When organizing a trip to the United Kingdom, London is usually the destination, which attracts almost 20 million tourists from all over the world each year.
If you have already seen the capital and you want to return to the Queen's territories, in this article I recommend Edinburgh ... especially if you are a Harry Potter fan and literature lovers!
Must see: what to visit
Edinburgh is a city full of art and places to visit, so you'll be spoiled for choice. Also, unlike other cities in the United Kingdom, many museums are free. We start right from the National Museum of Scotland. One of the most visited free museums by families, because it offers a number of attractions very nice for the little ones and that make the older ones want to learn something new. There are various rooms dedicated to the animal world, with life-size dinosaur skeletons, others that offer a focus on fashion in the world, and others that explore machines and robotics . My favorites, however, were the astronomical rooms: you will feel like you are really in space.
The National Gallery is another obligatory (and free) stop in Edinburgh. It contains a well-stocked range of Scottish art through the ages, and more! There are also Italian artists, including Botticelli.
In case you are near the Parliament, which unfortunately is not open to the public, I suggest you take a trip to the Palace of Holyroodhouse, the Scottish residence of the Queen. Compared to other royal residences, it has nothing special but, thanks to the audio guide included in the ticket, you can listen to the life of Maria Stuart and Queen Victoria.
Last, not least, the famous Edinburgh Castle! Here too, the stories of the most famous Scottish queens are intertwined with the largest history of Europe. And the view from above is magnificent because it embraces the whole city - not to mention the sound effects of the prisons, which are very suggestive.
For all those passionate about literature, I point out that this city is not only the capital of Scotland, but also the publishing and stronghold of writers. It was the birthplace of Sir Walter Scott, Irvine Welsh, Robert Burns, Robert Louis Stevenson, Muriel Spark, James Hogg, Sir James Matthew Barrie, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, JK Rowling, etc. Libraries abound and between books, you can visit the Writers Museum for free, near the Royal Mile. In case you are lucky enough to go there in August, you will find the International Book Festival, in addition to the very famous Edinburgh International Festival.
We leave the museums and enter the "frivolous" side of Edinburgh. If you are a Harry Potter fan or a fan of ghosts and similar, this is the city for you: you can have tea at The Elephant House , where JK Rowling wrote the first chapters of the world's most famous wizard, taking inspiration from the city itself. You will recognize Diagon Alley on Victoria Street and Hogwarts in the Castle. And if this is not enough, there is nothing left but to get on the coach of the Ghost Tour to make you scare and close off your trip.
Must drink: whiskey (and gin)
Who says he does not know is clearly lying: Scotland is famous for its spirits, especially whiskey and gin. With over 100 active distilleries, distributed in five production regions, many of which can offer fascinating tours, you will have plenty to drink (and to visit). However, you will have to put your wallet in hand: alcohol here costs a little. Even if good compromises are the gift boxes, boxes with small bottles to put comfortably in the suitcase.
Must eat: the food
Despite the bad reputation for English food, in Edinburgh it is not bad at all. Certainly the Scottish cuisine does not excel at the variety and quantity of salt, but you will not die of hunger or hardship. The typical dish to try is certainly the ' Haggis, a sausage that is filled with sheep entrails, ground together with onion, kidney fat, oatmeal, salt and spices, mixed with broth.
If the haggis is not in your ropes, know that in Edinburgh are famous smoked salmon, often served with potatoes, and the Dunlop, a soft cheese.
For breakfast, however, I recommend buying as many scones and short breads as possible, accompanied by butter, jam and a cup of tea. The scones are similar for leavening to brioche dough, less sweet and just as tasty. The most famous are the shortbread, the typical Scottish butter biscuit - excellent as a souvenir for the sweet tooth.
All photos by Amalia D'Anna
Source: here
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