Guide to Edinburgh Hotels and Edinburgh Attractions

Edinburgh, the capital of Scotland can be found in the south east, on the south shore of the Firth of Forth. Edinburgh International airport is only 7 miles to the West of the city centre.

The old town is on a rocky outcropping, very steep where the castle stands, and sloping towards the Palace of Holyrood House, the Queen's official residence. Georgian New Town is to the north of castle rock with a valley, and now public gardens, in between. Extinct volcano Arthur's Seat and Carlton Hill with its Grecian like monuments help encircle the "Athens of the North". The medieval Old Town is home to the historic Royal Mile. Stately galleries and public buildings add an illustrious air to the city, while Dean's Village and Cramond remain as charming riverside villages within the boundaries of the city.

Edinburgh is particularly of interest to those culturally and historically inclined tourists. It also satisfies those seeking exciting entertainment and nightlife. It is an important festival centre and host to many major business conferences.

You can visit the castle and palace, numerous museums, galleries, theatres, churches and cathedrals. You can walk through streets of medieval and Georgian architecture. Annually, there is the Royal Highland Show in June, the Edinburgh Tattoo in August and the International Festival and Festival Fringe in August and September. Also there are International Children's, Folk, Jazz, Film and Science Festivals. In July there is the British Open Golf Championship, for the city is surrounded by golf courses. There are numerous bars, nightclubs and some casinos.
 

This most famous of Scottish castles has a complex building history with the oldest part, St Margaret's Chapel, dating from the 12th century. The Great Hall was erected by James IV around 1510; the Half Moon Battery by the Regent Morton in the late 16th century; and the Scottish National War Memorial after the First World. The castle houses the Honours (Crown Jewels) of Scotland, the Stone of Destiny, the famous 15th-century gun Mons Meg, the One o' Clock Gun and the National War Museum of Scotland.
 

Holyrood House has played host to a turbulent history of royalty and grandeur, horrific murders, and religious significance. Located at the bottom of the Royal Mile, it serves as a reminder of Scotland's volatile history with famous incidents including the murder of the secretary of Mary Queen of Scots. In 1768 the Abbey was partially destroyed by a hurricane, leaving the ruin that we see today. The Palace of Holyrood House, today the official Scottish residence of Britain's Royal Family, was built as a guest house for royal visitors. The Palace and the Abbey have survived numerous fires, repairs and restorations.