Outdoors, indoors, everywhere you look: culture in Edinburgh
Edinburgh, the gem of Scotland, has it all. Built on seven hills, the ups and downs while strolling through the city are legendary. Apart from its rich history, it also offers countless cultural highlights with its wealth of museums and world-famous festivals.
Full of sights and sounds
Edinburgh is surrounded by magnificent nature. Inland, the city nestles among hilly landscapes, from the Pentland Hills to the Lammermuirs. The Highlands beckon to the north, perhaps to be explored on a day trip on the Hogwarts Express. The maritime side of the city can be experienced in the port district of Leith. If you stay in this vibrant cultural hotspot, you’ll find something of interest on (almost) every corner.
Around Edinburgh Castle
Strolling through the medieval Old Town or the elegant, neoclassical New Town is always a delight. And, towering high above the city, Edinburgh Castle is never out of sight. This signature landmark is home to the Scottish Crown Jewels as well as the Stone of Scone, the coronation stone of Scottish kings. Rising 103 metres above sea level, you’ll find a beautiful view atop Calton Hill.
Green views in parks and gardens
The Royal Botanic Garden is a relaxing retreat. Founded in 1670 and located in pretty Inverleith Park, here you can leave the hustle and bustle of the city behind while wandering through impressive greenhouses or picnicking in the woodland gardens. There are also plants from the Highlands to discover. Holyrood Park overlooking Edinburgh’s skyline is also worth visiting.
Art highlights from the past and present
For lovers of fine art, Edinburgh has the very best museums on offer. The Scottish National Gallery, for instance, houses exquisite European paintings, including works by Rembrandt, Vermeer and Van Gogh. The Fruitmarket Gallery showcases world-class international contemporary art in temporary exhibitions. Insider tip: Jupiter Artland, a sculpture park with spectacular works amid magnificent scenery.
Scottish National Gallery, Fruitmarket Gallery & Jupiter Artland (English)
Young and old at the Museum of Childhood
In the heart of Edinburgh, on the Royal Mile, you’ll find the Museum of Childhood. This is more than just a children’s paradise. Older visitors will also find treasures from the past, such as the first grey Game Boy, a Victorian doll’s house and an antique carousel horse. Little ones will find the interactive stations, where they can turn, press, and try things out, especially exciting.
A summer full of festivals
More than an historic gem, this venerable metropolis also hosts no less than eight Edinburgh Summer Festivals between April and August. The festival season peaks in August, when six of these annual spectacles take place. Jazz, literature, film, art and science all have their own event here.
Fringe – a breakthrough performance
One of these festivals is the Fringe. As the name suggests, when it was founded in 1947, it was a fringe phenomenon. The independent arts scene mobilised in a spontaneous performance, and today, the Fringe is one of the largest Edinburgh events. International comedy, music, artistic displays and dance are on offer everywhere, often in the open air. From back rooms to the Royal Mile, the city teems with actors, musicians and tightrope artists.
Magical ceremony at the Military Tattoo
The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo offers audiences an impressive mix of music, dance and precision. Artfully staged against an historical backdrop, military formations from all over the world are presented in resplendent uniforms. During the finale and emotional highlight, all the participants come together to perform the British National Anthem “God Save the King”, a scene guaranteed to make your heart beat faster.
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