Gauss-Telegraph: World trip from home in 30 days – Edinburgh

Gauss-Telegraph: World trip from home in 30 days – Edinburgh

by Vicente Regattieri

Royal Mile

David Hume

My impression of Edinburgh

Edinburgh is the second largest city in Scotland and is located on the country’s east coast. This is also the capital and for this reason you will find a wide range of cultural activities, shops, and educational institutions. Edinburgh is a must-see for those interested in history. Findings from 8000 BC were discovered in the city and since 1995 the Old and New Town of Edinburgh have been part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Old Town has many preserved medieval streets and buildings, while the new town was built in the neoclassical style between 1767 and 1850. Various monuments in the city refer to people and events from Edinburgh, like the ones from the philosopher David Hume and Adam Smith, “the Father of Economics”. Not so well-known but still interesting are the stories of Deacon Brodie, who was a well-known carpenter and led a secret life as a burglar, and of the dog Greyfriars Bobby. It became known because he spent 14 years, until its own death, on the side of his master’s grave.

Edinburgh Castle

 

 

 

Most important sights

The Edinburgh Castle is in the city center and it shapes Edinburgh’s skyline because it is located on Castle Rock at 130 meters above sea-level. It is still not clear when the first construction works on Castle Rock took place. This castle was the inspiration for Harry Potter’s “Hogwarts” castle. Today, besides the castle, you can also visit the Scottish National War Memorial and the National War Museum of Scotland. The overview of the city is also worthwhile. Princes Street Gardens is right below – two large, beautiful parks. The Royal Mile, a group of streets that lie in the middle of the old town, begins right at the castle gates. The entire route is approximately 1 mile and ends at Holyrood Palace, the official home of the British monarchs in Scotland. Under the buildings on the Royal Mile, you can visit Mary King’s Close, a group of small streets that were inhabited by poor people in the 18th century and that were partially buried. The streets are said to be haunted.

Princess Street Gardens

Best museums in the city

At the National Museum of Scotland you can visit exhibitions on various topics: history, culture, science, and much more. There is, for example, the body of Dolly the sheep, the world’s first cloned mammal. The Scottish National Portrait Gallery exhibits various aspects of the history of Scotland and its people. Portraits of historical figures tell the history and development of the country.

Favorite regional dish

In Edinburgh, you can try different dishes. The porridge is very traditional for breakfast. For lunch, dishes with seafood, such as smoked salmon, are very popular. Pubs are occupied by both residents and tourists, who want to try different types of beer. A tourist and gastronomic destination is The Elephant House, a nice, cozy café with a view of the castle. Supposedly, Harry Potter was partially written there.