The city of Edinburgh is the capital of Scotland and it is a very popular destination. Its historical and cultural value is said to bring in over 1.7 million visitors every year.  After London, Edinburgh is the second most visited destination in the United Kingdom, making it also the second-largest financial center in the nation.  

A green and hilly landscape makes Edinburgh the perfect spot to breathe in some fresh air, stretch your legs and enjoy spectacular views. It is home to some of Scotland’s oldest and most precious attractions, like Edinburgh Castle and the Palace of Holyroodhouse, truly iconic British landmarks, as well as Calton Hill and majestic places like the Royal Botanical Gardens.  

Edinburgh Castle 

This impressive fortress built during the 12th century by David I sits atop the Royal mile at the west end of Edinburgh’s Old Town on Castle Rock, a Volcanic rock. The castle has been home to both British and Scottish Royalty and for centuries, it was the location of some memorable yet truly gruesome battles between England and Scotland’s monarchies.  

Edinburgh castle is one of the most heavily armed fortresses in Britain although currently it mainly serves as a touristic attraction.  However, the castle holds a special annual event known as the Edinburgh Military Tattoo, where the British Armed Forces, Commonwealth and international military bands, and artistic performance teams perform on the grounds of Edinburgh Castle in the capital of Scotland.  

The Royal Mile 

Arguably the most pleasant hike from the castle leads visitors along the Royal Mile passing medieval homes, churches, restaurants and pubs and terminating at the Palace of Holyroodhouse, Queen Elizabeth´s official residence in Scotland. It is rumored that the palace´s location was set close to the Moors to allow fleeing Royalty a quick and secure means to a refuge.  

In contrast to the fortress and its intense history, tourists can spend a full day shopping on the Royal Mile. Those with a keener interest in things military should stay close to the entrance when the artillery piece is fired at 1 PM. The mile may seem longer than a mile when walked due to the fact that it is the length of the historic Scottish mile. 

St. Margaret´s Chapel 

The site also provides an interesting visit to the oldest surviving building in Edinburgh: St. Margaret´s Chapel. This 12^th-century Romanesque structure was founded by David I from Scotland in honor of his mother St. Margaret, restored in the 19th century and is still lovingly maintained by St Margaret´s Chapel Guild.  

Old Town and Georgian New Town  

As the second most populated city in Scotland, Edinburgh is a quaint medieval city with unique attractions and a very peculiar history. The city is made up of majestic gardens and neoclassical buildings and is divided into two main areas, one considered to be historic, known as the ‘Old Town’, and a more modern area known as the ‘Georgian New Town’. 

The Old Town is the heart of the city and it is one of the favored spots for tourists to stay when visiting the city. Charming and historic hotels like the Radisson Blu Hotel, Edinburgh City Centre offer stunning views of the Scottish capital and is located in Edinburgh’s Old Town, right on the Royal Mile. This hotel is walking distance from major city center attractions, such as the iconic Edinburgh Castle, National Museum of Scotland, the Scottish Parliament, and Edinburgh’s famous shopping thoroughfare, Princes street.  

Instead, if your cup of tea is experiencing more modern luxury, boutique hotels like the Radisson Collection Hotel, Royal Mile Edinburgh will be more up your alley. This hotel is also located in the heart of the city and walking distance from a handful of tourist attractions in the Old Town. 

Because Edinburgh is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Radisson Hotel Group is proud to provide stylish and comfortable accommodation in some of the most picturesque sites in Edinburgh while conducting business ethically, sustainably and responsibly.