When I visited Edinburgh, Scotland for the first time two summers ago, I fell in love instantly. The ornate architecture, the traditional bagpipe music, the beautiful green hills, the fascinating accents… I could hardly find anything I didn’t like (besides the haggis). I also found its residents to be the friendliest people I have ever met in my life. While Edinburgh feels like a very modern city, it is bursting at the seams with rich history, and every building and street seems to tell a story.

If you plan to visit Edinburgh, which you most definitely should, be sure to take the time to visit the following attractions.

1. Edinburgh Castle

Edinburgh Castle - Photo: JuanJ

This historic sight should absolutely not be missed. It is no surprise that it’s the most popular attraction in the city, bringing in over 1.25 million people a year. The massive stone castle is perched upon a hill overlooking the city and was built into existing volcanic rock (it sits atop an extinct volcano). It was first built by David I around 1130 AD, along with a chapel that is still there. After changing hands several times through war, the castle was rebuilt in 1356, and it again in 1574 with more additions. Much history happened in this castle, including Mary Queen of Scots giving birth to her son, King James. The exhibits in the castle are incredible, including the guns and swords in the great hall. The castle also has a massive cannon and a dog cemetery. The views of the city from the top of the castle are incredible.

2. The Scott Monument

Scott Monument - Photo: albireo2006

You can’t miss it; it’s the massive blackened monument sitting on Princes Street (more on that below). This Victorian Gothic tower is just over 200 feet tall and was built to honor Sir Walter Scott, a famous Scottish writer. In 1832, right after Scott’s death, a design contest was held to build a tribute to him – this incredible work is what came of it. The tower has several viewing decks that you can climb up to. Prepare for long, spiral staircases, but beautiful views of Edinburgh.

3. Royal Botanical Gardens

Edinburgh's Royal Botanical Gardens - Photo: mellowmark

These gardens weren’t on my must-see list; in fact, I didn’t even know they were there before I visited Edinburgh. But we stayed in the Canon Court apartments, which was right across the street from the gardens. After passing by them several times, we decided to pop in, and I’m so glad we did. Upon entering, we were greeted by lush green grass and ponds with ducks. There are five separate gardens and four nature sanctuaries. We wandered through the enclosed areas for each habitat and were stunned by the variety of flora and fauna we saw, including a pond with lilly pads bigger than me! We also went into a greenhouse with a motion device set up so that as you moved around, little chimes all throughout the greenery sang (it was some form of an art installation). When nobody was looking, we danced around the room and made music.

4. The Scotch Whisky Experience

The Scotch Whiskey Experience - Photo: chalkie

What’s a trip to Scotland without some Scotch whiskey? Built in faux distillery, this museum takes you through all the steps that go into making whisky and reveals history and the story behind the infamous drink. They have tour guides and whisky advisors to help you pick your poison. They have an on-site restaurant, where you can dine and try a variety of whisky. You can also shop in their store, which offers over 300 types of whisky (when I walked in that room, I was floored by how many there were). If you really want to become an expert, they offer a full-day certified whisky course.

5. Princes Street

Edinburgh's Princes Street - Photo: Grant R

This scenic street divides Edinburgh into its old town and new town. It is about half a mile long and is the city’s most popular street. It is incredibly scenic, with great even more views of the city and its monuments. Princes Street is also populated with loads of great stores for shopping. It also features the beautiful Princes Street gardens.

6. Arthur’s Seat

Arthur's Seat - Photo: almassengale

If you enjoy an easy hike and a great view, you should spend some time at Arthur’s Seat. It is a craggy hilltop that overlooks the city and provides astounding views of the castle and both the city’s old town and new town. The rocky hill was formed 350 million years ago by a now extinct volcano. The hill is not very difficult to climb, and you can approach it from many different directions, though coming from the east is the easiest. Depending on where you start, it can take 30 minutes to an hour, or more.

If you don’t have a specific time set to visit Edinburgh, you may want to consider going during August so you can be there for the Edinburgh Festival Fringe. This annual event claims to be the world’s largest arts festival in the world, and features dance, music, comedy, theater, and more. During the same month you can also attend the incredible Edinburgh Military Tattoo, which is held just in front of Edinburgh Castle and features performances from dancers, acrobats, and musicians.

This guest post was written by Emily Starbuck Gerson. Emily is a journalist and copywriter who lives in beautiful Austin, Texas. She is obsessed with travel, so she runs a travel blog, Maiden Voyage, in her free time (follow @themaidenvoyage on Twitter). Emily is also an avid photographer.

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A stunning canal in Amsterdam - Photo: Joep R.

For some people it is hard not to enjoy Amsterdam; they just head to one of the famous coffee shops in the centre and reappear an hour later in a state of heightened sensitivity. Others are shocked by quite how liberal Holland is. Police sit inert while prostitutes tout their wares in red windows, marijuana and magic mushrooms are sold openly to locals and tourists alike. But away from the seediness this is one of the most beautiful cities in Europe. Most of the buildings have been preserved from the 16th and 17th century and they look divine next to the cobbled streets, canals and bridges. Here’s a list of the best things to do and see in Amsterdam.

1. Get out of the centre. Most tourists stay in a small area of Amsterdam near to the central station and the red light district. Once the initial shock value of Holland’s persuasive culture has worn off you will realise this is an overcrowded and unappealing part of Amsterdam. Crime is relatively high and there is always a risk of muggings and pickpocketing.

If you avoid the criminals watch out for the stag parties. Amsterdam has become a number one spot for stag dos and there is nothing worse than having to deal with a big group of boozy Brits abroad if you are trying to have an enjoyable holiday. With rows upon windows of prostitutes the centre is certainly not the place to go if you have young children either

Window parlours in Amsterdam's Red Light District - Photo: Stuck in Customs

2. Enjoy the architecture. Full of quaint canals surrounded by picturesque buildings, Amsterdam has some of the most unique architecture in the world. In the centre of town you can see the attractive Jewish quarter, take a stroll to the boutiques and restaurants of Jordaan or see the impressive houses in which celebrities live in on the Grachtengordel. From the Jewish quarter you can view the large Moses and Aaron church then walk towards the steep tower of the Munt which is in front of the Rembrandt Plein. Amsterdam has one of the largest historic city centres in the world.

3. Get out and about to see the amazing flowering tulip fields. Strips of red, yellow, white and orange tulips which go across flat land for as far as the eye can see are truly an amazing sight to behold. Rent a bicycle from central Amsterdam and take a tour of Holland’s colourful countryside.

Tulip fields near Lisse, Amsterdam - Photo: Samuel Leo

4. Go in time for Koninginnedag, or Queen’s Day, which takes place on April 30. You will be confronted by a seething mass of fun-loving Netherlanders who are dressed in the country’s colour of orange. This national holiday is really celebrated hard in Holland with parties going on all day and all night right across the country. Another popular thing to do is to set up flea market as the Dutch government allows tax free sales on that day.

5. There are many fantastic flea markets in Amsterdam. Ten Kate market does everything from books to flowers while the Waterlooplein attracts people from all over the country from Monday through to Saturday. Albert Cuyp is the largest of the flea markets.

Amsterdam's Albert Cuyp Market

6. Enjoy the liberal attitudes of Amsterdam. Anyone can live in Amsterdam, no matter what colour, sexual orientation or creed there are. This is a huge international community of artists and free thinkers where anything is permissible. Almost everyone here speaks fluent English so you should be easily understood.

7. Go to the Anne Frank House and Museum. One of the most poignant symbols of the Holocaust, this is where the young Dutch girl wrote her diary while hiding from the German occupiers. The best time to go if you want to avoid the crowds is in the evening. Even if you get caught in a queue it should move through quickly. Entry is nine euros for adults and the address is 267 Prinsengracht.

Anne Frank's House

8. The Van Gogh Museum at Paulus Potterstraat 7 is one of many excellent museums in Amsterdam. See world famous works such as Starry Night by the post impressionist who cut his own ear off. There are also paintings by Monet on display. For only four euros the audio tour is a bargain.

9. For culinary delights in the city centre visit the stupendous Chinatown at Nieuwmarkt. The food here is truly stunning and great value to boot. Holland also does incredible Indonesian food which some people might say is better than that which you would actually get in Indonesia. The Surinamese cuisine is really tasty too.

Cantonese opera in Amsterdam's Chinatown

10. Take a boat through the canals. There are tourist boats which stop at all the main attractions including the Rijksmuseum and special lover’s canal cruises where the one and a half hour journey does not allow you to disembark. Venetian gondolas have also been imported to Amsterdam for a romantic tour. If you prefer you can take a night cruise where dinner is served but these are not cheap.

What is your recommendation for things to do and see in Amsterdam? Make a comment and let us everybody else know.

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Italy's Amalfi Coast is one of Europe's most scenic drives - Photo: Dew Drop

One of the biggest attractions of traveling to Europe is the fact that one can drive from one country to another – at least most of the countries. With the formation of the European Union, travel by motor vehicle has become so much easier, giving a new meaning to the phrase “road trip.” While ease of moving from one European country to another is definitely not an issue, the differences in laws of the road can be quite a feat to face. If you are considering traveling Europe by car – with you behind the wheel – here are some things that you may want to know.

In London, you will have to pay $16 if you enter the “congestion zone.” This law has been in effect for some years now, in an effort to lessen the amount of traffic in the area. These zones are easily recognizable by the red signs with a white C in a circle. Some rental car agencies include this in the cost, so ask beforehand.

If you’re driving in France, make sure that you do not have children below 10 years old sitting up front. The law requires that they sit in the back seat, safely buckled up. Crossing over to Germany, make sure that you can drive fast on the autobahn. More than that, make sure that you have enough gas to get you through. Obstructing traffic – for any reason – can get you fined.

Over in Italy, you cannot enter certain areas unless your car is authorized. Many hotels are located in these areas, so you have to have this information beforehand. Your hotel can help you with this. If you enter these areas, which are marked with white signs with an open red circle, and you are not authorized, you will be fined. Going farther south, in Spain, make sure that you have a spare pair of eyeglasses if you drive with one. The law requires that you have the spare pair in the car with you.

Bottom line: know the rules of the road before even considering driving in a foreign country.

What is your tip for driving in Europe? Make a comment and let everybody know.

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1. Paris, France

Paris is one of Europe's most popular romantic cities - Photo: Vincent Montibus

A great city to spend some quality time with the one you love. Take them up the Eiffel Tower and watch the sunset, walk through Tuileries Garden, the oldest in Paris on the bank of River Seine created in the 16th century, sit to have a picnic or stop for a coffee and croissant in one of the many café’s.

You may also want to take a walk up the Sacre-Coeur Basilica Steps, also visit the Notre Dame de Paris and a must is The Louvre museum, one of the largest in the world and the most visited, houses the Mona Lisa. Don’t forget to go the Paris Opera which shows classic ballets and operas.

2. Prague, Czech Republic

Prague Castle - Photo: Franz St.

This beautiful city is one of my favourites, possibly because my partner took me there for a weekend away. We walked up to Prague castle and admired the view of the city, then walked through the royal gardens and sat for a while. Also at the top with the castle is St Vitus Cathedral, which is so beautiful! Within the city we walked through Wenceslas Square, stopped to pick up a coffee and carried on up to the National Museum Steps. It was wonderful just sitting there, talking and watching the people go by.

Walking Along Charles Bridge was great fun, about half way along there are steps down to a small square, and just a short distance away is a water wheel. Heading over here you will find a bar fence with hundreds of padlocks on it, with initials and names of people “locking their love” for eternity. It was so romantic! Just around the corner from here you will find the most beautiful sight, John Lennon Wall, you will be able to spend hours reading what people have written.

3. Venice, Italy

Venice is a perfect city for a romantic weekend getaway - Photo: bekahpaige

This 117 small islands city just oozes with romance. On leaving the airport you can walk over to the docks and catch a water taxi to anywhere, for which you can actually buy a three day pass. My personal recommendation would be Murano Island as it is much quieter for romantic getaway.

A definite must see is the Rialto Bridge, the oldest bridge which offers great views over the Grand Canal, then stop at one of the many small café’s along the river and watch the gondolas go by. One of the best Cathedrals to see if you only have time for one is the Basilica di Santa Maria della Salute. This huge cathedral has magnificent paintings and statues of angels and other religious figures. Head over to St Mark’s Square and see Patriarchal Cathedral Basilica of Saint Mark, which has beautiful marble floors with animals and geometric designs. The upper order is made of gold, bronze and a large variety of stones with mosaic designs.

Behind the church is Doge’s Palace with beautiful rooms and décor, and you can also walk across the Bridge of Sighs into the prison cells and see carvings of the people that were kept here.

4. Amsterdam, Netherlands

Amsterdam's Singel Canal - Photo: joiseyshowaa

A great city to walk around, Amsterdam has many sights to offer lovers. Visit one of the many museums including the Van Gogh Museum which specialises in the artists work, the NEMO Science museum who’s building looks like a sinking ship and also Anne Frank’s House where she hid from the Nazi persecution at the rear of the building.

Walk across the Magere Brug Bridge, the most famous draw bridge in Amsterdam, which looks beautiful at night and walk along the bank of the river Amstel and stop off in one of the cosy coffee shops or restaurants for some romantic time together.

5. Berlin, Germany

The view from Berlin's Kollhoff Tower - Photo: manganite

Being Germany’s largest city there are many attractions for you and your loved one to casually stroll through. Here you can enjoy a vibrant and diverse night life, going to some of the many bars and clubs here and dance the night away with your partner close to you.

Make sure you go to Museum Island, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, located in the dedicated art and antiquities district. A must see is the most visited zoo in Europe, the Zoologischer Garten Berlin, founded in 1844 and home to some of the most diverse species in the world.

6. Rome, Italy

The beautiful view from Basilica di San Pietro - Photo: Giampaolo Macorig

Rome is definitely in the romantic destination category. It’s one of those cities that is bursting with love. There are so many things to do and see that you will have a very fun packed weekend. Visit the Trevi Fountain where legend has it that if you throw three coins into the fountain it will lead to divorce or marriage! (I hope for the latter!). It is also wonderful to visit the fountain at night as it lights up and looks beautiful. You can also walk through the side streets and discover many small unique shops and maybe stop for some lunch or a cup of coffee while watching the people go by.

Stroll to the Colosseum and take a tour inside one of the greatest works of Roman architecture then admire the Arch of Constantine while making your way to Palatine Hill. The centre-most of the Seven Hills of Rome, according to the Roman Mythology, it was here where Romulus and Remus were found by the she-wolf that had kept them alive. Enjoy a typical Roman dish, Spaghetti Carbonara and play Lady and the Tramp, share some spaghetti and give your partner a cheeky kiss!

7. Bruges, Belgium

A lovely morning in Bruges - Photo: Wolfgang Staudt

The city centre is a World Heritage Site and when you visit you will see why. Most of the medieval architecture in intact so when travelling around the city you will feel like a part of history. Visit the Belfry of Bruges, the city’s most prominent symbol which was formerly a treasury. You can climb to the top and admire views of Bruges.

If you choose to go at the right time, you many be able to have a weekend at one of Bruges many festivals such as September Jazz, BAB-bierfestival (Beer Festival), Summer End Festival or Feest In’t Park, that would be a great weekend for you both to spend together.

8. Barcelona, Spain

Park Güell - Photo: Franz St.

Barcelona offers a wide variety of things to do for all lovers, from lazing on the beach watching the sunset with some champagne to wild water sports. You will always find something to do in Barcelona. Go on a sailing trip along the Costa Dourrada from Barcelona to Sitges and admire the beautiful views from the water.

Once back on dry land there are many delicious restaurants to eat in. Why not take some time to do a spot of shopping? Or why not go to Aqualeon, a safari and water park where you can see many animals such as tigers, elephants, lions and gazelles; and you can enjoy the dolphin shows, stroll through and admire tropical birds and even take a dip in one the many large swimming pools.

9. Budapest, Hungry

Budapest's Buda Castle - Photo: march25/AnnaZ

Regarded as one of the most beautiful cities in Europe, Budapest is definitely one to see with your loved one. It has some of the World’s most beautiful Heritage Sites including Buda Castle which was completed in 1265, on the southern tip of Castle Hill.

Hero’s Square which is dedicated to the Seven tribes that founded Hungary and is surrounded by the Museum of Fine are and the Palace of Art, which are also worth a visit. Enjoy the largest thermal water cave system in the world, Szechenyi Thermal Bath, which can be found in City Park, built in 1913, see the second largest synagogue in the world named Dohany Street Synagogue, which seats 3000 people and the third largest parliament in the world. The Hungarian Parliament building is one the oldest buildings and a notable landmark in Hungary, it is beautiful at night so you must go and take a look.

10. Copenhagen, Denmark

Nyhavn is a canal and entertainment district in Copenhagen - Photo: CGoulao

There are some wonderful romantic sights to see in Copenhagen. Visit the Winter garden at Glyptoteket, which houses one of the most extensive collections of sculputres from Danish, French and ancient art. Spend a night at the Opera, by having a romantic dinner and watching the sun set and city light up.

Head to Tivoli Gardens, which is the heart of Copenhagen and has many flowers of all colours of the rainbow and many benches for you to sit down and share a kiss. The final recommendation is to go to The Baroque Park, where you can stroll among the fruit trees and fountains and every Sunday afternoon, live jazz and classical music is played. The perfect end to the weekend.

So you have no excuse to not take your loved one away when there are so many attractions throughout Europe.

What do you think Europe’s most romantic cities or destinations are? Make a comment and let us and everybody know.

This guest post was written by Seetal Udeshi. Seetal is a budding author who is Editor of the Blog for Auto Europe Car Hire UK. When not writing, you’ll probably find her on a beach somewhere sipping a cocktail or five.

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Europe’s Best Airports

These are judged on all the usual factors including cleanliness, the amount of time you have to wait for your flight and the helpfulness of staff. Being one of the best airports in Europe requires a good layout and an overall atmosphere of relative well being.

The best of the best

Schiphol Airport, Amsterdam - Photo: Digit@l Exposure II

The best airport in Europe could well be Amsterdam Schiphol. Considering that Holland is such a small country, Amsterdam Schiphol punches above its weight. Amsterdam Schiphol handles over 47 million passengers making it the third busiest airport in Europe. Those passengers have a fantastic array of opportunities in the airport including comprehensive wi-fi and the ability to get married right there in the terminal. The transit area has sleeper rooms and there are long leather couches around for everyone to enjoy. There are also sauna and massage facilities located before and after the check in procedure. The only drawbacks are incidents of fraud and crime with certain phone and credit card scams being reported.

The second best airport

Gatwick Airport, London - Photo: UggBoy

London Gatwick airport is surprisingly easy to navigate considering how big it is. Helpfully London Gatwick only has a north and south terminal which are connected by trains and these run very regularly. Although the security levels are high, it takes a fraction of the time to get through at Gatwick as it does at Heathrow. Eating options are plentiful and include a bar that serves rock oysters and champagne, fast food sushi and good sandwiches from Marks and Spencer. The shopping is also good.

The cleanest airport

Zurich Airport, Switzerland - Photo: Christoph Burgdorfer

Switzerland has long been a place where people come to rest and recuperate and Zurich airport does not disappoint. Cleaner than many British hospitals, Zurich airport is a calming place to check in and wait for your flight. Everything is as efficient as you would expect in Switzerland and the departures run with the efficiency of a cuckoo clock. The airport is well served by public transport and you will never have very far to travel.

The least stressful airport

Munich Airport, Germany - Photo: CelsoDiniz

While it can’t compete with the leather sofas of Amsterdam Schiphol, Munich Airport has padded benches for those long layovers and is generally clean with comfortable seats. In order to allow people to get some shut eye, announcements stop in terminal two at night which is extremely considerate. The airport is not too crowded and so doesn’t suffer from a terminally chaotic atmosphere. As well as being an award-winning airport for its facilities you can get from Munich airport to most of the world’s biggest cities including Tokyo and Los Angeles.

Europe’s Worst Airports

Europe’s worst airports are chaotic places to visit – a bit like stepping into someone’s head and finding out that they have a migraine. People normally behave like cattle in Europe’s worst airports. They have had their souls beaten into submission by a combination of dank toilets, long waits with nowhere to relax and staff who do their best to wind you up.

The worst of the worst

Charles de Gaulle Airport, Paris - Photo: mtwood

Paris Charles de Gaulle airport has been described in terms that cannot be repeated here. Part of the bad feeling is because the airport is inundated with vagrants. Paris Charles de Gaulle is also an uncomfortable airport which gets disproportionately cold in winter and hot in summer. The restrooms are not well maintained which only adds to the feeling of general dinginess. Customer service doesn’t score highly either as you can wait for a long time if you need to make a change to your booking. In stereotypical French style, staff are rude and unhelpful.

The worst airport to access

Luton Airport, London

London Luton is possibly the worst situated airport in Europe. Cheap flights which go from London Luton airport with companies such as Easyjet are a fallacy. Most likely the plane will return from your holiday at some god-awful time in the morning and there will be no transport available. Customers often have to spend the night in London Luton airport and resort to sleeping on the floors as there is little else provided. The long walks to get a plane are not suited to the elderly or infirm who need to book assistance ahead of time. Staff have been reported as being rude and unhelpful.

The self-confessed worst airport

Leonardo Da Vinci Airport, Rome - Photo: Luigi FDV

According to reports, passengers waiting for a delayed flight at Leonardo Da Vinci airport in Rome once heard the captain apologise by saying – “Everyone knows that this is the worst airport in Europe.” Not only are you forced to wait inordinate amounts of time for flights due to bad planning, but it takes a long time to get your luggage too. Leonardo Da Vinci airport has high levels of crime, especially if you factor in the taxi drivers and fake taxi drivers waiting around outside to rip customers off.

The most stressful airport

Heathrow Airport, London - Photo: Canadian Pacific

This dubious accolade goes to London Heathrow airport hands down. With five terminals, constant delays and airstrikes, problems with baggage carousels breaking down and long walks to get to your flight, flying through London Heathrow makes for a nail-biting experience. You will definitely need a holiday after your holiday if you plan on flying from this massive airport. London Heathrow is one airport where going first class really makes a difference but even then you might have to make a mad dash for your gate. They should really provide maps at the entrance and have some soothing music playing in the terminals rather than frenzied announcements for last calls.

What do you think the best and worst airports in Europe are? What’s your favorite or least favorite? Make a comment and let us and everybody know.

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