Edinburgh

Scotland > Central Scotland > Edinburgh

Why not check out YesEdinburgh if you are planning on visiting Edinburgh.


Once again the seat of Scotland's new Parliament, Edinburgh is truly a classic European capital city, a magnet for many hundreds of thousands of visitors from around the world every year.

The old town is historic, atmospheric, compact and vibrant and is complemented well by the neo-classical New Town - spacious, almost symmetrical with ample gardens and open spaces.

The City is alive with restaurants, cafes, bars and superb shopping together with many luxurious hotels and unlike many European capitals, people live in the heart of the city which gives it a feeling of community. It is also a place of learning where students from the four Universities add to the eclectic mood, especially in pubs, clubs and restaurants.

Between the two parts of Edinburgh lie Princes Street Gardens along the southern side of Edinburgh's main thoroughfare. Not only do the Gardens offer a place of relaxation for visitor and residents alike, they create a feeling of space in the heart of a great city.

Dominating the City from the top of an ancient rock stands Edinburgh Castle at the head of what is commonly known as the Royal Mile, the backbone of the Old Town, a place of history, romance, folk-lore, dastardly deeds and real atmosphere.

In contrast, to the north of Princes Street Gardens lies the New Town. Planned and built between 1766 and 1840, it is full of fine Georgian architecture, sweeping crescents, squares and streets where gardens are an integral part, giving rise to to nickname "the Athens of the north". Princes Street itself is one of the finest examples of a main shopping centre in Europe.

For any visitor to Edinburgh both the Old and New towns are essential areas for exploring: the New Town for its shopping, architecture, art galleries, restaurants and cafes, the Old Town for history, souvenir shopping, visitor attractions, pubs, restaurants, cafes, walking tours and general sightseeing. This ancient part of the Capital packs more historic buildings into one square mile than any other city in Britain. But the Old Town is not just the Royal Mile (Castle Hill, Lawnmarket, High Street and the Canongate), it includes the ancient Grassmarket and Cowgate and the many 'closes' and lanes that interconnect them.

Edinburgh, has some of the finest museums and art galleries in the UK. Edinburgh is the financial and literary heart of Scotland. Sharing with the world the fundamental core values of culture, education and the arts - often celebrated through special events and festivals such as the annual International Edinburgh Festival held in August, when every available venue in the city is used for the performing arts. Edinburgh is never asleep during the Festival.

If time is not on your side, one alternative to strolling through the Old and New towns is to take one of the city bus tours - a more relaxing way to see the sites. An evening walking tour is, however, recommended, especially if it is themed - historical or literary, the experience will not be forgotten in a hurry!

Check out YesEdinburgh for even more information!