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Edinburgh, the capital of Scotland, is one of Europe's best loved tourist destinations, attracting 13 million visitors each year. Sited on the east coast of Scotland's central lowlands it is the second most visited city in the UK after London. Its centre is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with acres of stunning architecture set off by the impressive Edinburgh Castle. But at the same time Edinburgh is very much the modern Scottish centre with a world acclaimed arts scene, stylish shopping, nightlife, bars, galleries and restaurants. The Edinburgh Tattoo and Fringe Festival are just two of the city's world famous entertainment events.
Can be fairly cold in winter but despite its northerly location Edinburgh's climate benefits from the warm Gulf Stream. May, June and July experience sun and dry weather. The city can be hit by dense cold fog and it can rain anytime of the year but this is all part of the city's charm. There are plenty of pubs serving good malt whisky to warm yourself up with.
Edinburgh has been the capital of Scotland since 1437 and is now the seat of the country's devolved government.
Edinburgh Airport offers the majority of its services from Europe, Ireland and the UK, as well as Africa, Asia and the Middle East but none from and to North America. Glasgow, only a 1.5 hour journey west has more international flights. Flying to London is also a good option for North American visitors, and even visitors from Europe, who can then take a train North. Once there buses are the best way to get around the city. There is no metro train service in Edinburgh.
The annual collection of festivals is held each year for four weeks in August. The population of the city doubles. The most famous of these events is the Edinburgh Fringe which is the largest performing arts festival in the world. The Edinburgh International Festival, the Edinburgh Military Tattoo, and the Edinburgh International Film Festival are also on offer. Edinburgh's New Year Hogmanay street party is a major draw too.
The world's largest arts festival with over 28,000 performances to choose from takes place in Scotland's capital every August. The fringe offers drama, comedy, dance and music at hundreds of venues and in the street. The festival is well known as a showcase for new and experimental works and in recent years has launched several well known comedians.
The famous church was built on the site of a Franciscan friary opening on Christmas Day 1620. In 1638 Scotland's National Covenant was signed here leading to persecution of the Scottish Church by England including a multitude of executions. The church includes an exhibition of the National Covenant and also an original portrait of the legendary dog Greyfriars Bobby, a Skye terrier who maintained a vigil over the grave of his master for over a decade.
Set upon a jutting volcanic outcrop Edinburgh Castle is the home to 3000 years of Scottish history. The former residence of Scotland's royals provides stunning panoramic views of the city. The Scottish Crown Jewels are on display.
An extinct 251m volcano which is also the main focus of Holyrood Park, a former 650 acres hunting ground of Scottish monarchs covering moorland, lochs and fields.
Exciting scientific visitor attraction conjuring up some hi tech special effects which race you through the history of time since the Big Bang into a vision of the future. Earthquakes, ice ages and underwater worlds are some of the virtual experiences.
The Camera Obscura, Edinburgh's oldest visitor attraction, was launched in the 1850s. A telescope up a tower projects a live moving picture of the city outside onto a table. There are also exhibitions of camera obscuras, art and pinhole photography as you ascend the tower.
The Scotch whisky heritage centre tells the story of the country's most famous product. Includes an electrically driven barrel car ride through 300 years of Scotch Whisky production finishing with a free drink.
Remains of Mary King's Close lie were discovered hidden beneath The City Chambers in the Old Town. This medieval alley had been unchanged for 250 years. This underground world provides an understanding of 17th Century Edinburgh and is the home to several ghost stories. A guided tour is a must.
Beautifully decorated building with a fine collection of sculpture and furniture. Velazquez, Raphael, Titian, Rembrandt, Rubens, Turner are just some of the artists on display as well as regarded Scottish artists: Ramsay, Raeburn, Wilkie and McTaggart.
The history of Scottish tartan and its links to the ancient clans of Scotland are explained. Over 700 types of tartans on display.
The Museum charts the history of Scotland and its ancient people. The unique history of Scotland is famed for its warfaring clans, industry, music, culture and scientific invention. The galleries take you from the geological origins of Scotland through to this modern country famed for its hospitality.
The world famous Military Tattoo is a huge spectacular held in August each year beneath the backdrop of Edinburgh castle. Watched by a massive worldwide television audience of around 100 million - blazing guns, marches, music, sports and theatrical entertainment go on long into the night.
Visit the former home of Mary Queen of Scots. This ancient Palace is the Queen's official residence in Scotland and is open to the public
The former residence of The Queen and other members of the Royal family. For over 40 years the Royal Yacht provided reception rooms for up to 250 guests and undertook diplomatic, trade and state visits. You can see the Queen's sitting room and the dining room where the Queen greeted heads of state.
