Historic Sites in Gowkshill

"Since September 2004, the official home of the Scottish Parliament has been a new Scottish Parliament Building, in the Holyrood area of Edinburgh. Some of the principal features of the complex include leaf-shaped buildings, a grass-roofed branch merging into adjacent parkland and gabion walls formed from the stones of previous buildings. Throughout the building, there are many repeated motifs, such as shapes based on Raeburn’s Skating Minister."

"The Scottish Parliament Building may be a lot more modern than other entries on this list, but it’s all the more striking for it. Designed by Enric Miralles in a post-modern, metallic style, the building was officially opened just over a decade ago in 2004. Its design aims to mirrors the natural beauty of the landscape around it, and the building itself is comprised of an array of abstract shapes."

"This beautifully preserved 19th-century village is one of Edinburgh’s favourite hidden gems. Despite being the subject of countless Instagram photos over the years, it remains a tranquil haven in the city. As if frozen in time, this romantic gem is filled with little alleyways, storybook bridges and charming architecture, all set alongside the Water of Leith River."

"Beautiful Dean Village After lunch, spend the afternoon at Dean Village. Dean Village is a small, residential area in Edinburgh. It’s quiet, it’s beautiful, and it’s off the beaten path."

"Find this picturesque view at the bottom of Hawthornbank Lane if you don’t mind climbing down to the edge of the river!"

"As the very last medieval building left on the Royal Mile the John Knox House is an exciting window into the 16th century. As you walk around the parlour, the dining room, the kitchen and the rest, you’ll see the way its past inhabitants (including Mary, Queen of Scots) used to live. Soak up the opulence and the drama of Scotland's turbulent past, before walking straight back into the bustling present on Edinburgh’s main drag."

"John Knox House is a fascinating mediaeval building constructed in 1470. It is named after the famous Protestant reformer John Knox, although he actually only lived there for a short period in his life. The house was also home to James Mosman, an ardent supporter of Mary Queen of Scots who was one of the "Queen's Men" who seized Edinburgh Castle in a failed attempt to have her reinstated."

"Grassmarket is snuggled in the center of Edinburgh’s Old Town and is bursting with local shops and so much good food. Mary’s Milk Bar is supposed to have incredible gelato (sadly never got to visit while I was in the city), and in the summer there are stalls set up selling even more food and locally made jewelry and art. Nearby is Victoria Street, which is a chocolate box-esque street that looks like stores were literally stacked on top of one another."

"Address: Old Town, Edinburgh, EH1 2HSWebsite: The Grassmarket. The Grassmarket in Edinburgh is a bustling collection of pubs and restaurants which sit around a large open square at the southern edge of Edinburgh Castle. Because the district is so centrally located within the city you can easily find it by either walking west from the Cowgate or walking south from the Castle Esplanade."

"Walk down Victoria Street (there’s a fantastic whiskey bar there – The Bow Bar – which is my favorite in Edinburgh’s Old Town!) and you’ll end up on the Grassmarket, a cute historic square with tons of pubs and a fabulous view of the Edinburgh Castle. Visit the Edinburgh Castle"

"4 km from city center 9 out of 11 places to visit in Edinburgh. The ruins of this castle is a major tourist attraction in Edinburgh. It is located just after the Holyrood Park, almost 5km from the centre of the city."

"Perhaps the most interesting of the Border abbeys, red-sandstone Melrose was repeatedly destroyed by the English in the 14th century. The remaining broken shell is pure Gothic and the ruins are famous for their decorative stonework – look out for the pig gargoyle playing the bagpipes. Though Melrose had a monastery way back in the 7th century, this abbey was founded by David I in 1136 for Cistercian monks, and later rebuilt by Robert the Bruce, whose heart is buried here."

"Real Mary King’s Close This is the perfect tour to learn about medieval life in Edinburgh. Journey back in time to 1645 Edinburgh, down Mary King’s Close, a real alleyway in the city. This was the year of the Black Death, when one-third of Edinburgh’s population succumbed to this terrible illness."

"Head to one of my favorite Edinburgh points of interest, the Real Mary King’s Close. Truly one of the most amazing and historically accurate tours I have ever been."

"New Town is architecturally stunning and is full of wonderful cafes, we think you’ll love staying here:. The Bearded Baker started off by supplying wholesale bagels to many of the city’s best cafes, and when the opportunity arose to turn The Bearded Baker into a cafe, they jumped at the opportunity!. We’re so glad they did as the cafe is a gem, and most importantly they also serve up a fabulous range of delectable doughnuts."

"With the Royal Botanic Gardens nearby, Canonmills is a lovely part of Edinburgh to stay in, and we think you’ll enjoy your stay at. The Bearded Baker is a cosy bakery and coffee shop located in Canonmills – who are famous for their delicious bagels!. As well as bagels, they also offer a variety of cakes, doughnuts, sourdough loaves and coffee!"

"Bearded baker Rowan creates his bagels and treats from scratch every day, and it really shows. Where: 46 Rodney St, EH7. Shop online at:thebeardedbaker.co.uk"

"Tucked away in Marchmont, Deadly Donuts pride themselves on serving up freshly made, high quality and different doughnut recipes on a daily basis. The shop is owned by classically trained chef, Freddie Spindler, and their selection of doughnuts range from traditional flavours, to the more intriguing flavours such as matcha green tea. Website: www.instagram.com/deadlydonuts"

"Amidst the Tony award-winning musicals, famous shows, high calibre ballets, and musical prodigies are some of the major comedy kingpins. The Edinburgh Playhouse has been host to the likes of Amy Schumer, Louis CK, Jack Whitehall, Jimmy Carr, and Catherine Tate, to name just a few. This former cinema, which was built in the style of The Roxy cinema in New York, has been around since 1929 and makes for the most brilliant of comedy venues due to its sheer size and acoustics."

"EdinburghThe Edinburgh Playhouse has some great shows throughout the year including a great Panto. There are also childrens events in the school holidays and youth drama activities"

"No matter the night of the week, Café Andamiro is always jam packed with people who can’t get enough of their authentic Japanese and Korean dishes. We recommend the Korean spicy ramen, or the bibimbap, but their range of sushi is also worth some exploration. It won’t be easy, but try to save space for dessert – their homemade treats will make you cry real tears of joy."