Edinburgh travel guide

Festive and Cultural Capital of Scotland

Located on the southern coast of the Firth of Forth, Edinburgh is one of the great city destinations in Europe and a highlight of any visit to the British Isles. Ancient capital of Scotland and now home to the new Scottish Parliament (completed in 2004), Edinburgh bristles with a spectacular collection of must-see buildings. From atop Castle Rock, the imposing fortress of Edinburgh Castle (parts of which date from the twelfth century) looms over the skyline and offers panoramic views over the city and surroundings. At the opposite end of the bustling Royal Mile lies the Palace of Holyroodhouse, official Scottish residence of the British monarch. Perfect for exploring on foot, the atmospheric Old Town and the Georgian "New Town" combine to form a living UNESCO World Heritage site. For those with more time (and energy), a clamber up Arthur's Seat yields yet more superb views over the city. Edinburgh is also a major player when it comes to live entertainment and culture. Over the summer months, the city’s population swells as it plays host to an impressive collection of international events, notably the Edinburgh Festival Fringe (modern performing arts and comedy), the Edinburgh International Festival (classical performing arts and theatre), and the Edinburgh Military Tattoo.