With an ominous yet otherworldly presence, Edinburgh castle stands sentinel on its volcanic crag, peering over the twin medieval and Georgian influences of the Old and New Towns below. To find this city in the midst of the harsh and rugged Scottish landscape is something of a surprise; breathtakingly beautiful by both day and night, Edinburgh is brimming with epic history and a cultural package that includes cutting edge comedy, diverse visual arts and some intriguing old pubs. Small wonder it has been called the ‘Athens of the North’.
There is more heritage here than any other city in Scotland; in few places can you see such stunning old architecture so well preserved. The city is also famous for its arts festivals that last the length of the summer, many so large that they spawn yet more; despite being a subsidiary of a spin-off of the original Edinburgh Festival, the Comedy Festival is the largest of its kind in the world.
Where to stay
The Chester Residence never fails to exceed expectation, with unrivalled attention to detail and an apparently genuine interest in ensuring your stay is as enjoyable as possible. The Atholl Brae is more modest but has a great location on the Royal Mile.
Where to eat
Edinburgh’s Grassmarket is the place to be; there are over 20 restaurants here and many of them are top class. Elsewhere, The Tailend Restaurant and Fish Bar is recommended for possibly the finest fish and chips in Scotland.
What to see
The best way to see the city is a walking tour; there are a host of experienced guides who will entertain you with their wit and wisdom. The Cadies & Witcheries tour in particular is recommended. Camera Obscura and the World of Illusions offers an intriguing and alternative Edinburgh experience.
