The original 4-day weekend happened to fall on our five year anniversary and we planned to spend our special day in Scotland [This song is all that I could think about on this trip]. We flew out of Bologna, which was easy and actually took less time to drive to than Bergamo, and arrived mid-day in Edinburgh. The hotel was not so great so it isn't really worth a mention, but it did its job and we were able to get to and from it easily. The area that it was in was great though. It had some pubs, restaurants and bars that were delicious and much cheaper than the downtown [see Broughton St].
Scotland is great during June because it is daylight from about 4 in the morning until about 11 at night; therefore, we had plenty of time to sight see, eat and relax. While the weather changed between overcast and sunny, we didn't really have any issues with rain until Monday morning when we were leaving. It was still a bit cool so jeans and a light jacket were needed even during the day when the sun was behind the clouds.
The Old Town is a beautiful area, full of cobblestone maze-like streets, closes, stairs, vaults and wynds. The Royal Mile is the more popular street in the Old Town and is flanked by the castle and the Palace of Holyroodhouse. While the Royal Mile is great, I really loved walking through the closes and side areas. A great spot for a drink is on Victoria Terrace, which is on the way to Grassmarket. Grassmarket was once a cattle market from the 15th century to the 20th century. It was also where the city held its executions.
The Old town was once an overcrowded and unsanitary place to live. Due to it being bounded by the Nor' Loch and the city walls, the houses grew upward instead of outward [The Nor' Loch is now the Prince Street Gardens which are worth a visit]. Due to the restrictions, the homes were 5-8 stories tall with the wealthy mixed in with the poor. The poor tended to live on the ground floor/basements and in the upper/attic levels, while the wealthy lived towards the middle, high enough to be away from the smell of the streets, but not too high that they needed to climb a lot of steps.
A great place to do a whisky tasting is Whiski Bar & Restaurant. They also have live music and a full menu.
Due to lack of time, PJ and I didn't explore the underground Edinburgh area but everyone says it is a must see. Also, a hike through Holyrood Park is a must if you have enough time. Some sights within the park are Arthur's seat, St. Anthony's Chapel, St. Margaret's Well, Radical Road, Hutton's Sections, Jacob's Ladder, and Duddingston Village.
The modern Parliament building, designed by Catalan architect Enric Miralles, was considered controversial at the time but is now seemingly accepted by the locals. The exterior was intended to be a work of art, however not everyone is convinced.
The New Town is a masterpiece of Georgian architecture and town planning. It is full of shops, bars and restaurants. The population of the Old Town skyrocketed between the 14th and 18th century and the buildings and sanitation [Gardyloo!! Beware of the water!] could no longer support the rise of people.
The wealthy were growing tired of these conditions and in 1766 a competition was held to design a nicer area. 23 year-old self taught architect James Craig won and the construction of the New Town began in the lower area. Neoclassical building [by Robert Adam], squares and parks sprung up throughout the 18th and 19th centuries and the city has transformed into what it is today. A great place to grab a drink in the New Town area is Panda and Sons!
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| Calton Hill |
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| Calton Hill |
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| National Monument |
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| Panda and Sons |
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| Panda and Sons |
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| Whisky flight |
Leith is a seaport that began in the 14th century. After WWII if fell into decay and is now starting to make a comeback. There is a bus that goes directly there and back. It is a quick and easy ride and is a nice venture outside of downtown Edinburgh.
That is just about all we could get through in a short 4-day weekend [plus The Highlands Tour]. Other great areas to visit are Stockbridge, West End and Dean Village, and South Edinburgh. A great book to buy while there before touring is the Lonely Planet Pocket Edinburgh.
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