We were staying about 45 minutes from the city center of Edinburgh since we had a car so in the morning we had to take the train to go downtown.
The train ride to go into town was actually very beautiful. I got to see all the little cottages and cross the bridge. There are 3 bridges to get into the city one for trains another for buses and the last one for cars.
We started with Edinburgh castle which was top of my list. Edinburgh castle was situated on the top of a hill overlooking the whole city. The castle had a very rustic look with its dark bricks and looked a little scary up against the gray sky. It was built in the 11th century and has been As we walked up the entrance of the castle the views were incredible! You could see all of the landmarks in Edinburgh from the castle. I loved the view so much I kept looking out and climbing to the best viewpoints. Along the way, we ran into two people who were dressed as King Edward III and his Queen.
Rather than rooms that you walk through, the castle was set up as individual exhibits. We waited in line for the throne room to see the crown jewel as well as royal apartments. There was a memorial set up like a church commemorating all the Scottish soldiers who died in the wars. Other rooms included the dungeons where the slaves were held and the banquet hall which was bedecked with swords lining the walls. There were also tons of small museum like rooms explaining the history of Scotland and timelines of the wars.
I kept returning to the incredible views of the city down below as the castle was mainly outdoors grounds which we could roam.
Just outside of the castle is the historic royal mile. The royal mile has got to be the cutest street! It is a historic district that is lined on both sides by old buildings and little souvenir shops below. I absolutely love the architecture and old European style buildings. Off of the Royal Mile is the St. Giles Catherine which is one of the largest cathedrals in Edinburgh. The inside of the cathedral was adorned with lots of stained glass and high arched ceilings from the gothic era. The cathedral was gorgeous and we even got a treat of hearing the orchestra and a singer performing Bach.
My dad wanted to go to church so I went roaming to see the Palace of Holyroodhouse. The palace was very beautiful on the outside and I hope to return tomorrow to see the interior.
I continued galavanting around the city and stopped by the Scott Monument. The sun had finally come out and it was the first time I was seeing blue skies since I arrived. From the monument there were more incredible views of Edinburgh palace and the whole landscape of the old architecture.
I then climbed to the top of Calton Hill where the national Scottish Monument was that offered views of the entire city down below.
I absolutely love Edinburgh! I love the architecture and how walkable the city is. It has such a charm and it made me so happy. I really hope to be able to return one day.
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