Situated in the Scottish Gaelic, and the second-largest city in Scotland and its capital city Edinburgh. It is located on the east coast of Scotland's central lowlands, on the southern shore of the Firth of Forth and in the only local authority of City of Edinburgh. Capital of Scotland since 1437 Edinburgh is the seat of the country's devolved government.

The city was one of the key centers for the enlightenment, spearheaded by the University of Edinburgh. UNESCO World Heritage in 1995 listed The Old Town of Edinburgh and New Town districts of Edinburgh with them selves. In the census held in 2001, Edinburgh had a total population of 448,624.

Edinburgh is prominant for the annually held Edinburgh Festival, the one of its kind and the largest performing arts festival in the world, and for its Hogmanay street party. It is said that at the time of the art festivals the resident population of the city doubles. The city is one of the world's largest tourist destinations, attracting not less than 13 million visitors a year.

The city of Edinburgh is also affectionately nicknamed Auld Reekie, meaning Old Smoky. There have been people who have called Edinburgh as the Athens of the North for a number of reasons. The first of comparison between the two cities showed they had a similar geography, with the Old Town of Edinburgh staging a similar role to that of the Acropolis.

For the best experience of Edinburgh it is a must to take a historical tour of Edinburgh Castle, also discover the Royal Mile/Palace of Holy Roodhouse. For an outstanding experience go on one of Edinburgh's spooky ghost tours, if you dare to. With a wide range of festivals ranging from Inernational Festivals to traditional musical ones one has to come down to Edinburgh to see it all. A visit to the new Parliament building also is a one of a kind experience.

For a lavish experience indulge is some fine dining, Edinburgh is a unique and dramatic city in its actual character and appearance and this reflects through some of the beautiful buildings occupied by accommodation and mouth watering restaurants. For a true Edinburgh way of life go where the Scots go, there are numerous traditional pubs in and around the Town.

Shopping at Edinburgh is a delight, with almost everything on offer here. Edinburgh boasts the world's oldest independent department store; this is a shopping experience not to be missed. Whatever takes your fancy you will definitely be spoiled for choice in Edinburgh whether be Antiques, Tartan Tammies, Designer Fashion or even Boutiques.

Edinburgh hosts lots of sporting and leisure pursuits, you can anytime through the day visit a Sports Centre, Swimming Pool or an Archery Centre; you can always sail on the Firth of Forth, try your hand at fishing or just play golf, for a more exiting time go Kart Racing or visit a Dry Ski Centre; otherwise for a more leisurely time visit a Country Park or walk through the well known Pentland Hills.

City Travel Resources