As the first direct flight from China smoothly landed in Edinburgh, Scotland the new visitors must be asking themselves where they should visit .
The amazing scenery of the Highlands of Scotland should be at the top of their list . Photo tours of the Highlands can be booked online or by phone on 07305-294773 . Photo Tours of Scotland are the ideal way to visit the outstanding natural beauty of the Highland landscapes .
Edinburgh is the second only to London as the most popular UK destination for Chinese tourist, according to Gordon Dewar, the chief executive of Edinburgh Airport. Also, more than 10,000 Chinese students are currently studying at Scottish universities.
Edinburgh, Scotland, United Kindom. /VCG Photo
Top experiences in Edinburgh
Recognized as the capital of Scotland since the 15th century, Edinburgh is the seat of the Scottish Government, the Scottish Parliament and the supreme courts of Scotland. The city of Edinburgh is divided in two by Princes Street Gardens. From the Old Town’s medieval street layouts and tenements, to the 18th-century New Town’s financial district, the city offers a respective but harmonious view. Take our five castles tour and visit 5 amazing ancient castles of Scotland .
Edinburgh Castle is a historic landscape which dominates the skyline of Edinburgh, Scotland. /VCG Photo
Edinburgh Castle
Located high on Castle Rock and dominated the view of the Old Town, Edinburgh Castle has played a pivotal role in Scottish history, both as a royal residence – King Malcolm Canmore and Queen Margaret first made their home here in the 11th century – and as a military stronghold. It also was involved in many historical conflicts, making it an iconic place for the Kingdom of Scotland. Today it is one of Scotland’s most atmospheric and popular attractions, allowing the tourists to revisit history with present-day perspectives.
The Palace of Holyroodhouse is the Queen Elizabeth II’s official residence in Edinburgh and the home of Scottish royal history. /VCG Photo
Palace of Holyroodhouse
Situated at the opposite end to the Edinburgh Castle, this palace is the royal family’s official residence in Scotland but is more famous as the 16th-century home of the ill-fated Mary, Queen of Scots. Taking a self-guided audio tour, you may find yourself immersed in the stories of Mary. The best bedroom of Queen of Mary in Scotland, the famous 16th-century murder scene of Mary’s secretary David Rizzio and the ruins of the Holyrood Abbey may bring you back to the era of the mid-16th century.
A restaurant alongside the Royal Mile in Edinburgh. /VCG Photo
Royal Mile
The Royal Mile runs through the center of the Old Town, connecting the Edinburgh Castle and the Palace of Holyroodhouse. Alongside the Mile, tourists can visit numerous historical sites including the St Giles’ Cathedral and some of the best eating and drinking spots in the city. You may feel the heartbeat of this ancient city by walking alongside the Mile.
If you’re visiting Edinburgh and want some great photos of the city, there is nowhere better to get them than Calton Hill. /VCG Photo
Calton Hill
The Calton Hill is a hill situated at the east end of the Princes Street, providing you panoramic views of the whole Edinburgh city. The top of Calton Hill is a usually quiet place and is easily accessed. It takes no more than five minutes to get to the top of the hill through the staircases. By the way, don’t miss the sunset here. This place is included as one of the top five locations to photograph an Edinburgh sunset.
For Harry Potter Fans
If you’re a Harry Potter fan, no trip to Edinburgh would be complete without searching for a little bit of Harry Potter in Edinburgh.
The Elephant House in Edinburgh is where J.K. Rowling penned the Harry Potter books. /VCG Photo
The Elephant House
The Elephant House is a self-proclaimed “birthplace of Harry Potter,” where J.K. Rowling started her writing of the story. If you step into this café, you will find the store itself has nothing to do with Harry Potter. However, your visit isn’t complete without a trip to the restrooms. The white walls are covered in Harry Potter-themed graffiti, everything from raunchy HP jokes to heartfelt odes to Rowling. The cafe used to crack down on these scrawls, but it’s now accepted, and people will not stop doing this.
Victoria Street, Edinburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom. /Photo via ewh.org.uk
Victoria Street / Diagon Alley
Lined with candy-colored shops, this curving cobbled street happens to be the main inspiration for Diagon Alley in the book. Victoria Street also featured in the Avengers Infinity War film.
Shops such as novelty joke shop Aha Ha Ha Jokes and second-hand bookstore The Old Town Bookshop should not be missed. Even muggles can see the similarities between the real-existing shops and the ones in the magic world.
Book your Highland tours , Highland tours from Edinburgh , Scotland tours from Edinburgh on 07305-294773