EDINBURGH

Edinburgh has a long history and a medieval Old Town. The city has been inhabited since about 8500 BC and the Scottish capital since the 15th century. It has a population of about 530,000 (2025 est). Edinburgh is great city for walking with three areas of the city iin particular that offer rewarding walks. The Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and its central street, the Royal Mile, stretches along the top of a high ridge from Edinburgh Castle downhill to the Palace of Holyrood. The street is characterized by the medieval ‘fishbone’ street pattern of narrow ribs—closes, wynds, and courts—leading off the backbone street. These narrow passages off the street are rewarding to explore. The second area to explore on foot is the New Town, also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is a planned 18th and 19th-century development built for the wealthy who wanted to escape the confined and densely populated Old Town. Its architecture is neoclassical and the neighborhoods have broad streets, squares and gardens organized in a grid pattern. The third area is Holyrood Park, an undeveloped hilly tract of volcanic origins. Formerly the royal hunting grounds the trails are moderately challenging and lead to expansive panoramic views of the city.

This vantage point from Holyrood Park includes Edinburgh Castle in the background (left to and above center) and to its right the spire from the old Highland St. John’s Tolbooth Church, both of which are located on the Royal Mile. Edinburgh, December 2013.
This vantage point from Holyrood Park includes Edinburgh Castle in the background (left to and above center) and to its right the spire from the old Highland St. John’s Tolbooth Church, both of which are located on the Royal Mile. Edinburgh, December 2013.
The castle compound is on--and appropriately named--Castle Rock. The location has been inhabited by humans since the Iron Age. Vantage Point: Scott Monument. Edinburgh, December 2013.
The castle compound is on--and appropriately named--Castle Rock. The location has been inhabited by humans since the Iron Age. Vantage Point: Scott Monument. Edinburgh, December 2013.
The curved part of the building is the Forward and Half Moon Battery with the Royal Palace to the left. Edinburgh Castle, Edinburgh, December 2023.
The curved part of the building is the Forward and Half Moon Battery with the Royal Palace to the left. Edinburgh Castle, Edinburgh, December 2023.
The castle is comprised of multiple buildings on several elevations reached by stairways and ramps. Edinburgh Castle, Edinburgh, December 2023.
The castle is comprised of multiple buildings on several elevations reached by stairways and ramps. Edinburgh Castle, Edinburgh, December 2023.
Rampway, Edinburgh Castle, Edinburgh, December 2023.
Rampway, Edinburgh Castle, Edinburgh, December 2023.
The view from the castle grounds provides commanding views of the city. Edinburgh Castle, Edinburgh, December 2013.
The view from the castle grounds provides commanding views of the city. Edinburgh Castle, Edinburgh, December 2013.
Holiday choir performance at Edinburgh Castle, December 2013.
Holiday choir performance at Edinburgh Castle, December 2013.
Artist: Douglas Strachan (1875-1950). St. Margaret’s Chapel, Edinburgh Castle, Edinburgh, December 2013.
Artist: Douglas Strachan (1875-1950). St. Margaret’s Chapel, Edinburgh Castle, Edinburgh, December 2013.
The castle is top center with St. Giles's cathedral far top left. The gothic tower of the former Highland Tolbooth St John's Church between St. Giles and the castle is the tallest point in central Edinburgh. The large building in the foreground is the Scottish Government building, St Andrew's House. Princes Street is on the right. Vantage Point: Caton Hill. Edinburgh, December 2013.
The castle is top center with St. Giles's cathedral far top left. The gothic tower of the former Highland Tolbooth St John's Church between St. Giles and the castle is the tallest point in central Edinburgh. The large building in the foreground is the Scottish Government building, St Andrew's House. Princes Street is on the right. Vantage Point: Caton Hill. Edinburgh, December 2013.
St Giles' Cathedral is located on the Royal Mile about .2 mile from Edinburg Castle. Cpnstruction was begun in the 14th century and extended until the early 16th. Edinburgh, December 2013.
St Giles' Cathedral is located on the Royal Mile about .2 mile from Edinburg Castle. Cpnstruction was begun in the 14th century and extended until the early 16th. Edinburgh, December 2013.
The view of the nave into Thistle Chapel. Features include the ceiling supported by stone arches, nature carvings at the arch nodes, and a bright blue painted ceiling. The Royal Mile, Edinburgh, December 2013.
The view of the nave into Thistle Chapel. Features include the ceiling supported by stone arches, nature carvings at the arch nodes, and a bright blue painted ceiling. The Royal Mile, Edinburgh, December 2013.
This view includes stained glass windows, the tops of the stalls, and the carved ceiling. Royal Mile, St. Giles's Cathedral, Edinburgh, December 2023.
This view includes stained glass windows, the tops of the stalls, and the carved ceiling. Royal Mile, St. Giles's Cathedral, Edinburgh, December 2023.
Knight ‘stalls’ form the sides of the chapel with the Soverign’s centered on the end. Above each are tall, crocketed spires, surmounted by the coronet and Helmand crest unique to each Knight. Whenever a Knight dies and another Knight is appointed in his/her place, the deceased Knight’s crest is replaced with that of their successor. The chapel was completed in 1910. Edinburgh, December 2013.
Knight ‘stalls’ form the sides of the chapel with the Soverign’s centered on the end. Above each are tall, crocketed spires, surmounted by the coronet and Helmand crest unique to each Knight. Whenever a Knight dies and another Knight is appointed in his/her place, the deceased Knight’s crest is replaced with that of their successor. The chapel was completed in 1910. Edinburgh, December 2013.
This view of Thistle Chapel moves in closer showing more deail of the tops of the stalls for eight Knights with singing angels on the ceiling. St. Giles’s Cathedral, Edinburgh, December 2013.
This view of Thistle Chapel moves in closer showing more deail of the tops of the stalls for eight Knights with singing angels on the ceiling. St. Giles’s Cathedral, Edinburgh, December 2013.
There's a lot to see in this view, which shows the stone walls, colorful stainglass windows, ceiling carvings, and the spires and crest tips. St. Giles’s Cathedral, Edinburgh, December 2013.
There's a lot to see in this view, which shows the stone walls, colorful stainglass windows, ceiling carvings, and the spires and crest tips. St. Giles’s Cathedral, Edinburgh, December 2013.
Ceiling detail of celing with choir singers, and other carvings placed at the nodes of the arches that extend from the pillers arcross the ceiling. St. Giles’ Cathedral, December 2013.
Ceiling detail of celing with choir singers, and other carvings placed at the nodes of the arches that extend from the pillers arcross the ceiling. St. Giles’ Cathedral, December 2013.
Here the fine details of the ceiling carvings indicate a network of raised bars, nature motifs at the nodes and a crown with a carved herald at the center. St. Giles’s Cathedral, Edinburgh, December 2013.
Here the fine details of the ceiling carvings indicate a network of raised bars, nature motifs at the nodes and a crown with a carved herald at the center. St. Giles’s Cathedral, Edinburgh, December 2013.
This crest includes a world globe with a bright red anchor, clouds connected with a rainbow supported by a twisted carving in blue and gold. St. Giles’s Cathedral, Edinburgh, December 2013.
This crest includes a world globe with a bright red anchor, clouds connected with a rainbow supported by a twisted carving in blue and gold. St. Giles’s Cathedral, Edinburgh, December 2013.
Detail is shown of one of the colorful sculpted crests atop the Knight's stalls. St. Giles’s Cathedral, Edinburgh, December 2013.
Detail is shown of one of the colorful sculpted crests atop the Knight's stalls. St. Giles’s Cathedral, Edinburgh, December 2013.
Old Town centered around the Royal Mile features numerous passageways. This vantage point is just within Advocates Close, which winds down to Cockburn’s Street. Old Town, Royal Mile, Edinburgh, December 2013.
Old Town centered around the Royal Mile features numerous passageways. This vantage point is just within Advocates Close, which winds down to Cockburn’s Street. Old Town, Royal Mile, Edinburgh, December 2013.
Medieval and moody at night, this passage leads to Calton Road and Calton Hill. Old Town, Royal Mile, Edinburgh, December 2013.
Medieval and moody at night, this passage leads to Calton Road and Calton Hill. Old Town, Royal Mile, Edinburgh, December 2013.
The clock was added to the Canongate Tolbooth building (1591) houses the clock thaty was added in 1884. The Tolbooth Tavern came into being in 1820. Old Town, Royal Mile, Edinburgh, December 2013.
The clock was added to the Canongate Tolbooth building (1591) houses the clock thaty was added in 1884. The Tolbooth Tavern came into being in 1820. Old Town, Royal Mile, Edinburgh, December 2013.
The Edinburgh Vaults are an underground warren below South Bridge compelted in 1788. Originally used by merchants and then homeless. Old Town, Edinburgh, December 2013.
The Edinburgh Vaults are an underground warren below South Bridge compelted in 1788. Originally used by merchants and then homeless. Old Town, Edinburgh, December 2013.
The Scottish Parliment building (2004) was intended "to achieve a poetic union between the Scottish landscape, its people, its culture and the city of Edinburgh." Edinburgh, December 2013.
The Scottish Parliment building (2004) was intended "to achieve a poetic union between the Scottish landscape, its people, its culture and the city of Edinburgh." Edinburgh, December 2013.
The building for the Scottish Parliment is a striking mix of wood and steel. The wooden beams are supported by the structure of the building with long metal bars. Royal Mile, Edinburgh, December 2013.
The building for the Scottish Parliment is a striking mix of wood and steel. The wooden beams are supported by the structure of the building with long metal bars. Royal Mile, Edinburgh, December 2013.
The Palace (1679) is the official residence of the British Monarch in Scotland and is located at the bottom of the Royal Mile at opposite end to Edinburgh Castle. The 19th century fountain features intricate carvings of historical figures, soldiers, musicians, and heraldic emblems, and lions with very human expressions. Edinburgh, December 2023.
The Palace (1679) is the official residence of the British Monarch in Scotland and is located at the bottom of the Royal Mile at opposite end to Edinburgh Castle. The 19th century fountain features intricate carvings of historical figures, soldiers, musicians, and heraldic emblems, and lions with very human expressions. Edinburgh, December 2023.
The principal focus of Dynamic Earth is to facilitate a better public understanding of the processes that have shaped the Earth, including the Big Bang, abiogenesis, plate tectonics, and glaciation. Holyrood Park is in the background. Edinburgh, December 2013.
The principal focus of Dynamic Earth is to facilitate a better public understanding of the processes that have shaped the Earth, including the Big Bang, abiogenesis, plate tectonics, and glaciation. Holyrood Park is in the background. Edinburgh, December 2013.
Holyrood Park is a 650-acre public park in central Edinburgh about 1 mile to the east of Edinburgh Castle that provides a wild piece of highland landscape unlike any other city I’ve visited. The park was created in 1541 and is associated with the Palace of Holyroodhouse and was formerly a royal hunting estate. Arthur’s Seat, an extinct volcano, is at the center of the park. The trails are moderately challenging. Edinburgh, December 2013.
Holyrood Park is a 650-acre public park in central Edinburgh about 1 mile to the east of Edinburgh Castle that provides a wild piece of highland landscape unlike any other city I’ve visited. The park was created in 1541 and is associated with the Palace of Holyroodhouse and was formerly a royal hunting estate. Arthur’s Seat, an extinct volcano, is at the center of the park. The trails are moderately challenging. Edinburgh, December 2013.
View of Holyrood Park (top left) and the eastern edge of the center of the city. Vantage Point: Scott Monument. Edinburgh, December 2013.
View of Holyrood Park (top left) and the eastern edge of the center of the city. Vantage Point: Scott Monument. Edinburgh, December 2013.
Market Street runs parallel to and is down the ridge from the Royal Mile. The street is the terminus of several of the passages in Old Town. Edinburgh, December 2013.
Market Street runs parallel to and is down the ridge from the Royal Mile. The street is the terminus of several of the passages in Old Town. Edinburgh, December 2013.
The Balmoral Hotel Tower with the clock, is upper center with the North Street Bridge and Waverly Station below. North Street connects Princes Street and the Royal Mile. Edinburgh, December 2013.
The Balmoral Hotel Tower with the clock, is upper center with the North Street Bridge and Waverly Station below. North Street connects Princes Street and the Royal Mile. Edinburgh, December 2013.
One of the distinctive features of the old buildings in Edinburgh are the rows of orange and red chimneys on the rooflines. Vantage Point: Scott Monument. Edinburgh, December 2013.
One of the distinctive features of the old buildings in Edinburgh are the rows of orange and red chimneys on the rooflines. Vantage Point: Scott Monument. Edinburgh, December 2013.
Landmarks shown include the Scottish National Gallery (bottom), Festival Wheel and Scott Monument (center left), Edinburgh Waverly Station (right), Balmoral Hotel (above and to the left of the station), and Calton Hill (upper right). Edinburgh, December 2013.
Landmarks shown include the Scottish National Gallery (bottom), Festival Wheel and Scott Monument (center left), Edinburgh Waverly Station (right), Balmoral Hotel (above and to the left of the station), and Calton Hill (upper right). Edinburgh, December 2013.
The Scott Monument (right) is a Victorian Gothic monument to Scottish author Sir Walter Scott. The tower is 200 feet high and has viewing platforms reached by a series narrow spiral staircases. The Festival Wheel is a temporary, seasonal attraction. Edinburgh, December 2013.
The Scott Monument (right) is a Victorian Gothic monument to Scottish author Sir Walter Scott. The tower is 200 feet high and has viewing platforms reached by a series narrow spiral staircases. The Festival Wheel is a temporary, seasonal attraction. Edinburgh, December 2013.
Scott Monument is a Victorian Gothic monument to Scottish author Sir Walter Scott. The tower is 200 feet high and has viewing platforms reached by a series narrow spiral staircases. It's on Princes Street, which forms the southern boundary of New Town. Edinburgh, December 2013.
Scott Monument is a Victorian Gothic monument to Scottish author Sir Walter Scott. The tower is 200 feet high and has viewing platforms reached by a series narrow spiral staircases. It's on Princes Street, which forms the southern boundary of New Town. Edinburgh, December 2013.
The Scott Monument is built from dramatically striking Binny sandstone. Edinburgh, December 2013.
The Scott Monument is built from dramatically striking Binny sandstone. Edinburgh, December 2013.
The Festival Wheel and ice rink are temporary, seasonal attrractions. Princes Street, Edinburgh, December 2013.
The Festival Wheel and ice rink are temporary, seasonal attrractions. Princes Street, Edinburgh, December 2013.
Busy holiday shopping on Princes Street in New Town. Edinburgh, December 21, 2013.
Busy holiday shopping on Princes Street in New Town. Edinburgh, December 21, 2013.
This view includes a Merry-Go-Round for young children, the Balmoral Hotel (top center), and Calton Hill (far background). Edinburgh, December 2013.
This view includes a Merry-Go-Round for young children, the Balmoral Hotel (top center), and Calton Hill (far background). Edinburgh, December 2013.
Two of the more prominent landmarkes on Caton Hill (top left center) are the Trafalgar Monument (the tallest structure and the Scottish Monument (with the columns). The Scott Monumnet is left center, the National Galleries of Scotland is lower left, and Waverly Station is center). Vantage Point: Edinburgh Castle, December 2013.
Two of the more prominent landmarkes on Caton Hill (top left center) are the Trafalgar Monument (the tallest structure and the Scottish Monument (with the columns). The Scott Monumnet is left center, the National Galleries of Scotland is lower left, and Waverly Station is center). Vantage Point: Edinburgh Castle, December 2013.
Scotland's national memorial to the Scottish soldiers and sailors who died fighting in the Napoleonic Wars. Modeled after the Parthenon in Athens, construction started in 1826 and, due to the lack of funds, stopped in 1829. Edinburgh, December 2023.
Scotland's national memorial to the Scottish soldiers and sailors who died fighting in the Napoleonic Wars. Modeled after the Parthenon in Athens, construction started in 1826 and, due to the lack of funds, stopped in 1829. Edinburgh, December 2023.
The prominent monument to Vice Admiral Horatio Nelson was built between 1807 and 1815 to commemorate Nelson's victory over the French and Spanish fleets at the Battle of Trafalgar in 1805, and his own death at the same battle. Caton Hill, Edinburg, December 2013.
The prominent monument to Vice Admiral Horatio Nelson was built between 1807 and 1815 to commemorate Nelson's victory over the French and Spanish fleets at the Battle of Trafalgar in 1805, and his own death at the same battle. Caton Hill, Edinburg, December 2013.
Wide, grid-patterned streets and Geogrian architecture are featues of the innovative New Town (built from 1767 and to around 1850), which begins on Princes Street and extends north. New Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Edinburgh, December 2013.
Wide, grid-patterned streets and Geogrian architecture are featues of the innovative New Town (built from 1767 and to around 1850), which begins on Princes Street and extends north. New Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Edinburgh, December 2013.
One of the features of New Town are residental parks, which were an innovation at the time. New Town, Edinburgh, December 2013.
One of the features of New Town are residental parks, which were an innovation at the time. New Town, Edinburgh, December 2013.
It's always summer and sunny at this New Town residence. Edinburgh, December 2013.
It's always summer and sunny at this New Town residence. Edinburgh, December 2013.
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