Edinburgh Landmarks

No trip to Scotland would be complete without a stop at the magnificent Edinburgh Castle on Castle Rock. First erected in the 12th century, the fortress sits on top of an extinct volcano and is the most breathtaking part of the city's skyline.

St. Giles' Cathedral is the mother church of the Presbyterian Church of Scotland and is located at the midpoint of the Royal Mile. Its interior central pillars date back to 1124. The church boasts some of the most exquisite stained glass windows in the United Kingdom, which were created during the Victorian era. On the exterior, it is distinct for its traditional Scottish crown steeple.

Sir Walter Scott was one of Scotland's most celebrated national poets and this gothic monument to him on Princes Street, with a statue of Scott underneath the base of the spire, pays tribute to his genius. Visitors can climb the 287 steps to the top of the monument to peer out from several viewing decks.

Calton Hill is made unmistakable by the unfinished Athenian acropolis monument (known as Edinburgh's folly), which stands proudly at the peak. Also located here is Nelson's Monument, resembling an upturned telescope.

The Scottish Parliament building is easy to spot as it is unlike anything else in Edinburgh. Georgian architecture adorns most of the New Town skyline. But the Catalan architect Enric Miralles designed the parliament building in a thoroughly modernist fashion with perhaps an African motif (according to this writer's perception). Some have decried it as a monstrosity while some say it's a much needed dose of modernity for the city. Either way, it is nearly impossible to describe. It deserves to be seen in person!