text and photos by: Nina Sarmiento

 

(Note:This is Part 1 of a two-part weekend guide for solo female travelers in Edinburgh. You can read the second part here. )
 
Scotland's capital was once known as Auld Reekie (Old smokey), as the buildings there used to be heated by coal and wood fires, emitting smoke through their chimneys.
But that is not the case anymore. Edinburgh has something to offer for any type of traveler. It's home to art treasures, hosts sporting events and different festivals all throughout the year.
Edinburgh is a small city, so it's very easy to go around it. This is perfect for you if you only have a weekend to spare to get away from it all!
Almost all the sightseeing spots are along the way of the Royal Mile: from the Edinburgh Castle to the Holyrood castle. Wear you comfy shoes though as you need to walk through cobbled streets and traverse through a hill.
 
So when in Edinburgh, why don't you visit:
 
Camera Obscura:
offers a natural cinema of live images of the surrounding city. It also includes a close-up of stone masonry that couldn't be viewed with the naked eye.
 
Edinburgh Castle: perched on top of the hill, it dominates the city's skyline. It has withstood many sieges, eventually becoming a
retreat for the medieval Scottish monarchy.
 
Go to the crown room and be dazzled by the royal jewelry which includes centuries-old crown, sceptre and sword. Also in the crown room is the Stone of Destiny, more known as the Stone of Scone, the traditional coronation seat of the Scottish monarch
 

 

 

 
 
 
 
High Kirk of St.Giles Cathedral: Scotland's main cathedral, it is considered the Mother Church of Presbyterianism and is home to the the Chapel of the Order of the Thistle (Scotland's chivalric company of knights headed by the Queen).
 
The thistle chapel, a gift from John David, 12th Earl of Leven, is the most ornate building of its size in Scotland. The ceilings arecarved with the thistle symbols and the knight stalls are carved in oak. To be ordained as Knight of the Thistle is the greatest honor in Scotland
 
Heart of Midlothian: a heart-shaped mosaic built into the pavement near the St. Giles Cathedral. Inspired bu the novel of Sir Walter Scott, it signifies the centre of the district.