHH0LBs7JS2DggiaEwl44Qrt9d5jEUsTpdpsrQ7KMs1SufhEkagzXgOSJG3kZfK7go4mDJ0BVA6S4Tuk9Ht4kEHbCTF_MSd7vF6hddLAbnJzOJKZ_EBQjsP5LR2C_O5-zPEiJwE0yWhITd_1QVsTvbBOQoTN2yltBj_JIJuD4bKnPfeXPOZhGMQm2Ob0lEwHI8-2owr7Oo0v5biEW5DXtQyOtSSsirIHD1QS7LIe7HBboxvFpfTs.Y01qxH-wOZofuzODgBEqGmuU8IzsOd0X1ColSTkdbno&dib_tag=se&keywords=Highland+Park+12&qid=1714676595&s=grocery&sprefix=highland+park+12%2Cgrocery%2C88&sr=1-3&linkCode=ll1&tag=carlospaz-21&linkId=e18014ccb397d262032d990d79fa6f51&language=es_ES&ref_=as_li_ss_tl)**. One of the best whiskies of recent years at an affordable price.

## Campbeltown

**Springbank 10**. A quality whisky, and somewhat rare to find.

## Islay

**[Laphroaig 10](https://www.amazon.es/Laphroaig-Whisky-Islay-Single-Malt/dp/B001GLG7C2?__mk_es_ES=%C3%85M%C3%85%C5%BD%C3%95%C3%91&crid=30T7DCCTIHRYB&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.Z6viJphi2Doat9X4mUu-S2WA-IZWgvSGNh6omv2ui4fDhzN0gzQKq1MSJ2Mx0K-BITb_o4q8hJMeb9HmRe8hA5NycGcMrW27Bhnz6RTQKypMOWitvq2pPlOeKpYruS9fW3pMsgxTPkhavGbXDyATwo3KXkyHV2koIcjmY9IzoDfGQINyrGCZmJT9ziF-Yp0_OuPIh0UeofdQJgusvGZqxsHQvn1-lMj_-7FJM8R5uNCv4z5qfYBZuCTG79B9WeE7qxZGi1e4O8V4TNoW_qVs0HYUNfYYHl9MTU12jXiYaEI.sgDCqHOOoCug84e3Y0qmzCqQFlq4UuHlbjfJgHv25iM&dib_tag=se&keywords=Laphroaig+10&qid=1714676687&s=grocery&sprefix=laphroaig+10%2Cgrocery%2C101&sr=1-4&linkCode=ll1&tag=carlospaz-21&linkId=054810932e507eab24e27a5bfd51706b&language=es_ES&ref_=as_li_ss_tl)**. Once described as "a hospital on fire". Smoky whisky. If you like it, you'll fall in love with it. For the brave.

**[Kilchoman](https://www.amazon.es/Laphroaig-Whisky-Islay-Single-Malt/dp/B001GLG7C2?__mk_es_ES=%C3%85M%C3%85%C5%BD%C3%95%C3%91&crid=30T7DCCTIHRYB&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.Z6viJphi2Doat9X4mUu-S2WA-IZWgvSGNh6omv2ui4fDhzN0gzQKq1MSJ2Mx0K-BITb_o4q8hJMeb9HmRe8hA5NycGcMrW27Bhnz6RTQKypMOWitvq2pPlOeKpYruS9fW3pMsgxTPkhavGbXDyATwo3KXkyHV2koIcjmY9IzoDfGQINyrGCZmJT9ziF-Yp0_OuPIh0UeofdQJgusvGZqxsHQvn1-lMj_-7FJM8R5uNCv4z5qfYBZuCTG79B9WeE7qxZGi1e4O8V4TNoW_qVs0HYUNfYYHl9MTU12jXiYaEI.sgDCqHOOoCug84e3Y0qmzCqQFlq4UuHlbjfJgHv25iM&dib_tag=se&keywords=Laphroaig+10&qid=1714676687&s=grocery&sprefix=laphroaig+10%2Cgrocery%2C101&sr=1-4&linkCode=ll1&tag=carlospaz-21&linkId=054810932e507eab24e27a5bfd51706b&language=es_ES&ref_=as_li_ss_tl)**. I always have a bottle at home. Islay's only independent distillery.

**[Caol Ila 12](https://www.amazon.es/Whisky-Kilchoman-Machir-Bay-70/dp/B07HTPVZKK?__mk_es_ES=%C3%85M%C3%85%C5%BD%C3%95%C3%91&crid=EXX5ZNKV66CY&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.IR6YhqpTOlwnS4J4Mfr0zEiQuWgbMqbIxcEBydxGN1LR70Wdsh6J6Xd7YeduMSHNaYMzvlMnyHN8qoftnW6M_HwSo9SJ5PFomuN-1od2PCg.AHFTS6BGpGC3TKYkfztyyY0OYF5uUecCWCdTrCMrf_Q&dib_tag=se&keywords=Kilchoman&qid=1714676708&s=grocery&sprefix=kilchoman%2Cgrocery%2C92&sr=1-2&linkCode=ll1&tag=carlospaz-21&linkId=6f1f07fa28553c72339cc411cff5ac38&language=es_ES&ref_=as_li_ss_tl)**. This was the beginning of my relationship with smoky whiskies and has been my favourite ever since.

## Blended

**Great King Street Artist's Edition**. One of my favourites, a quality gift for someone who likes whisky. Easy to drink, and with a scandalously cheap price. For UK residents, here is a link where you can find whisky at a good price.

**To buy** If you have check-in luggage, I recommend **[Royal Mile Whiskies](https://www.royalmilewhiskies.com/)** (379 High Street Edinburgh EH1 1PW, opposite St. Giles Church, [maps](https://www.google.com/maps/place/Royal+Mile+Whiskies/@55.9497157,-3.193923,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m5!3m4!1s0x4887c79aad37fbcb:0x25b6f3ddbcfc4f8e!8m2!3d55.9497157!4d-3.1917343)). Best prices in Edinburgh. If you can't take it with you, the Duty free at the airport also offers a wide range of whiskies.

![Royal Mile Whisky.jpg](/uploads/Royal_Mile_Whisky_05656ec782.jpg)

Another shop I recommend is **[Cadenhead's Whisky Shop](https://www.cadenhead.scot/)** (172 Canongate, Edinburgh EH8 8DF [maps](https://www.google.com/maps/place/Cadenhead's+Whisky+Shop/@55.9511587,-3.1825471,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m5!3m4!1s0x4887c7887b21b6c9:0xc231ba8da2628e06!8m2!3d55.9511587!4d-3.1803584)), "**Scotland's oldest independent bottler**" is over a century old and experienced in selling "the water of life". They buy casks from distilleries which they bottle themselves, so you will find unique whiskies at a very reasonable price.

![Cadenheads.jpg](/uploads/Cadenheads_123a8af381.jpg)

I think that with this small article (and I say small because **the world of whisky** is much more extensive) you are now ready to survive in the pubs of **Edinburgh, Stirling** or any other city in Scotland. Cheers! or as they would say in **Scotland** "Slainte mhath" (slan-ye-var).


whisky.jpeg

Whisky, Liquid Gold


**The Isle of Skye can be found in Scotland's northwest coast**, and it is the largest island comprising the archipelago of the Inner Hebrides. With barely ten thousand inhabitants, it is one of the most visited spots in the country for very good reason.

The history of Skye straddles the Medieval kingdom of Dalriada and the Viking raids which took over it, integrating it into a warmongering culture halfway between the Celtic and the Norse: **The Lordship of the Isles, whose main representatives in Skye were the MacDonald and MacLeod clans**. 

![Skye-1.jpg](/uploads/Skye_1_fdd50adb0b.jpg)

Some tourist attractions in Skye include the **impressive geological formations** in the Trotternish peninsula, the **mountainous landscapes of the Cuillin Hills, the cliffs at Neist Point, Dunvegan Castle, and, of course, its picturesque capital, Portree.**

## How to reach the Isle of Skye
------------------------------

Skye's transportation choices are fundamentally three: **by car, by bus or train and, indeed, by ferry**. The **easiest way to reach Skye is by car**, through Skye Bridge and the A87 road. You can reach Portree in around five hours from Glasgow or Edinburgh.

One of **the most scenic (but longer) ways to reach Skye is a combination of a train** ride up to Mallaig and, from there, taking a **ferry to Armadale**, in the south of the island...over the sea to Skye!

Should you prefer it, **you can also take a train to Kyle of Lochals**, and the entrance to the island, **and then cross the bridge by bus**. You can also reach Skye via bus run by Citylink from Glasgow or Inverness.

![Skye-Bridge.jpg](/uploads/Skye_Bridge_9e0bb11e35.jpg)

## What to see in the Isle of Skye
-------------------------------

### Old Man of Storr

The Trotternish peninsula is the greatest natural feature in the Isle of Skye and, amidst its locations, **the Old Man of Storr stands out**, an enormous stone pinnacle looming high above Staffin Bay. The hiking trail to the Storr and back takes two hours and has a four-hundred-meter slope. **The views from up high are breathtaking**. Go early because the parking lot fills up in the blink of an eye!

Other interesting locations in Trotternish include the Kilt Rock waterfall, its landscape. The Quiraing, the Duntulm lookout, Fairy Glen and the [Museum of Island Life](http://www.skyemuseum.co.uk/), where you will be able to visit the burial place of hero Flora MacDonald.

![The-Storr.jpg](/uploads/The_Storr_f75fa18bb7.jpg)

### Fairy Pools

T**he Fairy Pools are a series of lovely natural springs in Skye, on the foothills of the Cuillins**. The Fairy Pools hiking trail meanders through the Glen Brittle creek amongst waterfalls, spellbinding landscapes and pools which, on sunny days, glisten with turquoise hues. The walk there and back takes less than an hour but, should you crave more, you can extend it and take the two-hour circular trail to the foot of the mountains. Make sure to have proper footwear and a raincoat!

![Fairy-Pools.jpg](/uploads/Fairy_Pools_643a6bf591.jpg)

### Dunvegan Castle

**Dunvegan Castle is the most visited monument in Skye**. Located in the northwest of the island, Dunvegan's history is intertwined with its dwellers, the rulers of the MacLeod clan. Even though the original building dates from the 1200s, very little remains of it, since it was almost completely rebuilt during the mid-1800s.

Besides a visit to the indoors of the castle, its grounds and the boat trip to get to know the local seal community are well worth it. Dunvegan Castle is open every day from April to October, from 10:00 to 17:00. Check out further information [here, on the castle's website](https://www.dunvegancastle.com/visitor-information/)!

![Castillo-de-Dunvegan.jpg](/uploads/Castillo_de_Dunvegan_a577cc1a72.jpg)

### Neist Point

The Neist Point cliffs are one of **the most beautiful and unspoiled spots in the Isle of Skye**. The road leading up to them is a poorly maintained single track, so be extra cautious during your drive.

Once there, the views on Neist Point from the parking lot will baffle you. If you wish to reach the lighthouse or the main ravine, you only have to walk down the stairs and follow the marked trail. **It is a wonder to watch the sun set there on clear days!**

![Skye-1.jpg](/uploads/Skye_1_fdd50adb0b.jpg)

### Portree

**Portree is Skye's tiny capital**, and, despite its size, it teems with life and bustle, especially during summertime. In this village you will find souvenir stores, a supermarket, delightful cafés such as the Birch Café and Café Arriba, pubs like The Isles and plentiful lodging options. Don't miss out on the harbor promenade and the views of its colorful houses across it!

Some of the best restaurants in Portree include the Scorrybreac, Sea Breezes or Caberfeidh Restaurant. Should you prefer some pizza to take away, the ones at Pizza in the Skye are mouthwatering.

![Portree-Isle-of-Skye.jpg](/uploads/Portree_Isle_of_Skye_8b054151f6.jpg)

## Activities in the Isle of Skye
------------------------------

-   **Hiking and nature**

Enjoying hiking in Skye, as well as its wildlife and greenery, is as simple as strolling around any spot on the island. Everywhere you look there will be astonishing landscapes, mist-capped mountains, cliffs, waterfalls and millions of sheep. **The best locations to go on a hiking trail are**, nevertheless, **the Cuillin Hills**, in the south of the island, and the geological landscape of **The Quiraing in the north**.

-   **Cultural and foodie visits**

Even though the greatest appeal of the island is its nature, Skye is by no means without cultural and foodie allure. **If you are a whisky buff**, under no circumstances should you miss out on a visit to [Talisker](https://www.malts.com/en-row/distilleries/talisker) distillery and, if you are a gastronomy connoisseur, drop by high-cuisine **restaurants such as Skye Monkstadt 1745, The Three Chimneys, Loch Bay or vegetarian Chidakasha Skye**.

## Tips to visit the Isle of Skye
------------------------------

-   Best season to visit

The best season to visit Skye is **between April and September**, when light hours are longer and the weather in the island is milder. Still, try to avoid the high season in Skye during the months of July and August, since it gets crowded and accommodation prices go through the roof. **May, June or September are your best picks!**

-   Accommodation recommendations 

Accommodation in Skye is often a reason for concern, given how the choices are not extensive, run out easily and may be pricey if not planned carefully. Here are some suggestions of hotels, B&Bs and hostels on the island. Book your accommodation in Skye as early as possible!

* [Scorrybreac B&B](https://www.booking.com/hotel/gb/scorrybreac-b-amp-b.en.html?aid=1433459&no_rooms=1&group_adults=2) -- a lovely, traditional B&B in the village of Broadford.

* [Cuillin Hills Hotel](https://www.booking.com/hotel/gb/cuillin-hills.en.html?aid=1433459&no_rooms=1&group_adults=2) -- one of the classiest hotels in Portree.

* [House of Juniper](https://www.booking.com/hotel/gb/spa-classic-room-mckinlay.en.html?aid=1433459&no_rooms=1&group_adults=2) -- a luxurious hotel placed in Broadford.

* [Portree Youth Hostel](https://www.booking.com/hotel/gb/portree-youth-hostel-syha-hostelling-scotland.en.html?aid=1433459&no_rooms=1&group_adults=2) -- a hostel in downtown Portree.

Should you prefer to stay in a camping site, take a look at **Camping Skye, as well as Skye Pods in Broadford and Grebrittle Campsite** in the south of the island.

How long does it take to visit the Isle of Skye? 
-------------------------------------------------

Concerning how many days in Skye are enough to explore the island, there is no easy answer. However, **one thing is certain for sure: the longer you stay, the better, since the isle offers activities and beauty galore**. 
Here follows some suggested routes in Skye!

If you are only spending a **single day** in the island, focus on its capital, Portree, and the Trotternish peninsula: it's the most accessible area and it has the highest number of trails and activities. 

Should you be staying for **two days**, add a visit to Dunvegan Castle and an evening at the Neist Point cliffs. 

And should you be lucky enough to stay for longer, make sure to explore the Fairy Pools, Glen Brittle, Sligachan, Elgol, Loch Coruisk, Saint Columba's riverside graveyard, Armadale Castle or Coral Beach.

Be that as it may, and wherever you go, you will be smitten by Skye!

![The-Fairy-Glen.jpg](/uploads/The_Fairy_Glen_3963eb5269.jpg)

## Frequently Asked Questions
--------------------------

-   Do I need a car to explore the Isle of Skye? 

Even though it is not a must to have a car in Skye, it is the best way to explore the island, since public transport in Skye does not reach some of its landmarks.

-   Which are the best spots for taking pictures?

Shooting pictures in Skye is one of the best reasons to visit the island. Some of the best photographic spots in Skye include Neist Point, The Quiraing, The Old Man of Storr, the Cuillin Ridge or the colorful houses in Portree.

-   What to do in Skye on a rainy day? 

Should rain take you by surprise in Skye (which is highly likely) you can visit locations such as Talisker distillery, the Museum of Island Life or the dinosaur displays at Staffin.

Skye-2.jpg

The Isle of Skye: Complete Guide

Inverness, the **capital city of Scotland’s Highlands**, is one of the most visited cities in the country. With fifty thousand inhabitants, it is a popular hub for lodging, cuisine, and departing guided tours for travelers visiting the Highlands. Tourism in Inverness is not without allure, since it boasts monuments, museums, traditional stores and walks which deserve spending a full day of your trip.

Stay tuned and read this complete Inverness guide!

## History and culture of Inverness

The history of Inverness **dives deep into Scottish Prehistoric times**, given how its location **was already inhabited during the Late Mesolithic period (approx. 6500 BC)**. Inverness would remain continuously inhabited throughout Protohistory to become one of the capitals of the Picts. **Famous Saint Columba would attend its site during the 500s in a bid to convert local settlers to Christianity**, a visit of which Medieval sources are kept and archaeological remnants deem it, at the very least, as feasible.

**Upon the advent of the Middle Ages, Inverness would find itself in a strategic position**, being a hotspot for conflict and rivalry both between clans and also between Scottish noblemen and kings. **During this era, the city suffered plenty of raids from the Kingdom of the Isles and the MacDonalds, their ruling warlords.**

Already in the **Modern Era**, Inverness **would play a vital role during the Jacobite uprisings taking place during the late 1600s and the early 1700s**, particularly during the latest one, the well-known uprising of 1745 which **ended with the tragic defeat of the Battle of Culloden in the outskirts of the city.**

![inverness siglo XVIII.jpg](/uploads/inverness_siglo_XVIII_9564d80ed1.jpg)

Present-day Inverness is a small, pleasant town where traditional Scottish culture, music and cuisine can be enjoyed.

## What to see in Inverness

Here follows a breakdown featuring what to see in Inverness and the main landmarks in this city.

### Downtown Inverness

Downtown Inverness revolves around Academy Street, Church Street and riverside Bank Street. Across the river, King Street and the Ness Walk complete the layout of the old town. The visitor will find most of the lodging and restaurants here, as well as all kinds of stores and eventful landmarks.

### Inverness Castle
Present-day Inverness Castle dates back to 1836, and it was built upon the site of several Medieval fortresses, the last of which already laid in ruins during the middle 1600s. The 19th-century castle would serve as a prison and courthouse up until 2020.

Nowadays, the building is under restoration and [it is expected to be fully open for visitors by 2025](https://invernesscastle.scot/), including the brand-new lookout. Nevertheless, visitors can walk up to the entrance to take in the views and the statue of Jacobite hero Flora MacDonald.

![Castillo-de-Inverness--2.jpg](/uploads/Castillo_de_Inverness_2_de1c1d3e07.jpg)

### Inverness Museum and Art Gallery
The [Inverness Museum and Art Gallery](https://www.highlifehighland.com/inverness-museum-and-art-gallery/) is an ideal place to learn about the bountiful history, heritage and culture of the city. Its exhibitions feature geology, natural history, Pictish archaeology, ancient weapons and old Jacobite souvenirs, as well as temporary displays of local art.

Inverness Museum is open from April to November, from Tuesday to Saturday, and there is **no admission fee**.

### Victorian Market
Should you be looking for a shopping spot in Inverness, you can’t miss out on its [Victorian Market](https://thevictorianmarket.co.uk/). Placed in the city’s heart, these 1890 arcades host over thirty local stores of all sorts, such as jewelry and fashion shops, gifts, dime stores, bakeries and restaurants. It is open every day!

### Inverness Cathedral
[Inverness Cathedral](https://invernesscathedral.org/), also known as Saint Andrew’s, built in Neo Gothic style, stands across the banks of river Ness and dates back to 1860, being the seat of the Episcopalian Church in the bishopric of Moray, Ross and Caithness. It is open every day during spring and summertime, and it can be visited free of charge.

![Inverness-Cathedral,-dedicated-to-St-Andrew-Inverness.jpg](/uploads/Inverness_Cathedral_dedicated_to_St_Andrew_Inverness_034fb359ea.jpg)

### Old High Church
The Old High Church, of Presbyterian faith, is the oldest church in Inverness since, even though its main building dates from the 1700s, the base of its tower was built in the 1300s. Its graveyard witnessed the harrowing executions of Jacobite soldiers following their defeat at the Battle of Culloden in 1746, and remnants of this event can still be found in the southeastern area of the cemetery.

## Trips from Inverness
Here follows some interesting trips from Inverness, such as Loch Ness, Culloden Battlefield or Chanonry Point!

### Trip to Loch Ness
Should you be interested in visiting Loch Ness from Inverness, it can be very easily reached by bus in just over half an hour. Once there, besides trying to get a glimpse of Nessie in its dark waters, don’t miss out on a visit to the ruins of Urquhart Castle. You can also reach Fort Augustus by bus and admire the loch from there.

![Lago-Ness-Inverness.jpg](/uploads/Lago_Ness_Inverness_3c06c2f582.jpg)

### Culloden Battlefield

In just a twenty-minute bus ride from Inverness, you can visit Culloden Battlefield, an invaluable piece of Scotland’s history.
Both in the battlefield itself, which is admission-free to visit, and in its [visitor center](https://www.nts.org.uk/visit/places/culloden), you will be able to discover all details about the battle which took place there in 1746, the last one to be fought in British territory. Do not miss out on a walk to the memorial honoring fallen Jacobites and admire the cairns marking the clans’ mass graves.

![invernes-culloden-escocia.jpg](/uploads/invernes_culloden_escocia_db191e542f.jpg)

### Clava Cairns and dolphin sighting at Chanonry Point

Lastly, we propose two different trips in the outskirts of Inverness!

Firstly, the Clava Cairns Megalithic burials, free to visit with no admission fee, where you will behold four-thousand-year-old, Bronze-Age graves.

Finally, if you are a wildlife buff, make sure to go dolphin sighting at Chanonry Point. If the tides are rising when you arrive there, you will be able to spot several families of local dolphins on the hunt.

## Activities and experiences in Inverness
Should you crave even more to do in Inverness, stay tuned and discover a charming bookstore and an incredible pub where you will enjoy your nighttime in the capital of the Highlands.

- Leaky’s Bookstore
Under no circumstances should you miss out on a visit to Leaky’s Bookstore in Inverness. It is **a second-hand bookstore lodged in an old church**. It is a delight to wander its aisles and rooms on the lookout for bibliographic bargains!

- Hootananny Pub
Hootanany Pub is **the perfect place to enjoy live music in Inverness**. It is open every day, serving suppers in a traditional backdrop and offering live concerts featuring the best Scottish folk artists. Book a table on their website if you don’t want to miss all the fun!

## Useful tips for tourists in Inverness
### Where to stay in Inverness
There are different lodging options in Inverness according to your personal tastes and needs. Here follows a choice of some recommended B&Bs and hotels in Inverness close to the city center, plus another exceptional one in the outskirts.

- [Ardentorrie Guest House](https://www.booking.com/hotel/gb/ardentorrie-house.en.html?aid=1433459&no_rooms=1&group_adults=2&room1=A%2CA) – a traditional lodge in front of Inverness Castle.
- [Hootananny](https://www.booking.com/hotel/gb/hootananny.en.html?aid=1433459&no_rooms=1&group_adults=2&room1=A%2CA) – a lovely hotel above the famous pub featuring traditional Scottish music.
- [Bunchrew House Hotel](https://www.booking.com/hotel/gb/bunchrew-house.en.html?aid=1433459&no_rooms=1&group_adults=2&room1=A%2CA) – a historical manor from the 1600s in the outskirts of Inverness.

### Where to eat in Inverness
There are countless pub and restaurant choices to enjoy the best food in Inverness. Take a look at these four options!
- River House – the seafood mecca in Inverness, try its oysters and mussels!
- Rocpool Restaurant – gourmet avant-garde food in an exclusive location.
- Fig & Thistle – a restaurant featuring Scottish and International cuisine with delicious salmon dishes.
- The Mustard Seed – traditional Scottish cuisine in an old church by the river.

### Moving around in Inverness
Getting to **Inverness from Edinburgh or Glasgow will take you about three hours**, and your best picks are direct bus lines run by Megabus and Citylink, or ScotRail trains. Once in the capital of the Highlands, you will have no trouble finding your way around the city center on foot. Should you want to reach further places such as Culloden or Loch Ness, there are regular buses which will take you there easily.

## Frequently Asked Questions about Inverness
- **How many days do I need to visit Inverness?**
You can visit Inverness in a single day, but if you have a great interest in the city and its surroundings as a visitor, it is best to spend two days to get to know it better. You can find so many ideas in this travel guide!
- **What to do in a single day in Inverness?**
If you are spending a single day in Inverness, you can stroll the center and the banks of river Ness, admire the castle lookout, discover its museum and snoop around traditional stores.
- **How can I reach Inverness from Edinburgh or Glasgow?**
You can comfortably reach Inverness from Edinburgh or Glasgow by train with Scotrail. You can also opt for the bus, which will take you around three hours.
- **Which is the best season to visit Inverness?**
The best season to visit Inverness is between the months of April and September, when light hours are longer, and the monuments are open. Avoid August because of the crowds.
- **Is Inverness a pedestrian-friendly city?**
Inverness is a very pedestrian-friendly city. All promenades, monuments, and stores are within a twenty-minute walk.



>Visiting **Inverness is a must in Scotland**, especially if you are going to **explore the Highlands**, or if you are interested in the fascinating **history of the Jacobites**.

Hurry up and discover the pretty capital of the Highlands!


inverness-1.jpg

Inverness: A Full Guide to Your Visit

**Holyrood Palace or Holyroodhouse** is the imposing official residence of the British Crown in Scotland. Placed at the end of the Royal Mile in Edinburgh, **it has hosted kings and queens since the 1500s** and it is one of the most interesting sites to be visited in town.

If you are intrigued by the history of Holyrood Palace and how to visit it, stay tuned and read this complete guide. Should you want even more, feel free to [join one of our free tours](https://scotlandcitytours.com/tours-edinburgh) and we will tell you everything about Edinburgh!

![palacio de Holyrood 6.jpg](/uploads/palacio_de_Holyrood_6_296c25c643.jpg)

## History of Holyrood Palace

The history of Holyrood Palace goes deep into the ruins of the namesake adjoining abbey **founded in 1128** as an Augustinian house by command of the Scottish king David I. Owing to its location close to Edinburgh Castle, Holyrood Abbey soon became a hub of enormous administrative importance **where the Parliament met and even the Treaty of Edinburgh-Northampton was signed in 1328, thus officially recognizing Scotland’s independence.**

**The building works** of Holyrood Palace would get underway **between 1501 and 1505** with the construction of a Gothic palace beside the abbey by command of James IV. **During the Renaissance, the palace would expand its premises and grounds and it would host countless feasts and jaw-dropping jousts.**

Holyrood Palace would thereupon be **the preferred residence of Scotland’s queens and kings** who would choose it instead of the old Edinburgh Castle. Behind its modern luxurious walls, **monarchs such as James V, Mary Stuart, and James VI would dwell and rule**. After the latter moved to London following **the Union of the Crowns in 1603, Holyrood Palace would be stripped of its status** as a permanent residence for the Crown and it would also lose most of its importance.

**Having been ravaged by Oliver Cromwell’s army, Holyrood Palace would be rebuilt by King Charles II**, but the 1707 Acts of Union between England and Scotland would usher its final fall into oblivion. **Not until 1822 under the reign of George IV would its premises again host the visit of a British king**. This and other subsequent rulers would luckily arrange for its repair and preservation, and today visitors can enjoy an indoor visit to many of its historical rooms.

![palacio de Holyrood 5 en 1789.jpg](/uploads/palacio_de_Holyrood_5_en_1789_aff7570153.jpg)

## Forefront historical figures

Many of the most relevant historical figures who have dropped by Holyrood Palace are Scottish kings and queens such as the famous **Mary Stuart, George IV, or Elisabeth II herself, as well as her son, incumbent king Charles III**.

The building has also lodged other personalities within its walls **including Bonnie Prince Charlie, the “young pretender”** who established an alternative royal court in the palace during the Jacobite uprising of 1745.

Some characters in recent history have also stayed in Holyrood Palace featuring **Mikhail Gorbachev, Vladimir Putin, Nelson Mandela, Justin Trudeau, or Pope Benedict XVI**.

![palacio de Holyrood 4 David Rizzio.jpg](/uploads/palacio_de_Holyrood_4_David_Rizzio_eedae2a0bf.jpg)

## Palace Architecture and Design

Holyrood Palace architecture as we see it today (with the exception of one of its towers which is older) is the work of architect **Sir William Bruce who rebuilt the Renaissance landmark by command of Charles II between 1671 and 1678**.

The palace design, **in Neoclassical style**, revolves around a square cloister-inspired three-storied yard, also featuring an attic and a main entrance framed by huge **Doric columns.**

The indoors of Holyrood Palace are distributed in two hundred and eighty-nine rooms, of which seventeen are open to the public. The private chambers of the incumbent royals are located on the second floor and they are off-limits.

## Gardens and grounds

The Holyrood Palace **grounds straddle around four hectares within the extensive nature area that is Holyrood Park**. In them, many places of interest can be found such as the so-called “bathing house” of Mary Queen of Scots, a sundial from the 1600s, and an ornate 1800s fountain based upon the design of its Renaissance-era predecessor which is located in Linlithgow Palace. The grounds of Holyrood Palace are highly interesting and boast lovely views, do not miss out on them!

![palacio de Holyrood 8.jpg](/uploads/palacio_de_Holyrood_8_64e07bc0dc.jpg)

## What to see in Holyrood Palace

You have all necessary information to plan your visit to Holyrood Palace [here at the official website](https://www.royal.uk/royal-residences-palace-holyroodhouse). The monument opens its doors to tourists all year round, but please bear in mind that you may find it closed to the public should the king stay there, so please check your dates on the website beforehand.

### Royal abodes and stately furniture

**The royal abodes are the most attractive area in Holyrood Palace**. Therein you will be able to discover not only the breathtaking chambers where kings throughout the last two hundred years have carried out their receptions and feasts but also the genuine rooms where queen Mary Stuart lived, including furniture from her times and the place where her secretary David Rizzio was murdered.

![palacio de Holyrood 4 David Rizzio.jpg](/uploads/palacio_de_Holyrood_4_David_Rizzio_eedae2a0bf.jpg)

### The Great Gallery and Royal Portraits

In the Great Gallery, **the largest chamber in Holyrood Palace**, you will be able to admire almost one hundred portraits of Scottish rulers spanning throughout all history. A most curious place!

### Holyrood Abbey

The ruins of Holyrood Abbey pose the oldest, most romantic element in Holyrood Palace. 

Make sure to explore them and admire their imposing Gothic architecture!

![palacio de Holyrood 3.jpg](/uploads/palacio_de_Holyrood_3_709a103c81.jpg)

### Events and Exhibitions

Besides permanent collections, **you can also enjoy events and exhibitions in Holyrood Palace**. [Here at the website](https://www.rct.uk/whatson), you can see what will be available during your trip dates.

Coming up in summer 2024 you will be able to enjoy private or themed tours with a guide, conferences, workshops for all ages, and photography and pictorial exhibitions.

## Holyrood Palace and the Royal Family

**Holyrood Palace is still an official residence of the British Royal Family**. As the royal residence in Scotland, not only it has occasionally hosted British kings and queens themselves, but it has also been **the stage of some of the most important royal events throughout the last few decades, such as the funeral for queen Elisabeth II in Scotland**.

## Useful information for your visit

### Opening hours and admission fees

The opening hours at Holyrood Palace range from 09:30 to 18:00 during high season and until 16:30 in winter. **The admission fee for an adult is £20** as long as it is booked online beforehand since purchasing it at the box office would cost you £22. This includes audio guides in different languages.

### How to go and location

If you are wondering how to go to Holyrood Palace, **it is as simple as reaching the end of the Royal Mile**, the main hub in Edinburgh’s Old Town. There is no missing the location of Holyrood Palace!

## Frequently Asked Questions

- **What is Holyrood Palace and where can it be found?**  
Holyrood Palace is located at the end of the Royal Mile in Edinburgh in the Old Town.

- **What is the history of Holyrood Palace?**  
The history of Holyrood Palace goes deep into the ruins of the neighboring Augustinian abbey from the 1100s. The building of the palace would get underway later in the early 1500s.

- **Which important historical figures have lived in Holyrood Palace?**  
Some of the historical figures in Holyrood Palace include King James V, Mary Queen of Scots, and her son James VI, and the Jacobite contender to the throne Bonnie Prince Charlie.

- **What is Holyrood Palace architecture and design like?**  
The original architecture of Holyrood Palace dates back to the Renaissance era, but it was largely redesigned in Neoclassical style during the late 1600s.

- **What is there to see and do in Holyrood Palace?**  
The best features of Holyrood Palace include its royal abodes, the Great Gallery, and the abbey ruins.

- **Is Holyrood Palace still used by Britain’s royal family?**  
Indeed, the current use of Holyrood Palace includes the occasional presence of British royals within its premises, signaled by the hoisting of the Royal Banner.

- **How long does it take to visit Holyrood Palace?**  
The duration of a visit to Holyrood Palace is around two hours.

- **Can you take pictures indoors in the Palace?**  
No pictures can be taken inside Holyrood Palace, only in its grounds and in the abbey ruins.


palacio de Holyrood 2.jpg

Holyrood Palace in Edinburgh

**Glasgow Necropolis** is one of the main landmarks in the city’s history, and **a visit that no traveler should miss out on**.
**Celebrities**, **Victorian architecture**, **history-packed mausoleums**, and **breathtaking views upon Saint Mungo’s Cathedral and the Merchant City**…all of this and even more awaits you in this iconic Glasgow location!

**Glasgow Necropolis** is a sprawling Victorian cemetery located on a hill east of the city center, beside **St. Mungo’s Gothic cathedral**. It hosts a whopping **three thousand and five hundred mausoleums**, with **approximately fifty thousand people buried** therein even though, of course, not all of them have their own gravestone. It is one of the **finest historical landmarks in Glasgow**, and a **must-visit to understand the past of this cosmopolitan city**, built from the ground up by middle and well-off classes devoted to overseas trade and shipyards.

![Necrópolis Glasgow 7.jpg](/uploads/Necropolis_Glasgow_7_44ae72522d.jpg)

## Glasgow Necropolis background

**After the Enlightenment**, and especially during the early 1800s, there was a growing urge, both for the sake of hygiene and because of urban planning, to shift the location of downtown burial grounds and their surrounding churchyards towards the outskirts of cities.

The city of Glasgow would be one of the **first in the entire United Kingdom to take action** about this. Thus, following the due legislative overhaul (burials had pertained exclusively to the Church hitherto), the **new Glasgow cemetery opened its doors in April 1883**, beside a Jewish graveyard which had been inaugurated on the hillside a few months earlier.

The history of Glasgow Necropolis, which was soon referred to as the **“City of the Dead”**, would straddle throughout all the 1800s and well into the 1900s, sheltering the bodies of **dozens of thousands of citizens**, dotting the hill with **elegant sculptures and funerary monuments** which can still be visited to this day.

In 1996, the **Chamber of Commerce gifted the Necropolis to the city of Glasgow** for the enjoyment of all its citizens and visitors.

![Necrópolis Glasgow 6.jpg](/uploads/Necropolis_Glasgow_6_687c012097.jpg)

## Architecture and remarkable sculptures

By and large, **Glasgow architecture stands out for its Victorian buildings dating from the 1800s**, a century of financial buoyancy, and its Necropolis is no exception. Some of the best designers and architects of that era contributed to creating its **elegant mausoleums** and the bridge leading to the entrance, known as the **“Bridge of Sighs”** (therefore inspired by its namesake in Venice) since it was used by funeral processions to enter the Necropolis.

As for the **most remarkable monuments in Glasgow Necropolis**, the **statue of Protestant reformer John Knox**, dating back to 1825, is worth mentioning (it thus precedes the graveyard itself), as well as the **memorial to William Miller**, a renowned Scottish poet who penned the nursery rhyme “Wee Willie Winkie”.

The **Celtic cross-shaped gravestone devised by Charles Rennie Mackintosh** for Andrew McCall is also worth mentioning (it is rather difficult to find, but definitely worth the effort). You will find it at the foot of the southern hillside in the cemetery!

![Necrópolis Glasgow 9.jpg](/uploads/Necropolis_Glasgow_9_ba6debda42.jpg)

## Celebrities buried in the Necropolis

As underlined before, some of the **most relevant historical characters in Glasgow** are buried beneath its Necropolis. Such is the case of:

- **Charles Tennant**, a Scottish entrepreneur who became conspicuous for commercializing powdered bleach, founding a veritable empire in the local chemical industry. His **funeral sculpture**, in a nonchalant, unusual pose upon his gravestone, is amongst the most unique in the graveyard.
- **William McGavin**, an unfortunate entrepreneur and controversial preacher who still boasts a humongous monument to honor him in the Necropolis.
- **Hugh Tennent**, who in 1885, launched the production of the universally famous Scottish beer Tennent’s at Wellpark Brewery, with his gravestone facing its headquarters from the southern hillside of the Necropolis.


![Necrópolis Glasgow 1.jpg](/uploads/Necropolis_Glasgow_1_130c23ae4c.jpg)


## Cultural importance of Glasgow Necropolis

The Necropolis is one more **testament to the enormous cultural importance that the city of Glasgow attained throughout the 1800s and the early 1900s**. As stressed at the beginning of this article, this graveyard, inspired by the avant-garde Pére Lachaise cemetery in Paris, was **the first of its kind in Scotland, and a pioneer in the United Kingdom**. It serves as further proof of the power and relevance held by the bourgeois and the trading elite of a city which was regarded as the second most important hub in the British Empire!

It is also important to underscore that this Necropolis was one of the few at the time which made the effort to **keep a register of the deceased buried within its grounds**, not only including their names and date of death, but also the cause of their passing and their profession. A real gem for historical archiving!

Besides, the Necropolis is a **fine showcase of Scotland’s heritage** both culturally and also architecturally, since some of the best sculptors, architects, and designers at that time partook in its construction and evolution, featuring **Alexander “Greek” Thomson**, **J. T. Rochead**, and the aforementioned **Charles Rennie Mackintosh**.

![Necrópolis Glasgow 3.jpg](/uploads/Necropolis_Glasgow_3_a67647c850.jpg)

## Visits and guided tours

It is possible and highly advisable to visit Glasgow Necropolis, both on your own or with a **guided tour hosted by the Friends of Glasgow Necropolis association**. You can check further information on their official website and make your bookings there (try to do so as early as possible, since the vacancies fly!). Should you prefer to stroll through the graveyard on your own, but you still want to know all about it, the association also has **printed guides** at your disposal to make the most of your visit.

If you are also interested in getting to know the **history, architecture, and unique street and urban art** in the rest of this fascinating city, join one of our Glasgow free tours for further enjoyment!

## Conclusion

To conclude, **under no circumstances should you miss out on a visit to the Necropolis if you are in town**, since it is one of the **most famous and visited landmarks in Glasgow** and, besides that, you could also explore the neighboring St. Mungo’s cathedral and the rest of the Merchant City.

We hope that you find this guide to Glasgow and its Necropolis useful, and you come visit it very soon!


Necrópolis Glasgow 7.jpg

Glasgow Necropolis: A Journey Through History and Art

A wonderful and different way to **explore Scotland is to rent an RV or camper** and embark on an adventure: you will have the freedom to stop wherever and whenever you please, and you will be able to **spend the night in natural sites of stunning beauty**.

Stay tuned if you are interested in this original way to discover Scotland, because we are going to give you all the tips and information that you need to do so!

Traveling by RV can be a most satisfactory experience as long as a series of musts are borne in mind, all stops are carefully planned and the needs and regulations pertaining to this kind of vehicle are known.

In the following article, we will present to you a **complete travel guide to explore Scotland by RV or camper**.

## Differences between a camper and a RV (motorhome)

The main difference between an RV and a camper is **the very structure of the vehicle**: whereas an **RV or motorhome** consists of a module structure **laid upon the frame of a van or a small lorry**, a **camper is simply a refurbished van in order to make it inhabitable**.

In a similar vein, **another difference is the size**, since **campers are usually smaller than RVs**: while the former can only host up to two or three people, the latter has room for up to six or seven travelers. 

One more difference resides in **fuel consumption**, which is higher in RVs and motorhomes and, obviously, **also the price**, as campers are always cheaper.

![camper 3.jpg](/uploads/camper_3_270cdbb790.jpg)

## Pros and cons of choosing an RV or a camper

Once we have taken notice of the differences between both types of vehicles, you may be wondering which one is more convenient for you. **The truth is that there is no easy answer, as it depends on your personal preferences and your trip goals**.

The **advantages of an RV are related to the comfort of staying and sleeping in them**, since they are usually furnished with a toilet, a shower, and proper beds so, should you be aiming for a longer stay and not so much traveling, that would be your best pick.

On the contrary, **the benefits of a camper are its greater room for maneuver and its versatility when choosing a place to stay the night**, since you can pull over in many other spots. Because of this, if you wish to go on a more dynamic road trip, a camper would be your best option.

![camper 2.jpg](/uploads/camper_2_2bcd2e5532.jpg)

## Planning your Scotland trip by RV

In order to plan your RV trip successfully, **a series of special needs concerning this kind of vehicle must be borne in mind,** as well as your own trip goals.

Firstly, it is necessary to determine during **which season of the year you wish to undertake your route**. I, for one, **suggest that you do it between March and October**, considering that Scottish winters can be rather harsh for nomadic life and, furthermore, sunlight hours are much longer in spring and summer, plus the weather should (hopefully) be better.

Secondly, **you should look for camper-friendly routes** (you can find some suggestions later in this article) and, especially, an adequate camping selection. Even though you can spend the night in your camper or RV in many nature sites, you will still need the amenities and commodities of a camping site every now and then. 

You can find plenty of them on the Park4Night app!

### Essentials to bring with you

The best advice we can give you as far as essentials go when traveling an RV or camper route is to carefully curate a checklist with every idea that crosses your mind. In this way, you will be ready when the time comes!

**Do not forget personal care essentials such as grooming items, comfortable clothing and footwear, bed sheets or sleeping bags, and insect repellent** (a must if you wish to travel Scotland in summertime). 

Finally, double check alongside your camper or RV rental company if you must book any special items beforehand, or even bring them yourself, **including shoehorns, curtains, parasols, awnings, auxiliary batteries, starting clamps, picnic chairs and tables, etc.**

### Safety and maintenance tips

It is very important to acknowledge a few safety and maintenance particularities regarding RVs and campers for your trip to be successful.

Besides standard vehicle maintenance, featuring engine and oil checks, or checking tire pressure, you should keep in mind that an RV has different kinds of water whose containers must be emptied regularly. 

1. **Greywater** comes from sink and shower faucets and its container can be emptied on any grid connecting directly with a draining system, such as sewers. 
2. **Wastewater** comes from the vehicle’s WC and its container can only be emptied on particularly adapted locations for that purpose, which can usually be found in camping sites and petrol stations.

As for the rest of it, always observe **some basic safety measures such as ensuring that the vehicle is locked before going out or going to sleep**, or making sure that you won’t bother locals in the place where you have decided to stop (remember not to do so in passing places or next to private residences).

## How to save and budget your trip

In order to calculate the budget for a camper trip, **it is paramount to know when you want to do it, how many days you are willing to spend, and which places you seek to explore**. In this way, you will be able to ponder the different offers that rental companies feature online, since prices vary depending on the month of the year, and to assess **how much fuel expenses will cost depending on how long you will drive**. You should also decide on **how many nights you wish to spend “in the wilderness”**, and how many will you park in a camping site.

So as to save on your RV trips, it is best to **buy your groceries in local supermarkets**. Since you will have a kitchen and a fridge at your disposal, **you should make the most of it and, additionally, thus try the local cuisine without splurging a fortune in restaurants!**

![camper-scotland-1-1.jpg](/uploads/camper_scotland_1_1_b126418bbe.jpg)

## Unique experiences and recommended destinations in Scotland

Some of the best destinations to travel by RV in Scotland include areas such as **the jaw-dropping Isle of Skye**, the heart of **the Highlands from Glencoe to Loch Ness and Inverness, the woods of Perthshire, the romantic Borders, the Kingdom of Fife, the Moray Coast or Route NC500.**


>My last camper trip was precisely along the famous Route NC500, and I cannot overstate how recommendable it is for a road trip of this kind. The Northwest landscapes are breathtaking, and you will be able to stop by some of the finest beaches in the country, such as Gairloch and Achmelvich, as well as visit remote charming villages like Ullapool, and discover mind-blowing sites such as Smoo Cave. **Nothing beats sleeping beside a summery turquoise sea**, or at the foot of some of Scotland’s oldest mountains, what a unique camper experience!

![camper 1.jpg](/uploads/camper_1_bba066fa07.jpg)

## Conclusion

To bring this matter to a close, being myself a camper and RV adventure lover, **I wholeheartedly recommend this experience**. Even though Scotland is not as well-equipped as other European countries for this kind of overnight stay, it is very easy to find unspoiled spots to drop by and enjoy nature, peace, and the landscape.

Don’t forget to prepare carefully, to check all of your doubts with your rental company, to keep our tips in this RV trip guide in mind and…**just take the leap already and enjoy a unique travel experience!**

![camper-scotland-2-1.jpg](/uploads/camper_scotland_2_1_9b19f80ee4.jpg)

camper-4-1.jpg

How to travel Scotland by RV or camper: An adventurer’s guide

St. Giles’ Cathedral, also **known as Edinburgh’s High Kirk or Church**, is one of the most remarkable **landmarks in the Royal Mile**, a jaw-dropping Gothic temple of great historical importance and, of course, **a must-visit if you’re in town**. 

This article tells about its history and architecture, which events you can enjoy within its premises and how to visit it!

![st giles antigua portada románica.jpg](/uploads/st_giles_antigua_portada_romanica_f2357e8e6e.jpg)

## St. Giles’ Cathedral history
The foundation of **St. Giles’ Cathedral dates back to 1124** when, by command of David I, it was erected in its location as a church devoted to this Medieval saint, **patron of lepers**, and thereupon bestowed upon the Order of Saint Lazarus of Jerusalem for its care. Later on, at some point during the 1300s, the original Romanesque building was replaced by the Gothic church that we know today, and its use was returned to the Crown of Scotland.  

The temple experienced **truly distressful times during the Middle Ages**, being damaged by a fire **caused by Richard II of England in 1385**. In some parts of the current cathedral, a witness to Scotland’s history, **the scars of the fire can still be seen**.

Finally, St. Giles’ church **was engulfed by the Protestant Reformation**. In summer **1559**, following violent religious bickering, **John Knox**, leader of the Reformation in Scotland, **was appointed as St. Giles’ minister and stripped the temple of all its Catholic imagery**. The church was deprived of its furniture and whitewashed walls, painted in green and engraved with the Ten Commandments and the Lord’s Prayer. **Similarly, some of its areas were secularized, serving as Tolbooth and a prison**, even keeping the Scottish Maiden (a guillotine of sorts) within the temple.

**It would be as late as 1633**, during the reign of Charles I, when **St. Giles’ church was turned into a cathedral to serve as the seat of the new Edinburgh bishopric**, in accordance with the traditions of England’s Anglican Church. Just four years later, an uprising triggered by parishioner Jenny Geddes would lead to the return of St. Giles’ to the presbyterian faith in 1638.

The cathedral would continue to undergo overhauls and changes until, in 1822, with the visit of king **George IV** to Edinburgh, its restoration and refurbishment was agreed on, **which would save the monument from disrepair and impending collapse**, alongside the subsequent reformation of 1872.

![st giles 5.jpg](/uploads/st_giles_5_f3ce655b0d.jpg)

## Monumental Gothic Architecture
St. Giles’ cathedral **is renowned for boasting elegant**, Gothic architecture **which originally comprised a five-nave temple** with vaulted ceilings, a great tower and many external chapels which gave it a cluttered look, with a much more convoluted layout than was usual in Scottish Gothic. The building **was refurbished and simplified several times** throughout the 1800s **to make it more stable**.

As for the rest of it, **the stunning stained glass in St. Giles’ cathedral dates back to the 1800s and 1900s**, since **the original works were most likely destroyed during the advent of the Reformation in the 1500s**.

|     |      |
|----|----|
|![st giles 2.jpg](/uploads/st_giles_2_9e1c895551.jpg)|![st giles 1.jpg](/uploads/st_giles_1_6836f127b7.jpg)|


## Inside Edinburgh cathedral

The inside of present-day **St. Giles’ cathedral is divided into three naves with ribbed vaulting, plus the adjoining naves of Preston and Moray, and the famous Thistle Chapel**. Besides the contemporary stained glass, some other noteworthy features include the pulpit from the 1800s and almost one hundred memorials dotting its walls, such as the one for regent Moray, or those devoted to Jenny Geddes, Robert Louis Stevenson, Sophia Jex-Blake and the fallen in both World Wars.

### John Knox’s statue

In one of the naves in St. Giles’ cathedral, **a bronze statue devoted to John Knox**, father of the Protestant Reformation in Scotland, and a character deeply intertwined with the temple, can be found. **It dates back to 1906** and stands as a reminder of the importance of this controversial preacher, both for the presbyterian faith and also for the country’s history.

|     |      |
|----|----|
|![St Giles Preston aisle.jpg](/uploads/St_Giles_Preston_aisle_e1fc207b78.jpg)|![st giles 4.jpg](/uploads/st_giles_4_0df79ba47f.jpg)|

### Thistle Chapel

The **Thistle Chapel is a 1909 addition to the cathedral**. It **was designed in Neo Gothic style by architect Robert Lorimer** alongside a team of Art Nouveau artists including the brilliant Phoebe Anna Traquair. The chapel **serves as an annual meeting point for the members of the Order of the Thistle**, a chivalric order founded in 1687 by king James VII of Scotland, and II of England.

![St Giles Capilla del Cardo.jpg](/uploads/St_Giles_Capilla_del_Cardo_0e26af3137.jpg)

## Religious and cultural importance of the cathedral

St. Giles’ cathedral was always a hub for urban life, both as a place of worship in Edinburgh and as a cultural symbol for Scotland.

As a matter of fact, following the tragic defeat at the Battle of Flodden in 1513, all women in the city gathered in the temple to pray for the fallen, among whom was James IV, king of Scotland. It also became a meeting place for citizens when they decided to surrender Edinburgh to the Jacobite army of Bonnie Prince Charlie in 1745. 

It was, likewise, a place of ceremony, mourning and people’s gathering after the passing of Queen Elizabeth II in September 2022. Her mortuary chapel remained in the cathedral for 24 hours, and she was mourned by her offspring during the Vigil of the Princes.

![st giles en 1647.jpg](/uploads/st_giles_en_1647_c932303864.jpg)


## Visiting Edinburgh Cathedral

In order to visit St. Giles’ cathedral on your own, you just need to head towards the Royal Mile and enter the building, **as there is no need to book your entrance**. The **visit is free of charge**, although a **£6 donation is suggested**.

The temple **is open every day from 10:00 to 18:00, except on Sunday, when the opening time spans from 13:00 to 17:00**. You may join a guided cathedral tour, which you should indeed book beforehand if you are interested in taking it.

You can find further information on this and other topics [at the official website.](https://www.stgilescathedral.org.uk/visitor-information). 

Should you also be looking for a top-notch Edinburgh tourist guide, you can join [our free tours and guided visits](https://scotlandcitytours.com/tours-edinburgh). In that way, you will be able to discover other landmarks in Edinburgh and unravel the city’s secrets!

![st giles 3.jpg](/uploads/st_giles_3_2acebdfba8.jpg)

## Events and activities at St. Giles’ cathedral

A series of events are regularly carried out at St. Giles’ cathedral, such as **spellbinding Candlelight concerts** or **live classical music in the evenings**, taking place all year round after closing hours. Do not miss out on them! 

Should you also seek church services in Edinburgh, the cathedral offers two Protestant services every Sunday, plus an additional service on weekdays.

To bring matters to a close, **if you visit Edinburgh, you can’t miss out on a visit to St. Giles’ cathedral**, since it is one of the finest examples of Scotland’s stunning heritage, and it is centrally located in the Royal Mile!

## Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

This section serves the purpose of answering the most common questions about the cathedral.

- **Any special or remarkable events at the Cathedral?**
The best events include classical music concerts in the evenings and Candlelight Concerts.
- **Which is the best month or season to visit Edinburgh Cathedral?**
Any time is good to visit St. Giles’ cathedral, since it is open all year round.
- **Are there any restrictions or specific suggestions to visit St. Giles’ cathedral (e.g. dress codes, taking pictures, etc.)?**
There is no dress code in place to visit the cathedral. If you wish to take any pictures inside, you will have to pay a £2 permit first.
- **Admission fee**
Admission to St. Giles’ cathedral in Edinburgh is free of charge, but a £6 donation is suggested.

st giles 3.jpg

St. Giles Cathedral in Edinburgh: History, Architecture, and Events.

# Easter in Scotland:

**Easter festivities in Scotland** are fully packed with days off, getaways, egg hunts, bunnies galore and specific dishes for the occasion, such as **lamb roast, simnel cake or hot cross buns**.

Even though Easter is a Christian festivity celebrating the resurrection of Christ and the end of Lent, both the term itself (**which may stem from the goddess of spring and fertility called Eostre**) and its traditions in Scotland are teeming with ancestral Pagan elements, this being a very common synergy in Scottish culture.

Stay here to know **what to do and where to stay in Scotland during Easter**!

## Recommended activities and events:

One of the most usual activities to do if you spend your Easter holidays in Scotland, besides visiting its capital, is going on **trips from Edinburgh**.

You may choose a one-day getaway or a longer trip to locations as popular as **Loch Ness, the Highlands and Inverness** (its capital), Urquhart Castle, Loch Lomond, historical Stirling, Glasgow and its wondrous cultural offer, or even the mysterious, picture-perfect Rosslyn Chapel.

Should you prefer to stay in Edinburgh, nothing beats a guided, free tour to discover places such as the Old Town, [the Royal Mile](https://scotlandcitytours.com/tours-edinburgh/edinburgh-free-tour) and the [castle](https://scotlandcitytours.com/tours-edinburgh/guided-tour-edinburgh-castle), or traditions like [local ghost stories and mysteries](https://scotlandcitytours.com/tours-edinburgh/edinburgh-ghost-tour). 

These Easter tours are a perfect choice to discover Scotland!

## Useful tips for Easter visitors::

### Weather and clothes

Although the weather in Edinburgh during Easter time is no longer as harsh as in the depth of winter, you should be prepared for Scotland’s unpredictable, swiftly changeable climate. 

Your ideal Easter outfit in this country **must always include a warm, waterproof raincoat and enough clothing options to dress by layers** and, therefore, be ready if it gets colder, warmer or windier. You can expect **temperatures ranging from 2ºC to 13ºC** (mid 30s to mid 50s ºF) and some occasional rainfall! 


### Lodging

**The best hack** to bear in mind regarding lodging in Edinburgh during Easter is to **book as soon as possible**, since the demand for these dates is sky-high and, in this way, **you may find more affordable options closer to the city center**.

Another fine choice, especially for groups, is to **book an apartment**, of which the capital boasts an outstanding selection. It’s the perfect way to save a little by using the kitchen to cook!

If you need some **suggestions to find a place to stay in Edinburgh**, here follows some excellent, **reasonably priced options**:

- [Moxy Edinburgh Fountainbridge](https://www.booking.com/hotel/gb/moxy-edinburgh-fountainbridge.en.html?aid=1433459&no_rooms=1&group_adults=2&room1=A%2CA) (Fountainbridge)
- [Motel One Edinburgh Princes St](https://www.booking.com/hotel/gb/motel-one-edinburgh-princes.en.html?aid=1433459&no_rooms=1&group_adults=2&room1=A%2CA) (New Town)

- [Leonardo Royal Hotel Edinburgh](https://www.booking.com/hotel/gb/leonardo-royal-hotel-edinburg.en.html?aid=1433459&no_rooms=1&group_adults=2&room1=A%2CA) (Old Town)

- [The Castle View Residence](https://www.booking.com/hotel/gb/the-castle-view-residence.en.html?aid=1433459&no_rooms=1&group_adults=2&room1=A%2CA) (apartamento con cocina) 

### Cuisine

Traditional Scottish Easter dishes feature **lamb roast**, which is usually eaten on Easter Sunday and, of course, several sweets: **simnel cake**, a spiced fruit cake covered with marzipan (the original recipe includes eleven pieces of marzipan standing for all the Apostles, minus Judas), **the widespread hot cross buns** (raisin or currant-filled buns decorated with a cross), and **chocolate eggs**.

![Simnel Cake Easter.jpg](/uploads/Simnel_Cake_Easter_b12c508b35.jpg)

![Hot cross buns Easter.jpg](/uploads/Hot_cross_buns_Easter_f21ba8b1d6.jpg)

As regards where to eat during Easter, these are some wonderful options:

**The Sheep Heid Inn** – besides being a charming, quaint pub and restaurant on the **hillside of Arthur’s Seat**, a great traditional roast is served during Easter.

**Miller & Carter** – this restaurant, featuring locations both in Edinburgh and Glasgow, also serves typical Easter dishes during these festivities.
![miller-and-carter-wollaton.jpg](/uploads/miller_and_carter_wollaton_05f29683f4.jpg)

### Transport

You won’t find any hurdles to make your way through the center of Scotland’s capital city, given that both the Old and the New Town are highly walkable.

Should you wish to visit any landmarks in other areas of the city or its outskirts, you will see that transport in Edinburgh is very well-organized, with buses and a tram that will take you to the main attractions. 

You can purchase a [Day Ticket at Lothian Buses](https://www.lothianbuses.com/fares-and-tickets/) (on-site or at the app) to save some money if you are going to have a particularly busy day.

If you want **to visit nearby towns and cities, the train is your best choice**, connecting you with destinations like Stirling, Glasgow, Aberdeen, or even Inverness.

### Budget and saving

The best thing that you can do to streamline your Scottish Easter budget, besides choosing an apartment where you can cook as your lodging option, is to purchase an [Explorer Pass](https://www.historicenvironment.scot/visit-a-place/explorer-passes/#section-1) card to save up when visiting Historic Scotland monuments such as Edinburgh, Stirling and Urquhart Castle, among many other landmarks.

You can also use commission-free and cash cards such as Revolut to pay for your purchases and expenses in town, thus avoiding currency exchanges or coping with the extra cost of paying with a different-currency card.

Although it may seem difficult to save up in Edinburgh due its high prices, these hacks will make it easier!

### Health and Safety

It is always wise to hire travel insurance for a getaway of this kind but, at any rate, you must bear in mind that your medical assistance in Scotland is ensured as long as you are a **European Health Insurance Card holder**.

## Unique Easter traditions in Edinburgh:

Edinburgh Easter features unique traditions that you shouldn’t miss out on, should you visit the city, such as the fun **Easter Egg Rolling** that is celebrated every year in **Arthur’s Seat on Easter Sunday**. Other **family-friendly events** regarding egg hunting include the **Eggsplorer Trail** taking place at **Craigmillar Castle**, and the **Egg Trail** at **Newhailes House**.

![Edinburgh_Arthur_Seat.jpg](/uploads/Edinburgh_Arthur_Seat_321fd74ed0.jpg)

## Concerts and festivals:

If you’re looking for kid-friendly activities with science content, you can’t miss the **Eggstravaganza** at Dynamic Earth, nor the Edinburgh Science Festival taking place in the city **throughout Easter**.

As for musical events, under no condition should you miss any of the concerts taking place in St. Giles’ Cathedral, like Brahms’ Requiem, which is to be played on Palm Sunday.

Easter Eggs.jpg

Guide to Easter 2024 in Edinburgh: Events and tips

Charles Rennie Mackintosh is one of the forefront figures in the history of Scottish architecture and design. Not only his work proved fundamental to the development of the renowned Glasgow Style, but it also influenced European artistic movements as important as Symbolism and Modernism, leading British Art Nouveau alongside his wife, Margaret MacDonald.

![Charles Rennie Mackintosh 1.jpg](/uploads/Charles_Rennie_Mackintosh_1_37d07a3bc1.jpg)

## Biografía temprana

Son of Margaret MacIntosh (maiden name Rennie) and William MacIntosh, a local police superintendent, Charles Rennie Mackintosh **was born in Glasgow on June 7, 1868**, within an extensive family. His early education took place in public schools and institutions in the city. At some point during his youth, without knowing exactly why, **the spelling of his surname changed from MacIntosh to Mackintosh**.

**In 1884**, Charles **started working as an architect’s apprentice, and thus began his higher education at the Glasgow School of Art**, where he always stood out among his peers. Only six years later, he was already an associate of one the best architecture bureaus in the city, the same one where he had carried out his design and delineation internship.

His inspiration would always be rooted in Glasgow itself, as the city where he spent most of his life, and where he would become infused with Modernist and industrial ideas, as well as a new Asian style called Japonisme, since Japan held a close relation with the Clyde dockyards at the time. **Mackintosh loved the simplicity, pragmatism and use of natural materials** that such style boasted, being so **similar to Modernism** regarding its purity of lines and rejection of the pompous and the intricate.

![Charles Rennie Mackintosh 3.jpg](/uploads/Charles_Rennie_Mackintosh_3_4514bdf8a3.jpg)

## Glasgow Style

**As a combination of Japonisme, Modernism, Art Nouveau, and the influence that his vibrant hometown always exerted on him**, Charles Rennie Mackintosh gave birth to a new, original form of architecture and design: **the Glasgow Style**. Marked by its strong, **right angles and a liking for floral motifs**, Mackintosh would stand by it throughout his entire career.

But **no genius works alone**, and Charles was fortunate enough to closely surround himself with other brilliant personalities from contemporary arts and architecture. **Such is the case of Herbert MacNair, a peer from the Glasgow School of Art** and his subsequent internships, and an **inseparable friend of Mackintosh’s**. Both were fatefully introduced by the art school **dean to the sisters Margaret and Frances Macdonald**, whose artistic styles were strikingly similar to theirs, therefore, not only **they got married**, but they also collaborated throughout their whole lives by means of a **well-known group called The Four**. 

![Charles Rennie Mackintosh 6 rosa.jpg](/uploads/Charles_Rennie_Mackintosh_6_rosa_0edd8af83d.jpg)

## Main works by Mackintosh

Charles Rennie Mackintosh’s designs were highly popular in Scotland and, to a certain extent, also abroad in the early 1900s, at the height of his career.

Some of his main architectural works include:
- **the new Glasgow School of Art (1897-1909)**, which cemented his reputation internationally, and which sadly caught fire several times.
- **The Willow Tearooms (1903)**, an elegant tearoom that Mackintosh designed for the reputable entrepreneur Catherine Cranston. 
- The offices for the Glasgow Herald (1895), known nowadays as **The Lighthouse**.
- and **Hill House (1902-1904)**, which he erected for Scottish publisher Walter Blackie.

In almost all of his projects, **the creative mastermind in charge of the wondrous decoration would be his wife, Margaret MacDonald,** as both gave birth to designs as well-liked as the so-called “Mackintosh Rose”.  
    
    
![Charles Rennie Mackintosh 4 Hill House.jpg](/uploads/Charles_Rennie_Mackintosh_4_Hill_House_6cf326ed46.jpg)

## Personal life of Charles Rennie Mackintosh

As mentioned before, Charles Rennie Mackintosh **married a brilliant artist called Margaret Macdonald in 1900**. **The Mackintosh couple** would be one of the greatest, **most successful art tandems of their generation**, as both influenced each other’s styles, and their projects became their legacy and offspring. Charles himself would claim that his wife’s work always comprised three quarters of his architectural projects, and that he only had a dash of talent, but Margaret was a genius.

Even though the works of Margaret MacDonald were at that time, alongside her sister Frances’, as famous as her husband’s, nowadays she has somewhat fallen into worldwide anonymity, and only Art Nouveau and Scottish painting connoisseurs know and appreciate paintings as wonderful as **The May Queen or White Rose and Red Rose**.

![Margaret MacDonald.jpg](/uploads/Margaret_Mac_Donald_ea8c6b0ba1.jpg)

## Legacy and recognition

The legacy of Mackintosh and his colleagues exerted a far-reaching influence on Europe’s contemporary, Modernist architecture, and it poses one of the most relevant examples of Scottish architecture and design in history. His fame would grow ever larger after his passing in 1928, and **it experienced a remarkable revival in the 1990**s.  

Indeed, between November 1996 and February 1997, the **New York Metropolitan Museum of Art devoted a monographic exhibition to him**, accompanied by a series of symposiums and conferences convened by Scottish scholars such as Pamela Robertson. 

**Mackintosh’s face has also appeared on Scottish £100 notes**, and it has also been **immortalized in a dazzling piece of urban art in Glasgow by graffiti artist Rogue One**. If you wish to discover this painting and more incredible urban art, as well as some jaw-dropping Mackintosh buildings in the city, join one of our [Glasgow free tours!](https://scotlandcitytours.com/tours-glasgow/glasgow-free-tour)

If you are also going to visit Edinburgh, you should know that a branch of **The Willow Tearooms inspired by Mackintosh's architecture and design has recently opened its doors**. Stop by to have something and then take a walk with our free tours through the capital of Scotland!
    
![Charles Rennie Mackintosh 2.jpg](/uploads/Charles_Rennie_Mackintosh_2_87a292d691.jpg)

## Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

* Who was Charles Rennie Mackintosh and why is he important?

Mackintosh was one of the most remarkable architects and designers in Scottish history, and one of the leaders of British Art Nouveau.

* Which are some of Mackintosh’s most famous works?

His most renowned works include the Glasgow School of Art, The Willow Tearooms, The Lighthouse and Hill House.

* How did Mackintosh’s style influence modern design?

Mackintosh designs influenced artistic trends such as Modernism and Symbolism, infusing modern architecture with his elegant, straight lines.

* Did Mackintosh take part in any notable collaborations throughout his career?

During his career, Mackintosh always collaborated with his wife, Margaret MacDonald, and frequently, with his sister-in-law Frances and her husband, Herbert MacNair, in a group known as The Four. 

* Where can I see Mackintosh’s works in the present?

Some buildings designed by Mackintosh can currently be visited in Glasgow and its surroundings, such as The Lighthouse, The Willow Tearooms, Hill House or the posthumous House for an Art Lover. 



Charles Rennie Mackintosh 1.jpg

Charles Rennie Mackintosh: The architect who revolutionised Art Nouveau



Glasgow Cathedral, also **known as St. Mungo’s Cathedral**, is one of the most unique and important monuments in Scotland. Not only is it the oldest building in the entire city, but it is also **the most ancient cathedral in mainland Scotland**, and the only one, alongside St. Magnus Cathedral in Kirkwall, in the Orkneys, **whose ceilings are originally Medieval**.
All of this makes Glasgow Cathedral **the most representative Gothic building** in Scotland, as well as one the most beautiful and interesting landmarks to visit in the entire country!

![Catedral de Glasgow 4.jpg](/uploads/Catedral_de_Glasgow_4_613729cf0b.jpg)

## History of Glasgow Cathedral

The history of Glasgow Cathedral dates back to **the first centuries of Christianity in Scotland**, when St. Mungo (also called St. Kentigern), patron and founder of the city, **carried the first sacred relics in the 500s**, building a hermitage and a church where he would be buried upon his passing, in the early 600s.

This early, modest foundation would **become an important pilgrimage site throughout the Middle Ages** and would give rise, in the 1100s, to the construction of Glasgow’s imposing cathedral right above St. Mungo’s burial place. Even though this **first cathedral was consecrated in 1136**, it had to be **rebuilt and consecrated once again in 1197**, after it was ravaged by a harrowing fire.

Glasgow Cathedral grew steadily throughout the following centuries under the oversight of different bishops, who also had to manage the restorations that the building occasionally required. One of them, William Turnbull, would also be the founder of the renowned Glasgow University in 1451, as its first lectures took place in the cathedral’s chapter house. 

**With the advent of the Protestant Reformation in the 1500s, Glasgow Cathedral was stripped of all its Catholic symbology**, as well as its sculptures, altars, and adjoining buildings. Luckily enough, **the main venue was adapted and remained operational for the new faith**, this being the reason why it has reached present day in an admirable state of preservation, since **the new Protestant ministers protected it against vandalism during the earlier years of the Reformation**, and also from falling into disrepair as time went by.

![Catedral de Glasgow 1.jpg](/uploads/Catedral_de_Glasgow_1_84014ed209.jpg)

## Monumental architecture

As we mentioned before, the **Gothic architecture of Glasgow Cathedral** is among the most beautiful and complex in all landmarks of this kind in Scotland.

Most of the building dates from the 1100s and 1200s, displaying some remarkable Gothic features such as rows of pointed arches, slender tracery windows and three domed corridors surrounding the presbyterium and the choir. The 1400s would witness further additions as stunning as the stone-carved pulpit and the imposing Blackadder corridor (named after the bishop who commissioned it), and, during the 1500s, the installation of delicate Flemish stained glass in the rose window.

**Speaking of stained glass**, it is also worth mentioning that some of its unique pieces were placed in the cathedral windows as late as the 1950s, including some notable examples such as **The Creation** or **The Evangelists**, by Francis Spear, or another one by Sadie McLellan depicting **Christ**.

![Catedral de Glasgow 2.jpg](/uploads/Catedral_de_Glasgow_2_03680a3bd2.jpg)

## Religious and cultural relevance of St. Mungo’s Cathedral

The first genuine remnant of the construction of Glasgow Cathedral in **this site lies within the crypt of the Lower Church**, where St. Mungo’s grave, patron of the city and noteworthy missionary during the expansion of Christianity in 500s Scotland, can be found. It is a holy place for Christians which has drawn pilgrims since the Middle Ages, and it can still be visited today alongside the rest of the building.

Therefore, St. Mungo’s cathedral not only encompasses several centuries of city history and Scottish Gothic architecture, but also a feeling of belonging to the Christian community whose spiritual services, Catholic at first, and then Protestant, have been administered since its foundation.

![Catedral de Glasgow 6.jpg](/uploads/Catedral_de_Glasgow_6_34f1d15a7b.jpg)

## Visiting Glasgow Cathedral

**How to get there:**

- If you are spending a few days in Glasgow, you may visit its cathedral easily, since it can be reached in just a 15-minute stroll from the city center. 
- Should you be in Edinburgh, you just need to board one of the countless trains departing from Waverley Station, joining both cities in just under an hour.

You can even take this chance to get to know the rest of elegant, history-rich Glasgow with one of our [free tours] (https://scotlandcitytours.com/tours-glasgow/glasgow-free-tour)! 

**Schedule:**
Glasgow Cathedral is **open from 09:30 to 17:30** (on Sundays it opens at 13:00) from April to September, **and from 10:00 to 16:00** (starting at 13:00 on Sundays) between October and March. You might find that the monument **is closed from 12:00 to 13:00 due to staff breaks**.

**Price:**

Admission to the Cathedral **is completely free of charge**, although donations are welcome. Audio-guides are available for just £2.

Find further information here, at [the official website](https://www.historicenvironment.scot/visit-a-place/places/glasgow-cathedral/overview/)

## Fun facts about St. Mungo’s Cathedral

Glasgow Cathedral is home to many secrets and fun facts which are worth mentioning.

1. Even though it is a Christian place of worship, violence was rampant in the Middle Ages and there were different moral standards; owing to this, **the head of Somerled**, Lord of the Isles, half Norse and half Gaelic, who perished in the Battle of Renfrew (1164) attempting to invade Scotland, **was kept for a long time within the cathedral as an offering to St. Mungo**, to whom the citizens ascribed their victory. 
2. The Wars of Scottish Independence also brought about some curious facts, such as **Edward I of England visiting the Cathedral in 1301 to pay his respects to St. Mungo**, or also **Robert the Bruce in 1306, seeking the protection of the Bishop of Glasgow**, his friend Robert Wishart, after he murdered John Comyn, who contested his claim to the throne of Scotland.
3. Leaving trivia aside, Glasgow Cathedral might also strike visitors as familiar due to its plentiful appearances in cinema, since it was used as a filming location for movies such as **The Batman** (2022) or **Outlaw King** (2018), as well as series as popular as **Outlander**.

![Catedral de Glasgow 3.jpg](/uploads/Catedral_de_Glasgow_3_c40b33f9c1.jpg)

## Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

- **Is Glasgow Cathedral an actual cathedral?**
_Even though it has not served as the seat of a bishop since 1690, it is still referred to as a cathedral due to its historical and architectural importance._

- **What makes Glasgow Cathedral unique compared to other Scottish cathedrals?**
_It is the only Medieval cathedral in mainland Scotland to survive Scottish Reformation almost unscathed, which makes it a living testament of the country’s history._

- **Which are its most remarkable architectural features?**
_The cathedral is renowned for its spire, an addition from the 1800s, as well as its stained glass and the fact that it has been a coveted filming location for several Hollywood films._

- **When is the best time to visit Glasgow Cathedral?**
_The Cathedral is open to the public all year round, with specific opening times from April to September, and October to March._

- **Is there an admission fee?**
_Admission to the cathedral is free of charge, which makes it accessible to all visitors._


Catedral de Glasgow 4.jpg

Glasgow Cathedral: Everything you should know, and then a bit more

Valentine’s Day is marked **every February 14**, an originally **Catholic festivity** that commemorates the good deeds performed by this saint in 3rd-century Rome, thus replacing pagan Lupercalia. Even though many of the legends and traditions surrounding Saint Valentine, as well as his relation with romantic love, were created much later, it’s still a thoroughly charming date for couples wishing to indulge in a romantic getaway.  
**Valentine’s Day in Edinburgh is ideal to celebrate this date!**

## Why Edinburgh for Valentine’s?

To celebrate **Valentine’s Day in Edinburgh is one of the most romantic ideas** you can surprise your partner with for a variety of reasons: the Old Town’s ancient and mysterious vibe, the picture-perfect wintry light in the city, the abounding restaurants and charming pubs in the centre and **the ideal cultural activities for couples**, among many other things.
**Few romantic plans in Edinburgh** beat a wintry walk through the Royal Mile, Grassmarket Square or the Water of Leith, finishing with a pint in a warm, cosy pub and a **candlelit dinner** in a New Town restaurant.

## Romantic accommodation in Edinburgh

Edinburgh features plenty of **ideal romantic lodges for a Valentine’s getaway**. Some of the best ones include the following:

### The Witchery by the Castle  -> [Book now](https://www.booking.com/hotel/gb/the-witchery-by-the-castle.en.html?aid=1433459&no_rooms=1&group_adults=2&room1=A%2CA)

If money is not a problem, this gothic and luxurious hotel placed in the Royal Mile, right beside the castle, is your best chance. There are only nine suites, so book in advance!

[![The-Witchery-by-the-Castle-habitacion.jpg](/uploads/The_Witchery_by_the_Castle_habitacion_e66d3371e4.jpg)](https://www.booking.com/hotel/gb/the-witchery-by-the-castle.en.html?aid=1433459&no_rooms=1&group_adults=2&room1=A%2CA)


### The Balmoral Hotel -> [Book Here](https://www.booking.com/hotel/gb/the-balmoral-edinburgh.en.html?aid=1433459&no_rooms=1&group_adults=2&room1=A%2CA)

An all-time classic of romantic lodging in Edinburgh, you can’t go wrong with this!

[![Balmoral.jpg](/uploads/Balmoral_e48844fdea.jpg)](https://www.booking.com/hotel/gb/the-balmoral-edinburgh.en.html?aid=1433459&no_rooms=1&group_adults=2&room1=A%2CA)

### Prestonfield House  -> [See more](https://www.booking.com/hotel/gb/prestonfield-house.en.html?aid=1433459&no_rooms=1&group_adults=2&room1=A%2CA)

Placed beside Arthur’s Seat, this 1600s hotel has the most amazingly romantic and dazzling atmosphere in this selection. Peacocks, dreamy views, and candlelit dinners, what else could you wish for?

[![Prestonfield-House.jpg](/uploads/Prestonfield_House_da94e16d46.jpg)](https://www.booking.com/hotel/gb/prestonfield-house.en.html?aid=1433459&no_rooms=1&group_adults=2&room1=A%2CA)


## Foodie experiences for lovers

Although you can enjoy the best romantic supper in Edinburgh in any of the previously mentioned lodges and their corresponding restaurants, here are a few alternative options to **surprise your partner for Valentine’s** with a **brilliant foodie experience**:

- **The Kitchin**: this excellent, **Michelin-star restaurant** only uses exclusive local products and features several menu choices depending on your budget. It is considered as **one of the five best restaurants across the United Kingdom**!

![the-kitchin.jpg](/uploads/the_kitchin_d1f9596e58.jpg)

- **Fishers in the City**: this is **one of the most famous seafood restaurants in Edinburgh**, and for good reason. You can pick between their venues in the New Town, Leith or even The Shore, their avantgarde cuisine eatery. It’s a safe choice!

![fisher-in-the-city.jpg](/uploads/fisher_in_the_city_228b0a7151.jpg)

- **Origano Café & Pizzeria**: should you prefer a less costly experience with a humble and intimate charm, there’s no going wrong with this pizzeria in Leith. Candlelit pizza and wine, the best romantic supper!

![Origano-cafe-and-pizza.jpg](/uploads/Origano_cafe_and_pizza_402718e888.jpg)

## Romantic walks through Edinburgh

One of the** best romantic plans to do in Edinburgh** for Valentine’s is to **stroll some of its historic streets and avenues, or also its parks and green areas.**

If you are a history and architecture buff, nothing beats a lengthy walk through the best of the Old Town, Medieval Edinburgh’s beating heart: take your partner on a trip across its streets, discover its closes, take a break in its cute cafés, buy some gifts in its shops, or visit the castle. **Watching the sun set upon the old town** from the window of a quaint, traditional pub is an ideal way to wrap up your day.

![edimburgo-4.jpg](/uploads/edimburgo_4_4410dccf10.jpg)

The same applies to the elegant **New Town**, where you can **stroll Princes St. and its jaw-dropping gardens**, or walk down to adorable **Dean Village**, a village frozen in time in the midst of the city, from which you can enter the lovely waterway of Water of Leith. A dusk at the monumental **Calton Hill is the perfect finishing touch to your Valentine’s Day in Edinburgh**!

![calton-hill-san-valentin-scotland.jpg](/uploads/calton_hill_san_valentin_scotland_51343f2dcc.jpg)

If it’s your first time in the city, there’s nothing better than joining a [free tour to explore both areas and master all of their secrets](https://scotlandcitytours.com/tours-edinburgh/edinburgh-free-tour). 

## Cultural activities for couples

As for couple experiences in Edinburgh, one of the best cultural choices is to **visit some museums or art galleries**. Most of them have **free admission**, and there’s plenty of them catering for all tastes. Don’t leave them as a last-ditch option for a rainy day, you will love perusing them!

**You mustn’t miss a visit to the National Museum of Scotland**, which deserves a whole day on its own just to wander its premises, packed with natural and historical trivia. If your partner is an art buff, you have got to take them to emblematic landmarks such as the National Gallery or the Portrait Museum.

Finally, it is paramount to book your tickets to some of the **Candlelights Concerts** taking place at **St. Giles’ or St. Mary’s cathedrals**. I can’t think of anything more romantic to celebrate Valentine’s Day in Edinburgh! **On February 14, two of these concerts will be held: **Moonlight Sonata, featuring classical music at St. Giles’, and a Tribute to Queen for rockers at St. Mary’s. **

![candlelight-edinburgh-concert.jpg](/uploads/candlelight_edinburgh_concert_b1a6362234.jpg)

## Romantic getaways near Edinburgh

If you have a couple of extra days, you may wish to complete your Edinburgh Valentine’s with a memorable getaway around its surroundings. We suggest you choose a nearby place in order to fully enjoy your experience without transport being a problem.

You can pick destinations as incredible as **Stirling**, teeming with history and charm throughout its **beautiful castle and old town**. Or [Glasgow](https://scotlandcitytours.com/tours-glasgow), featuring **refined museum** and **elegant architecture**. **Dunfermline**, with its mind-blowing abbey and church, and **the romantic Pittencrieff Park**. Or also **South Queensferry**, a lovely seafaring town **with a view on the Forth Bridge**. 

You can reach any of these places on your own, by train or, should you pick Stirling or Glasgow, also with our [walking tours](https://scotlandcitytours.com/)! 

## Tips to prepare your perfect Valentine’s in Edinburgh


My first tip to plan a proper Valentine’s in Edinburgh is to **book** your flight, accommodation, restaurants, tours, and activities **as early as possible**. Even though February is off-season, this city, with its lovely wintry atmosphere, is perfect for a romantic trip and you will find a laidback feeling, but it is not off the beaten path.
So, wait no longer, **pick a beautiful lodging, a couple of nice restaurants, and some tours, walks and concerts, and give your partner the surprise of their lifetime with a magical Valentine’s in Edinburgh! **



calton-hill-san-valentin-scotland.jpg

Valentine’s Day in Edinburgh: a guide to an unforgettable romantic celebration

Robert Burns, also known as **Rabbie Burns or The Ayrshire Bard**, is probably the most famous and influential poet in all Scottish history. Scottish culture, as well as some of its traditions, are tinged with the spirit and works of this brilliant author. **Pioneer of Romanticism**, **defender of the Scots language** and an advocate of Liberalism and even early-stage Socialism, Robert Burns is a fundamental character to understand Scotland.

![Robert Burns 3 retrato de Alexander_Nasmyth.jpg](/uploads/Robert_Burns_3_retrato_de_Alexander_Nasmyth_6559c6d26a.jpg)

## Robert Burns’ early life: birth and education
Robert Burns **was born in the village of Alloway**, in the outskirts of Ayr, southwest Scotland, **on January 25th, 1759**. He was the eldest of seven siblings in a family of farmers, hence his childhood was beset with hardships and strenuous work, which would eventually take a toll on his fragile health. Educated by his own father and a young local teacher, his talent seemed to be doomed to never flourish when, in 1779, at the age of twenty, **he founded Tarbolton’s Bachelor’s Club** alongside his brother Gilbert, **a place of meeting, debate and leisure**.

A few years later, encouraged by his friends, Roberts Burns took his first steps in his career as a poet while he kept working in his family farm and engaged in sultry affairs with several local ladies. Finally, in 1788, he married Jean Armour, the “Belle of Mauchline”, with whom **he had nine children** (which didn’t stop him from having **three more with other women**).

After a convoluted, tragically brief life filled with strain, hardships, struggling, romance, poetry and politics, **Robert Burns passed away on July 21st, 1796** at the age of thirty-seven, most likely owing to an aggravated rheumatic cardiopathy.

![Robert Burns 2 cottage Alloway.jpg](/uploads/Robert_Burns_2_cottage_Alloway_737f88b6ba.jpg)

## Robert Burns’ main works
Robert Burns graced Scottish poetry with works as relevant as the romantic “Ae fond kiss”, devoted to his beloved Clarinda, or “A red, red rose”, inspired by folk rhyme that he heard a townswoman sing; the delightful ode **“To a mouse”**; the fantastic and folklore-packed poem **“Tam O’Shanter”**; and, of course, the song which made him literally worldwide famous, **“Auld Lang Syne”**, an ode to nostalgia and friendship which is usually sang as a group during New Year’s Eve, arms intertwined.

**To a Mouse - BY ROBERT BURNS**
_On Turning her up in her Nest, with the Plough, November 1785._

Wee, sleeket, cowran, tim’rous beastie,
O, what a panic’s in thy breastie!
Thou need na start awa sae hasty,
          Wi’ bickerin brattle!
I wad be laith to rin an’ chase thee
          Wi’ murd’ring pattle!

I’m truly sorry Man’s dominion
Has broken Nature’s social union,
An’ justifies that ill opinion,
          Which makes thee startle,
At me, thy poor, earth-born companion,
          An’ fellow-mortal!

I doubt na, whyles, but thou may thieve;
What then? poor beastie, thou maun live!
A daimen-icker in a thrave
          ’S a sma’ request:
I’ll get a blessin wi’ the lave,
          An’ never miss ’t!

Thy wee-bit housie, too, in ruin!
It’s silly wa’s the win’s are strewin!
An’ naething, now, to big a new ane,
          O’ foggage green!
An’ bleak December’s winds ensuin,
          Baith snell an’ keen!

Thou saw the fields laid bare an’ waste,
An’ weary Winter comin fast,
An’ cozie here, beneath the blast,
          Thou thought to dwell,
Till crash! the cruel coulter past
          Out thro’ thy cell.

That wee-bit heap o’ leaves an’ stibble
Has cost thee monie a weary nibble!
Now thou’s turn’d out, for a’ thy trouble,
          But house or hald,
To thole the Winter’s sleety dribble,
          An’ cranreuch cauld!

But Mousie, thou art no thy-lane,
In proving foresight may be vain:
The best laid schemes o’ Mice an’ Men
          Gang aft agley,
An’ lea’e us nought but grief an’ pain,
          For promis’d joy!

Still, thou art blest, compar’d wi’ me!
The present only toucheth thee:
But Och! I backward cast my e’e,
          On prospects drear!
An’ forward tho’ I canna see,
          I guess an’ fear!


## Robert Burns and Scottish culture
Thanks to his straightforward prose, honest and direct, **heir to the Makar tradition heralded by bards and troubadours in Renaissance Scotland**, Robert Burns’ lyrical works soon became highly appreciated both by his closest environment and also by a humbler audience. In addition to this, **his liberal political ideas** and the fact that **he favored the use of Scots in his works**, a traditional Scottish language which was sternly frowned upon by the elites back then, Rabbie eventually **became the most beloved poet by the folk**, being almost revered.


## Celebrating “Burns Night” and its meaning

Precisely due to the fact that both the humble folk and his friends enormously valued his works as well as himself, **when Robert Burns passed away his loved ones started meeting every January 25th, the poet’s birthday, to cherish his memory with a very special dinner brimming with Scottish traditions.**
Nowadays, this **“Burns Night” or “Burns Supper”** is still celebrated yearly on this very same date, and, in fact, it is not only one of Scotland’s most cherished and traditional festivities, but it is also celebrated wherever Scots have emigrated, bringing Scottish culture together across the world.
Burns Night consists of a dinner in which guests, welcomed by a bagpiper and special speech, have a first course of soup, and a main course of [haggis](https://scotlandcitytours.com/blog/what-is-haggis), which is presented in the dining room with the highest honors, **reciting the poem by Robert Burns “Address to a Haggis”**. The meal goes on with loads of whisky, bagpipe tunes, Scottish poetry, songs, toasts to the bard and the comical “Toast to the Lassies”, followed by its correspondent “Reply from the Lassies”, a rhetoric gender fight on a humorous note. At last, the heartfelt “Auld Lang Syne” is sung.

![Robert Burns 5 Supper.jpg](/uploads/Robert_Burns_5_Supper_ec77e9cc5a.jpg)

## Places related to Burns in Scotland

The traveler wishing to visit sites in Scotland related to Robert Burns should undoubtedly head to Alloway, the Ayrshire village that witnessed the poet’s early years. Both his birthplace and also a wonderful museum entirely devoted to him can be explored, besides a lengthy walk encompassing some of the places described in “Tam O’ Shanter”, in Alloway’s old church and the Rozelle House pictorial gallery, all of which are renowned landmarks of tourism in Scotland.
Not far away from there, in Tarbolton, the notable **Bachelor’s Club** founded by a young Robert Burns can also be visited and, further south, in Dumfries, there is also **The Globe Inn**, frequently trodden by the Scottish poet, where travelers can eat and embark on themed tours.
Should your trip be limited to the city of Edinburgh, fret not! Drop by the marvelous **Writers’ Museum** and indulge in endless trivia about Robert Burns, Walter Scott and Stevenson, to whom the venue is entirely devoted. If you wish to complete your experience, you can take a _free tour throughout the Old Town_!

![the-globe-inn-robert-burns-.jpg](/uploads/the_globe_inn_robert_burns_475515ae63.jpg)

## Robert Burns’ present-day legacy
Robert Burns’ legacy reaches far beyond his uncontested literary value, and it exceeds Scotland’s borders. His defense of the Scots language and folk traditions, his innovative political orientation and even his extraordinary charisma have made him today as beloved as he was in life, **which can be attested by the countless statues in his honor dotting the world**. Thanks to his works and the legacy that his loved ones preserved and spread,** events such as Burns Night or songs like “Auld Lang Syne”** bring the descendants of Scottish emigrants far and wide together to this day, connecting them again to the nation from which they all once departed.
His legacy is so influential that you don’t even have to be Scottish to be touched while singing “Auld Lang Syne” as the new year approaches!

![Robert Burns 4 estuatua en Milwaukee, Wisconsin USA.jpg](/uploads/Robert_Burns_4_estuatua_en_Milwaukee_Wisconsin_USA_f1335437ad.jpg)

## How to explore the world of Robert Burns
To know more, you can read some of the best poems by Robert Burns here: scotland. org/events/burns-night/the-poetry-of-robert-burns 
And delve deeper into his life and works here: poetryfoundation. org/poets/robert-burns 
Or you can also check out this veritable encyclopedia of Robert Burns: robertburns. org


Robert Burns 1.jpg

Robert Burns: Scotland’s legendary poet and his cultural impact

# Introduction to the Christmas markets of Europe
The European Christmas market, as a modern phenomenon, is a long and historical tradition, with its origin being found during **The Middle Ages** in The Holy Roman Empire (more specifically in what is today’s Austria and Germany). 
During the 13th and 14th centuries, **the Holy Roman Emperor** would give his permission to various cities, such as Vienna and Munich, to hold **special markets at the start of winter** with the aim of stocking up on products for the rest of the season. Bit by bit, these markets became more sophisticated, more complicated, and it was **the market of Dresden in 1434** that would become the first market that we could consider as a **mirror of the Christmas markets** that we see dotted around Europe today. 

Nowadays, these markets are usually held **from the end of November until the end of December** and are the perfect places to wrap up warm on a cold winter’s day, whilst losing oneself amongst the various stalls that sell all sorts. **Whether that be eating something sweet or drinking a nice mulled wine or warm cide**r. Perhaps you’re there to do a bit of shopping where there are no shortage of artisanal products and Christmas themed presents. You might be there for the fun and games, so why not have a go on the attractions, or perhaps you’re there for the biggest attraction of them all; the man in the big red suit himself, Santa.

![mercado de Navidad de Manchester.jpg](/uploads/mercado_de_Navidad_de_Manchester_adcea3018d.jpg)

## Selection of the best Christmas Markets throughout Europe.

Each and every year, **there are thousands of these Christmas markets** being held the world over. However, if you want to know which are the best in Europe, here is a list of those that you simply cannot afford to miss, with particular attention being paid to those in the UK. 

Some of the best Christmas markets in the UK are found in Edinburgh, Glasgow, Manchester and York. However, it must be said that amongst these, without a shadow of a doubt, the Edinburgh Christmas market is the most charming and one of the most extensive and visited that there is. For this reason, the Edinburgh Christmas market is widely recognized as one of the best and usually takes top spot in the annual lists of best Christmas markets, not just in the UK, but throughout Europe as well. As if that wasn’t enough, the Scottish capital also comes to life with Christmas spirit and endless entertainment with many magical events, one such being the special illumination spectacular of Edinburgh Castle.

Throughout the continent, there is still plenty to see such as the amazing markets of Budapest, Cologne, Salzburg, Essen and, of course, those of Viena and Munich which as previously mentioned, are bound in history and tradition. It would be remiss of us to not mention those of the capitals of the Baltic countries, such as that of Riga, which even though generally smaller in size, their iconic snowy urban landscapes more than make up for it.
![mercado de Navidad de Budapest.jpg](/uploads/mercado_de_Navidad_de_Budapest_be1b7054f3.jpg)

## Christmas Markets 2023: New Attractions and Events
The European Christmas markets of 2023 are full of new and exciting attractions that you don’t want to miss, such as the **Christmas carol concert in Salzburg**, the **Christmas tree with** more than **2000 LED lights that will light up Vienna**, or the impressive **Christmas parade in Manchester** that will take place on the 3rd of December.

**The Scottish Christmas markets** aren’t exempt from the list of places with captivating and original activities, such as the **Santa race and the dog show “Santa Paws”** that will take place on the 9th of December in Edinburgh. These aren’t the only attractions in Edinburgh where you can also take in a spectacular view of the city from the ferris-wheel, ride the daring Starflyer with its flying seats, have a go on the ice-rink, try some traditional food and drink and of course, the previously mentioned **light show spectacular of Edinburgh Castle.**
![mercado de Navidad de Colonia.jpg](/uploads/mercado_de_Navidad_de_Colonia_fd1569b33c.jpg)
This winter, to top off your visit to Edinburgh and this enchanting Christmas market, why not take part in a wonderfully special Christmas walking tour of Edinburgh, a city which dresses itself up to the nines during this magical time of year.

## Guide to taking advantage of the Christmas Market on your trip to Edinburgh.
Visiting Christmas markets throughout Europe in December is an ideal activity for a short city break, whether it be just a couple of days, or a cheeky 5-day weekend. In such a short space of time, it’s not unreasonable to think you could discover a number of exciting different cites such as Viena, Budapest, York, Glasgow or Edinburgh. 
If the latter is what tickles your fancy, and a visit to the Christmas markets of the UK is on the cards, a enticing proposal could be as follows: Why not spend three days in Edinburgh getting to know everything that the city has to offer through its walking tours, and then just a short train ride away you have Glasgow, where you could spend a fourth, and perhaps fifth, day becoming acquainted with its own market, its monuments and its elegant architecture.


## Economical Options: Low-cost European Christmas Markets
For the traveller in search of a more budget friendly Christmas market, a great option could be the markets of the Baltic countries, amongst which stand out the **Christmas market of Riga,** or those of Eastern Europe such as **Budapest or Gdansk**. 
With this being said, any other European destination could become a relatively economic option if the right choices are made.
If your goal is to visit the Christmas markets in places like Germany, Austria, England or Scotland, don’t deprive yourself of the opportunity, plan well and opt for cheaper accommodation options, such as hostels. Or else stay for fewer days but take full advantage of them by organising yourself well.
![mercado de Navidad de Viena.jpg](/uploads/mercado_de_Navidad_de_Viena_c4f3f7616b.jpg)

## Conclusion: Preparations for an Unforgettable Christmas Experience.

The best piece of advice that I could give you for an unforgettable Christmas experience, is to let yourself be guided by the destination that excites you the most and then adapt your trip and your budget to that destination. **Christmas is there to make dreams come true!**

In terms of everything else, try to book your flights and accommodation as soon as possible, or if you’re a little late to the party, have a good look at the last-minute deals on offer from the airlines and have at it. 
Finally, and perhaps most importantly, make sure you book early whatever special Christmas events you want to go to, and **take advantage of the city’s walking tours** to really get to know the city you’re visiting. After all, you chose that city for a reason!

Last, but certainly not least, enjoy to the fullest your trip to **the best European Christmas markets of 2023!**


mercado de Navidad de Viena.jpg

The European Christmas Markets that you cannot afford to miss

## Edinburgh at Christmas: A Fairytale Setting

The fact that the capital of Scotland is one of the most famous, vibrant, and beautiful in Europe might not surprise anyone anymore, but perhaps what's surprising is that **Edinburgh at Christmas** is one of the most charming places to visit in the world at this time of the year.
Like a story unfolding, from late November to the celebration of **Hogmanay (the Scottish New Year)**, Edinburgh dresses up with **Christmas markets, special events, concerts and plays**, meticulously decorated **Christmas trees**, and the **wonderful seasonal lighting of the castle**. You can't miss Edinburgh at Christmas, and if you're not convinced yet, keep reading to learn all the reasons you have to book your trip as soon as possible.

![Edinburgh-navidad-diciembre.jpg](/uploads/Edinburgh_navidad_diciembre_b89c215efa.jpg)

## Christmas Markets in Edinburgh: Tradition and Modernity

Edinburgh's Christmas markets are among the most famous in the UK and even Europe, for very good reasons. Not only do their aesthetics, craft stalls, and attractions make them irresistible for Christmas-loving travellers, but they are framed by the elegant streets and gardens of the New Town and the ever-beautiful and watchful silhouette of the castle. 
It's interesting that **Edinburgh's Christmas markets are so popular considering that this festivity, **once celebrated as Yule****, was prohibited by the Presbyterian Church for a long time. It only became an official holiday in 1958, with celebrations focusing much more on Hogmanay until then. It's a fact that often surprises visitors! Perhaps precisely because of that prohibition, Scots nowadays go all out for Christmas, embracing all its traditions and events, as seen in **Edinburgh's Christmas markets**.

![Edinburgh-mercado-navidad-diciembre.jpg](/uploads/Edinburgh_mercado_navidad_diciembre_b6c7bee79c.jpg)

## What to See in Edinburgh During December: Attractions and Activities 

As mentioned earlier, Edinburgh in December, far from being a dull and sleepy winter city, is a lively, bustling place full of original activities suitable for any type of travel group. 

Some of the attractions and events you can find in Edinburgh this Christmas, besides the Christmas markets, include the special lighting of the castle known as **Castle of Light**, Christmas at the Botanics in the Botanic Garden, the International Magic Festival, traditional dances with the Edinburgh ceilidh club, **the special Polar Express train** from Waverley station, and, if you stay until New Year's, **the fantastic Scottish Hogmanay**. 

Don't miss heading to **The Mound to admire the giant illuminated Christmas tree** installed there every year. This tree holds significant historical meaning as it's a gift from the Vestland province in Norway, given to Edinburgh every Christmas since 1947 to celebrate the cultural ties between Scotland and Scandinavia. A tradition filled with warmth!
Moreover, if you're wondering what to see in Edinburgh in December in general, you can't miss visits to the castle (which hosts very special characters during these dates), **Holyrood Palace**, **the National Museum of Scotland**, and the highlights of the Old Town, such as **the Royal Mile**, **Grassmarket Square**, or the historic **Greyfriars Cemetery**. The best way to explore all these places comfortably is with an **[English-speaking walking tour](https://scotlandcitytours.com/tours-edinburgh/edinburgh-free-tour)**!

![the-dome-christmas-edinburgh-december.jpg](/uploads/the_dome_christmas_edinburgh_december_b2a1f67d4f.jpg)

## Plan Your Visit to the Edinburgh Christmas Market

There are several Christmas markets in Edinburgh you can visit, but undoubtedly, the largest and most famous of all is the one on East Princes Street in the New Town. Open from November 17, 2023, to January 6, 2024, the East Princes Street Christmas market in Edinburgh offers visitors the experience of the most charming and traditional Scottish market, **with dozens of craft and gift stalls and plenty of places to taste gastronomic delights and drinks like mulled wine or spiced mulled cider**.

**If you visit this market with children**, you'll find many attractions for them. What they surely won't want to miss is **Santa's Grotto** to place their favourite gift orders. For travellers who are no longer children but enjoy thrills, there are always popular star flyers, and for everyone in general, the giant Ferris wheel, which offers wonderful panoramic views of a fairytale-like Edinburgh.
If you're lucky, you might see it covered in snow! Other Christmas markets in Edinburgh you can explore include those on **George Street** (hard to miss, as it's next to the above-mentioned one and is where the ice skating rink is usually located), on Castle Street, and at Summerhall. If you're in the city on Sundays, the traditional **Farmer's Markets in Grassmarket and Stockbridge** also dress up in bright colours in December and are well worth a visit.



## Tip: How to Make Your Trip to Edinburgh a Unique Experience

Edinburgh at Christmas is full of good vibes, fun, Christmas markets, and special events in an incomparable architectural setting, **so take at least three days to fully enjoy the city**. 
This way, you'll have plenty of time to explore its streets, monuments, and even its theatres, which showcase pantomimes, a typical Scottish show that's truly original during these dates. In conclusion, if you want to visit Edinburgh and its wonderful East Princes Street Christmas market, as well as enjoying the rest of the season's events and attractions, book your flights, accommodations, guided visits and free tours now... **And get ready to experience a magical Scottish Christmas!**

Edinburgh-navidad-diciembre.jpg

Edinburgh at Christmas: A Guide to Enjoying the Festive Spirit

This great metropolis is a city where one day is just not enough hours to see everything it has, since the distances are relatively large. Two days would be better to get a snapshot of the city. I would also like to point out that it is nothing like its neighbour and rival city, [Edinburgh](https://scotlandcitytours.com/blog/things-to-do-and-see-in-edinburgh). That's like saying that all beers from the same country are the same; all refresh you, yes, but the difference is in the flavour, just as it is with these two cities. And in this case, Glasgow might be thought of as the ugly duckling of the two, but I assure you that it has plenty of beauty.

People from **Glasgow** are known as **Glaswegians**, and their accent can be somewhat challenging to understand. Legend has it that there are times when they don't even understand each other! So I hope to make your life a little easier, and here you will find everything you need to get to know **Glasgow**.


## 1. [Glasgow Cathedral](https://www.historicenvironment.scot/visit-a-place/places/glasgow-cathedral/)

Construction of this **cathedral** began in 1136, and today it’s currently the only intact cathedral in all of Scotland. It has a **13th-century crypt**, where you'll find the tomb of **Saint Mungo**, Glasgow's patron saint. It’s a 15-minute walk from Queen Street train station, and admission to both the cathedral and the crypt is free.

![Glasgow catedral.jpg](/uploads/Glasgow_catedral_5341559e28.jpg)
_<center>Glasgow Cathedral</center>_

## 2. Necropolis

This **Victorian cemetery** is situated on a hill just behind the cathedral and has spectacular views of the city. It is estimated that 50,000 people are buried there, even though there are only about 3,500 monuments or graves. **The Glasgow Chamber** of Merchants began formally planning the cemetery in 1831 but didn’t officially open it until April 1833.

![Glasgow necropolis.jpg](/uploads/Glasgow_necropolis_85192f6e94.jpg)
_<center>Necrópolis</center>_

## 3. [The Clydeside Distillery](https://www.theclydeside.com/)

The distillery opened its doors in 2017, located on the banks of the **River Clyde**. The distillery is very original in its design; some of its facades are made of glass, allowing you to see part of its interior from the same street. You can take a tour that lasts approximately [1 hour and costs £15.](https://www.theclydeside.com/book-a-tour/)


## 4. Glasgow University

The university is a bit further away from the city centre, but you can easily reach it on the subway (the stop is Hillhead). It’s a beautiful building to visit and is one of my personal favourites in **Glasgow**. Founded in 1451, it’s one of the oldest universities in Scotland. It’s world-renowned and follows the Bologna model, being of **great European tradition**. There are almost 16,000 undergraduate students and 4,000 postgraduate students. It has ten faculties: Arts, Biomedical and Life Sciences, Mathematics and Statistics, Physical Sciences, Medicine, Social Sciences, Engineering, Law and Financial Studies, Veterinary Medicine and Education. Its many illustrious former students include **Adam Smith** and Nobel Laureate **John Boyd Orr** (Nobel Peace Prize winner, 1949).

![Glasgow universidad.jpg](/uploads/Glasgow_universidad_faa85bb672.jpg)
_<center>Glasgow university. Picture "[Scotland In My Pocket](https://www.instagram.com/scotland_in_my_pocket/?hl=en)"</center>_

## 5. [Kelvingrove Museum and Art Gallery](https://www.glasgowlife.org.uk/museums/venues/kelvingrove-art-gallery-and-museum)

This museum is just a short walk away from the university. Opened in 1901, it comprises 22 galleries where you will find everything from furniture exhibitions by the famous **Scottish architect Charles Rennie Mackintosh**, to an impressive collection of ancient Egyptian artefacts, through works by influential artists, including **Botticelli and Rembrand**t, and even extraordinary medieval armour. Admission is free.

![Glasgow kelvingrove.jpg](/uploads/Glasgow_kelvingrove_dbcfa3c465.jpg)
_<center>Kelvingrove Museum</center>_ 

## 6. [Riverside Museum](https://www.glasgowlife.org.uk/museums/venues/riverside-museum)

The European Museum Forum (dedicated to developing the quality of museums) considers **this transport museum one of the best in Europe**. Inaugurated in 2011, it now has more than 3,000 objects inside. Not only is the exhibition of cars, locomotives, trams, motorcycles and much more worth visiting, but also the building itself is stunning. **Admission is free**.
 
![Glasgow Museo.jpg](/uploads/Glasgow_Museo_d5d9c3e79e.jpg)
_<center>Riverside Museum</center>_
 
## 7. [People's Palace and the Winter Gardens](https://www.glasgowlife.org.uk/museums/venues/peoples-palace)

Inside this 18th-century palace, now converted into a museum, you can **discover the history of Glaswegian life**. It’s filled with photographs, objects, paintings and a film about how people used to live in **Glasgow**. At the rear of the museum is a large, beautiful Victorian conservatory.

The palace is in **Glasgow Green** in the east of the city, Glasgow’s oldest park, dating back to the 15th century. Here you can find monuments built from then up until the present. Access to both the park and the palace is free. 

![Glasgow Palacio cristal.jpg](/uploads/Glasgow_Palacio_cristal_91bea1db94.jpg)
_<center>People's Palace</center>_

## 8. [Botanical Garden](https://glasgowbotanicgardens.co.uk/)

A little over 200 years old, taking a walk through this garden in spring or summer can be very pleasant while the flowers are in bloom. Although in autumn, with the leaves changing colour and falling, it can also be stunning. It has several greenhouses, but the main one is the 2,137 m² Kibble Glass palace, housing plants and trees from around the world.

|Edinburgh Walking Tours |
|---|
| Book your [Edinburgh Free Tour](https://scotlandcitytours.com/tours-edinburgh/edinburgh-free-tour) |
| Book your [Edinburgh Mysteries, witchery and murders Walking Tour](https://scotlandcitytours.com/tours-edinburgh/edinburgh-ghost-tour) |
| BEST TOUR [Edinburgh Castle Guided Tour](https://scotlandcitytours.com/tours-edinburgh/guided-tour-edinburgh-castle) |
| Book your [Outlander and Jacobites Walking Tour](https://scotlandcitytours.com/tours-edinburgh/outlander-tour)|
 

## 9. [Museum of Modern Art](https://www.glasgowlife.org.uk/museums/venues/gallery-of-modern-art-goma)

Located in the heart of **Glasgow**, the museum opened in 1996, although the building dates from 1778 and is neoclassical in style. Before becoming a museum, it was the **Bank of Scotland** or **Chamber of Commerce**.
 
Among its exhibitions, you will find works by David Hockney, Andy Warhol, John Bellany, Ken Currie and Sebastião Salgado.
 
In front of the museum, you can see a statue of the **Duke of Wellington** and, most likely, he will have a construction cone on his head. This is no accident, as he’s been wearing it for about 30 years, and it has become a local tradition. The cone is perennial, as no one ever removes it. Sometimes he even has several cones, one inside the other! There is no clear theory about the reason for this particular tradition, but it has spread throughout **Scotland**, and it’s no longer just Wellington crowned with a cone. You may also find statues wearing cones in Edinburgh; luckily, they are usually removed quickly there! My theory is that this is a national sport for drunks because they usually always appear on the weekends; what a coincidence!

![glasgow arte morderno.jpg](/uploads/glasgow_arte_morderno_3e1cdb9e2f.jpg)
 
 
## 10. [The Barras](http://www.theglasgowbarras.com/)

 
If you spend more than one day in **Glasgow** and it happens to be a weekend, I recommend visiting this peculiar place. It's a **Glaswegian** favourite, a time-honoured flea market, here since the 1920s and located in Glasgow's East End. You can find all sorts of second-hand items here: antiques, handicrafts, vinyl and much more!
 
 
## 11. George Square

**The main square of Glasgow** is very close to **Queen Street** train station and **Buchanan Street**. It was built in the 18th century as part of the city’s grid layout, with the roads forming right-angled blocks, typical of the **Scottish Enlightenment**. In the square, you will find the town hall, a beautiful Victorian-style building, where they offer [guided tours](https://www.glasgow.gov.uk/article/19136/City-Chambers-Tours) from Monday to Friday at 10:30 am and 2:30 pm.
 
You will also find a magnificent selection of statues of the Scots who helped improve humanity during the **Scottish Enlightenment** in the square.
 
 ![Glasgow Council.jpg](/uploads/Glasgow_Council_b8fde256e3.jpg)
_<center>George Square</center>_
 
## 12. Buchanan Street

If you like going shopping while you are on holiday, this is considered one of the best shopping streets in the country!
 
![Buchanan Street Glasgow.jpg](/uploads/Buchanan_Street_Glasgow_565b5750d2.jpg)

## 13. [The Willow Tea Rooms](https://www.willowtearooms.co.uk/)

After an exhausting day of sightseeing and shopping, there’s nothing better than having afternoon tea in this famous tea room. The decor is spectacular, designed by **Mackintosh**, and all the teas, sweets and sandwiches are delicious.
 
 
## 14. Ashton Lane

This cobbled street, located in the heart of the West End, is one of **Glasgow’s jewels of entertainment**. Since it’s not in the city centre, it’s not overcrowded with tourists. The area is full of life, with restaurants, bars and the occasional small shop. People have even compared it to the **Temple Bar** area of ​​Dublin, the Irish capital.
 
![glasgow Ashton Lane.jpg](/uploads/glasgow_Ashton_Lane_33c91dcae4.jpg)
_Ashton Lane. Picture "[Scotland in My Pocket](https://www.instagram.com/scotland_in_my_pocket/?hl=en)"_ 
 
## 15. [Murals (Street Art)](https://www.citycentremuraltrail.co.uk/)
(insert website)

**Glasgow's murals or graffiti** are world-famous and result from a 2008 project created to rejuvenate streets and revitalise empty buildings and sites. They enrich the city and give it a more modern look. Currently, there are **30 murals scattered around the city**, each one beautiful. Although it is somewhat difficult to see all of them, I recommend that you visit at least some of the ones in the city centre.
 
![Glasgow Mural.jpg](/uploads/Glasgow_Mural_a97c884615.jpg) 
 
**Glasgow is a beautiful city**, although it may not seem so at first glance. It has a vibrant atmosphere and hundreds of things to do, including nightlife like few other cities in the United Kingdom. This is a place to spend at least two days since most people probably don’t know much about it!
 
Another good option to explore the city is to take the tourist bus that leaves from George Square.
 
I hope this article gives you some ideas for how to spend your time in Glasgow, and please leave your comments or questions below!


buchanan Street.jpg

15 Things to See & Do in Glasgow

## Wild Haggis

The **haggis is an animal native to the Scottish Highlands** that lives on the slopes of the mountains. It is relatively small, with four legs, rough skin and quite a lot of hair. But having to live in such mountainous areas means that this animal has had to adapt to the very steep terrain. So, it has evolved to have two legs on one side longer than the other. This means there are two species: those that travel clockwise because their right legs are shorter than their left; and those whose right legs are longer and travel anticlockwise. Both species coexist peacefully and can climb the steep mountains without difficulty.

Hunting them is relatively simple since a wild haggis is a timid creature, so you just have to scare it, and it will run away. Since it only runs in one direction, you can wait for it to go around the mountain and catch it easily - but be careful, they bite!

To cook your haggis, put it in brine for a couple of days to make it tender. According to several records, people on the **Isle of Lewis and Harris** once used the skin to craft their sporran (the bag worn as part of the traditional Scottish dress). Today, the skin is simply discarded.

Did you believe the story? A third of Americans visiting **Scotland** believe that the wild haggis exists!

![Hag Haggiswild.jpg](/uploads/Hag_Haggiswild_487c125537.jpg)
_Wild haggis, Kelvingrove museum Glasgow_

## History of Haggis

Haggis, the **national dish of Scotland**, is a somewhat complex recipe made from sheep entrails: the heart, liver and lungs are usually part of the standard dish, mixed with oatmeal, onions and other spices. Everything is chopped into pieces and cooked inside the sheep’s stomach. Finally, it is served with mashed potatoes, mashed turnip and whisky sauce.

Scotland is a country with grand romanticism: so much so that this delicious dish even has a romantic poem dedicated to it, written in the 18th century by the **famous Scottish poet Robert Burns**.

However, in reality, the origins of haggis point in many directions - even to England! Catherine Brown, a Scottish food historian, believes that haggis was invented in England, having found a cookbook from 1615 with a recipe for a pudding called "haggas" that is very similar to haggis. But did Shakespeare write a poem to **haggis**? 

Other sources suggest that it was brought to Britain by the Romans in the 1st century AD, although there is little evidence to confirm this theory.

|Edinburgh Walking Tours |
|---|
| Book your [Edinburgh Free Tour](https://scotlandcitytours.com/tours-edinburgh/edinburgh-free-tour) |
| Book your [Edinburgh Mysteries, witchery and murders Walking Tour](https://scotlandcitytours.com/tours-edinburgh/edinburgh-ghost-tour) |
| BEST TOUR [Edinburgh Castle Guided Tour](https://scotlandcitytours.com/tours-edinburgh/guided-tour-edinburgh-castle) |
| Book your [Outlander and Jacobites Walking Tour](https://scotlandcitytours.com/tours-edinburgh/outlander-tour)|

![Haggis.jpg](/uploads/Haggis_85cd0b1a2f.jpg)
haggis

It has also been associated with Scandinavia, specifically the **Vikings**, who settled in Scotland between the 8th and 13th centuries. The etymologist Walter William Steak said that the word “haggis” derives from the Old Norse word “haggw”, meaning to cut into pieces or chunks.
Haggis has even been attributed to France due to their **old alliance with Scotland**, and they may have introduced in the late 13th century.
However, the earliest written reference to a haggis-like sausage comes from the Greek playwright Aristophanes, who mentioned it in 423 BC.
 
### How did haggis become Scotland's national dish?

Curiously, the **first mention** of haggis comes from the English.

At the end of the 17th century, the English diet changed due to the **Agricultural Revolution**. There was a wider variety of better quality foods, so people no longer needed to eat these less appealing sheep parts. Dishes like haggis went out of style in England and were only associated with the poorest working classes. Yet the opposite happened in Scotland! A severe economic recession in the 17th century led to 7 years of extreme famine, which made dishes like haggis more popular.

The English began to mock the poverty of Scottish food, attempting to humiliate them. The famous English writer Samuel Johnson said, “a grain, which in England is normally fed to horses, in Scotland feeds its people”.

So while England rejected haggis as a food, the Scots, with their wounded pride and constant struggle to differentiate themselves from the English, claimed haggis as their own.

However, the love story between **Scotland and haggis** didn’t begin until 1786, when Robert Burns wrote his famous “**Address to the Haggis**”. Although, the association was not consolidated until the 19th century.

King George IV's visit to Scotland in 1822 served to close the ancient wounds between the two nations. **Sir Walter Scott** hosted the event, presenting the monarch with a romantic image of Scotland. Scott asked everyone to dress in tartan for the royal banquet and selected dishes that reflected Scottish identity, haggis being his main course. As you can imagine, he created a new tradition in the process!
Haggis became more fashionable than ever, Scotland was a romanticised notion, and the **William Wallace Monument** was erected. And **Scottish patriotism was reborn**.

Although haggis is traditionally made with meat, a vegetarian version was invented in 1984, and you can also find everything **haggis-flavoured**, from **crisps** to ice cream!

![Hag Veg pat.jpg](/uploads/Hag_Veg_pat_d2fcae52df.jpg)

**Scotland is a country of traditions and customs**, so the haggis tradition survives, now deeply rooted in its culture, alongside bagpipes and tartan. Every year on the 25th of January, Burns Night is celebrated on the poet's birthday. Friends and family gather around their tables to enjoy the most Scottish night of the year, paying homage to **Robert Burns, whisky and, of course, haggis**!

![Robert Burn, poeta nacional de Escocia.jpg](/uploads/Robert_Burn_poeta_nacional_de_Escocia_4299f080dd.jpg)
Robert Burns Portrait

#### Address to the Haggis

_Fair fa’ your honest, sonsie face,_

_Great Chieftain o’ the Puddin-race!_

_Aboon them a’ ye tak your place,_

_Painch, tripe, or thairm:_

_Weel are ye wordy of a grace_

_As lang ‘s my arm._

-

_The groaning trencher there ye fill,_

_Your hurdies like a distant hill,_

_Your pin wad help to mend a mill_

_In time o’ need,_

_While thro’ your pores the dews distil_

_Like amber bead._
 
 -
 
_His knife see Rustic-labour dight,_

_An’ cut ye up wi’ ready slight,_

_Trenching your gushing entrails bright,_

_Like onie ditch;_

_And then, O what a glorious sight,_

_Warm-reekin, rich!_

-
 
_Then, horn for horn, they stretch an’ strive:_

_Deil tak the hindmost, on they drive,_

_Till a’ their weel-swall’d kytes belyve_

_Are bent like drums;_

_Then auld Guidman, maist like to rive,_

_Bethankit hums._

 -
 
_Is there that owre his French ragout,_

_Or olio that wad staw a sow,_

_Or fricassee wad mak her spew_

_Wi’ perfect sconner,_

_Looks down wi’ sneering, scornfu’ view_

_On sic a dinner?_
 
 -
 
_Poor devil! see him owre his trash,_

_As feckless as a wither’d rash,_

_His spindle shank a guid whip-lash,_

_His nieve a nit;_

_Thro’ bluidy flood or field to dash,_

_O how unfit!_

-
 
_But mark the Rustic, haggis-fed,_

_The trembling earth resounds his tread,_

_Clap in his walie nieve a blade,_

_He’ll make it whissle;_

_An’ legs, an’ arms, an’ heads will sned,_

_Like taps o’ thrissle._

-
 
_Ye Pow’rs wha mak mankind your care,_

_And dish them out their bill o’ fare,_

_Auld Scotland wants nae skinking ware_

_That jaups in luggies;_

_But, if ye wish her gratefu’ prayer,_

_Gie her a Haggis!_

![Plato de haggis.jpg](/uploads/Plato_de_haggis_dde5f294e8.jpg)
Haggis, neeps & tatties

So whether it was English, French, Roman, Viking or ancient Greek, who cares who created the original recipe? In the end, it was the Scots who dedicated a poem to the haggis and welcomed it as their national dish.




Haggis.jpg

The history of haggis, Scotland's national dish

After braving the many slopes you have to walk up and down in the [Scottish capital](https://scotlandcitytours.com/blog/things-to-do-and-see-in-edinburgh), you will surely work up an appetite! Although there is a common stereotype that **Scotland** eats badly, I’d like to debunk this myth a bit. In my article about the best places to eat in Stirling, I described some classic Scottish dishes, like haggis, so this time I’ll introduce some other products, from the land and sea.

The centre of Edinburgh has two restaurants specialising in mussels. But the kitchens of Scottish restaurants are not only filled with mussels: oysters, salmon, crab, scallops and much more can also be found here. While you can enjoy this fresh, local produce in almost any corner of Scotland, the VisitScotland team has compiled their picks for the [12 best seafood sthacks in the country](https://www.visitscotland.com/blog/food-drink/best-seafood-scotland/).

**Scotch pie**, a type of meat pie, is another of the delicacies that can be tried in Scotland. This is usually a stew of beef, lamb or another meat, protected by a hot water  pastry. I say “protected” because originally the pastry was only used as a case for baking the meat in, but eventually, people realised that the pastry was worth eating too! Pies aren’t just made with meat, but can also be filled with many other ingredients - even macaroni! With so many options, in order to find the best in the world, the Scots created "[The World Championship Scotch Pie Awards](https://worldchampionshipscotchpieawards.org/)" in 1999, which chooses the best pies across 11 different categories. Dare to try some of these Scotch pies in the city's restaurants!

After this master class on **Scottish gastronomy**, it's time to taste them for yourself, sampling the flavours and smells of these dishes, to verify that the Scots do indeed eat well!

## 1. [Howies Restaurant](https://www.howies.uk.com/venues/)
If you want to eat quality **Scottish food** at a good price, this is the place to go. This family-run restaurant has earned a great reputation for its **traditional Scottish cuisine** and its high-quality ingredients. In addition, all the produce it uses comes from the country, whether the sea or the land. It currently has two stores in **Edinburgh** and one in Aberdeen. For me, this is without a doubt one of the places you can't miss on your visit to Edinburgh, serving the best **traditional Scottish food** in the Old Town.

Address: [10-14 Victoria St, Edinburgh EH1 2HG](https://www.google.com/maps/place/Howies+Restaurant/@55.9487979,-3.1956155,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m5!3m4!1s0x4887c79ac01c9fbd:0x87c219cc3647bbee!8m2!3d55.9487979!4d-3.1934268)

Address: [29 Waterloo Pl, Edinburgh EH1 3BQ](https://www.google.com/maps/place/Howies+Restaurant/@55.9541116,-3.1878579,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m5!3m4!1s0x4887c78ecfa93c4f:0xf2c647c0324d74ef!8m2!3d55.9541116!4d-3.1856692)

Address: [50 Chapel St, Aberdeen AB10 1SN](https://www.google.com/maps/place/Howies+Restaurant/@57.144932,-2.1121587,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m5!3m4!1s0x48840e26b0781a39:0x6fb24abc5c03af95!8m2!3d57.144932!4d-2.10997)

![Howies Victoria Street.jpg](/uploads/Howies_Victoria_Street_a4dc2b5421.jpg)

## 2. [Royal Mile Tavern](https://www.royalmiletavern.com/)
This is a **traditional Scottish pub** steeped in history where you can taste some of the country's most iconic dishes, including **haggis**. This pub is centrally located on the Royal Mile, with the kitchen open until 9.00 pm, followed by live music every day from 10.00 pm. I also recommend their **Scottish breakfast**! One of the best pubs on **The Royal Mile**.

Address: [127 High St, Edinburgh EH1 1SG](https://www.google.co.uk/maps/place/Royal+Mile+Tavern/@55.9504275,-3.1889688,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m5!3m4!1s0x4887c7858a13da65:0x50eb255e793d7aa1!8m2!3d55.9503875!4d-3.1867053)

![Royal Mile Tabern Edinburgh.jpg](/uploads/Royal_Mile_Tabern_Edinburgh_781a8d5f58.jpg)

## 3. [The Mitre Bar](https://www.nicholsonspubs.co.uk/restaurants/scotlandandnorthernireland/themitrebarroyalmileedinburgh#0)
Attached to the Royal Mile Tavern, this is another traditional, **historic pub on the Royal Mile**, which opened at the beginning of the 19th century. If you do choose to go in, you will be instantly hooked, thanks to its excellent selection of **craft beers**, **whisky** and **gin**; as well as being a restaurant with an **extensive menu of traditional food**, from Scottish breakfasts to the classic Scotch pies. This is a place I always like to take visitors to the city.

Address: [131-133 High Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1SG](https://www.google.com/maps/place/131-133+High+St,+Edinburgh+EH1+1SG/@55.9504135,-3.1890397,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m5!3m4!1s0x4887c78f61e6814f:0x49094522fa0d2427!8m2!3d55.9504135!4d-3.186851) 


## 4. [The Dome](https://www.thedomeedinburgh.com/)
If you want to surprise a loved one, don’t hesitate to take them to this place. It’s one of the **most spectacular bars and restaurants in Edinburgh’s New Town**, where the only thing missing from the atmosphere is **James Bond** himself entering to order a martini (shaken, not stirred). You can have almost anything, from infusions in the coffee room, to drinks and dinner (I recommend booking for the latter). And although it sounds strange at first, you simply must visit its luxurious bathrooms on the far right, next to the dining area.

Address: [14 George St, Edinburgh EH2 2PF](https://www.google.co.uk/maps/place/The+Dome/@55.9536492,-3.1978448,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m5!3m4!1s0x4887c79107371c41:0x96d88c71cb27891a!8m2!3d55.9536492!4d-3.1956561)

![The Dome Edimburgo.jpg](/uploads/The_Dome_Edimburgo_fe8de4147b.jpg)

## 5. [Mussel Inn Seafood Restaurant](https://www.mussel-inn.com/)
This is one of the **best restaurants in Edinburgh to taste seafood**, especially mussels and seafood chowder, which is a cream of potatoes, fish and seafood that won’t disappoint. 75% of its mussels come from **Scotland**, and the remaining 25% from nearby Ireland and England. And if you like oysters they have quite affordable prices for them too! Accompany these dishes with any of the wines from their extensive menu. Without a doubt, one of the best restaurants to visit in the Old Town.

Address: [61-65 Rose St, Edinburgh EH2 2NH](https://www.google.co.uk/maps/place/Mussel+Inn+Seafood+Restaurant/@55.9535617,-3.1978135,17z/data=!4m12!1m6!3m5!1s0x4887c79107371c41:0x96d88c71cb27891a!2sThe+Dome!8m2!3d55.9535617!4d-3.1956248!3m4!1s0x0:0x47a9d7abaa8f28de!8m2!3d55.9525398!4d-3.1990626)

![Mussel Inn Edinburgh.jpg](/uploads/Mussel_Inn_Edinburgh_029e128cac.jpg)

|Edinburgh Walking Tours |
|---|
| Book your [Edinburgh Free Tour](https://scotlandcitytours.com/tours-edinburgh/edinburgh-free-tour) |
| Book your [Edinburgh Mysteries, witchery and murders Walking Tour](https://scotlandcitytours.com/tours-edinburgh/edinburgh-ghost-tour) |
| BEST TOUR [Edinburgh Castle Guided Tour](https://scotlandcitytours.com/tours-edinburgh/guided-tour-edinburgh-castle) |
| Book your [Outlander and Jacobites Walking Tour](https://scotlandcitytours.com/tours-edinburgh/outlander-tour)|

## 6. [The Mussel and Steak Bar](https://www.musselandsteakbar.com/)
This restaurant, **specialising in seafood**, opened in 2005, and thanks to the quality of its dishes, it has become famous both among visitors and locals alike. It has a very affordable lunch menu, served from Monday to Thursday, between 11:30 am and 3:00 pm, and Friday to Sunday from 11:30 am to 4:00 pm. This is one of the most popular choices in the Old Town.

Address: [110 Grassmarket, W Bow, Edinburgh EH1 2HH](https://www.google.co.uk/maps/place/The+Mussel+and+Steak+Bar/@55.9481655,-3.1941702,18.66z/data=!4m5!3m4!1s0x0:0xc769b66769e53635!8m2!3d55.9480186!4d-3.1942018)

## 7. [Grain Store](https://www.grainstore-restaurant.co.uk/)
One of the most **romantic restaurants in Edinburgh**, this is a great place to invite that special person. It’s unlike anywhere else in the city and has views of one of the most iconic streets of Edinburgh, **Victoria Street**. To dine in this quality restaurant, which uses local, Scottish produce, reservations are highly recommended.

Address: [30 Victoria St, Edinburgh EH1 2JW](https://www.google.co.uk/maps/place/The+Grain+Store+Restaurant/@55.9486012,-3.1964957,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m5!3m4!1s0x4887c79aeda9f581:0x8236754989042a53!8m2!3d55.9485982!4d-3.194307)

![Grain Store.jpg](/uploads/Grain_Store_977e4f0cab.jpg)
![Grain Store Edimburgo 2.jpg](/uploads/Grain_Store_Edimburgo_2_65059f27be.jpg)

## 8. [Oink](https://www.oinkhogroast.co.uk/about/)
I’ll never get tired of saying it, but one of the most important inventions in Scotland, after whisky and kilts, is Oink where you’ll find the “**best pulled pork sandwich you'll ever try**”. Alan Marshall and Sandy Pate are two farmers from the south of Scotland (the Borders region), where they raise pigs and sheep, feeding them exclusively with natural products. It was in 2001 that they came up with the brilliant idea of ​​bringing their products to the **capital of Scotland**, Edinburgh. In the window display of each of its three venues, you will see the roast pig of the day, used for the pulled pork sandwiches, which are simply poetry for the palate. **You can't leave Edinburgh without trying it!**

Address: [34 Victoria St, Edinburgh EH1 2JW](https://www.google.com/maps/place/Oink+Victoria+Street/@55.9504132,-3.1956058,15z/data=!4m8!1m2!2m1!1soink!3m4!1s0x4887c79af26d55b9:0x73de4541632ac44f!8m2!3d55.948607!4d-3.1942404)

Address: [38 Hanover St, Edinburgh EH2 2DR](https://www.google.com/maps/place/Oink+Hog+Roast+Hanover+Street/@55.9599748,-3.2367616,14z/data=!4m8!1m2!2m1!1soink!3m4!1s0x4887c7911e0955b7:0x2cac12c6392a8f2b!8m2!3d55.9530549!4d-3.1972664)

Address: [82 Canongate, Edinburgh EH8 8BZ](https://www.google.com/maps/place/Oink+Scottish+Hog+Roast/@55.9504119,-3.1956058,15z/data=!4m8!1m2!2m1!1soink!3m4!1s0x4887b877e79211cb:0x537410a6df80cce0!8m2!3d55.9519902!4d-3.1768995)

![Oink Edimburgo 2.jpg](/uploads/Oink_Edimburgo_2_3bb1e0dc3d.jpg)
![Oink Edimburgo.jpg](/uploads/Oink_Edimburgo_38820a2167.jpg)

## 9. [Hula Juice Bar and Cafe](https://www.hulajuicebar.co.uk/)
With a menu full of **vegetarian and vegan options**, this small restaurant **specialises in healthy and organic food**. It’s great value for money, and among the best of the best establishments in the Old Town, located on Victoria Street not far from Oink (ideal for vegetarians travelling in the company of meat-eaters!). Their natural juices will enchant you, and it’s a great option for breakfast or lunch (it closes at 6:00 pm).

Address: [103-105 W Bow, Edinburgh EH1 2JP](https://www.google.com/maps/place/Hula+Juice+Bar+%26+Cafe/@55.9481152,-3.1968777,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m5!3m4!1s0x4887c795859797a3:0x6baa2a5928477df5!8m2!3d55.9481152!4d-3.1946891)

Address: [94A Fountainbridge, Edinburgh EH3 9QA](https://www.google.com/maps/place/Hula+Juice+Bar+%26+Healthy+Eatery/@55.9481149,-3.2034438,15z/data=!4m9!1m2!2m1!1shula!3m5!1s0x4887c7c6e138f667:0x520f54f5da56f755!8m2!3d55.9436138!4d-3.2079388!15sCgRodWxhWgYiBGh1bGGSARFicnVuY2hfcmVzdGF1cmFudA)

![Hula Edimburgo.jpg](/uploads/Hula_Edimburgo_73f8a6e742.jpg)

## 10. [Clarinda's Tearoom](https://www.instagram.com/clarindas.tearoom/?hl=en)
This is the **perfect place to have a classic afternoon tea**, with pastries or their irresistible carrot cake, served by their charming staff in a setting straight out of a novel.

Address: [69 Canongate, Edinburgh EH8 8BS](https://www.google.co.uk/maps/place/Clarinda's+Tearoom/@55.9521432,-3.1795085,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m5!3m4!1s0x4887b877ddd7a887:0x6999994dbf724985!8m2!3d55.9521402!4d-3.1773198)

Comer en Edimburgo.jpg

10 best restaurants in Edinburgh

I hope that with this list of sites, you can fully enjoy the city, its secrets and its corners. However, I imagine that after visiting all these places, you’ll be pretty hungry; for this, check out our article about the 10 best places to enjoy traditional Scottish food. And, if after such a busy day, you still want to go out and discover the city after dark, take a look at the 12 best pubs to enjoy Edinburgh's nightlife.

## Old Town

### 1. Royal Mile

This street, which is located in the **Old Town**, links **Holyrood Palace** and the **Castle**. It’s the most iconic street in the city and is made up of five sections or five smaller streets; from bottom to top, these are Abbey Strand, Canongate, High Street, Lawnmarket and Castlehill. Here you will also find alleys to the left and right of the Royal Mile or, as they are known here, closes. Some will surprise you with their unique charm, for example, **White Horse Close**, or because they have been used to film scenes for the popular series, ‘**Outlander**’, such as Baker Close. You could spend the whole day here, because so many of the things to see in the city can be found on this street.

![Royal_mile_blog.jpg](/uploads/Royal_mile_blog_24c38115df.jpg)

### 2. Edinburgh Castle

This is located at the top of the Royal Mile, and is a must-see attraction during your visit to the Scottish capital. Standing on the top of an extinct volcano, this citadel, with 2 million visitors a year, is the most visited monument in all of Scotland. Don’t miss it and, above all, don’t forget to buy your ticket in advance for a cheaper price! I recommend taking a tour with a local guide, and there are many companies in the city that offer such tours.

Address: [Castlehill, Edinburgh EH1 2NG](https://www.google.com/maps/place/Edinburgh+Castle/@55.9485947,-3.1999135,15z/data=!4m2!3m1!1s0x0:0x469a1eebe54c0a58?sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwiEoJG4ns72AhWCi1wKHXJTBvEQ_BJ6BAg-EAU)

| Tours in Edinburgh |
|---|
| Book your [Edinburgh Castle Tour](https://scotlandcitytours.com/tours-edinburgh/guided-tour-edinburgh-castle) |
| Book your [Mysteries, witchery and murders Walking Tour](https://scotlandcitytours.com/tours-edinburgh/edinburgh-ghost-tour) |
| Book your [Free Walking Tour](https://scotlandcitytours.com/tours-edinburgh/edinburgh-free-tour)|
| Book your [Outlander & Jacobites tour](https://scotlandcitytours.com/tours-edinburgh/outlander-tour)|


![Castillo de Edimburgo.jpg](/uploads/Castillo_de_Edimburgo_8cafbf8029.jpg)

### 3. [St Giles Cathedral](https://stgilescathedral.org.uk)

The **main religion of Scotland is Presbyterianism** and this cathedral was where **John Knox**, founder of this religion, preached until the last days of his life. It’s open from Monday to Saturday from 9am to 5pm, and on Sundays from 1pm to 5pm; admission is free. Organ concerts or performances from choirs from different parts of the world are held here almost every week; I recommend taking a look at the website to see the programme of events. Furthermore, the souvenirs in its shop (yes, it has a souvenir shop!) are actually somewhat cheaper than those in the shops on the **Royal Mile**. You'll find the cathedral on the High Street.

Address: [High St, Edinburgh EH1 1RE](https://www.google.com/maps/place/St+Giles'+Cathedral/@55.9490693,-3.1944847,16z/data=!4m12!1m6!3m5!1s0x0:0x469a1eebe54c0a58!2sEdinburgh+Castle!8m2!3d55.9485947!4d-3.1999135!3m4!1s0x4887c7854ff703fd:0xaa24e716571e2ff2!8m2!3d55.9495523!4d-3.1909115)

![St Giles Cathedral.jpg](/uploads/St_Giles_Cathedral_c51ea858b6.jpg)


### 4. [Holyrood Palace](https://www.rct.uk/visit/palace-of-holyroodhouse)

At the end of the **Royal Mile**, you will find this palace. It’s currently **where Queen Elizabeth II resides when she comes to Edinburgh** in early July every year, as well as any other member of the British Royal Family visiting. The palace is open to the public from 9:30 a.m to 4:30 p.m every day, and your visit will last just over an hour, with an audio guide included in the price. The rooms of this palace have witnessed large parts of **Scottish history**, where royals including **Mary Queen of Scots** once slept, and today they house works of art and furniture from past centuries. Also, when you finish the tour of the palace itself, right at the back of the building you can also see the **ruins of Holyrood Abbey**.

Address: [Canongate, Edinburgh EH8 8DX](https://www.google.com/maps/place/Palace+of+Holyroodhouse/@55.9518743,-3.1804124,16z/data=!4m12!1m6!3m5!1s0x0:0x469a1eebe54c0a58!2sEdinburgh+Castle!8m2!3d55.9485947!4d-3.1999135!3m4!1s0x0:0x27abd4db1967f9d6!8m2!3d55.9527138!4d-3.1722724)

### 5. [National Museum of Scotland](https://www.nms.ac.uk/national-museum-of-scotland/)

Considered the best museum in the country, the oldest part of the building was finished in 1866, and has been a museum since its inauguration. The central hall is built with iron, **inspired by the Crystal Palace in London**. The museum also underwent an expansion in the late 1990s. In the collections, you will find **Scottish archaeological** objects and mediaeval artefacts, as well as artefacts from around the world spanning geology, archaeology, natural history, science, technology, art and world cultures. Other highlights include the Ancient Egypt exhibit and one of Elton John's quirky costumes; but what stands out for me is the star of the museum: Dolly the sheep, the world’s first cloned mammal! The 16 galleries have about 8,000 objects in total, and it’s an interactive museum that both children and adults will enjoy. Open daily from 10am to 5pm, with free admission. 

Address: [Chambers St, Edinburgh EH1 1JF](https://www.google.com/maps/place/National+Museum+of+Scotland/@55.9474571,-3.1914609,17.5z/data=!3m1!5s0x4887c784db00984f:0xbcf28f76719eeb7d!4m12!1m6!3m5!1s0x0:0x469a1eebe54c0a58!2sEdinburgh+Castle!8m2!3d55.9485947!4d-3.1999135!3m4!1s0x0:0x88cc2703f2beb5c3!8m2!3d55.9469995!4d-3.1905666)

![National Museum Scotland.jpg](/uploads/National_Museum_Scotland_f709ba1be9.jpg)

### 6. [National Gallery of Scotland](https://www.nationalgalleries.org/)

Like the **National Museum**, this gallery is also free, and open from 10am to 5pm, but on Thursdays until 7pm. It’s over 150 years old and was designed by the famous Scottish architect, William Henry Playfair. The gallery stands out for having collections from all over the world, and from the **Middle Ages** to the present day. It also has temporary exhibitions, which require an entrance fee, but are definitely well worth visiting.

Address: [The Mound, Edinburgh EH2 2EL](https://www.google.com/maps/place/Scottish+National+Gallery/@55.9504576,-3.1977688,17z/data=!4m12!1m6!3m5!1s0x0:0x469a1eebe54c0a58!2sEdinburgh+Castle!8m2!3d55.9485947!4d-3.1999135!3m4!1s0x0:0xc47f9545e742193!8m2!3d55.950902!4d-3.1956862)


### 7. [Writers Museum](https://www.edinburghmuseums.org.uk/venue/writers-museum)

You can find this museum through **Lady Stair's Close**, one of the alleys off the Royal Mile, which will lead you to a very picturesque little square and the historic building this museum is located in. Inside, you will find original works by the **writers Robert Burns, Sir Walter Scott and Robert Louis Stevenson**, probably the three most famous **Scottish writers** outside its borders and the most important within them, as well as other objects. The museum is open from 10am to 5pm every day. 

The current building dates from the end of the 19th century, but stones from the previous house, which was from the 17th century, were reused in it.

Address: [Lawnmarket, Lady Stair's Cl, Edinburgh EH1 2PA](https://www.google.com/maps/place/The+Writers'+Museum/@55.9501933,-3.1941424,17z/data=!4m12!1m6!3m5!1s0x0:0x469a1eebe54c0a58!2sEdinburgh+Castle!8m2!3d55.9485947!4d-3.1999135!3m4!1s0x4887c79aa32b907f:0x6d9daae3b9199343!8m2!3d55.9496581!4d-3.1937817)

### 8. Greyfriars Kirkyard

This is the **most important cemetery in the Old Town**. It’s also believed to be the cemetery with the most paranormal activity in Scotland, to the point where part of the cemetery has been closed off to the public. This part is known as the **Covenanters’ Prison**, where George Mackenzie imprisoned and tortured hundreds of **Scottish Protestants** who were fighting against the King in the 17th century. However, it was not until the 90s that a series of inexplicable, possibly supernatural events began to occur, after the desecration of the Mackenzie family mausoleum. This cemetery is open 24 hours a day, so if you dare to visit at night and something strange happens to you… perhaps report it to the **Faculty of Parapsychology at Edinburgh University**!

It’s also home to the tombstone of Greyfriars Bobby, the **most famous dog in Scotland**; so popular that Disney adapted the story into a movie. As well as Bobby’s headstone, you will also find graves with the same names as some of the characters in **JK Rowling's** series of novels, Harry Potter. This fascinating churchyard is located in the Old Town of Edinburgh, very close to the Grassmarket.

Address: [26A Candlemaker Row, Edinburgh EH1 2QE](https://www.google.com/maps/place/Greyfriars+Kirkyard/@55.9469198,-3.1924396,18z/data=!4m12!1m6!3m5!1s0x0:0x469a1eebe54c0a58!2sEdinburgh+Castle!8m2!3d55.9485947!4d-3.1999135!3m4!1s0x0:0xe1508295dd448c87!8m2!3d55.9471682!4d-3.1927961)

![Grayfriars Kick.jpg](/uploads/Grayfriars_Kick_f193e1f75c.jpg)

### 9. Greyfriars Bobby Statue

As well as his headstone, Bobby also has his own statue right in front of the main entrance to **Greyfriars Kirkyard**. This faithful little dog spent 14 years visiting the grave of his owner, John Gray, an act which earned him the fame that led to his film, and above all, to the hearts of the Scots. The statue is a must-see stop, and it’s said that you’ll get good luck if you touch Bobby's nose. But be careful not to be seen, as the people of **Edinburgh** don’t believe this superstition and don’t like anyone touching Bobby's nose, so you might attract some negative attention!

Don’t forget to visit his tombstone either, where you will see that people have left him sticks to play with instead of flowers.

Address: [Edinburgh EH1 2QQ](https://www.google.com/maps/place/Greyfriars+Bobby+Statue/@55.9470511,-3.1922196,17.5z/data=!4m12!1m6!3m5!1s0x0:0x469a1eebe54c0a58!2sEdinburgh+Castle!8m2!3d55.9485947!4d-3.1999135!3m4!1s0x0:0xb21225ab22512f54!8m2!3d55.9468858!4d-3.191229)

![Grayfriars Bobby.jpg](/uploads/Grayfriars_Bobby_b94776e808.jpg)

### 10. Victoria Street

This cobbled street has a very pronounced curve, starting at **George IV Bridge** and ending at Grassmarket Square (or vice versa, the order doesn’t really matter!). It’s a very picturesque street, with each of the shop fronts painted in a different colour, which has made it one of the most photographed streets in Edinburgh. **JK Rowling** was also inspired by this street to create Diagon Alley in Harry Potter.

![victoria Street.jpg](/uploads/victoria_Street_1b4f6c10c1.jpg)

## New Town

### 11. Calton Hill

This hill, located very close to the centre of Edinburgh, is one of the main hills in the city and you don’t have to prepare much to climb it, since it’s quite easy. From the top, you’ll get spectacular views over the city. You can also see the iconic National Monument, an incomplete replica of the Parthenon in Athens, built in memory of those who fell in the Napoleonic Wars; the Horatio Nelson Monument, a tower shaped like an inverted spyglass; and the former City Observatory. In 2018, the observatory building complex was restored and converted into a restaurant ([The Lookout](https://www.thelookoutedinburgh.co/)), gift shop and exhibit hall. The hilltop is definitely a view I recommend both during the day and for sunset.

Address: [Edinburgh EH7 5AA](https://www.google.com/maps/place/Calton+Hill/@55.9541485,-3.1902684,15z/data=!4m12!1m6!3m5!1s0x0:0x469a1eebe54c0a58!2sEdinburgh+Castle!8m2!3d55.9485947!4d-3.1999135!3m4!1s0x4887c7896e46c799:0x9181b664f75766dd!8m2!3d55.9550461!4d-3.1827414)

![Edinburgh Old Town.jpg](/uploads/Edinburgh_Old_Town_058ba96a26.jpg)

|Edinburgh Walking Tours |
|---|
| Book your [Edinburgh Free Tour](https://scotlandcitytours.com/tours-edinburgh/edinburgh-free-tour) |
| Book your [Edinburgh Mysteries, witchery and murders Walking Tour](https://scotlandcitytours.com/tours-edinburgh/edinburgh-ghost-tour) |
| BEST TOUR [Edinburgh Castle Guided Tour](https://scotlandcitytours.com/tours-edinburgh/guided-tour-edinburgh-castle) |
| Book your [Outlander and Jacobites Walking Tour](https://scotlandcitytours.com/tours-edinburgh/outlander-tour)|

### 12. Dean Village

A 10 minute walk from Princes Street, this **picturesque Victorian neighbourhood** was built in the 1880s, when it began as a working-class village. During the Industrial Revolution, the factories needed labour and so people left their homes in the countryside to emigrate en-masse, resulting in a population spike in the big cities. **Dean Village** is built around the **Water of Leith**, a 12km river, with a magnificent walk alongside it. Here you can walk among nature even in the very centre of Edinburgh, through an oasis of peace. Certainly a must-see during your stay in the **Scottish capital**!

![Dean village Edimburgo.jpg](/uploads/Dean_village_Edimburgo_3af2a150a5.jpg)

### 13. [National Portrait Gallery](https://www.nationalgalleries.org/visit/scottish-national-portrait-gallery)

This **New Town museum is located on Queen Street**, and is one of the most creative and beautiful buildings in Edinburgh. It’s built from reddish sandstone, while the rest of the city is in yellow coloured stone, and the architect based the design on the Doge's Palace in Venice. This museum is also a sanctuary for **Scottish heroes** and heroines, where you will find portraits of everyone from kings and queens to figures from the Scottish Enlightenment. Inside you will find a library, an art gallery and the main hall, which might be the most beautiful part of the building, with a ceiling covered in constellations.

![Galeria Nacional de Retratos de Edimburgo.jpg](/uploads/Galeria_Nacional_de_Retratos_de_Edimburgo_31df48d895.jpg)

Address: [1 Queen St, Edinburgh EH2 1JD](https://www.google.com/maps/place/Scottish+National+Portrait+Gallery/@55.9592898,-3.1938733,14z/data=!4m12!1m6!3m5!1s0x0:0x469a1eebe54c0a58!2sEdinburgh+Castle!8m2!3d55.9485947!4d-3.1999135!3m4!1s0x4887c648eae6c6eb:0x2be348d68265ff86!8m2!3d55.9555312!4d-3.1937606)

### 14. Royal Bank of Scotland

This bank is **located in St. Andrews Square**, in the **New Town**. It was originally a private residence which was later acquired by the government for use as a tax office, and in 1825, it was purchased by the **Royal Bank of Scotland** to use as their Edinburgh headquarters. Today it is considered the best among all UK bank buildings, so I recommend having a look if you have time. The roof is highly impressive, with a huge dome that has 120 star-shaped windows across it. When you visit the bank, go to the counter and exchange a £1 coin for a £1 note from the Royal Bank of Scotland; it's still legal tender of course but is hard to come by, and so looks much nicer stuck on the fridge with a magnet!

Address: [36 St Andrew Square, Edinburgh EH2 2AD](https://www.google.com/maps/place/Royal+Bank+of+Scotland/@55.9560102,-3.1898161,15.75z/data=!4m12!1m6!3m5!1s0x0:0x469a1eebe54c0a58!2sEdinburgh+Castle!8m2!3d55.9485947!4d-3.1999135!3m4!1s0x4887c78e19217d11:0x7fab6b5afd4355c1!8m2!3d55.9546562!4d-3.1918448)

![Bank of Scotlant Edimburgo.jpg](/uploads/Bank_of_Scotlant_Edimburgo_994f5babd6.jpg)
 
[Map with list of sites](https://www.google.com/maps/@55.9540892,-3.1924662,14z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m3!11m2!2s2yfxX5M4kvjgOphojlb_q37IACqLBA!3e3)

**Edinburgh is full of magic,** with a fairytale Old Town and a New Town reminiscent of the streets of Paris. A city where the Scottish Enlightenment was born, and with it, illustrious figures such as Robert Louis Stevenson, Robert Burns, Sir Walter Scott, David Hume, Adam Smith and many more. 

Finally, I would like to end this article with something said many years ago by a true English gentleman, Sir Winston Churchill: “Of all the small nations on Earth, perhaps only the ancient Greeks surpass the Scots in their contribution to the betterment of humanity”, and of course, much of this has been attributed to the capital, **Edinburgh**.

Edinburgh Old Town.jpg

14 Things to See & Do in Edinburgh

This guide is filled with the best things to do during your **visit to Stirling**. Although, if you want to have its history explained to you in depth, you might be interested in a day tour, where they will tell you all this and much more.

## 1. [Stirling Castle](https://www.stirlingcastle.scot/)

Address: [Castle Esplanade, Stirling FK8 1EJ](https://www.google.com/maps/place/Stirling+Castle/@56.1237904,-3.947428,15z/data=!4m5!3m4!1s0x0:0x7c5004fb1541fb67!8m2!3d56.1237904!4d-3.947428)

**This Renaissance castle** is, without a doubt, a fortress to rival **Edinburgh Castle**. Historic Scotland spent more than 30 years and £21 million restoring it back to its former glory. This castle can boast of not only having kings and queens living within its walls, but it also bore witness to the first “Birdman”, who attempted to fly from its walls. Legend also says that King Arthur and his knights held their Round Table here at **Stirling Castle**. In my opinion, this is the **best castle in Scotland**.

|Ticket Tyte	|Price |	
|---|---|
|Adult	|£16.50| 
|Concession 65+|£13.00|
|Child (5-15yrs)|	£10.00|
|Child (4-0yrs)|Free|

|Opening Times|	|
|---|---|---| 
|9:30 am - 6 pm	|  1 abril - 30 sept| 
|9:30 am - 5 pm | 1 octubre - 31 marzo|

![Castillo de Stirling.jpg](/uploads/Castillo_de_Stirling_18d42144b1.jpg)

## 2. [Church of the Holy Rude](http://holyrude.org/)

Address: [St John Street, Stirling FK8 1ED](https://www.google.com/maps/place/Holy+Rude/@56.1208452,-3.9445504,15z/data=!4m5!3m4!1s0x0:0x884480ba038ab6a9!8m2!3d56.1208452!4d-3.9445504)

This is the **second oldest building in the city**, after the Castle, dating from the 15th century. Built in the Scottish Gothic style, the medieval ceiling inside is the best preserved in Scotland. Furthermore, **Holy Rude** saw the coronation of Mary Queen of Scots’ son, James VI of **Scotland**, who later unified the Scottish and English crowns. Please note that it is closed during the winter months, and opens again from May to September. Admission is free.

|Opening|Time|
|---|---|
|October to April|Closed|
|May to September|11:00am a 4pm|

 
## 3. [Old Town Cemetery](https://www.oldtowncemetery.co.uk/)

Address: [Stirling FK8 1EG](https://www.google.com/maps/place/Old+Town+Cemetery/@56.1217601,-3.9461862,15z/data=!4m5!3m4!1s0x0:0x47941b7cfb1bf49f!8m2!3d56.1217601!4d-3.9461862)

This is thought to be the oldest cemetery in the city since, dating back to the 12th century. In the mid-19th century, the cemetery had to be expanded because the section adjacent to the **Church of the Holy Rude** had become so overcrowded. They ended up using the gardens of the Earl of Mar’s house and the area known as the Valley, which had formerly been used for jousting tournaments, horse fairs, markets and executions during **Mary Queen of Scots’ reign**. The cemetery still has great Protestant symbolism today.

 ![Cementery old town Stirling.jpg](/uploads/Cementery_old_town_Stirling_2166240ddf.jpg)
 
 ## 4. [Mar's Wark or the Earl of Mar’s House](https://www.historicenvironment.scot/visit-a-place/places/mars-wark/)

Address: [Stirling FK8 1EG](https://www.google.com/maps/place/Mar's+Wark/@56.1211368,-3.9441809,15z/data=!4m5!3m4!1s0x0:0xf455716174a6977e!8m2!3d56.1211368!4d-3.9441809)

This is a **Renaissance mansion** with two floors, from the 16th century. The stones used for its construction came from the ruins of **Cambuskenneth Abbey**. Currently, despite being in ruins, it is considered a historical building of national importance protected by the Scottish government.

On the facade, look out for adornments including statuettes, heraldic panels, and faux gargoyles carved to resemble cannons. A statue of a woman in a winding sheet is said to be Joan of Arc, possibly symbolising Joan suffering for her beliefs.

![Mars Wark.jpg](/uploads/Mars_Wark_1fc0df0057.jpg)

 ## 5. [Argyll's Lodging or the Earl of Argyll's House](https://www.historicenvironment.scot/visit-a-place/places/argyll-s-lodging/)
 
Address: [Castle Hill, Stirling FK8 1EG](https://www.google.com/maps/place/Argyll's+Lodging/@56.1222133,-3.9441165,17z/data=!4m12!1m6!3m5!1s0x0:0xf455716174a6977e!2sMar's+Wark!8m2!3d56.1211368!4d-3.9441809!3m4!1s0x488862939b4d3905:0xbe32ea3b5c86f9f9!8m2!3d56.1216054!4d-3.9439295)

This is the best preserved Renaissance style house in **Scotland**, although not much is known about its construction or the architect, except that it was built in the mid-16th century for a wealthy Stirling burgess and merchant. The house became a military hospital from the 18th century until the mid-20th century, and since 1996 it has been preserved by **Historic Scotland**. However, at the time of writing, it is closed until further notice for general maintenance.

![Argyll’s Lodging.jpg](/uploads/Argyll_s_Lodging_792b7aac72.jpg)

 
## 6. [Old Tollbooth](https://stirlingevents.org/tolbooth-event/)

Address: [Jail Wynd, Stirling FK8 1DE](https://www.google.com/maps/place/The+Tolbooth/@56.1209843,-3.9431885,18z/data=!4m12!1m6!3m5!1s0x0:0xf455716174a6977e!2sMar's+Wark!8m2!3d56.1211368!4d-3.9441809!3m4!1s0x48886294815ae6af:0xf179999234590552!8m2!3d56.1205894!4d-3.9429277)

When the city began to expand beyond its walls, people were concerned with how to keep the masses under control, so it became necessary to build their own prison. The oldest part of the building dates from 1703 and the roof, of Dutch design, is one of the oldest and best preserved in **Scotland**. In the mid-19th century it was considered one of the worst prisons in Britain. Today the prison has been converted into an arts centre, where concerts and weekly events are held.

![Toolboth.jpg](/uploads/Toolboth_9c6ccc9c91.jpg)

## 7. [Stirling Old Jail](https://oldtownjail.co.uk/)

Address: [St John St, Stirling FK8 1EA](https://www.google.com/maps/place/Stirling+Old+Town+Jail/@53.695154,-6.9950819,6z/data=!4m8!1m2!2m1!1sold+jail+!3m4!1s0x488862949db62be7:0xd8ae45cfb1198a7c!8m2!3d56.1204295!4d-3.9433844)

The city’s second prison was built in 1847, due to the overcrowding and poor conditions prisoners were kept in in the Tolbooth. It was opened as a county jail, and built with a “respiratory system”. Although it seemed luxurious compared to the **Tolbooth**, life was very hard inside the jail. Eventually, the prison ceased to be used, lying forgotten and neglected until the 1990s, when their middle floors were renovated for use as offices. Some of the other cells became a tourist attraction, which opened its doors in 1996.

|Opening	|Times	| 	Ticket|	Price|
|---|---|---|---|
|November to March|	Closed|Adult|£7.5|
|April to October|10:15am a 5:15pm |Child & senior 60+|	£5|

 ![old jail Stirling.jpg](/uploads/old_jail_Stirling_b4796f113c.jpg)

## 8. Mediaeval Stirling Wall

The remains of the mediaeval wall are 300 metres long and divided into five sections. Four of them date from the mid-16th century (1547), while the remaining section was built from the 17th to the 19th century.

![Muralla medieval de Stirling.jpg](/uploads/Muralla_medieval_de_Stirling_4a7e63e900.jpg)
 
## 9. [William Wallace Monument](https://www.yourstirling.com/see-do/the-wallace-monument/)

Address: [Abbey Craig, Hillfoots Road, Stirling FK9 5LF](https://www.google.com/maps/place/The+National+Wallace+Monument/@56.1387732,-3.9178895,15z/data=!4m5!3m4!1s0x0:0xc02c4df1ac8dddd!8m2!3d56.1387732!4d-3.9178895)

A 67 metre high tower, located 50 minutes from the centre of Stirling on foot. It is built on top of a hill called Abbey Craig, which was where **William Wallace** planned the **Battle of Stirling Bridge** in 1307. Inside this **Victorian Gothic monument** you can find different exhibitions about the life of the hero, as well as other notable figures from **Scottish history**. From the top you can admire a landscape where battles were fought and won, which are also some of the best views Scotland has to offer. For more information about the monument, take a look at this article too.

![Monumento de William Wallace.jpg](/uploads/Monumento_de_William_Wallace_47acf44de6.jpg)

 ## 10. [Cambuskenneth Abbey](https://www.historicenvironment.scot/visit-a-place/places/cambuskenneth-abbey/)

Address: [Ladysneuk Road, Cambuskenneth, Stirling FK9 5NG](https://www.google.com/maps/place/Cambuskenneth+Abbey/@56.1232545,-3.9177549,15z/data=!4m5!3m4!1s0x0:0xbc51f987f85af024!8m2!3d56.1232545!4d-3.9177549)

Founded in 1140 by **King David I**, the abbey is a 20 minute walk from the train station. Today only the main tower and its cemetery remain, where the Scottish King James III, and his wife, Margaret of Denmark, are buried. It is said that the monks of **Cambuskenneth** secretly buried a part of William Wallace's body here too: to find him, pass the tower on your left, then go east along the wall. A little further on, just to your right (south of the wall) is a small stone, about 18 by 6 inches, embedded in the ground perpendicular to the wall. At the southern end, barely noticeable and badly eroded, the initials "WW" can still just be seen in old script.

![abadía de Cambuskenneth.jpg](/uploads/abadia_de_Cambuskenneth_807fd2448c.jpg)

## 11. Stirling Bridge


Address: [140 Causewayhead Rd, Stirling FK9 5HJ](https://www.google.com/maps/place/Stirling+Bridge/@56.1289914,-3.9382075,17z/data=!4m8!1m2!2m1!1sstirling+bridge!3m4!1s0x488862a32c9aece1:0x8aba0e7dd042275!8m2!3d56.1277196!4d-3.9362678)

Without a doubt, the most famous bridge in Scottish history is the one that once stood here in the 1290s. It was here that **Sir Andrew de Moray and Sir William Wallace** defeated Edward I’s army on the 11th of September, 1297, during the **Wars of Independence**. The current bridge was built between 1400 and 1500, a simple stone bridge, but which still makes me tingle with emotion every time I cross it, remembering the battle and the 2,500 brave men who fought against the English troops. It’s also one of the most photogenic corners in Stirling! Here you can learn more about what happened in the battle.

![puente stirling.jpg](/uploads/puente_stirling_5fc673301a.jpg)

 ## 12. [The Battle of Bannockburn Visitor Centre](https://www.nts.org.uk/visit/places/bannockburn)

Address: [Glasgow Road, Whins Of Milton, Stirling, FK7 0LJ](https://www.google.com/maps/place/The+Battle+of+Bannockburn+Visitor+Centre/@56.0932153,-3.9357192,17z/data=!4m13!1m7!3m6!1s0x4888631f5cc088bf:0xe001ce646a7be51c!2sGlasgow+Rd,+Whins+of+Milton,+Stirling+FK7+0LJ!3b1!8m2!3d56.0932123!4d-3.9335305!3m4!1s0x488862ea57d7eb67:0xc5e1b9ed277cb2b!8m2!3d56.092557!4d-3.935082)

Not only did **William Wallace defeat the English at Stirling**, but Robert the Bruce, later crowned Robert I, also won the **Battle of Bannockburn** near here in 1314. Although this battle was not the end of the **Wars of Independence**, it was certainly the beginning of the end. The visitor centre is about 20 minutes away from Stirling by bus, and here you can see the battle recreated in 3D scenes.

|Ticket Tyte|	Price|
|---|---|
|Adult	|£11.50	 	|
|Concession 60+|	£8.50|
|Family|	£30.50|	 

|Opening Time|Last Admission |
 |---|---|
 |9:30 am - 5:30 pm	| 1 April - 30 Sept|
 |	 	10:00 am - 5:00 pm 	| 1 October - 31 March|

## 13. [Museo Smith art gallery](https://www.smithartgalleryandmuseum.co.uk/)

Address: [40 Albert Place, Stirling FK8 2RQ](https://www.google.com/maps/place/The+Stirling+Smith+Art+Gallery+%26+Museum/@56.1189477,-3.9463296,15z/data=!4m5!3m4!1s0x0:0x9798f73f59a03b6c!8m2!3d56.1189477!4d-3.9463296)

The main museum of the city, it was founded in 1874 as a contemporary art gallery and library. It is made up of 3 exhibition rooms where you can learn about the **history of Stirling**, from the first men to the present day. One of the most unique things you can find here is the oldest football in the world, dating from the reign of Mary Queen of Scots (16th century)! There is also a contemporary art exhibition in another gallery. Admission is free, and it’s open every day from 10am to 5pm.

![Smith Art Gallery.jpg](/uploads/Smith_Art_Gallery_94a4e6348d.jpg)

 
## 14. Highland Cows

If you want to see the iconic hairy cows you are in luck! At the foot of **Stirling Castle**, next to King's Knot park, you will find a herd of them grazing. Although you cannot see them up close, a few of these **Highland Cows** allow themselves to be photographed.


## 15. [Shopping in Stirling](https://www.thistlesstirling.com/)

Address: [Goosecroft Rd, Stirling FK8 2EA](https://www.google.com/maps/place/The+Thistles+Shopping+Centre/@56.1177196,-3.9354394,15z/data=!4m5!3m4!1s0x0:0x109d73e92a657928!8m2!3d56.1177196!4d-3.9354394)

Although **Stirling** has a population of less than 35,000 people, the city has one of the best shopping centres in the country. The Thistles Shopping Centre has 87 stores inside, and will certainly delight visiting shopaholics!

Between the WHSmith store and the Post Office, you can access (for free!) an old defensive bastion of the mediaeval wall that once served as a prison.

![Thistle Shopping.jpg](/uploads/Thistle_Shopping_958ce649c7.jpg)
 
If you have made it here to the end of this guide, then I hope you enjoyed reading it as much as I enjoyed writing about my favourite city in Scotland! I hope you have a wonderful visit, and if you have any questions, please do leave a comment below!



stirling-7.jpeg

15 Things to see and do in Stirling

In recent years, young people have also been going to church a lot: and no, they aren’t going to confess their sins! A lot of great work has been done to transform old, disused churches into thriving, **local pubs with live music**, such as **Stramash** or Frankensteins, to name two of the most popular.

The **average price of a pint is around £5** and a **whisky is around £6**, although of course, you’ll always find some that cost more or less than that. This is just an average, so that you can go prepared and know what awaits your wallet. By the way, the nightclubs here close at 3 in the morning, so you can plan your night accordingly! 

So, here is a selection of 12 of the best bars and pubs in the city. Originally there were going to be 10, but when I started asking my friends, there were too many suggestions!

## 1. [Albannach](https://www.belhavenpubs.co.uk/pubs/midlothian/albanach/)

Albannach is the Gaelic word for Scots. If you want to try the best **whiskies in the world**, you will find more than 320 different types in this **traditional Scottish pub**. It is one of the best whisky bars in the city. Though please don’t drink it all; leave some for the rest of us!

Address: [197 High St, Edinburgh EH1 1PE](https://www.google.co.uk/maps/place/Albanach+(edinburgh)/@55.9501848,-3.190647,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m5!3m4!1s0x4887c7857ee0512d:0xfa0b452fb28cb8af!8m2!3d55.9501848!4d-3.1884583)
![Albannach Pub.jpg](/uploads/Albannach_Pub_5508d249f6.jpg)

## 2. [Stramash](https://stramashedinburgh.com/)

A former church built in 1859, now converted into a pub. There is no choir singing to God anymore: instead you can find live music of all varieties every night until 3am. With two floors, it has a capacity of 900 people, where both locals and tourists meet and mingle, in the most lively of atmospheres. Also, every Wednesday from 10pm to 12am, you can take part in **traditional Scottish ceilidh dancing** (free admission).

They also serve food and the kitchen closes at 11:45pm! 

Address: [207 Cowgate, Old Town, Edinburgh EH1 1JQ](https://www.google.co.uk/maps/place/Stramash+Live+Music+Bar/@55.9484845,-3.1900033,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m5!3m4!1s0x4887c785a6fffd93:0x46278552ec61ed9f!8m2!3d55.9484845!4d-3.1878146)

## 3. [The Royal Oak](http://www.royal-oak-folk.com/)

A pub with more than 200 years of history, and the best place to go if you want to listen to live folk music played by locals, while you drink one of their whiskies or beers.

During the 1960s, the pub was owned by Alan Anderson, a retired **Heart of Midlothian football player**, who helped give the pub the great reputation it has today.

This pub is also featured in a novel by [Ian Rankin](https://www.ianrankin.net/about/), Set in Darkness. Rankin is a **Scottish writer** who became famous from his Inspector Regus novel series.

Address: [1 Infirmary Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1LT](https://www.google.co.uk/maps/place/The+Royal+Oak/@55.9480483,-3.1883533,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m5!3m4!1s0x4887c785ca002d4b:0x9484ecc5c4239243!8m2!3d55.9480453!4d-3.1861646)

![Royal Oak Edimburgo.jpg](/uploads/Royal_Oak_Edimburgo_20e28f4579.jpg)

## 4. [The Black Cat](https://www.facebook.com/theblackcatbaredinburgh/)
Two Scottish traditions come together in this pub: **whisky and folk music**. With over **120 different whiskies**, it has long since been one of my personal favourites in Edinburgh. It is located on **Rose Street**, the first pedestrian street in **Scotland**, full of charm and plenty more pubs to visit!

Address:  [168 Rose St, Edinburgh EH2 4BA](https://www.google.com/maps/place/The+Black+Cat/@55.9515787,-3.2058547,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m5!3m4!1s0x4887c797be093f4f:0xa93b8585b1998d51!8m2!3d55.9516015!4d-3.2036786)

![Black Cat Edimburgo.jpg](/uploads/Black_Cat_Edimburgo_72006f5eb9.jpg)
![Black Cat Rose Street Edimburgo.jpg](/uploads/Black_Cat_Rose_Street_Edimburgo_58f3a573d4.jpg)

## 5. [The Sheep Heid Inn](https://www.thesheepheidedinburgh.co.uk/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=organic&utm_campaign=gmb#)
If you have time, I definitely recommend going to this pub. Legend has it that since 1360, The Sheep Heid has been serving thirsty customers, including **Mary Queen of Scots**, which would make it the **oldest pub in Scotland**. In the centuries since then, it has remained famous enough for **Queen Elizabeth II** to visit, and is chock-full of trinkets that lend truth to its long history. The pub may be old-fashioned, but the drink selection is thoroughly modern, with a full range of gins, beers and whiskies, as well as snacks.

Address:  [43-45 The Causeway, Edinburgh EH15 3QA](https://www.google.com/maps/place/The+Sheep+Heid+Inn/@55.942001,-3.1507307,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m8!3m7!1s0x4887b8606c1a85b1:0x44ec0267ad5b692!5m2!4m1!1i2!8m2!3d55.942001!4d-3.148542)

## 6. [The White Hart Inn](https://www.belhavenpubs.co.uk/pubs/midlothian/white-hart/)
Founded in 1516, this is believed to be one of the **oldest pubs in the city**. It is located in the **Grassmarket**, and is also thought to be one of the city’s many haunted pubs. It has live music every day starting at 9pm, as well as very good beer and a menu of more than 50 whiskies, making it a favoured place for tourists to visit.

Address:  [34 Grassmarket, Edinburgh EH1 2JU](https://www.google.com/maps/place/The+White+Hart+Inn/@55.9475101,-3.1988968,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m5!3m4!1s0x4887c79a4b04cf35:0x8d5bb0653f9e479a!8m2!3d55.9475101!4d-3.1967081)

![Whiste hart Inn Edimburgo.jpg](/uploads/Whiste_hart_Inn_Edimburgo_8503d8f198.jpg)

|Edinburgh Walking Tours |
|---|
| Book your [Edinburgh Free Tour](https://scotlandcitytours.com/tours-edinburgh/edinburgh-free-tour) |
| Book your [Edinburgh Mysteries, witchery and murders Walking Tour](https://scotlandcitytours.com/tours-edinburgh/edinburgh-ghost-tour) |
| BEST TOUR [Edinburgh Castle Guided Tour](https://scotlandcitytours.com/tours-edinburgh/guided-tour-edinburgh-castle) |
| Book your [Outlander and Jacobites Walking Tour](https://scotlandcitytours.com/tours-edinburgh/outlander-tour)|

## 7. [Dirty Dick's](https://www.facebook.com/dirtydicksedinburgh/?eid=ARAk-UN3YRs5Ok5eNEFRRitSjKIj6os18PW9XnmKkvRzjHSGSkwSfU2XfqGEUaluOv5eF__syHRQp8QE)

Every inch of the walls and ceiling is covered with signs, tickets, lamps, musical instruments... you can't help but keep looking to see what else you will find! But the **most fascinating part of this pub is the story behind his name**: Dirty Dick was a street cleaner, at a time when the roads were always covered with horse manure. Dick had a bad relationship with his family, and so led a lonely life, but was content with his work as a cleaner. Despite his filthy appearance, Dick rarely had to pay for his pints or whiskies after finishing his day's work, as he was a great storyteller and could entertain all the patrons in the bar. Sadly, Dick died not knowing that he had inherited a fortune from his family!

Address:[159 Rose St, Edinburgh EH2 4LS](https://www.google.com/maps/place/Dirty+Dick's/@55.9514996,-3.2071379,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m5!3m4!1s0x4887c797c0ffa71b:0x7b59d70e969a9951!8m2!3d55.9514996!4d-3.2049492)

![Dicty Dick's.jpg](/uploads/Dicty_Dick_s_2dd6813020.jpg)


## 8. [Globe Bar](https://www.oldtownpubco.com/our-bars/the-globe-bar/)

This pub has been included on my list because it’s a **sports bar**! Here they broadcast every game of rugby, curling, darts, and whatever other sport you want; but in particular, they show football from leagues all over the world, perfect for if your home team is playing a match while you’re on holiday!

Address:  [Niddry St, Edinburgh EH1 1LG](https://www.google.com/maps/place/The+Globe+Bar/@55.949711,-3.1892082,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m5!3m4!1s0x4887c7858ff06257:0x6f165da650b40144!8m2!3d55.949711!4d-3.1870195) 

## 9. [Cafe Royal Circle Bar](https://www.caferoyaledinburgh.com/)

This is one of the most stately bars in the **New Town**, opened in 1863. This Victorian bar is a favourite of the locals, so don't go too late because after 5pm it's always packed and hard to find a seat! As well as drinks, you can also have food here and they specialise in seafood. This bar is a hidden gem that you won’t want to leave once you discover it!

Address: [19 W Register St, Edinburgh EH2 2AA](https://www.google.com/maps/place/Cafe+Royal/@55.953809,-3.1928808,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m5!3m4!1s0x4887c78e37804d77:0x5752a589f142d287!8m2!3d55.953809!4d-3.1906921)

![Cafe Royal Edimburgo.jpg](/uploads/Cafe_Royal_Edimburgo_9e89afcfde.jpg)


## 10.  [The Voodoo Rooms](http://www.thevoodoorooms.com/)
Considered one of the best city centre bars, Voodoo Rooms sits directly above Cafe Royal. In 2008, it was awarded **Scotland's Best Cocktail Bar** by the[ Scottish Licensed Trade News Awards](https://sltn.co.uk/sltn-awards-2019/), and one of the most stylish bars in Scotland by the [Scottish Style Awards](http://www.scottishstyleawards.co.uk/). A very elegant bar and another one of my personal favourites!

Address:  [19a W Register St, Edinburgh EH2 2AA](https://www.google.com/maps/place/The+Voodoo+Rooms/@55.9537533,-3.1928339,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m5!3m4!1s0x4887c78e37c78d81:0x37b0932f8d58c00!8m2!3d55.9537533!4d-3.1906452)

![The Voodoo Rooms.jpg](/uploads/The_Voodoo_Rooms_e85c3004e3.jpg)


## 11. [The Jazz bar](https://www.thejazzbar.co.uk/)
As its name suggests, The Jazz Bar has the **best resident jazz, funk and blues bands** in the city, ideal for an evening of live music. I also recommend it for the atmosphere; it’s not that big and fills up quickly, but without becoming too packed (so you’re not going to be elbowing each other all night!). You can stand and dance, or sit at tables just two metres from the stage. Admission is usually between £3 and £5.

Address: [1a Chambers St, Edinburgh EH1 1HR](https://www.google.com/maps/place/The+Jazz+Bar/@55.9481725,-3.1891572,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m5!3m4!1s0x4887c785b1ecee97:0xecc724d01a4f6a34!8m2!3d55.9481725!4d-3.1869685)

## 12. [The Banshee Labyrinth](https://www.thebansheelabyrinth.com/)
This claims to be the **most haunted pub in the whole city**! Half of the premises occupies part of the **Vaults under the South Bridge**, which was the hideaway of criminals and the black market for corpses being sold to the medical school. During the work to convert it into a pub, local workers said they saw spirits and lost souls in this underground labyrinth, which today functions as a concert venue and movie theatre, hosting DJ nights, comedy events and alternative music. Keep an eye on your beer, in case the ghosts try to take it for themselves! Open every day until 3am.

Address: [29-35 Niddry St, Edinburgh EH1 1LG](https://www.google.com/maps/place/The+Banshee+Labyrinth/@55.949356,-3.1890387,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m5!3m4!1s0x4887c7859672447b:0xc0d6d8fa0f5833eb!8m2!3d55.949356!4d-3.18685)
 
It’s said here that if you don’t remember what happened the night before, it must have been a good night out. Personally, I hope you don't quite get to that point, because exploring the city with a hangover the next day won’t be the best experience. Instead, please enjoy your night in **Edinburgh**, and raise a glass of whisky to the wonderful Scottish capital!
 
 
 
 



Pub de Edimburgo.jpg

Edinburgh Nightlife

Another thing that is often difficult is choosing what to buy: **what is the most typical souvenir from Scotland?** If you asked me, I would say whisky, of course, but there are many other options, such as:

- A postcard, keychain or figurine of the famous little dog, Bobby.
- The classic butter cookies, which are called shortbread (I recommend you buy these at any supermarket; they will be much cheaper and are exactly the same).
- A bottle of whisky … or two.
- A plaid scarf, known here as tartan.
- A soft toy of Nessie or a fluffy Highland cow.
- A kilt (the traditional dress of Scotland).
- A patch featuring the flag of Scotland.
- A keychain, a magnet, a postcard or a bookmark.
- The most iconic food, haggis, which you can also find in the supermarket and comes in airtight packages or even cans that you can take on the plane.
- A woollen hat that says Scotland or a cap or bonnet, which are popular here.
- Anything related to Harry Potter.

So, I hope this list can help you choose a souvenir. There are few independent shops left with **100% Scottish-made products**, but I have tried to collect a few of them on this list so you can buy guaranteed local products:

## 1. [The Nutcracker Christmas Shop](https://nutcrackerchristmasshop.com/password)

In **Edinburgh, Christmas** lasts the whole year! The reason being that there are two shops dedicated exclusively to Christmas decorations: the one I mentioned in the title and Ye Olde Christmas Shoppe. Both stock a great mix of **Christmas tree** decorations and classic souvenirs, and are located on the Royal Mile, so you will surely pass by at some point. It’s worth even just going in to take a look, as you will probably be surprised by what you find! 

Adreess: [High St, Edinburgh EH1 1TB](https://www.google.com/maps/place/The+Nutcracker+Christmas+Shop/@55.9502803,-3.1880936,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m5!3m4!1s0x4887c7854ff703fd:0xe61f17ff84ebc604!8m2!3d55.9502887!4d-3.1858551)

![The Nutcracker Christmas Shop.jpg](/uploads/The_Nutcracker_Christmas_Shop_08cbe02109.jpg)

## 2. [Museum Context](https://museumcontext.com/)
 
Edinburgh has several Harry Potter themed shops, but if there is just one that I would recommend, it is this one. It’s a museum shop, where you will find everything you can imagine related to the saga of JK Rowling's novels. There are two stores, which are both in the centre of town.

Address: [40 Victoria St, Edinburgh EH1 2JW](https://www.google.com/search?q=museum+of+context&biw=1366&bih=625&sz=0&tbm=lcl&sxsrf=APq-WBtr5O9w7Mtd79ywY9z-1wJXeNddew%3A1645486724010&ei=gyIUYuOBPcW78gKt2oSwBg&oq=museum+of+context&gs_l=psy-ab.12...0.0.0.4031.0.0.0.0.0.0.0.0..0.0....0...1c..64.psy-ab..0.0.0....0.AwlL4Nve5YA#rlfi=hd:;si:2821240170678138734,l,ChFtdXNldW0gb2YgY29udGV4dEib1PGP7oCAgAhaHRAAEAEQAhgAGAIiEW11c2V1bSBvZiBjb250ZXh0kgEJZ2lmdF9zaG9w,y,BYLHQ8nzJRo;mv:[[55.9506269,-3.1886525999999997],[55.948444599999995,-3.1947475]])

![Museum Context.jpg](/uploads/Museum_Context_120acd024b.jpg)

## 3. [Royal Mile Whisky](https://www.royalmilewhiskies.com/)

My favourite souvenir: whisky, the national drink of Scotland. This is one of the best whisky shops in the city, and you can find it on the Royal Mile in front of **St. Giles Cathedral**. It has an infinite number of varieties and types of whisky, from miniatures to bottles costing up to £15,000.

Address: [379 High St, Edinburgh EH1](1PWhttps://www.google.co.uk/maps/place/Royal+Mile+Whiskies/@55.9497609,-3.1918853,19z/data=!4m5!3m4!1s0x4887c79aad37fbcb:0x25b6f3ddbcfc4f8e!8m2!3d55.949724!4d-3.1917241) 

![Royal Mile Whisky.jpg](/uploads/Royal_Mile_Whisky_f1dfc258c4.jpg)

|Edinburgh Walking Tours (recommended) |
|---|
|[Edinburgh Free Tour](https://scotlandcitytours.com/tours-edinburgh/edinburgh-free-tour) |
| [Edinburgh Mysteries, witchery and murders Walking Tour](https://scotlandcitytours.com/tours-edinburgh/edinburgh-ghost-tour) |
|  [Edinburgh Castle Guided Tour](https://scotlandcitytours.com/tours-edinburgh/guided-tour-edinburgh-castle) |
|  [Outlander and Jacobites Walking Tour](https://scotlandcitytours.com/tours-edinburgh/outlander-tour)|

## 4. [Tartan Weaving Mill and Exhibition](https://heritageofscotland.com/)

This is a typical souvenir shop where you will find everything: the cheapest fridge magnets, postcards, key rings, stuffed animals, scarves, hats, gloves, kilts and much more. The shop has four floors and is located at the top of **the Royal Mile**, just before you reach the Esplanade of **Edinburgh Castle**. However, they also have a bagpipe workshop and you can also see the tartan-making process on their looms. And don’t miss the chance to take a fun photo wearing a **traditional Scottish outfit**!

Address: [555 Castlehill, Edinburgh EH1 2ND](https://www.google.co.uk/maps/place/Tartan+Weaving+Mill+and+Exhibition/@55.9488342,-3.1968571,19z/data=!4m5!3m4!1s0x4887c79a8a7eb5df:0xa9205d33d83ef41c!8m2!3d55.948918!4d-3.1961332)

![Edimburgo Souvenir.jpg](/uploads/Edimburgo_Souvenir_6baeae88cc.jpg)

## 5. [The Red Door Gallery](https://www.edinburghart.com/)

If you are someone who likes to take home an illustration of the city, postcards or a print, this is one of the best shops in Edinburgh to buy this sort of souvenir. It’s attached to the **Harry Potter shop** on Victoria Street. 

Address: [42 Victoria St, Edinburgh EH1 2JW](https://www.google.com/maps/place/The+Red+Door+Gallery/@55.9485962,-3.1964332,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m5!3m4!1s0x4887c79af1653c97:0xcbb6956d66c7b337!8m2!3d55.948506!4d-3.1944452)

![Edin Souvenir2.jpg](/uploads/Edin_Souvenir2_1c14606a6f.jpg)

## 6. [Walker Slater](https://www.walkerslater.com/)

If, on the other hand, you don’t want to purchase the usual fridge magnets, and instead are looking for something of a higher quality, such as cashmere or **100% sheep’s wool** garments, moreover ones **made in Scotland**, then I recommend this store. You'll find plenty of products from the famous Hebridean wool merchant, Harris and Tweed. The store is located next to The Red Door Gallery, on Victoria Street.
 
 Address: [16-20 Victoria St, Edinburgh EH1 2HG](https://www.google.com/maps/place/Walker+Slater+Menswear/@55.9487922,-3.1957502,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m5!3m4!1s0x4887c79ac0d20d81:0xd61e3dc41f42b486!8m2!3d55.9487922!4d-3.1935615)
 
**The Royal Mile is 1814 metres long** and you will find another souvenir shop with every step you take, offering you cashmere scarves and other garments for an affordable price. However, take a good look at the label before buying, because most of these products are mass-produced elsewhere in the world and are made of synthetic materials, with a minimal cashmere percentage. 
Shop in small businesses and choose local produce from the Scottish Highlands; support the Scottish economy that is suffering in these capitalist times, so that it can continue to grow and give us the high quality products offered by these shops in Edinburgh.
And with that, I’ll sign off from this post. I hope you enjoy your visit to the Scottish capital, which enchants, captivates, and makes you fall in love. If you have any questions, leave me a comment below and I will answer as quickly as possible!

tiendas de souvenir de Edimburgo.jpg

6 Best Souvenir Shops in Edinburgh

Here in Edinburgh, there are many paid attractions, such as the Castle or **Holyrood Palace**, and there are also plenty of free ones, such as the **National Museum of Scotland** or the various art galleries, but to visit any of them now, you have to book your ticket in advance. Unfortunately, it is no longer possible to just show up and buy your ticket at the door!

But don't worry, there are always alternative things to do if you haven't been able to get your ticket to visit any of Edinburgh's most famous tourist attractions. Plus, even if that is the case, now you have the perfect excuse to revisit Scotland's capital!

Here I have 10 alternative places for you to **visit in Edinburgh**. All of these activities are outdoors, so I recommend that you come prepared with good walking shoes and rain gear.

## 1. Arthur's Seat
This is an **extinct volcano** that rises up to 251 metres, right next to Holyrood Palace and the views of the city from above are amazing.
To climb to the top, you will see a lot of paths when you reach the foot of the hill; take the one you like the look of the most, or that looks the least difficult. It takes between 30 and 45 minutes approximately to reach the peak, depending on how fit you are, and don’t forget to bring water and be prepared for the wind, which usually blows hard up there.

![Arthur Seat2.jpg](/uploads/Arthur_Seat2_28e395fa17.jpg)

## 2. Calton Hill
This is another hill in the centre of the city, but I can assure you this climb is much more relaxed! It takes about 5-10 minutes and you will find stairs to go up from Waterloo Place. The hill has some nice views of the city, and I recommend it for watching the sunset.

At the highest point you will find 3 buildings: the half-built Parthenon called the **National Monument; Nelson's Tower; and the City Observatory**.

![CaltonHill.jpg](/uploads/Calton_Hill_5eb7fa8398.jpg)

## 3. Cramond Island
This island is in the **Firth of Forth**, opposite **Cramond Beach**, and is accessible on foot via a causeway, which only appears during low tide.

The island is just under 8 hectares in size and is currently uninhabited. In the past, it was used for grazing sheep, and during the First and Second World Wars, it was a strategic point for protecting the estuary, so you will find small defensive forts.

To get there by public transport, take the **41 bus from Princes Street** and get off at the Peggy's Mill Road stop (there are 30 stops to reach your destination, which takes about 30 minutes).

**Cramond Island** is fascinating and quite popular, but remember to check the [tides](https://www.tideschart.com/United-Kingdom/Scotland/City-of-Edinburgh/Cramond-Beach/Weekly/) before you go, so you won't get stuck on the island and spend the night! Though if you do, you wouldn't be the first, nor the last!

## 4. Portobello Beach
Almost 6 kilometres from the centre of **Edinburgh** you will find **Portobello Beach**, because yes friends, even in Edinburgh, although it is not the Brits’ favourite place to spend the summer, there is a BEACH (though it is entirely another thing to be able to swim in the cold water of the North Sea).

There are just over 3 km of beach, with a beautiful promenade, restaurants and pubs to enjoy beautiful views of the Forth estuary; don't forget your bucket, spade and swimsuit!

To get there by public transport, take the **26 bus from South St. David Street** and get off at the Bellfield Line stop (there are 22 stops to reach your destination, which takes about 30 minutes).

![portobello.jpg](/uploads/portobello_4d877a8963.jpg)

## 5. Duddingston
This is an old, picturesque village to the east of **Arthur's Seat**, but nowadays is part of **Edinburgh**. To get to **Duddingston**, I recommend you go on foot, which takes around 45-50 minutes from the centre of Edinburgh.

The most important things to see in this small village are the 12th century cemetery and the [secret garden](http://www.drneilsgarden.co.uk/) (open Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 10:00 to 14:00 and Sunday from 12:00 to 16:00). If after this wonderful visit you want some delicious food, accompanied by a good pint, I recommend The Sheep Heid Inn, which is the **oldest pub in Scotland**.

![Duddingston.jpg](/uploads/Duddingston_859f259bbe.jpg)

## 6. Dean Village
A 10-minute walk from Princes Street is this quaint **Victorian** neighbourhood, which was built in the 1880s. It began as a working-class village built on the banks of the **Water of Leith**, a magnificent walk through nature in the very city of Edinburgh, and today is an oasis of peace. Definitely a must see!

![Dean village Edimburgo.jpg](/uploads/Dean_village_Edimburgo_e1638c5f5a.jpg)

## 7. Colinton Tunnel

This is an **old Victorian railway tunnel** located in ​​the Edinburgh suburb of Colinton, which was abandoned, and became dirty and full of graffiti. The community wanted to give it more colour and life, so several artists, school workshops, and various other people all did their bit to make what is now the most beautiful tunnel in **Scotland** into a reality.

It has been thanks to donations that it has been possible to pay for all the materials and artists that have transformed this cold tunnel into a top tourist attraction of the city. The total cost of the project is £97,800, and that figure has not yet been raised; [here](http://www.colintontunnel.org.uk/index.php/giving) is the link in case you want to make a donation (I already made mine!).

To get there by public transport take the **10, 16 or 44 bus from Princes Street** (it takes 35 to 45 minutes, depending on which bus you take).

![Colinton1.jpg](/uploads/Colinton1_5c748ab0bc.jpg)

## 8. Pentland Hills
This is a regional park just outside **Edinburgh**; the journey here will make you feel like you're in the Scottish Highlands. Here are some photos so you can get an idea of ​​what I'm talking about!

The route that I walked, and that I recommend, takes about 4 hours and is incredible; you will see lakes, small waterfalls, wildlife and the occasional sheep. The day I went, we were lucky that the weather was very good so we could really enjoy it. I recommend spending the whole day here. <u>The route is marked in green on the [map](https://www.pentlandhills.org/downloads/file/1/visitors-guide-and-map-of-routes-2019) below</u>.

At the end of the walk there is a pub, **The Flotterstone Inn**, where they serve traditional Scottish food and you will eat very well!
To get there by public transport, take the 44 bus from Princes Street and get off at the last stop, at **Cockburn Crescent** (the journey is approximately 36 minutes, with 49 stops). And from there you have to walk about 30 minutes to reach the visitor centre, which is where the trails begin.

To return to Edinburgh after the long walk, take** bus 101 or 102 (Stagecoach Buses) from Flotterstone**, as indicated on the map.

![Mapa Pentlands.jpg](/uploads/Mapa_Pentlands_7b3731f749.jpg)
![Pentland 1.jpg](/uploads/Pentland_1_4c6417afc5.jpg)
![Pentland2.jpg](/uploads/Pentland2_658ef2047f.jpg)

## 9. South Queensferry
This **small town is located about 16 kilometres from the centre of Edinburgh,** and from here you can see the bridges that cross the estuary. High Street is the main street, where you can see buildings from the 17th century onwards.

The Forth Bridge is one of three bridges built to cross the estuary, and only trains can pass over it. It was completed in 1890 and was a feat of engineering at the time, for which it earned **UNESCO World Heritage status in 2015**, appearing on the £20 notes issued by the **Bank of Scotland**.

The other two bridges are for cars and buses: the Forth Road Bridge, which was completed in 1964, and the more modern Queensferry Crossing, opened in 2017. And both were opened by Queen Elizabeth II!

There is a small cruise that takes you through the estuary, during which they tell you about its history and that of the bridges, operated by [Forth Boat Tours](https://www.forthtours.com/).

To eat there, I recommend looking for Graziano's Takeaway fish and chips, which is on the main street. It was quite the discovery the last time I was there!

To get there by public transport, take the **43 bus from Princes Street** and get off at The Loan stop (there are 37 stops, which takes about 40 minutes).

![South Queensferry.jpg](/uploads/South_Queensferry_61cd8b5844.jpg)

## 10. North Berwick
This coastal town is about **32 kilometres from Edinburgh**, and from here you have amazing views of the Forth Estuary and a small island called **Bass Rock**, where the largest colony of gannets in the world can be found, numbering around 150,000. There is also a bird conservation and education centre, and a small cruise that takes you to see the gannets.

Off the coast of North Berwick is also **Frida's Island**, which is said to have **inspired Robert Louis Stevenson** when writing the novels **Treasure Island and Catriona**, as he spent several holidays in this town as a young man.

Not far from the town, 4 kilometres away, is [Tantallon Castle](https://www.historicenvironment.scot/visit-a-place/places/tantallon-castle/), which is built on the side of a cliff. The castle is in ruins, but it is worth the visit. From Melbourne Road (promenade) you can catch the 120 bus, and it takes about 15 minutes to get there.

Finally, like any good coastal town, it has several **quality fish and chip shops**!

The best way to get there is by train, from Edinburgh Central Station, Waverley Station, which takes around 30 minutes, getting off at the **North Berwick** stop.

![Tantallon North Berwick.jpg](/uploads/Tantallon_North_Berwick_feceaa2eb1.jpg)
![North Berwick.jpg](/uploads/North_Berwick_d70876af9d.jpg)

The public transport (bus) **fares cost around £1.80** each way (around €2), and in almost all of them you can pay by contactless card. If you want to pay in cash, I recommend that you bring coins, since they don’t give you change.


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