Edinburgh's secrets

• Now that my six months' experience in Edinburgh are finished, I can step back to talk about the wonderful city that welcomed me.

First thing to know is that the city is divided into several distinctive areas :

• Old Town
  During my stay I have discovered a lot about the fascinating history of Edinburgh. The Royal Mile makes up the main spine of the area, running from Edinburgh Castle at the top to the Palace of Holyroodhouse and Scottish Parliament at its foot.
  

• New Town
  In 1766 a competition for the best architectural scheme for the proposed New Town was held. Six plans were considered, and James Craig's scheme was chosen. The elegant Georgian architecture this involved now provides the backdrop to a number of equally stylish shops, bars and restaurants. Although nowadays Princes Street is commonly regarded as the main street of this scheme, George Street was the backbone of the plan. Many hours of shopping have been spending in this areas surrounding by many shops commercial centers.

• West End
  Perfect for plenty of eating and drinking options, the cobbled streets of the West End are only a few minutes walk from Princes Street.
  
  

• Grassmarket
  Once a medieval market place and site for public executions, the area is now known for eating, drinking and independent shops all in the shadow of Edinburgh Castle. Executions ceased in the Grassmarket in 1784 but names of some of the area's pubs reflect its bloody history, such as The Last Drop and Maggie Dickson's. During the night "Ghost Tours" are organized in the undergrounds and graveyards while many instructions about the history are told. [But it isn't really scary..!] Now its cobbled streets, traditional buildings and quirky shops, pubs and restaurants make the Grassmarket a magnet for visitors.
  
  

•  Leith
   Edinburgh’s city quarter by the sea is a great place for eating and shopping in the stylish Ocean Terminal shopping complex for example. It is also home to The Royal Yacht Britannia. Only ten minutes from Edinburgh's city centre, historical Leith is full of cultural influence and historical architecture yet calm with waterfront serenity. However it is the area where I have spend less time during my stay; maybe due to the fact that I really prefer the historical center.
   
   
   

 This is below a map to help you to imagine the location of these areas :  

 To conclude, having a flat in the Old Town was a real opportunity to discover and visit the best this beautiful city full of historical and cultural wealth.