Edinburgh - discover Scotland's graceful capital
Learn everything about Edinburgh's attractions from its historic landmarks like Edinburgh Castle and the Royal Mile to its unique blend of traditional and modern Scottish culture.
“The best things about Edinburgh are the great natural spaces that exist within it. To find places like the Water of Leith, Holyrood Park and Corstorphine and Blackford Hill in the middle of a city is exceptional.”
Andy, Canada
Let us guide you through Edinburgh - Scotland’s capital city, and one of Britain’s most exciting tourist destinations. There are 2 sides to Edinburgh – the historic Old Town with the medieval Edinburgh Castle and cobblestone alleys, and the elegant but classic Georgian New Town. The combination of these 2 parts of the city, along with it's vibrant events and celebrations such as Hogmanay and the Festival Fringe is what gives Edinburgh its unique character. Together, they create a dynamic and fascinating city which truly captures the magical spirit of Scotland.
Edinburgh’s beautiful Old and New Towns have been awarded UNESCO World Heritage Status twice over. The city is home to 4,500 listed buildings – the highest concentration in the world – and is also a modern, dynamic city of art and culture with its museums, galleries, universities and festivals.
Edinburgh’s Old Town is dominated by Edinburgh Castle , which rests on a hilltop at the end of the Royal Mile. Stay on the Royal Mile for the The Scotch Whisky Experience and Ghost Tours , then head to the beautiful Royal Botanic Garden for 70 acres of tranquillity. And the events for your diary: Burns Night in January, Edinburgh Military Tattoo and Edinburgh Festival Fringe in August, and of course, Hogmanay in December.
Download a free Edinburgh audio guide from mp3cityguides.com. To download more mp3 walking guides check out www.mp3cityguides.com .
Top daytime must-do's | Top night time must-do's |
|---|---|
Discover the history behind Edinburgh Castle . | Take a spooky Ghost Tours – if you dare! |
Visit Musselburgh Links – the world’s oldest golf playing course. | Go to a Ceilidh (traditional Scottish dance) at The Lot . |
See Edinburgh from your very own chauffer-driven trike with Trike Tours Scotland. | Do the Edinburgh Literary Pub Tour and discover Scotland’s literary heroes. |
Sample a dram at The Scotch Whisky Experience . | Eat at The Witchery , a great restaurant situated in the shadow of Edinburgh Castle. |
Catch a classic theatre production at the Royal Lyceum Theatre . |
Edinburgh is full of fabulous places to shop. Princes Street, which separates the Old and New Towns, is lined with great department stores; George Street is full of boutiques and bars; St Andrew’s Square and Multrees Walk are designer heaven; and of course, there’s the Royal Mile for some great Scottish souvenirs.
Edinburgh is a haven for sports fans. Easter Road stadium and Tynecastle Stadium are home to the city’s main football clubs, Hibernian F.C and Heart of Midlothian (Hearts) F.C. And golf fanatics will love Edinburgh too – some of the world’s best courses can be found in and around the city, including Gullane, the Open Championship course at Muirfield and the Open Qualifying course at Dunbar.
One thing you definitely shouldn’t travel to Edinburgh without is an Edinburgh Pass . With free entry to over 30 of the city’s top attractions, free return airport and city centre bus transport, a free guidebook and lots of exclusive offers, the Edinburgh Pass is the best way to explore the Scottish capital. Visit our shop for more exciting offers, including Edinburgh Dungeon Tickets , Haggis Adventures Tours and Royal Edinburgh Tickets - VisitBritain Shop . Don’t forget to take a look at VisitBritain’s massive selection of accommodation in Edinburgh – you can book your choice of hotel, B&B or self catering cottage through our website.