Edinburgh

Work about
Edinburgh

Silvia Martínez García

 2. Contenido
1. Top Attractions ...................................................................................................................... 4

1) Edinburgh Castle ............................................................................................................... 4

2) Edinburgh Zoo ................................................................................................................... 5

3) The Real Mary King's Close................................................................................................ 6

4) Blair Street Underground Vaults - Mercat Tours .............................................................. 7

5) Our Dynamic Earth ............................................................................................................ 7

6) The Edinburgh Dungeon.................................................................................................... 8

7) Camera Obscura ................................................................................................................ 9

8) National Museum of Scotland ......................................................................................... 10

9) National Galleries of Scotland ......................................................................................... 10

10) The Scottish National Gallery ...................................................................................... 11

11) Scottish National Portrait Gallery................................................................................ 11

12) Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art ..................................................................... 11

13) The Museum of Childhood .......................................................................................... 11

14) The Scott Monument .................................................................................................. 12

15) Palace of Holyroodhouse ............................................................................................ 12

16) The Queen’s Gallery .................................................................................................... 13

17) The Scottish Parliament .............................................................................................. 13

18) Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh ................................................................................ 14

19) The Scotch Whisky Experience .................................................................................... 15

The Royal Yacht Britannia

2. Curiosities of Edinburgh ..................................................................................................... 17

20) How did Edinburgh get its name? .......................................................................... 17

21) Who was the last person to live in Edinburgh Castle? ....................................... 17

22) What is Edinburgh Castle famous for?.................................................................. 17

23) How old is the Edinburgh Castle? .......................................................................... 17

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 24) What is the population of Scotland in 2017? ........................................................ 18

25) What is the climate like in Scotland? ..................................................................... 18

26) How many castles are there in Scotland? ............................................................ 18

27) What is the oldest castle in Scotland? .................................................................. 18

28) What is the oldest building in Edinburgh?............................................................. 18

29) Where is Scottish Gaelic spoken the most? ......................................................... 19

3. FAQS ON SCOTTISH FOOD ................................................................................................... 19

30) WHAT IS SCOTLAND'S NATIONAL DISH? ..................................................................... 19

31) WHAT OTHER TRADITIONAL DISHES WILL I FIND IN SCOTLAND? ............................... 19

32) IS THERE ANY FOOD THAT I CAN ONLY GET IN SCOTLAND? ....................................... 20

33) WHAT IS SCOTLAND'S NATIONAL DRINK?................................................................... 21

34) WHAT KINDS OF LOCALLY PRODUCED NON-ALCOHOLIC DRINKS CAN I TRY? ............ 21

4. FAQS FOR BEFORE YOU VISIT SCOTLAND............................................................................ 22

 Do I need any vaccinations to visit Scotland? ................................................................. 22

 What health and safety advice is available for walkers .................................................. 22

 What is the electricity supply like in Scotland? ............................................................... 22

 Is it safe to drink Scottish tap water? .............................................................................. 22

 Will I be able to access the internet? .............................................................................. 22

 Can I use my mobile phone ............................................................................................. 22

 What are the common shopping hours? ........................................................................ 23

 How much do carrier bags cost? ..................................................................................... 23

 How late are bars, pubs and nightclubs open? ............................................................... 23

 What is the legal drinking age in Scotland? .................................................................... 23

 How many passengers can a taxi take?........................................................................... 23

 How bad is a midge bite? ................................................................................................ 23

 What is Hogmanay? ........................................................................................................ 23

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 1. Top Attractions
Your handy quick guide to the top attractions in Edinburgh perfect for family
days out. Take some time to explore the city.

From family days out to cultural pursuits, Edinburgh has a wealth of top
attractions to satisfy all tastes, including some of Scotland's most visited free
and paid-for attractions.
The city’s backdrop of Arthur’s Seat, the Pentland Hills and Edinburgh’s Waterfront
make the city a remarkable place to live. In just one day you can explore the city’s
exciting new waterfront development, wander through the cosmopolitan streets of the
Port of Leith, take a cruise on the River Forth and explore the rugged terrain of the
volcanic Arthur’s Seat.

Depending on how long you have, why not visit some of these top Edinburgh
attractions, perfect for family days out.

1) Edinburgh Castle

Situated at the top of the Royal Mile on top of Castle Rock, Edinburgh Castle is the
number one visitor attraction in Scotland and the most iconic building in the city.

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Perched on top of an extinct volcano, the Castle and its Esplanade offers unparalleled
views of Edinburgh. Once inside you can explore some of the oldest and most important
buildings of the city, including St Margaret's Chapel, The National War Memorial and
the Half Moon Battery. The regal Crown Square is a real highlight, where you will find
the magnificent Grand Hall and Scotland's Crown Jewels - including the famous Stone
of Destiny.

2) Edinburgh Zoo

A fantastic day out for all the family, Edinburgh Zoo is only a short bus ride from the
city centre and home to over 1,000 fabulous animals, including the UK's only giant
pandas. The Zoo is situated in beautiful parkland settings and includes fabulous
flamingos, cute koalas and cheeky chimpanzees.
There is a jammed packed schedule of talks every day, given by expert keepers. Get
there for around lunchtime and you'll catch the world famous penguin parade, when
some of the King, Gentoo and Rockhopper colonies leave their enclosure and have a
wee waddle around!

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 3) The Real Mary King's Close

The Real Mary King’s Close is buried deep beneath Edinburgh’s Royal Mile. The city’s
deepest secret; a warren of hidden streets that has remained frozen in time since the 17th
Century.

For years, the hidden Closes of Old Town Edinburgh have been shrouded in myths and
mysteries, with blood curdling tales of ghosts and murders, and of plague victims being
walled up and left to die.

Come and hear these entralling stories on a tour of Mary King's Close, found tucked
away just off the Royal Mile. The guides will give you a fascinating insight and tell
some of the more fascinating tales woven into this hidden part of the city...

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 4) Blair Street Underground Vaults - Mercat Tours

The only 5 Star walking tour company in Scotland, Mercat Tours thrill and entertain
visitors with their tales of ghastly ghouls, hauntings and mysteries of Edinburgh of old.

They offer exclusive access to the renowned Blair Street Underground Vaults, an
underground world hidden underneath the streets of the city centre, full of goulish and
gory tales of the residents who lived here hundreds of years ago.

Since 1985, Mercat Tours have also operated historical tours of the Old Town which are
designed to both entertain and educate. Bespoke tours are available to private groups.

5) Our Dynamic Earth

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It starts with a bang – a big bang! Learn about the creation of our planet and travel
through time as we explore Earth's past, present and future.

Get thrust back in time to the very beginnings of our universe, and witness first hand the
big bang and the very first moments of our galaxy and solar system. Make your way
back to the present day through volcanic explosions, landscape-forming glaciers and the
evolution of our life on Earth.

Come face to face with our evolutionary ancestors and explore the diversity of our
world's climates by flying through it all with their latest '4Dventure flight simulator'!

6) The Edinburgh Dungeon

Uncover Edinburgh's grisly history at The Edinburgh Dungeon - if you dare! Laugh and
scream your way through this fantastic visitor attraction, where you'll come face to face
with Scotland's ravenous cannibals, discover the secrets of the Green Lady and have a
close encounter with Edinburgh's infamous killer duo Burke and Hare.

With immersive actor-led shows, state of the art special effects and two thrilling
underground rides, this is a must-visit for anyone fascinated with the dark side of our
city. Are you brave enough...?

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 7) Camera Obscura

Camera Obscura and World of Illusions - where seeing is not believing!

Welcome to the oldest visitor attraction in Edinburgh, delighting visitors since 1835.
Don't miss this Aladdin's cave filled with illusions, tricks, puzzles, hands-on
experiences and unbelievable effects to experience and interact with.

Serve your own head up on a silver platter, visit the room where little and large become
interchangable, and pick the people of Edinburgh up in your hand in the city's 150 year
old Camera Obsura show.

Get involved, play, touch everything! Will you find your way out of the magical mirror
maze? Will you manage to stay on your feet in the Vortex Tunnel? Great fun for all the
family.

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 8) National Museum of Scotland

Discover the delights of the natural world, explore world cultures and enthuse at
treasures from around the world. Featuring a diverse range of art and design exhibits,
interactive displays and games, a visit to the National Museum of Scotland will appeal
to all ages.

The huge variety of galleries and exhibitions in this grand and visually stunning
building means that you could quite easily spend an entire day here.

9) National Galleries of Scotland

Edinburgh is home to three of the National Galleries of Scotland : the National Gallery
on the Mound, the Portrait Gallery on Queen Street and the Gallery of Modern Art on

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Belford Road. Offering a mixture of permanent art collections and exciting visiting
exhibitions, a visit to the galleries is a great day out for art lovers.

10) The Scottish National Gallery

In the heart of Edinburgh, the Scottish National Gallery boasts some of the world's
finest art by the likes of Rembrandt, Monet and Raphael.

The Mound, Edinburgh EH2 2EL

11) Scottish National Portrait Gallery

This beautiful red sandstone building can be found in the New Town, and is home to
over 3,000 portraits of men, women and children from Scotland and beyond.

12) Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art

Just a short taxi ride from the city centre, the Scottish Gallery of Modern Art has three
main spaces: Modern One hosts the gallery's permanent collection, Modern Two has
ever-changing exhibitions and displays, and an expansive park full of fascinating
sculptures. It's a must for any modern art fan in the city.

13) The Museum of Childhood

The Museum of Childhood is a fun day out for the whole family. Young people can
learn about the children of the past and see a fantastic range of toys and games, while
adults enjoy a trip down memory lane. And you can see the Subbuteo set in our adverts!

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Hands-on activities, including a puppet theatre and dressing up area, together with our
fantastic museum shop, help to make your visit a memorable one.

14) The Scott Monument

The largest monument to a writer in the world commemorating the Scottish novelist Sir
Walter Scott. Built in the 19th century, it is one of the most striking landmarks in the
Edinburgh city skyline.

Climb the 287 steps to the top and enjoy breathtaking views of Edinburgh and the
surrounding countryside.

15) Palace of Holyroodhouse

The Palace of Holyroodhouse is The Queen's official residence in Scotland. Every year,
around the end of June, The Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh stay here and participate
in official engagements in the city and beyond.

Various areas of the Palace are open for public viewing, where visitors can trace
historical links through time and learn about its legendary former inhabitants. Have a
look at the State Apartments, including the Throne Room and the Morning Drawing
Room, where The Queen gives private audiences to the likes of the First Minister of
Scotland and the Lord High Commissioner.

You can also take a look at Mary, Queen of Scots' Chambers, where she resided after
her return from France in 1561, which offers a fascinating insight into how our
monarchs lived during that time.

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 16) The Queen’s Gallery

The Queen's Gallery, located in the Palace of Holyroodhouse, was opened by Her
Majesty The Queen in November 2002 as part of the Golden Jubilee celebrations.

Now, it hosts a programme of changing exhibitions from the Royal Collection. A

worthwhile stop on a visit to the Royal Mile.

17) The Scottish Parliament

Edinburgh’s Old Town is home to Scotland’s thoroughly modern Parliament building.

Open to visitors Monday-Saturday, why not take advantage of a free tour and learn

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about its history, work and contemporary architecture? You can even visit a debating
chamber and if Parliament is in session, view proceedings from the public gallery.

Keep an eye on their website and look out for the regular Art Tours where you can
discover selected pieces of the Scottish Parliament’s Art Collection. This popular
guided tour lasts an hour, so be sure to book your place to avoid disappointment.For
literary fans, their Literary Tour explores their links with famous Scottish writers over
the years.

With so much to see and do, you might like to recharge your batteries with a coffee or
light bite in their bright cafe and no visit would be complete without a browse around
their attractive gift shop.

18) Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh

Enjoy a gentle stroll through Edinburgh’s stunning botanic gardens and enjoy the sights,
sounds and scents throughout the changing seasons. Have a stroll through the charming
outdoor gardens, or journey through a warmer climate and discover exotic plants in the
Glasshouse.

Visitors can also enjoy a light bite in the gardens restaurant, cafeteria or coffee shop and
purchase plants and gifts in the modern gift shop. A top tourist attraction for all ages.

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 19) The Scotch Whisky Experience

Take a barrel ride as you actually become part of the whisky making process. From the
gently swaying fields of barley all the way through the distillery equipment to the
steaming and bubbling Pot Still.

Experience for yourself the varying aromas of our regional whiskies and whether you
like fruity, sweet or smoky flavours our experts will help you select your perfect dram.
Enter the vault containing the world's largest collection of Scotch Whiskies and enjoy a
special tutored nosing and tasting of your dram.

The Royal Yacht Britannia

Voted as the UK's number one attraction by TripAdvisor (2014/2015), the Royal
Yacht Britannia was the seabound home to Her Majesty The Queen and the Royal
Family for over 40 years. It is now moored permanently near Ocean Terminal in Leith.

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This five-star visitor attraction has sailed over 1,000,000 miles around the world, so
take the audio tour and follow in the footsteps of royalty to discover the heart and soul
of this most special of royal residences.

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2. Curiosities of Edinburgh
20) How did Edinburgh get its name?

The site of the city of Edinburgh was first named as “Castle Rock”.
The name“Edinburgh” is rumoured to originate from the old English of
“Edwin's fort”, referring to the 7th century King Edwin of Northumbria
(and “burgh” means “fortress” or “walled collection of buildings”).

21) Who was the last person to live in Edinburgh Castle?

Queen Margaret (later St Margaret) died here in 1093, and Mary Queen
of Scots, gave birth to James VI in the royal palace in 1566. Her great-
great-great grandsonCharles Edward Stuart - Bonnie Prince Charlie -
captured Edinburgh but couldn't take the castle during the 1745-6
Jacobite rising.

22) What is Edinburgh Castle famous for?

Edinburgh Castle is a historic fortress which dominates the skyline of the

city ofEdinburgh, Scotland, from its position on the Castle Rock. ...
The castle also houses the Scottish regalia, known as the Honours of
Scotland and is the site of the Scottish National War Memorial and the
National War Museum of Scotland.

23) How old is the Edinburgh Castle?

Edinburgh Castle is built high on an impressive 700 million

year old extinct volcano called Castle Rock, in the middle of what is now
the city of Edinburgh. People have lived on Castle Rock since the
Bronze Age, around 850 BC, and there has been a royal castle on the
site since at least the 12th century.

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24) What is the population of Scotland in 2017?

Statistics published today by the National Records of Scotland (NRS)

show that the estimated population of Scotland was 5,404,700 at 30
June 2016, which is the highest level recorded. The figures show a rise
of 31,700 (0.6%) people over the year since 30 June 2015.

25) What is the climate like in Scotland?

The climate of Scotland is temperate and oceanic

(Köppen climate classification Cfb), and tends to be very changeable, but
not normally extreme.

26) How many castles are there in Scotland?

This architectural trend culminated in the Scottish Baronial style of the

19th century. There have been well over two thousand castles in
Scotland, although many are known only through historical records.

27) What is the oldest castle in Scotland?

Aberdour Castle is located in the village of Easter Aberdour, Fife,

Scotland. Parts of the castle date from around 1200,
making Aberdour one of the two oldest datable standing castles in
Scotland, along with Castle Sween in Argyll, which was built at around
the same time.

28) What is the oldest building in Edinburgh?

St Margaret's Chapel, in Edinburgh Castle, is the oldest surviving

building in Edinburgh, Scotland. An example of Romanesque
architecture, it is a category A listed building. It was constructed in the
12th century, but fell into disuse after the Reformation.

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 29) Where is Scottish Gaelic spoken the most?

In the 2011 census of Scotland, 57,375 people (1.1% of the Scottish

population aged over three years old) reported as able to speak Gaelic,
1,275 fewer than in 2001. The highest percentages of Gaelic speakers
were in the Outer Hebrides.

3. FAQS ON SCOTTISH FOOD

30) WHAT IS SCOTLAND'S NATIONAL

DISH?

Haggis! AKA the 'Great chieftain o the puddin'-race' - as Robert Burns once
called it. In Scotland, haggis is a real celebration dish and nothing quite beats
tucking into a hearty portion alongside your nearest and dearest.

31) WHAT OTHER TRADITIONAL DISHES

WILL I FIND IN SCOTLAND?

 Scottish smoked salmon

 Haggis

 Black pudding

 Stovies

 Bridies

 Scotch pies

 Aberdeenshire butteries

 Fish and chips

 Scotch broth

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 Lorne sausage

 Cock a leekie soup

 Cranachan

 Clootie dumpling

 Dundee cake

 Shortbread

 Peppermint creams

 Tablet (pictured)

32) IS THERE ANY FOOD THAT I CAN ONLY

GET IN SCOTLAND?

 Scotch beef

 Scottish wild salmon

 Traditional Ayrshire Dunlop cheese

 Arbroath Smokies (pictured)

 Scottish Farmed Salmon

 Scotch Lamb

 Shetland Lamb

 Orkney Beef

 Orkney Lamb

 Stornoway Black Pudding

 Orkney Scottish Island Cheddar

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 33) WHAT IS SCOTLAND'S NATIONAL
DRINK?

Whissy! (Although IRN BRU likes to think of itself as Scotland's 'other national
drink' too).

34) WHAT KINDS OF LOCALLY PRODUCED

NON-ALCOHOLIC DRINKS CAN I TRY?

 Sparkling presse

 Apple juice

 Scottish milk

 Scottish spring water

 IRN BRU

 Red Kola

 Hot Velvet Shot, a richly indulgent hot chocolate shot

 Crabbies non-alcoholic ginger beers

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4. FAQS FOR BEFORE YOU VISIT
SCOTLAND

 Do I need any vaccinations to visit Scotland? No.

 What health and safety advice is available for

walkers? Read up on mountain safety guidelines and always check

the weather conditions before a hike. Also, please be wary of ticks while
walking in woodland areas and grassy areas across Scotland,
particularly in the Highlands. Please visit the NHS Inform website for
further information.

 What is the electricity supply like in

Scotland? Scotland enjoys a constant electricity supply throughout

the country (including the Highlands and Islands). Power cuts are rare
and are usually fixed very quickly.

 Is it safe to drink Scottish tap water? Yes, Scotland

boasts exceptionally clean tap water that is perfectly safe to drink

 Will I be able to access the internet? Most

accommodation providers offer WiFi (check before you book though!) as
well as many cafés and visitor attractions. You should also be able to
access roaming data from your phone (charges vary though so please
check with your provider before you visit us).

 Can I use my mobile phone? Your mobile should switch onto

a UK network while you’re here, though charges for calls and data vary.
Check with your own provider before your holiday.

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 What are the common shopping hours? Most shops are
open from 9am - 5pm, but some may stay open later and there are many
that open at the weekend too.

 How much do carrier bags cost? 5p.

 How late are bars, pubs and nightclubs open? Most

bars and pubs stay open till midnight while nightclubs will be open
longer.

 What is the legal drinking age in Scotland? 18.

 How many passengers can a taxi take? Taxis you see in

the street will usually accommodate 4, 5 or 6 people, depending on the
size of the taxi, but some taxi firms also offer people carriers and
minibuses which can accommodate more people. Booking your taxi in
advance is a good way to guarantee you’ll get the size of taxi you need.

 How bad is a midge bite? Midge bites are completely

harmless and are much less severe than mosquito bites.

 What is Hogmanay? Scotland’s world famous New Year’s Eve

celebration on December 31. Hogmanay is a huge celebration in
Scotland that involves street parties, traditions and lots of good will to all
men and women. Don’t be surprised if you get hugged by the friendly
people around you at the bells (midnight) or asked to join an impromptu
ceilidh in the street!

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 Bibliography
https://www.visitscotland.com/about/practical-
information/scotland-faqs/

https://www.visitscotland.com/see-do/food-drink/faqs/

https://es.wikipedia.org/wiki/Edimburgo

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