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.