Edinburgh, Capital city in Scotland
Edinburgh is a city in Scotland that sits across several hills, with the Old Town showing medieval lanes and the New Town displaying wide streets lined with stone houses from the 18th century. The two parts are linked by bridges, and the castle rock rises above the entire city center.
The settlement began in the 7th century as a fortress on Castle Rock and gained royal status from King Robert Bruce in 1329. In the 18th century the planned New Town was built as a response to the crowded Old Town, changing the face of the city entirely.
Every August the city becomes an open stage for thousands of performers when the festival brings international theater companies, musicians and street artists to nearly every corner. The pubs are social hubs where locals gather to share stories and listen to traditional live music sessions.
The main railway station at Waverley Bridge connects the city to London, Glasgow and other major destinations with regular train services throughout the day. Most attractions in the center are close together so you can cover much on foot, but steep slopes require some stamina.
The botanical garden houses over 13 000 plant species in its herbarium and has contributed to worldwide conservation and botanical research since 1670. Beneath the Old Town runs a network of underground vaults that were once inhabited by merchants and families before the streets above were rebuilt.
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