Edinburgh city of contrasts

The Old Town - steeped in centuries of colourful history, the Royal Mile is at the heart of the Old Town and runs from Edinburgh Castle, standing majestically on a 400 foot rocky crag, to the magnificent Palace of Holyroodhouse, set in acres of parkland and overlooked by an extinct volcano. Between these two supreme landmarks is a rambling medieval town of narrow closes and cobbled streets along which lie an abundance of fascinating museums, distinctive shops and popular pubs and restaurants. Today, while still retaining its distinctive character, the Old Town is a thriving community and a compelling and lively area of the city waiting to be explored.

The New Town - Unlike the medieval part of the city where residents lived cheek by jowl, plans for the New Town were rigorously adhered to with the result that a very regular, elegant pattern of Georgian terraces and squares developed. Today, the new town is home to many of the city's cosmopolitan shops, bars and restaurants. the new town incorporates the picturesque Dean Village and Stockbridge areas, where collectors of antiques can browse at their leisure.

Experience Edinburgh

"And though I would rather die elsewhere, yet in my heart of hearts I long to be buried among good Scots clods. I will say it fairly, it grows on me with every year: there are no stars as lovely as Edinburgh street-lamps. When I forget thee, Auld Reekie, may my right hand forget its cunning!"

(Robert Louis Stevenson, writing in "The Scot Abroad")