Dominated by the imposing Edinburgh Castle from atop its volcanic rock perch, Edinburgh’s city centre offers tourists the experience of both its Medieval Old Town and Georgian New Town.

Known as ‘The Athens of the North’, Edinburgh boasts a wonderful array of historical and cultural delights for visitors to indulge around the city. Regular bus tours depart from Waverly Bridge and provide tourists with informative commentary on the history of Edinburgh past and present, and an opportunity to hop on and off to explore each attraction.

The cobbled streets of Edinburgh’s Old Town, with its medieval buildings and stone tenements, is one area of the city that is always worth exploring. Situated to the south of Princes Street, the Old Town can be explored starting with Edinburgh Castle perched at the top of a volcanic crag and following the cobbled Royal Mile down to Holyrood Palace and Holyrood Park. Along the way tourists can visit the Scottish Parliament Buildings and ‘Our Dynamic Earth,’ The Children’s Museum and John Knox’s House in addition to browsing around the numerous Whisky shops, gift shops and cafes along the way.

For something to get the heart racing, when darkness falls Edinburgh’s famous ghost tours let you explore the Old Town at night. The most celebrated of these is hidden beneath the Royal Mile. Mary King’s Close takes you underground to explore a warren of hidden streets – called ‘closes’ - where the people of Edinburgh once lived, worked and eventually died.

Just below the Royal Mile sits the Grassmarket. This area of the city was once a horse and cattle market and a place for gruesome public hangings. However, now the Grassmarket holds a large assortment of shops selling everything

from specialist cheese to priceless antiques. In summer evenings the local bars and restaurants spill out onto the pavements creating a continental atmosphere.

At the opposite end of the Royal Mile to Edinburgh Castle lies Holyrood Palace, one of the Queen’s Scottish residences. In the grounds of Holyrood Palace is Holyrood Park, which once were the hunting grounds of royalty. However, the park is now open to the public and although in the middle of the city provides a welcome contrast of the countryside against the bustle of the city. A sight not to be missed is Arthur’s Seat - a volcanic crag rising out of the park. It offers a short, but taxing, hike to the top, but those who make it to the summit are rewarded with spectacular views over the city and out to the Firth of Forth.

Princes Street - Edinburgh’s famous city centre street - is flanked on one side by high street stores and Princes Street Gardens on the other. Along Princes Street you will also find the National Gallery of Scotland with its wide collection of Scottish and international art. In addition, at the east end of the street you will also find the Scott Monument, which was built to honour the famous Sir Walter Scott. It is possible to climb 200 feet up the Scott Monument’s 287 steps to achieve great views of the city and castle.

With so much available to see and do, it is therefore good to know that all city centre attractions are easily reached from most hotels in Edinburgh and the city itself is readily accessible from a number of UK and European destinations, with its international airport shuttling passengers into the city in 20 minutes via an efficient public transport service.