So much of the history of the city can be seen throughout in its various buildings, but the city itself has always has strong links with law, government, and royalty within Scotland. It became the focus of the reformation in Scotland in the sixteenth century and even during the English civil war it was captured by Cromwell so it is fair to say that the history of the city is one of uprisings, debate, and battles, and this will undoubtedly crop up in the things you do.

How can I get a sense of what there is to see?

Edinburgh has a great tourist bus that is certainly worth going on when you first arrive in the city. This will take you to all of the main places of interest, and it is relatively inexpensive, but will give you a good idea of what you might be interested in checking out later.

Is Edinburgh Castle worth visiting?

Edinburgh Castle

Undoubtedly so, and the minute you arrive in the middle of the city you cannot fail to spot the castle as looks down from its viewpoint over the city. The place just oozes history from the moment you walk up the last part of the Royal Mile to the castle, to when you see the stone of destiny, which is a major national symbol for Scotland, to even checking out how the city of Edinburgh tells the time. A little hint, be near the cannons for 1pm.

What about the Royal Mile that was just mentioned?

The Royal Mile

This is the term that has been given to an extremely popular, and historical, street in the city. It is called the Royal Mile as the mile is the distance between the castle at one end and Holyrood Abbey at the other. Do take a stroll along it as you will pass places such as the old Parliament House, where the Scots held their parliament until it was dissolved in 1707, as well as St Giles Cathedral which is certainly also worth exploring. Just by walking along this street you will pick up so much about the old history of the city.

Apart from the castle, what other things connected to royalty are there?

There are two main places of interest should you want to find out more about the role royalty plays in the city. The first is the palace of Holyrood, at the end of the Royal Mile, and this is the official residence of the Queen when in Scotland. The other is the former royal yacht Britannia which is now permanently docked in the Leith area. Tours are available for both and they are worth going on, especially if you are a history buff.

How about the nightlife?

Edinburgh has some very swanky watering holes!

Edinburgh has a good selection of bars and restaurants scattered across the city but consider heading to either George Street, Lothian Road, or the Grassmarket. Consider picking up a copy of  the List from a newsagent as this will detail any shows running at the various theatres to keep you entertained well into the night. Stock up on travel coupons before you leave, to help with your beer fund

Those are just a few things as to what to do in a weekend in Edinburgh but there are so many that have not been included. You will find something no matter your age, sex, preferences, with or without a family but one thing is for sure, you will not see everything the city has to offer in just a single weekend.

The Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum

This is Glasgow’s leading museum and art gallery. This facility officially opened its gates in 1902 and it plays host to over 1 million visitors per annum. This makes it the second most popular tourist attraction in Scotland and the most toured museum in the United Kingdom outside London.

This museum holds a myriad of natural world exhibits most notably the 300 year old fossils of marine life that once occupied the Glasgow area. It also features one of the most excellent compilations of arms and armour in the world.

The Hunterian Gallery and Museum

The Hunterian art gallery only opened its doors over 3 decades ago in 1980; two centuries after the Glasgow University began amassing its art compilations. Its main source of items for display was the William Hunter pictures but has since grown to support international works such as J.M.W. Turner, Muirhead Bone, Nanteuil, and Mezzotints by John Smith.

Since this facility accommodates the University of Glasgow’s art compilation, it makes it accessible for both learners and revellers. It also consists of a Print room house with collected works of 3000 drawings and 35000 prints from art legends such as Whistler. Some of these works are of the antique class and date back to the 18th-20th centuries with heavy influences from the English and Scottish works.

The Glasgow Gallery of modern art

This gallery is located on the splendid Royal Exchange Square was commissioned in 1996. It is the second most frequented contemporary art gallery in the United Kingdom outside London.
The gallery has a range of items on display and integrates local and international works such as those of Ken Currie, Andy Worhol, David Hockney, Sebastiao Salgado and Niki de Saint Phalle

Within this facility, other services such as tour consultancy, internet access, library services and a restaurant are also provided. It is also easily accessible from the town centre making it highly recommendable for anyone visiting Scotland’s capital city.

The St. Mungo Museum of Religious Life and Art

This museum was opened in 1993 and it evaluates the significance of religion in cultures across the globe since time in memorial. The museum is located on a contemporary 3-storey building that is sandwiched between two of the city’s most ancient buildings: the splendid gothic Glasgow Cathedral and the oldest building in the city, the Provand’s Lordship. These 3 storeys are partitioned into 3 primary exhibition segments: Religious Life Gallery, Religious Art Gallery and Scottish Gallery which is a provisional section for seasonal fairs.

Religious Art Gallery houses one of the world’s most renowned religious work of art, the ‘Christ’s Saint John’s cross’ done by Salvador Dali. Visitors may also immerse themselves into the awe inspiring stature of the Hindu dance Lord, Shiva. On the other hand, the world’s six major religions including Islam, Hinduism, Christianity, Buddhism, Judaism and Sikhism can be surveyed at the Religious life Gallery. Visit carinsurance.org.uk for the best deals on Glasgow insurance.

Innsbruck, Western Austria- exactly how many people picture a traditional European town!

Innsbruck is a popular destination for skiing holidays.  Nestled in the mountains of Western Austria it is ideally located for those who like to spend their free time gliding down slopes of freshly fallen snow.  However, skiing is not the only thing that Innsbruck has to offer!

Things to do

The city’s main focal point is the Goldenes Dachll or “Golden Roof”, the glistening medieval roof built to please Emperor Maximilian.

Goldenes Dachl- you can't miss it!

Close by lies the Hofkirche (“Court Church”) which was by Ferdinand I as a memorial to his grandfather Maximilian I, Holy Roman Emperor and is filled with 28 bronze statues of Maximilian’s relatives, standing guard around his Cenotaph.

Nightlife

At night Innsbruck is full of life, and there is something here to suit every taste.  DJs perform at the Hofgartencafe, whilst elsewhere Austrians meet to sing the traditional songs of their homeland over some delicious beers.

Dining places

Innsbruck is filled with quaint and quirky little cafes in which coffees and small snacks can be enjoyed. There is also a wide selection of restaurants where traditional Austrian cuisine is served alongside popular international dishes.

Sports

Skiing is not the pnly physical activity that you can partake in in Innsbruck.  The mountains provide a beautiful backdrop to try your hand at snowboarding, and the Inn River is suitable for rafting.   Innsbruck is home to the football club FC Wacker Innsbruck.  FC Wacker Innsbruck’s stadium, Tivoli Neu, is one of eight stadiums which hosted Euro 2008, so is definitely worth a tour if you are a football fan!  Innsbruck is also a beautiful setting for a cycle or a walk.

Krakow- you're next dream holiday awaits...

Krakow has got all that you really need to make your vacation a memorable one. So many things to see, so many things to do and of course so many things to eat- no wonder Krakow is an ideal place for every kind of traveler. No matter whatever interests you have, the things to see, do and eat in Krakow are wide and varied. So, one thing is sure enough that you will surely find something that appeals to you.

Once you reach Krakow, you will surely get overwhelmed with plenty of things to do, see and eat. As doing everything in one visit is impossible, you had better narrow down your options! To make this task easier for you, I have compiled a list of 4 Things to See, do and eat in Krakow.

4 Things To SEE in Krakow

The Old Town

Considered as the centre of Krakow, the city’s Old Town is the most common spot for visitors. The spot has a surplus of modern café’s, restaurants, pubs, shops, and an eyeful of historical and cultural sites.

Wawel Cathedral

Also situated in the Old Town is the thousand year old Wawel Cathedral, chock-full of history, charm and national pride. The cathedral features 18 Chapels, library, museum and national archives.

Wawel Royal Castle

Another cultural jewel that you must see is the Wawel Royal Castle. The castle is filled with state rooms, royal gardens, exhibitions, and breathtaking courtyard.

Wieliczka Salt Mine

Complete with various chapels, subterranean salt lake and an open reception hall, the Wieliczka Salt Mine is an exceptional attraction listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

4 Things To DO in Krakow

Shopping

For those who love to shop, Krakow is a perfect place to do it in style!. Krakow’s markets, shops, boutiques and department stores literally brim with attractive souvenirs. From amber jewelries to exquisite lace tablecloths, hand-knitted sweaters to glass wares, you can choose anything to take back home with you, either for your loved ones or to keep with yourself as a souvenir.

Sporting Activities

As for the activities, there are plenty of them to enjoy including sailing, swimming, canoeing, yachting, and ice skating during winter.

Attend a Festival

Some of the biggest and best festivals in Krakow are:
Krakow Film Festival (held in May)
Summer Jazz Festival (held in July)
Unsound (held in October)

Have a Night Out

Krakow enjoys vibrant nightlife and its status as Poland’s biggest accumulation of nightspots. Simply hundreds of pubs, bars, nightclubs and discos can be found in courtyards and cellars. Paparazzi, Baroque, and Taawa are some of them.

4 Things To EAT in Krakow

For foodies, Krakow is a great place to savor various tasty delicacies. Some my personal favourites include:
Bigos

A rich, meaty Hunter’s Stew

Zurek and pierogi

Sour Rye Soup and dumplings of unleavened dough

Pierogi ruskie

Dumplings filled with white cheese, potato, meat and fried onions

Krakowski obwarzanek

Krakow bagels, with poppy and sesame seeds

Come to Krakow and enjoy all these things.You’ll be glad that you did.