Edinburgh: overview

Edinburgh is a city unlike any other. It is a working city: the seat of the Scottish Parliament, and the centre of law and finance in Scotland. However, at the same time, it breathes an air of civilisation and sophistication that is quite unexpected in a capital city. The extensive Princes Street Gardens cut a green oasis right through the central part of the city, while Edinburgh Castle overlooks the centre from its brooding perch, as if to make the point that the modern world will never be allowed to spoil the essential mystery of this grand and historic city.

View of Edinburgh

City of art and culture

Edinburgh is a city of contradictions: the legal and administrative nerve-centre of Scotland, yet also the venue, every August, of the Edinburgh Festival and Fringe Festival, world-famous celebrations of the arts. Unlike Glasgow on the west coast, it has remained relatively small and concentrated, with many attractions within easy walking distance of Princes Street in the centre. And even outside August the activity never dies down: Edinburgh is a major centre for live music, art exhibitions, and theatre the whole year round. Whatever your artistic preference, you're almost sure to find it in Edinburgh!

Activities for all the family

But it's not all cultural activities: even the little ones will enjoy their stay in Edinburgh! The city boasts an extensive Zoo, as well as year-round events for kids in Edinburgh. One of the newest attractions for the whole family is the "Our Dynamic Earth" exhibition in the centre of the city, offering a journey back through time displaying the history of our planet. There's even the Edinburgh Dungeon where older children and adults can learn about the less pleasant aspects of Scotland's past — it's not for the faint-hearted! And whatever your age, the Museum of Scotland will have something to fascinate and delight you.