Edinburgh is one of the most magical cities in the world. There is no finer sight than strolling down Princess Street and gazing up at Edinburgh Castle in all its glory. Edinburgh is a city of contrasts, one of the most historical cities that is proud of its sophisticated nightlife, award winning cuisine and cutting edge arts community. It also happens to be a city of celebration, with famous festivals attracting visitors from around the world. The royal city of Edinburgh has something for everyone, friendly bars, spectacular golf course, scenery to die for and monuments dating back to the 11th century. The shopping in Edinburgh is second to none and you will be amazed at how much there is to see and do here. Whether it is relaxing in beautiful parks or dancing the night away in world class nightclubs, Edinburgh is holiday destination not to be missed.

	Top rated hotels
	1. Sheraton Grand Hotel & Spa, Edinburgh 1 Festival Square 4. Norton House Hotel & Spa - A Hand Picked Hotel Ingliston 2. Old Waverley Hotel Edinburgh 43 Princes Street 5. The Knight Residence 12 Lauriston Street 3. Royal British 20 Princes Street 6. Melville Castle Melville Gate View more Edinburgh hotel info »«

	Top rated attractions
	In Edinburgh 1. Capital Christmas in Edinburgh It is a little known fact that at Christmas, Edinburgh can rival any major capital in the world. The city becomes illuminated like no other time of the year, a mix of family attractions and a huge city center funfair makes for a fairy tale of a holiday. The party atmosphere is intense as men don kilts and the ladies are decked out in their most chic outfits to party in the centers hotels and bars. Bagpipe music can be heard where ever you go and with the illuminated castle in the background it can be one of the most romantic times of the year. The Capital Christmas event is a prelude to the world's largest New Year party. Thousands of visitors from around the world head to Edinburgh to hear in the bells, and major bands perform in an all night party where the hangover is guaranteed to last well into the next year.  « hide 2. Mary King's Close Mary King's Close is a real treat for anyone wishing to view a real slice of Edinburgh history. Mary King's Close lies deep below Edinburgh's city streets, it is a real 17th century street that was closed off and forgotten about during the time of the plague. In 1644 both ends of the street were sealed off with bricks leaving many of the inhabitants to die and it was only recently discovered by workmen digging above the street. On the tour you can see actual streets, houses and shops as they were left when the close was bricked up. This tour is not for the claustrophobic as the passageways are dark and winding and many visitors have left minutes after entering.  « hide 3. The Edinburgh Festival During the month of August, Edinburgh suddenly turns into the world's capital of performing arts. The festival has been running for over 60 years and is the city's busiest time of the year. It is actually a number of festivals rolled into one; film, books, music, television and comedy are all represented here. A majority of the acts are free and there is definitely something for everyone. You can catch world famous comedians performing their latest show before going on tour or Hollywood stars acting in the theaters before heading to London. Also if you are a fledgling performer with a show you can phone ahead and book yourself a venue. Beware at this time of year accommodation is scarce and needs to be booked well in advance but the festival should really be visited at least once in your lifetime for the atmosphere alone.  « hide 4. Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art If you are in need of some culture and want to escape the bustling Edinburgh streets head to the Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art. Housed in a building that dates back to the 1920s it features some of the great works of art by artists such as Jackson Pollock, Andy Warhol and Lucien Freud. Set over two floors there is enough art here to keep you busy for the day or just wander around the grounds and look at the beautiful sculptures or the environmental installation by Charles Jencks called Landform. Many locals use their Sunday afternoons to visit the gallery and then pop into the basement cafe for lunch.  « hide 5. Edinburgh Zoo This is an attraction that will delight children and adults alike. Edinburgh Zoo is a huge complex that was established in 1913 with the emphasis on preserving endangered or rare species. Moving away from caged animals, the zoo has thought up some unique living quarters to keep the animals from being bored. The penguin parade is a big hit with kids as attendants coax the birds into wandering around a line of pathways.  « hide 6. The Palace of Holyroodhouse Dating back to the seventeenth century, the Palace of Holyroodhouse was built for Charles II. First stop is the impressive royal reception rooms and then onto the Great Gallery. The Gallery contains 96 portraits of Scottish Kings, and you may be surprised to learn that these were all painted by one man, Jacob de Wet in 1684, who had never actually seen the kings. The James V tower is the oldest part of the palace and the atmosphere here is full of medieval history. Climb the narrow spiral staircase and walk to the chambers of Mary, Queen of Scots. The chambers contain historical relics including Mary's jewelry, definitely a step back in time.  « hide 7. Scottish Parliament Viewpoints have been divided on the amount of money spent on this public building. The final total for the building actually came in at £450 million and this is a building worth visiting for its design alone. Access to the entrance lobby is free and if parliament is in session you can watch the politicians spin their agendas from the public gallery. For a more detailed inspection of the building, join one of the regular guided tours and decide if the money really was well spent.  « hide 8. Edinburgh Castle With some of the most stunning panoramic views over Edinburgh, the castle is a tourist hot spot. Home to the Scottish crown jewels and the early 12th century, St Margaret's Chapel, Edinburgh Castle is about as historic an attraction as it gets. The castle sits atop extinct volcanic rock and dominates the city. If you are here in August, you can watch the famous Edinburgh Military Tattoo, which takes place every night and has enough bagpipes and kilts to make any expat cry. Listen out for the daily 1pm ritual of firing the gun from Mill's Mount Battery.  « hide View more Edinburgh attractions » « View less Edinburgh attractions

	Top rated restaurants
	1. Blue Bar Cafe Blue Bar Cafe, Edinburgh is a minimalist restaurant with a cosmopolitan menu. Friendly staff serve seared scallops, breast of duck or grilled tuna in portions large enough that a starter will quickly fill you up. The food is inexpensive so reservations are recommended.  « hide 6. The Witchery by the Castle The Witchery by the Castle, Edinburgh, is set in medieval surroundings and is, apparently, Edinburgh’s oldest and most haunted restaurant. The building dates back to 1470 and witches were burnt here. Expensive fish and game dishes but then you are also paying for the surroundings. A superb dining experience with food to die for. Reservations are required.  « hide 2. Channings Channings, Edinburgh, is situated in Channings Edwardian Hotel and boasts friendly, efficient staff and uses fresh Scottish ingredients in either Scottish or French favorites. Try the succulent pheasant or the freshest seafood around. The wine list is extensive and incorporates the old favorites and new classics.  « hide 7. Fishers Bistro At Fishers Bistro, Leith, a nautical theme can be seen throughout this family owned restaurant. With superb views over the harbor, the locals and tourists come here for the fresh Loch Fyne oysters, crispy fishcakes and whatever the catch of the day fish is. The seafood really is that fresh.  « hide 3. Marque Central Marque Central, Edinburgh, is perfect for a pre or post theatre dinner as it is situated in part of the Royal Lyceum Theater. Always packed with locals and once you have tasted the roasted halibut, grilled tuna or delicious chicken, you will know why. Very busy in the evenings so reservations are recommended.  « hide 8. The Shore Bar and Restaurant The menu in the Shore Bar and restaurant changes daily. Simple dishes such as mussel with white wine and fresh fish such as salmon fillet with herb oil will have your mouth watering. The Shore is also one of the best bars in Leith, with live music every night and a good range of ales.  « hide 4. Sweet Melindas Sweet Melindas, Edinburgh, is a local’s favorite in the Marchmont area. Most tourists have kept Sweet Melindas as an Edinburgh secret. Fish lovers are heavily catered for here but there is also excellent game and vegetarian options, all served in unpretentious, simple settings. Inexpensive and loved by the locals so reservations are recommended.  « hide 9. Skippers Seafood Bistro Skippers Seafood Bistro, Leith, is Leith's original seafood bistro. Skippers was established 25 years ago and has been serving the locals and visitors quality, fresh fish and assorted seafood. The menus here a changed twice a day, dependent on the latest seafood catch.  « hide 5. The Grain Store This is an unpretentious restaurant often missed by the tourists. The Grain Store serves uncomplicated but delicious Scottish food such as venison with a beetroot fondant or fish options such as sea bass or scallops. The Grain Store is a great place to escape Edinburgh’s hustle and bustle. Long considered one of Edinburgh’s top restaurants so booking is advisable.  « hide 10. The Outhouse Edinburgh's Broughton street is packed with a diverse bunch of pubs; this is the place if you fancy jaunting from pub to pub. The Outhouse is a stylish bar with a great selection of food and drink. It also has a fine beer garden in which to sit on summer days sipping some long cocktails. A great venue for any age.  « hide

	Edinburgh Insider tips
	1. Staying safe in Edinburgh Edinburgh is Scotland's capital city and like most big cities there will be some crime. For a city as large as Edinburgh it is relatively safe, police patrol the city at night and will assist at the slightest sign of trouble, however be on guard for pick pockets and scam merchants that operate in the New and Old Town and prey on unsuspecting tourists. There are some areas to be avoided such as Muirhouse and some parts of Leith, however, Edinburgh is one of the friendliest cities in Scotland and there is very little trouble in the more tourist heavy parts of town.  « hide 2. Booking in advance Some of the entries mentioned in this Edinburgh guide such as the Edinburgh Festival, Christmas and New Year in Edinburgh are must see events, but saying that the population of Edinburgh explodes at these times of the year. Booking well in advance is a must if visiting the city at these times. It becomes a struggle to get a seat in a restaurant or find a hotel room if bookings have not been made. The city becomes extremely crowded and although it adds to the party atmosphere, it is wise to make sure that you have your accommodation booked before you arrive. Also at these times of the year many of the hotel prices will increase in price so check around for the best deals available.  « hide

	Edinburgh nightlife
	In Edinburgh 1. Cabaret Voltaire A famous name on the dance scene, Cabaret Voltaire is set in Edinburgh's underground vaults giving it a unique atmosphere. R&B, hip-hop and some great live bands during the week make this venue loved by a large following of regular locals. A great night for the young, trendy crowd.  « hide 2. Sandy Bell's This is the place to go if you fancy hearing some live Scottish music. Local bands perform folk and traditional music here every night, with the music starting around 9pm but also all day on Saturday and Sunday. Music is played to a small crowd and the atmosphere is relaxed and convivial, a great night is guaranteed here.  « hide 3. The Liquid Room The Liquid Room is one of Edinburgh's premier night clubs. You can catch the latest Indie and local bands and as it holds around 1000 people the venue can seem quite intimate. When the live music is not pumping out the Liquid Room becomes a very busy dance club loved by the twenty-thirty something crowd. Dance nights include techno, disco and cabaret.  « hide

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