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- Locals have answered 15 questions about Edinburgh.
- Ask Edinburgh Locals
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1. Edinburgh Castle
- Historic fortress with breathtaking views and opulent riches inside.
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- Castles, Palaces & Historic Buildings
- New Town/City Center
- Nile Expert Tip: Watch the one o'clock gun salute from the tower at Edinburgh Castle and feast your eyes on Scotland's...
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2. Royal Mile
- Civilians welcome
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- Picnics, Parks & Gardens
- Old Town
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3. St. Giles' Cathedral
- The mother church of the Presbyterian Church of Scotland
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- Religious Sights
- New Town/City Center
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4. The Real Mary King's Close
- An incredible tour of the long-forgotten underground streets of Edinburgh dating from the 16th and 17th centuries
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- Walking
- Old Town
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5. Holyroodhouse Palace
- Royal intrigue and beauty
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- Landmarks
- Holyrood
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6. Scott Monument
- Gothic spire dedicated to The Wizard of the North
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- Landmarks
- New Town/City Center
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7. Greyfriars Kirk
- Where Greyfriar's Bobby kept his vigil and the spookiest graveyard in Britain.
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- Attractions
- Old Town
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8. Calton Hill
- The folly on the hill
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- Offbeat Activities
- New Town/City Center
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9. Craigmillar Castle
- Imposing ruins and royal intrigues
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- Castles, Palaces & Historic Buildings
- Holyrood
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10. Rosslyn Chapel
- Ancient mystical church
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- Religious Sights
- Outside the City
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The Best of NileGuide
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If you love vacation destinations with history bursting at the seams, then Edinburgh will prove your Mecca. Home to a breathtaking ancient castle, historic monuments, cobbled streets, and a dark and spooky past, Scotland's capital offers an entertaining history lesson at every turn.
Start at Edinburgh Castle, a 12th century fortress that sits on top of an extinct volcano and is the most breathtaking part of the city's skyline. Explore the various rooms, chapels and compartments of the fortress and through interactive displays discover what living and working there might have been like during the medieval era. Of course, the highlight of any tour of the castle is the Honours of Scotland (the crown jewels), on display in the Crown Room of the castle's Royal Palace (built in 1617).
From the castle walk down the cobbled Royal Mile, the definitive route to seeing the historic closes and buildings of Edinburgh's Old Town. Stop at St. Giles' Cathedral, the mother church of the Presbyterian Church of Scotland. Its interior central pillars date back to 1124, and the church boasts some of the most exquisite stained glass windows in the United Kingdom created during the Victorian era.
For a breath of fresh air, climb Calton Hill, which is made unmistakable by the unfinished Athenian acropolis monument that stands proudly at its peak. Historic buildings and statues are located on Calton Hill but the most popular feature is the two Observatories, the first built in 1792 the second in 1818. Both hold regular exhibitions, Open Days and the opportunity to see stars in the night sky.
Craigmillar is one of Scotland's most perfectly preserved castles. It began as a simple tower-house residence. Gradually, over time, it developed into a complex of structures and spaces, as subsequent owners attempted to improve its comfort and amenity. As a result, there are many nooks and crannies to explore. Of equal importance were the surrounding gardens and parkland, and the present-day Craigmillar Castle Park has fascinating reminders of the castle's days as a rural retreat on the edge of Scotland's capital city.
The Real Mary King's Close is an incredible tour of the long-forgotten underground streets of Edinburgh dating from the 16th and 17th centuries, which were paved over as the city grew. Guides dressed in period costumes walk you through these long-forgotten closes, buildings and streets while describing what life may have been like for the residents, particularly during the plague.
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