South Queensferry (Edinburgh) / United Kingdom

In the shadow of the famous bridge over the Firth of Forth lies South Queensferry, home to about 10,000 residents.

The Forth Bridge was built 125 years ago and as a remarkable engineering feat, it was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Those who want to learn more about its construction should visit the Queensferry Museum, and a sightseeing boat trip is definitely worth it. Architecture enthusiasts should not miss a tour of the Hopetoun House from the late 17th century and Dalmeny House from the early 19th century, while fans of active leisure can take a walk along the beautiful waterfront. St. Mary's Church was built in the 1450s and is the oldest building in the town.

Queensferry is located less than 20 kilometers northwest of the center of Edinburgh, making it the gateway to the capital of Scotland. Archaeological findings prove that it was inhabited as early as 8,500 years ago. At the beginning of our era, the Romans settled here, and after several changes of rule, the area fell to the Scots in the 10th century and has remained in their hands ever since. In the mid-16th century, the town was damaged by an English attack, and in 1707 it officially became part of the United Kingdom. Today, Edinburgh is one of the most important financial, cultural, and intellectual centers of the country and home to about half a million residents.

The second largest city in Scotland and the second most visited city in the United Kingdom after London lies on the slopes of an extinct volcano known as Arthur's Seat. Its dominant feature is the beautiful medieval castle, whose history dates back to the 12th century. The Royal Mile is the center of the Old Town with a wonderful maze of alleys and cobbled streets lined with museums and churches. At its end stands the Palace of Holyroodhouse, the official residence of the British monarch in Scotland. The New Town boasts beautiful Georgian houses with terraces from the 18th century. Both the Old and New Towns are listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Edinburgh is home to a number of museums and galleries. The National Museum of Scotland offers a comprehensive view of Scottish history, while the National War Museum focuses on the country's won and lost battles. The Museum of Edinburgh manages a collection related to the city's origins, history, and legends, while the Museum of Childhood houses a collection of historical toys. The Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art will particularly appeal to those interested in contemporary art. Edinburgh Zoo is the second most visited attraction in all of Scotland, but the Royal Yacht Britannia, decommissioned in 1997, is also popular. Those with time to spare can venture beyond the city to discover the beautiful landscape of rolling hills, crystal-clear lakes, and dramatic mountains.

The shopping center is Princess Street with a range of souvenir shops, and those who want to experience the Scottish capital gastronomically should not forget to taste whisky or the national dish haggis, a mixture of sheep's offal cooked in a sheep's stomach.

Places Worth Seeing

Queensferry Museum – Get acquainted with the past of the gateway to Edinburgh and the history and present of the famous bridge, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Inchcolm – Board a boat and be taken to a beautiful island with a medieval abbey from the 12th century and ruins of fortifications from World War II.

Edinburgh Castle – Climb to the top of Castle Rock and visit the impressive stone castle, home to the Scottish crown jewels.

The Palace of Holyroodhouse – Take a tour of the official residence of the British monarch in Scotland, built in the 16th – 17th century.

Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art – Admire a collection of more than 6,000 paintings, sculptures, prints, and installations from 1900 to the present.

The Royal Mile – Walk along the central street of the Old Town and get lost in the maze of alleys and narrow cobbled streets.

National Museum of Scotland – Get acquainted with the history, nature, culture, and science of Scotland in one of the country's most visited museums.