There are cities and cities! The capital city of Edinburgh has got it all.
From the towering buildings in the medieval old town to the graceful and very Georgian buildings of the lower new town, visitors are constantly surprised by its style and beauty.
The old town is compact and it is easy to walk the Royal Mile from Holyrood Palace to the Castle or vice versa. Quaint little shops will attract your attention when you do this walk and which way you walk the destination is certainly worth all your efforts to tackle the medieval cobbles of the Royal Mile!
Excellent photographic advantage points are three fantastic platforms from which you can take in the majestic views of this buzzing city: Calton Hill, the Castle and (with a little bit of initial effort!) Arthur's Seat.
The new town, bordered by Princes Street Gardens is a paradise for shopaholics! Some very renowned department stores grace the Edinburgh shopping malls as e.g. Harvey Nichols and Jenners, the Harrods of Edinburgh.
Dotted around the city centre are numerous museums and attractions, all with their own speciality. To name but a few:
Edinburgh Old Town Weaving Company
Museum of Childhood
Edinburgh Castle
The Scotch Whisky Heritage Centre
St Giles Cathedral
National Gallery of Scotland
Royal Scottish Academy
Museum of Scotland
Royal Museum
Most of the museums and attractions are open the whole year.
There are, however, a few further very important events on the annual Edinburgh calendar:
The world famous Edinburgh Military Tattoo in August
Edinburgh Festival Fringe and the Edinburgh International Festival, both also in August.
Edinburgh International Film Festival in August
Edinburgh International Book Festival in August
Edinburgh International Jazz and Blues Festival in July/August
