Edinburgh presents a spectacular cityscape which divides into two – the historic Old Town, with its medieval cobblestone wynds and alleys and the elegant neo-classical facades of the Georgian New Town. Visitors can walk the Royal Mile, an ancient network of historically linked streets, and walk in the footsteps of some of the best known figures in Scottish history from Mary, Queen of Scots to Robert Louis Stevenson. Edinburgh Castle, which dominates this World Heritage Site, takes visitors to the heart of the nation’s history, symbolised in the Honours of Scotland – the Scottish Crown Jewels, on display with the famous Stone of Destiny.
The capital is also a modern, dynamic city of art and culture with its museums, galleries, universities and festivals. In August, Edinburgh becomes host to the greatest showcase of art, music, drama, dance and street theatre in the world, and the castle is host to the annual Military Tattoo.
Beyond the city, the Lothian countryside provides a beautiful rural setting for historic homes and castles, where you can discover Rosslyn chapel, associated with Dan Brown’s best seller the Da Vinci Code. East Lothian is the ancient home of golf and provides some of the best parkland and links courses in the world. Walkers and cyclists can enjoy the miles of sandy coastline to the east and the Pentland Hills on the edge of the city and offer the most spectacular views.
Detailed City Guide to Edinburgh
Edinburgh city map