The city is best known for its August festival season when Edinburgh becomes a hotbed for the best in international arts, music, theatre, dance, books, jazz and blues. The Edinburgh Military Tattoo dazzles with its annual sell-out spectacular on the Castle Esplanade. Festivals also feature elsewhere in Edinburgh’s social calendar; science and one specifically for children in spring and film in early summer. Edinburgh’s Christmas, with its funfairs, ice rinks and traditional markets, takes the city right up to the now famed New Year celebrations with Edinburgh’s Hogmanay. The popularity of all of these events means it’s always a good idea to book tickets and rooms as far in advance as you can.

 

There’s much to enjoy away from the festivals, too. History buffs will be in their element with Edinburgh Castle, the Palace of Holyroodhouse and two World Heritage sites, all within the compact city centre. Book lovers can soak in the city atmosphere that inspired among others Robert Louis Stevenson, JK Rowling, Ian Rankin and Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. There’s even a statue of Sherlock Holmes in UNESCO’s first City of Literature. And don’t limit yourself to the city centre; the port of Leith has some of the city’s best restaurants and bars and is the permanent home to the Royal Yacht Britannia.

 

Edinburgh’s layout makes it a great place for shopping, too. Look out for top names at Harvey Nichols and Jenners and along George Street and The Walk. Princes Street lets you shop on the high street with an uninterrupted view of the castle and the Old Town. Victoria Street, William Street and Stockbridge are worth the detour to discover local boutiques and food specialists.

 

You can even enjoy Edinburgh for nothing! Permanent collections in Scotland’s national museums and galleries are admission free. Take the stairs to Calton Hill or climb Arthur’s Seat for a panoramic view of the entire city.

Getting to Edinburgh just gets easier. The city has a well-connected international airport, central train and bus stations and has great access to motorways and main roads. Accommodation covers everything from five-star hostels to five-star hotels, embracing a huge selection of self-catering apartments and B&Bs along the way. The links to the left will get you on the right road for your Edinburgh break.