Sunday, October 25, 2009

Most Popular Reasons to Visit Edinburgh

By James Seldon

For a magical city full of culture and history in Scotland visit Ediburgh. Although not Scotland's largest city it is packed full of attractions and places to visit. Each year attractions such as Edinburgh Castle, the National Museum of Scotland, the Royal Mile, and the Royal Botanic Garden draw visitors in their thousands to the city.

Edinburgh Castle is the city's most famous attraction and best known landmark. The castle dominates the skyline sitting on top of a long extinct volcano. The castle is Edinburgh's most visited attraction and one of the most popular in the whole of the United Kingdom. Inside there are a number of exhibitions showing some of Scotland's history including exhibitions showing the history of the regiments still manning the castle to this day. Edinburgh Castle is believed to have stood on the location since 800 BC.

Located close to the city centre is another of Edinburgh's most popular attractions. The Royal Botanic Garden features a wide variety of plants from around the world. Visitors can explore over 70 acres of the gardens and marvel at the glasshouses showing warmer plant species from around the world.

Just outside Edinburgh you can view over 1000 rare and beautiful animals in Edinburgh Zoo. The zoo is open throughout the year even including Christmas Day. A regular bus service from the city centre makes it easy for visitors to get there.

Edinburgh is a city full of history with plenty of museums. Located on the historic Royal Mile is the Museum of Edinburgh which has exhibits on many of Edinburgh's most famous citizens. Visit the Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art which has over 5000 items in its collection or the City Art Centre located on Market Street featuring a wide range of Scottish art from across the centuries.

Visiting Edinburgh during August is a great time as it plays host to the Edinburgh Festival. It can be hard to find accommodation at this time so book early to avoid disappointment. Other festivals also take place at the same time including the Edinburgh Fringe which is full of comedy performances amongst others.

Edinburgh has strong connections to the Royal families of the United Kingdom. Edinburgh Castle has exhibitions on the Scottish Royal family and is also the home of the Scottish Crown Jewels. The Palace of Holyrood which is located on the Royal Mile is also well worth a visit and is the official residence of Her Majesty the Queen in Scotland.

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