Robert the Bruce. William Wallace. Mary Queen of Scots. Castles. Body snatching and catacombs. Haggis. History.

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Edinburgh Castle: Built in the 11th century. It was a royal residence for over 600 years but is now a museum. Photos are where the Scottish Crown Jewels are kept. Many areas are now exhibits on Scottish history and events in the castle.

Robert the Bruce and William Wallace
St. Margaret's Chapel
Mons Meg...ceremonial cannon that fires daily
Mary of Lorraine, mother to Mary Queen of Scots, died in this room.
The Great Hall
This is why castles are on top of hills.

Palace of Holyroodhouse: This is the official residence of the monarch in Scotland. The castle is located at the other end of the Royal Mile. It was closed when I arrived but the grounds are sometimes available but the interior is generally closed to the public.

Walking Tour: St. Giles Cathedral, Writer's Museum, and more. There is a catacombs tour. Underground markets once operated. The tunnels were also used by body snatchers to move cadavers from the graveyard to the university for study in medical sciences.

I took a tour where the guide said criminals used to have their ears nailed to a board on this spot. People would throw fruit at you until your ear ripped through or the end of the day.
Economist and author of Wealth of Nations
St. Giles Cathedral
A nearby plaque says the brass 'I' is where the last public execution took place in Edinburgh.
Love those narrow passages referred to as a 'close'.
The Writer's Museum is a tribute Scottish literature.
obert Burns, Walter Scott and Robert Louis Stevenson.
Canongate Kirk. Adam Smith is buried in the church's graveyard. Usually open on Sunday after services.

Nosh:

Haggis: Classic Scottish food. Sheep stomach stuffed with minced organ meat (heart, liver, etc). I've had it...not my favorite but not terrible. I'd rather have sausages or other cased meats. It's even a flavor inspiration for goods like chips (aka. crisps).

White Hart Inn: Established in 1516, this is the oldest pub in the city. The likes of Oliver Cromwell and Robert Burns have stopped by for a nosh and a nip here.

Chicken breast with bacon

Nip:

Copper Still: This is a restaurant and bar with a nice selection of draft beers. Paolozzi is a Untitled IPA. The beer is inspired by Eduardo Paolozzi, creator of pop art that turned trash into something creative.
Beavertown is actually a London based brewer. This is the Neck Oil IPA. A nice light citrus zest.

Scotch: You're in Scotland. Even if you don't love Scotch, it's one of those things you might regret if you don't try while here. This is a double flight of Highland 12, Glenfiddich 15, Aberlour, and Dalwhinnie.