Capture the perfect moments with ease, and then take a well-deserved break in the historic city of Edinburgh. My wife and I were thrilled to explore all that the city had to offer during our 2-night stay. Unlike other trips, we didn’t have to rush or drive long distances to get to our destination.

Our charming B&B, located only 3 kilometers outside of Edinburgh, was the perfect place for us to stay. We could easily manage the short walk into the city, allowing us to immerse ourselves in the local culture.

As we embarked on our long journey, the delicious coffee provided by our stay gave us the perfect start to our morning hike towards the heart of the city. One of our must-see stops was the majestic Palace of Holyroodhouse. A symbol of Scottish royal history, the Palace is home to the official residence of the King in Edinburgh. Located at the bottom of the Royal Mile in Edinburgh, it stands opposite Edinburgh Castle, serving as the main royal residence since the 16th century, and an iconic setting for state occasions and official entertaining.

The Palace stands adjacent to Holyrood Abbey, with its gardens set within Holyrood Park. The King’s Gallery, which exhibits works of art from the Royal Collection, was converted from existing buildings at the western entrance to the Palace and opened in 2002. King Charles III spends a week at Holyroodhouse every summer, performing official engagements and ceremonies. The historic apartments of Mary, Queen of Scots, from the 16th century, and the State Apartments, used for official and state entertaining, are open to the public throughout the year, except when members of the royal family are in residence. The Palace also serves as the official residence of the Lord High Commissioner to the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland during the annual meeting of the General Assembly. If you want to experience the grandeur of Scottish royal history, the Palace of Holyroodhouse is a must-visit destination.

As we approached the castle, I couldn’t help but think that inside was a treasure trove of gold and history. However, I’m not one to be swayed by shiny objects. Rather, I seek experiences that leave me with a good feeling – and the Scottish Parliament building did just that. Located in the Holyrood area of Edinburgh, the Scottish Parliament building is a marvel of architecture. Designed by the renowned Spanish architect Enric Miralles in partnership with local Edinburgh Architecture firm RMJM, the building is a stunning example of form and function working in harmony. From the leaf-shaped buildings to the grass-roofed branch blending into the nearby parkland, the Scottish Parliament building is a feast for the eyes. The gabion walls formed from the stones of previous buildings add a touch of history to the structure. The repeated motifs throughout the building, like the shapes based on Raeburn’s Skating Minister, give it a unique character. The Garden Lobby features crow-stepped gables and upturned boat skylights that make it a true standout. The Scottish Parliament building is truly a work of art, and it’s no wonder that Queen Elizabeth II herself opened it with great fanfare on October 9, 2004.

In the end, I’m glad we bypassed the castle in favour of the Scottish Parliament building. It left me with a lasting impression and a sense of awe that I won’t soon forget.

The day had just begun, and I was already filled with wonder and amazement. The streets we crossed took me back in time, and I felt like I was transported to another era. The atmosphere was truly special, and I couldn’t help but capture images as we entered the main city. The entire experience was breathtaking.

As we wind our way through the beautiful historical buildings, we are soon greeted by the world-renowned Royal Mile. Running between the iconic Edinburgh Castle and the regal Palace of Holyroodhouse, this historic route was once reserved exclusively for the processions of monarchs. Stretching approximately one Scottish mile, which is equivalent to 1.8072576 kilometers (1.1229778 miles), the Royal Mile is a must-visit destination for anyone exploring the Old Town.

As we stroll through Castlehill, the Lawnmarket, the High Street, the Canongate, and the Abbey Strand, we’ll discover the most bustling tourist street in the Old Town. With a plethora of shops, restaurants, public houses, and visitor attractions, there’s something for everyone on the Royal Mile. During the Edinburgh Fringe, the High Street is transformed into a lively hub of tourist activity, bustling with entertainers and buskers from around the world. Parliament Square, located at the heart of the Royal Mile, is home to both the High Court of Justiciary and the Court of Session, making it the centre of Scotland’s legal system. Whether you’re a history buff or simply looking to soak up the atmosphere of one of Scotland’s most iconic destinations.

“Edinburgh is an absolutely stunning place with so much more to offer than meets the eye. In fact, I have some amazing images that I want to show you above. But, if you really want to experience the wonder and beauty of this place, you must visit it yourself. Trust me, the delightful people, delicious food and charming pubs will make you feel right at home. Don’t hesitate, come and discover Edinburgh today!”

 

Thank you and I hope you like the images as we did like our travels.