Edinburgh

Edinburgh, United Kingdom

Scotland’s enchanting capital of Edinburgh is a city of striking contrasts. Perched dramatically on an extinct volcano, the world-famous Edinburgh Castle is visible from almost any point in the city, a constant reminder of Edinburgh’s long and fascinating history. As you explore the city’s striking architecture, tranquil green spaces and exciting attractions, you will soon understand why it has served as inspiration for so many authors and poets.

Population:

482,005 (2011)

Currency:

Pound Sterling, £1 = 100 pence

Emergency Numbers:

999
112

Opening Hours:

Opening hours are usually Monday - Saturday 9:00 to 18:00, Sunday 11:00 to 17:00.

Newspapers:

The Scotsman
The Herald
The Scottish Daily Record

The City

Located on the southern shore of the Firth of Forth, Edinburgh has been the capital of Scotland since 1492.

Edinburgh still breathes the spirit of its past, with its streets running through town like scars of distant memories. The most significant is probably the Royal Mile, which goes right through the Old Town and ends at The Palace of Holyroodhouse, once home to Mary, Queen of Scots and now the British Royal Family’s official Scottish residence.

On both sides of this famous street lays the unique combination of the cobbled streets and narrow lanes of the Old Town and the elegant Georgian grandeur of the neoclassic New Town. This blend makes Edinburgh's historical centre so peculiar, described by many as one of the most beautiful cityscapes in the world. The Old and New Towns of Edinburgh became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1995.

Do & See

Laid among many hills, Edinburgh is a historical and cultural city marked by Medieval and Georgian influences, from the small crooked streets of the Old Town to the gardens and neoclassical buildings of the New Town. On the top of the city lies the Edinburgh Castle, where past rulers took up their quarters and where you can find both the Country Crown's jewels and the Stone of Destiny, used for coronations.

Dining

Edinburgh is the perfect city to have a dinner night out, with a spectacular variety of restaurants serving mouth-watering cuisine in vibrant atmospheres. Whether you are looking for Michelin-starred dining, hearty Scottish bites, or food from all around the globe, you’ll certainly find delicious dishes for every taste and budget.

Cafes

Slip in best-selling author JK Rowling's shoes and let your imagination flow as she did while sipping on a good cup of coffee in one of Edinburgh's charming coffee shops. Whether you want to try your coffee with scotch (you have a good excuse: it is local!) or just enjoy a piece of pie, Edinburgh has it all. The wonderful array of cafes that are scattered around the town are the perfect spots where to relax your feet or escape from the rain.