Edinburgh is a city of two tales. An eerie past of grave robbers, underground streets and witchcraft folklore has given way to a present-day creative hub. It is the go-to city for inspirational literature and world-renowned arts festivals.
The mesmerising beauty of the Old Town
No matter where you stand in the centre of Edinburgh you’re never far from a view of the castle, perched on the edge of a rugged cliff that’s actually a 350-million-year-old volcano plug.
As you wander along the final stretch of the Royal Mile, you’ll come to the Castle Esplanade. Pause for a view over the Old Town all the way to the Firth of Forth.
Once inside the castle’s walls, you’ll find the beautiful St Margaret’s Chapel, Edinburgh’s oldest building, the sparkling crown jewels worn by Scottish kings and queens in centuries past, and the regal staterooms of the royal palace.
From the castle it’s an easy amble to Holyrood Palace, the Queen’s Scottish residence, down the Royal Mile. This old, cobbled street is a sight in itself, filled with street entertainers, restaurants and quirky stores.
Explore the narrow alleys that snake off the Royal Mile. Once shadowy nooks of historic gory deeds and foul play, they now lead to little-known eateries and cosy pubs.
Discover lost Edinburgh by visiting Mary King’s Close, a chilling look into the haunted underground city that was lost for centuries.
Vistas and views
The remains of an extinct volcano stand proudly overlooking Edinburgh’s south side. Trekking up Arthur’s Seat – as the locals know it – can be a lung-burner, but the views over the city and out to the Kingdom of Fife are well worth it, even if you don’t quite reach the top.
The Old Royal High School and columned acropolis at the top of Calton Hill have earned Edinburgh the title of the Athens of the North.
A full Edinburgh panorama awaits you here. Enjoy the jutting Gothic spires of Edinburgh’s Old Town churches against the backdrop of the Pentland Hills.
City of literature
Home to Arthur Conan Doyle, Robert Louis Stevenson and JK Rowling, it’s little wonder Edinburgh is revered as a UNESCO City of Literature.
As well as the Fringe and International Festival, August sees the staging of the International Book Festival in Charlotte Square. Head there to be part of a buzzing scene as world-famous authors gather to give talks and run workshops.
Visit The Writers’ Museum just off the Royal Mile for an overview of Edinburgh’s literary past. The Old Town is packed with buildings such as George Heriot’s School, which inspired locations in the Harry Potter novels.
Head beyond the city
Crystal clear lochs and hills drenched in mist are just an hour and a half’s drive away in the Trossachs National Park. Go on woodland walks through ancient forests, try water sports on Loch Lomond or clamber up one of the 21 Munros (mountains over 3,000ft) that the park has to offer.
Just over the Queensferry Crossing Bridge from Edinburgh is the Kingdom of Fife, land of castles and kings and inspiration for Shakespeare’s Macbeth.
Drive along the coastal route of the East Neuk, which is speckled with sleepy fishing villages. Sample some of the best fish and chips in Anstruther before driving on to St Andrews to check out the legendary Old Course.
A hub of creativity and witness to centuries of intriguing history, it’s easy to fall under the spell of the Scottish capital. Give yourself the best chance of seeing it all with car rental in Edinburgh.
