The Fascinating City of Edinburgh

The capital city of Scotland, Edinburgh, is a very fascinating place full of historical greatness and contemporary assimilation of the past and present values. Many of the buildings of the Middle Ages and subsequent centuries abound in this place and the city is regarded as one of the “most beautiful cities” in the world. Two areas, Old Town and New Town have been declared are  World Heritage sites and as such deserve a visit.

From August for about four weeks the city holds a number of festivals like Edinburgh Fringe, Edinburgh International Festival, Edinburgh Military Tattoo and Edinburgh International Book Festival. Apart from these there are half a dozen specific days where special days are observed attracting tourists from abroad. In fact more than a million visitors throng to Edinburg annually! Remembrance Sunday and Hogmanoy Street Party are events worth visiting and leave lasting impression in the psyche of the visitors. There are regular pantomimes and great musical concerts round the year to enchant the local and visiting population. A view of the panorama of the City from Nelson monument is breathtaking.

The Old Town area, which still sports many buildings from the Middle Ages and Reformation times is remarkable for the spontaneous beauty even in the streets, leave alone the buildings! One side of the Old Town is occupied by the castle. St.Giles Cathedral, Courts and Royal Museum of Scotland are some important buildings in this area. As early as the beginning of the 16th century buildings were constructed here 10 more than floors; a curious legacy of the Industrial revolution saw a number of underground buildings as well referred to as ‘vaults’ to house Irish immigrants. A planned New City developed during the 18th century which retains its charm even now. George Street and Princess Street are aesthetically satisfying even now. National Gallery of Scotland and Royal Scottish Academy are located in this place which deserve a special visit!

Out of the Blue Drill Hall, Edinburgh Playhouse, Columcille Centre, George square Theatre and Royal Lyceam Theatre are among some of the finest theatres in the city. All are endowed with external grace and the dramas or concerts staged inside are absorbing. The city sustains its values in recognising the role of music and drama in tempering the culture of the people.

From small, compact night clubs to lustily large halls night clubs provide the most enchanting diversions in this austere day-time city! Sneaky Pete’s, Medina and Negociants, The Jazz Bar, Faith, Citrus Club and Pivo Caffe are some names that will make you remember Edinburgh for ever by offering style and grace, relaxation and repose, fine singing, dancing and merry entertainment!

Similarly there is absolute waiting for those who relish convention and exotic foods in Edinburgh. Plenty of first-grade food restaurants cater to the diverse tastes of the citizens and visitors alike.

There is no dearth of transport facilities either. In fact many of the important landmarks, both in Old and New Town areas are within the easy reach that people prefer to walk from one landmark to the other. But there are plenty of tourist buses and taxis available for the convenience of the visitors. A new tram net work is coming about in a year or two connecting different parts of the city.

There are great high class hotels taking care of the comfort of the visitors. There are also bed and breakfast apartments, youth hostels, group accommodation for students and businessmen. Hospitality is a byword in all the places.

Whether educational opportunities or business concerns, financial dealings or a swipe at fine arts and theatrical charms, Edinburgh has everything to offer. Once referred to as Athens of the North it retains its penchant for imparting education and sustaining cultural values.

A visit to Edinburgh will sooth the troubled mind addicted to work culture round the year.