Edinburgh

It's no lie to say that Edinburgh is everyone's favorite city in the British Isles. The capital of Scotland, Edinburgh is cultured, attractive and charming.

Edinburgh is best-known for two huge annual events. If you like a party and don't mind crowds, come for New Year - Hogmanay to the Scots. More than 100,000 people pack the city center for a four-day celebration that is one of the most spectacular New Year parties in the world. The second busy season is in August and September when the EdinburghFestival and Edinburgh Fringe turn the city into a cultural paradise, and temporarily triple the population. The Edinburgh Festival concentrates on high culture - classical music, opera and drama. The Fringe is far more anarchic and deals with comedy, popular music and experimental theatre.

Although these are undoubtedly the annual highlights, there is plenty to see and do whenever you visit "Auld Reekie", as the residents affectionately refer to the city. Edinburgh Castle, the Palace of Holyroodhouse and the Royal Mile are all world class attractions.

Edinburgh itself is breathtakingly beautiful, on multiple levels with storeyed buildings in brooding gray granite. Meanwhile, south of the city center Arthur's Seat raises its distinctive bulk, and just outside the city limits you have the natural attractions of the Pentland hills, real Scottish moorland.

Among this you have the culture that comes with Edinburgh's capital status; eclectic bars, fine dining, and national art collections and museums can be found all over the city. The vast student population keeps the atmosphere upbeat and vibrant and even the downpours that periodically soak the city don't dampen Edinburgh's enthusiasm for entertainment.

There is also plenty to see for free in the city. Visit the old town and see the Royal Mile stretching from the Edinburgh castle to the Queen’s official Scottish residence of Holyrood Palace. Spend some time exploring the new town which was built between 1767 and 1890. This is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. If you would like a guide you can also get one of those for free with Sandeman’s Free Walking Tour and Edinburgh Free Walking Tours.

Edinburgh is full of free museums with a short walk of each other. The National Museum of Scotland has a vast array of artifacts from across the world. There is also the Edinburgh Writers Museum which celebrates the lives of famous Scottish writers such as Robert Burns, Sir Walter Scott and Robert Louis Stevenson. There is also the Museum of Childhood, Museum of Edinburgh and The People’s Story which provide an informative and entertaining history of the city and its people.

Edinburgh is also home to several free art galleries, including the Scottish National Gallery in the middle of the city; the National Portrait Gallery and the Scottish Gallery of Modern Art.

Arthur’s Seat is a dormant volcano which sits 251 meters above sea level, and offers a unique vantage point. At the foot of the Royal Mile in the shadow of Arthur’s Seat is the building of the Scottish Parliament. It was designed by Catalonian architect Enric Miralles, and has been hailed as both a modern architectural marvel and an overpriced blot on the landscape. You can make up your own mind with a free guided tour and access to a permanent exhibition about the parliament or even sit in on debates and watch democracy in action.

Tours
Edinburgh boasts a great variety of tours from city sightseeing buses to ghost walks, limousine rides and unique trike excursions. You can also venture further by minibus or coach to experience more of Scotland’s regions.With several bus tours to choose from, there is no better way to travel between attractions than on an open-top sightseeing bus. Each is distinctive, providing a unique insight into the city, and with hop-on hop-off tickets valid for at least 24 hours you have the freedom to see the sights in your own time. Combination packages also make it easy for you to visit attractions such as the famous Edinburgh Castle in addition to using the buses. The best way to book any of these tours is at the Tourist Office in downtown Ediburgh.

Churches and Abbeys
St Marys Episcopal Cathedral Built in 1879 to the design of Sir George Gilbert Scott, St Mary's is one of the world's great neo-Gothic buildings. Church of Scotland Discover 1,000 years of history in the heart of Edinburgh. Hidden in the trees to the western end of Princes Street Gardens is the solid and imposing bulk of St Cuthbert's Parish Church. The present church was built in 1892 when traces of at least six earlier church buildings were found.

Museums
See the T-Rex at the National Museum of Scotland, the Concorde at the National Museum of Flight and Steiff Bears at the world’s only dedicated Museum of Childhood.

Scotland's Castle Trail
With over 300 castles, stately homes and ruins dotting its landscape, Aberdeenshire is unsurprisingly known as ‘Scotland’s Castle Country.’  There are more castles per acre here than anywhere else in the UK. Scotland’s only dedicated Castle Trail lets you discover 18 of Aberdeenshire’s most famous and dramatic castles with our suggested 4-day itinerary and downloadable map. Simply follow the distinctive brown and white road signs through the heart of Aberdeenshire.

Shopping
The city centre is the ideal place to start a shopping trip. You will find all the essential shops on Princes Street, as well as a grand old Edinburgh institution, Jenners, a quirky department store which has been a city landmark since it first opened in 1838. For a modern shopping experience, visit the only Harvey Nichols in Scotland which sits on St Andrews Square just behind Princes Street and is full of luxurious treats. On George Street, you will find an exclusive selection of high-end shops and top designer boutiques sitting alongside high street favourites, including some of the biggest names in fashion and jewellery. There are also several delicious eateries, where you can refuel and admire the street’s iconic architecture. If you are looking for city centre shopping with a difference, the Royal Mile offers a shopping experience that you won’t find anywhere else. The Scottish shops on the Royal Mile offer perfect souvenirs alongside top-quality cashmere, whisky and delicious handmade fudge.