Edinburgh is Scotland’s capital, a historic city of roughly 500,000 people, set between volcanic hills and the Firth of Forth. Its roots go back to early medieval settlement around Castle Rock, while the modern city is best known for the contrast between the medieval Old Town and the planned Georgian New Town, both UNESCO-listed. Key sights include Edinburgh Castle, the Royal Mile, Holyrood Palace, St Giles’ Cathedral, the National Museum of Scotland and the hilltop views from Arthur’s Seat and Calton Hill. The city is also famous for its festivals, especially the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, as well as its literary history, whisky bars, ghost tours and strong pub culture. Getting in and around is straightforward via Edinburgh Airport, Waverley railway station, trams and buses, with the compact centre easy to explore on foot despite the hills.

PUBS

Bannerman’s Bar
The Banshee Labyrinth
The Black Rose Tavern
Frankenstein Edinburgh

SHOPS

Avalanche Records
Damaged Society

Back to Scotland.