Edinburgh travel guide
Far beyond its label as the host of Britain's biggest cultural festival, Edinburgh is also its most visually impressive city with a history and charm that few others can rival.
Top places to see in Edinburgh
Declared a Unesco World Heritage Site in 1995, the centre of Edinburgh is a fascinating juxtaposition of medieval confusion and classical harmony. The higgledy-piggledy Old Town, built around the Castle on a volcanic plug where the first defensive settlement was founded over 2,000 years ago, contrasts remarkably with the New Town – now more than 200 years old – where order and harmony prevail within the largest area of Georgian architecture ever conceived.
Today, the city is the capital of an ancient nation whose influence resonates around the globe. It has a proud history of artistic excellence, intellectual endeavour and scientific discovery that is reflected in its new-found confidence and buoyant economy. The Edinburgh Festival, tripling the city’s 500,000 inhabitants each August, is its flagship event, but all year round a selection of great museums such as the National Museum, beautiful parks like the Royal Botanic Garden, and vibrant entertainments make it one of Europe’s most exciting destinations. The Royal Mile is an ideal place to begin exploring, while Calton Hill provides one of the best views over the city.
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