Top 10 Things to Do in Edinburgh.

If your plans include visiting Edinburgh, you should be sure to plunge into a charming Scottish tale. Edinburgh is a compact city, so you can squeeze a lot into a short break in Edinburgh.

1. Princes Street

Edinburgh’s main shopping artery is Princes Street there are hotels, souvenir and book shops including the Scottish multi-storey department store Jenners. This fabulous oldest Victorian building in Britain even has its own department of local delicacies, where you can buy the typical Scottish food such as haggis – a sheep pluck minced with suet and oatmeal, seasoned with salt, pepper, onions and boiled like a large sausage.

2. Scott Monument.

The Scott Monument is a Victorian Gothic monument to Scottish author Sir Walter Scott. It stands in Princes Street Gardens in Edinburgh. Inside the Scott Monument there is John Steell’s statue shown The Sir Walter Scott with his dog Maida by his side. And the monument adorned with 64 statues, mostly characters from Scott's novels, has a series of viewing decks reached by a series of narrow spiral staircases giving panoramic views of the city and its surroundings.

3. Royal Botanic Garden.

Founded in 1670 the Botanical Garden was originally developed as a learning conservatory for students, but it has grown to become well as a popular tourist attraction. The Scottish Heath Garden recreates the Asian landscape, the Palm House, Rock Garden (Rockeries), Heather and Pine Gardens.

4. Edinburgh Castle.

Build atop Castle Rock in Middle Ages, Edinburgh Castle was designed as the formidable fortress exclusively for defense. The Coronation Stone or Scottish Stone of Destiny are displayed as valuable relics belonging to the Scottish people. The Royal Mile runs from Edinburgh Castle down to Holyrood Palace where you enjoy walking along royal streets.

5. Holyrood Palace.

The Palace of Holyroodhouse, commonly referred to as Holyrood Palace is situated at the end of the Royal Mile. The Palace of Holyroodhouse is closely associated with Scotland's turbulent past, including Mary, Queen of Scots. In modern times Queen Elizabeth II spends time in residence at Holyrood Palace when she carries out a range of official ceremonies. In Royal Family’s absent in residence the palace is open to the public daily.

6. St Giles Cathedral

This Cathedral is situated on the historic Royal Mile in Edinburgh. Its construction began in the 12th century, but over the centuries the numerous fires and destruction and then more altars and chapels added to the building, significantly changed its original appearance. However, in modern times this cathedral is one of the most important architectural landmarks. Many famous Edinburgh names are buried here.

7. Camera Obscura.

A popular tourist attraction is situated on the same Royal Mile. Through a curious 19th-century device - something like a periscope, Edinburgh is caught and projected onto a viewing table. It is a fascinating activity for people spoiled with modern technology of the 21st century.

8. Scotch Whisky Heritage Centre.

The Scotch Whisky Heritage Centre Experience on the Royal mile in Edinburgh, next to Edinburgh Castle. Discover the process behind making this famous Scottish beverage, as well as its history and heritage. Get an individual tastes to help you find your favourite whisky. End the tour including a visit to a specialized shop of souvenirs and gift sets of whiskey at the museum.

9. Greyfriars Bobby

Greyfriars Bobby Memorial is a monument that honors the life of a Skye Terrier who spent 14 years of his dog life faithfully guarding his owner's grave. A lifesize statue of Greyfriars Bobby was created in 1872, almost immediately after the dog's death.

10. National Gallery of Scotland.

In octagonal halls of the gallery collections of The collection of sculptures and paintings by European masters spans the ages up to the present time.