Scotland Guide
Edinburgh
Venerable, dramatic EDINBURGH, the showcase capital of Scotland, is a historic, cosmopolitan and cultured city. The setting is wonderfully striking: perched on a series of extinct volcanoes and rocky crags which rise from the generally flat landscape of the Lothians, with the sheltered shoreline of the Firth of Forth to the north.
Highlights
1 The Old Town The evocative heart of the historic city, with its tenements, closes, courtyards, ghosts and catacombs cheek-by-jowl with many of Scotland's most important buildings.
2 Edinburgh Castle Perched on an imposing volcanic crag, the castle dominates Scotland's capital, its ancient battlements protecting the Crown Jewels.
3 Scottish Parliament Enric Miralles' quirky design is a dynamic modern presence in Holyrood's historic royal precinct.
4 Holyrood Park Wild moors, rocky crags and an 800-foot peak (Arthur's Seat), all slap in the middle of the city.
5 Museum of Scotland The treasures of Scotland's past housed in a dynamic and superbly conceived building.
6 Café Royal Circle Bar There are few finer pubs in which to sample a pint of local 80 shilling beer, accompanied by six oysters (once the city's staple food).
Read more ▼
- Neighbourhoods ▼
- Practical Information ▼