Edinburgh is the capital of Scotland and a city with around 450.000 inhabitants situated in the Central Belt region of the country. Edinburgh has a thrilling combination of ancient and modern in an exclusive Scottish ambience, mixing medieval palaces with brand new contemporary art galleries.
The impressive castle of Edinburgh is the symbol of this city and in 1995, the Old and New Towns of Edinburgh were listed World Heritage Sites by UNESCO. In 2004, Edinburgh became the first member of the UNESCO Creative Cities initiative when it was elected a City of Literature.
The capital of Scotland is also an energetic night-life centre, with great clubs and restaurants and hosting many important festivals all over the year, such as Hogmanay, Military Tattoo and the Fringe.
REASONS TO GO
An elegant city with plenty of tourist attractions and so close to an amazing countryside.
The Edinburgh Fringe Festival - this Festival is now the largest arts festival in the world.
The outstanding and well conserved Edinburgh Castle.
ORIENTATION
Edinburgh is located on the southern coast of the Firth of Forth and its landscape is the result of volcanism and more recent glaciations.
Edinburgh's historic centre is divided by the Princes Street Gardens. On the south we find the castle, located on the top of an extinct volcanic mountain, surrounded by the medieval streets of the Old Town. To the north of Princes Street Gardens we find Princes Street itself - Edinburgh's major shopping avenue - and the Georgian period New Town.
BEST TIME TO GO
Edinburgh is a windy and rainy city, all year round. The best time to travel would be between May and September. Summer is great for visiting due to the long light days and all the festivals going on.
However, to visit this city in these busy times of the year, it is better to book the accommodation a long time before, as the city gets really crowded.
HOW TO GET THERE
Edinburgh International Airport is located 6 km west of the city. Many people arrive via a connecting low flight from London, which takes about 1 hour. The bus service Airlink 100, runs to the city centre (Waverley Bridge) every 10 minutes, taking around 25 minutes and costs around � 5.
It´s also possible to catch a train from London. It leaves from the London´s King´s Cross Station and takes around 4 hours to take you to the Waverley Station in Edinburgh.
TRAVELLING AROUND
Walking is the best way to move around. Edinburgh is very compact and therefore the most important attractions are located in the Old Town and New Town.
You can also use the bus network or even buy the Edinburgh Pass, which offers the public transportation and entries in a lot of attractions, and discounts in some restaurants and stores. A one-day pass costs GBP 24, two days GBP 36, three days GBP 48.
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