Edinburgh Tourist Attractions, Guides, Tours, Pictures

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Picture of Edinburgh Castle

A Day in Edinburgh:

• For a quick tour, start with the
city's most popular tourist
attraction, Edinburgh Castle ...
which leads directly to the Royal Mile (High Street) for shopping & restaurants... then straight on to Holyrood Palace, the Queens official Edinburgh residence.

• Time permitting, also don't miss a quick visit on board the Britannia for a taste of royal opulence at sea.

Conjuring up the mystery of Edinburgh Castle, the history of Holyrood Palace (and more great attractions along the Royal Mile), the capital city of Edinburgh (pronounced "Edin-burra") - is a truly international city while still offering the authentic sights and sounds of bonny Scotland.

Experiencing Edinburgh

Home to what many consider the friendliest people in the British Isles, Scotland opens its doors to millions of visitors a year most of whom arrive in Edinburgh.

In August, the city begins to really rock as major host to the Military Tattoo and the raucous international Fringe Festival, both held annually.

Visitors may also arrive any time of year to argue the merits of haggis (Scotland's unofficial national dish), or learn more about how tartans are made in local woolen mill tours.

Don't leave without at least sampling the national drink - scotch whiskey - and discover why the Scots take their single malts as seriously as the French and their Bordeaux.

Walking around Edinburgh

Steeped in centuries of history, Edinburgh is divided into the old town and "new town", revamped in the 18th century when the city became known as "The Athens of the North" thanks in large part to architect Robert Adam who almost single-handedly revived the neoclassical style throughout the city center.

Picture of Edinburgh's Royal Mile
Souvenir shops, bars & restaurants
(even a Starbucks) are big draws
along Edinburgh's Royal Mile.

Today, the New Town is often considered to be a masterpiece of city planning with Charlotte Square as its crowning glory.

Getting to Edinburgh

Hop on any major airline offering regular direct flights to the capital city - into Edinburgh International Airport (EDI) - or book a complete hotel, car and airfare package from a neighborhood travel agent or online booking agency.

Edinburgh also offers convenient access to the whole of Scotland with scheduled bus or coach tours to Loch Ness, Glasgow, Inverness, the Scottish Highlands and other major attractions throughout the country.

also see in Travel -> Scotland's Top 5-Star Luxury Hotels

More about Edinburgh tourist attractions around the Web:

Edinburgh Official Tourist Board - The most comprehensive site for practical travel information including discount travel passes, recommended hotels & restaurants, top attractions, major festivals and events.

Top Ten Things to do in Edinburgh - Only have a day or two? Check out TripAdvisors itinerary as rated by visitors.