Edinburgh has quickly established itself as one of Europes finest Capital Cities, it's breathtaking beauty makes it an exciting place to visit at any time of year. Edinburgh offers a vast selection of attractions from old to new, it also offers sightseeing on a grand scale, galleries both modern and traditional, museums.

Edinburgh also offers the country's finest array of excellent restaurants, bistros, wine bars, pubs and cafes, attractions to discover, serious shopping, and a vast choice of nightlife to suit all tastes.

Today Edinburgh is once again the home of Scottish Parliament for the first time in 300 years. Free at last from the fear of invasion, Edinburgh was able to grow beyond its medieval walls. In the mid 18th century the loch surrounding the castle was drained, North Bridge was built, and what is known as "new town" burgeoned forth. No longer confined for space, plans were drawn up by James Craig for wide streets and grand squares. It was Craig's plans which we should thank for building on only one side of Princes Street and Queen Street, allowing for the beautiful public gardens opposite.

Georgian Edinburgh grew throughout the remainder of the 18th and 19th centuries. The first public building, Register House, was designed by Robert Adam; he also designed the University and the north side of Charlotte Square. Many classical buildings such as the National Gallery of Scotland inspired by ancient Greece grace the city centre and from these, Edinburgh became known as the "Athens of the North". Edinburgh blossomed into one of Europe's cultural centres. This was the Edinburgh of James Boswell, Robert Burns and Sir Walter Scott; of the philosopher David Hume and the political economist Adam Smith; and of the painter Sir Henry Raeburn and the engineer Thomas Telford.

Apart from its varied and stunning architecture, Edinburgh is a visually beautiful place, with many parks and gardens, to take a leisurely stroll through, or simply sit and watch the world go by. For those who enjoy gardens you are in for a treat.

From Edinburgh Castle downward, Historic Houses, Churches, Galleries and Museums surround you, each with its own history to share and for you to discover and marvel at.

Upholding its tradition for culture Edinburgh hosts the annual International Festival, three weeks of the very best of music, opera, drama and ballet. Although the Festival only lasts for three weeks, you will find top class entertainment of every sort, all year in Edinburgh. Links to information on some of Edinburgh's many festivals are available below.