Edinburgh is a city of contrasts, from hills to shore, steeped in history yet thoroughly modern. Medieval buildings share the pavements with striking modern structures, centuries old craftmanship rubs shoulders with cutting edge fashion. Its magnificent architecture shifts from the lofty buildings of its medieval Old Town, as they tumble down the spine of the Royal Mile, to the grace of the Georgian New Town. Alleyways reveal ancient courtyards and wynds. Above it all, in its towering splendour, stands the Castle.

The shops on Princes Street, the museums and art galleries and the thriving folk music scene in the city's many pubs constitute an impressive array of attractions and distractions.

Pubs and restaurants

Attractions

"The ancient and famous metropolis of the North sits overlooking a windy estuary from the slope and summit of three hills. No situation could be more commanding for the head city of a kingdom; none better chosen for noble prospects. From her tall precipice and terraced gardens she looks far and wide on the sea and broad champaigns. To the east you may catch at sunset the spark of the May lighthouse, where the Firth expands into the German Ocean; and away to the west, over all the carse of Stirling, you can see the first snows upon Ben Ledi"

( Edinburgh Picturesque Notes by Robert Louis Stevenson).