My itchy feet once again encouraged me to make another mark on my travel list. This time, I headed north, to Scottland.
"Welcome to Edinburgh!" the sign declared as I stepped out of the airport. Edinburgh is the 2nd largest city in Scottland (Glasgow being the largest) and has been the capital of Scottland since 1437. The city mainly consists out of two parts: the old medieval old town, and the Georgian new town.
Definately Edinburgh's most famous landmark: the castle. For more than 800 years, it has been looming over the city, and no matter from which direction you near the city, the castle is always visible.
The castle is visited my more than a million people every year. Entrance fees are quite high (14 Pounds for adults) and the cue in front of the ticket office is long. I would have loved to see more of the castle, but wasn't prepared to waste my day by standing in a cue and decided to rather move on to other places.
A big part of Edinburgh was built during medieval times. The old town, is built according to typical medieval city planning: the castle on the highest point with a main road (the Royal Mile) leading away from the castle. Many narrow little passages and streets turn off of the main street to create a maze of houses and shops.
Calton Hill lies East of Edinburgh's New Town. From there, you have beautiful view over the whole city. No wonder so many of the postcard motivs are taken from here.
The castle is visited my more than a million people every year. Entrance fees are quite high (14 Pounds for adults) and the cue in front of the ticket office is long. I would have loved to see more of the castle, but wasn't prepared to waste my day by standing in a cue and decided to rather move on to other places.
A big part of Edinburgh was built during medieval times. The old town, is built according to typical medieval city planning: the castle on the highest point with a main road (the Royal Mile) leading away from the castle. Many narrow little passages and streets turn off of the main street to create a maze of houses and shops.
The Royal mile, old town's main street.
Typical scottish tavern along the Royal Mile.
St Giles Cathederal
In the old town, you can find many interesting and funny shop signs. The colorful signs break the depressing grey housefronts.
Princess street is the main street running through Edinburgh and divides the Old- and New Town. On the one side of Princess Street, you have a shopping mile, on the other side, you have the Princess Street gardens and the Old Town creeping up the hill.
Princess Street Gardens with a view of the Old Town.
The monument of sir Walter Scott
Practicing the bag pipes.
The National Gallery
The famous Balmoral Hotel
The railway station
The New Town was built during the 18th century when the Old Town was becoming too crowded. Unlike the Old Town with its winding maze of streets, the New Town is divided in a a grid-like structure, well organized and structured.
Typical New Town architecture
Scottish parliament building
