Edinburgh cradles the soul of Scotland, a land of emerald moorlands and prolific storytellers, such as Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. Legends run deep in Edinburgh, lending an air of nobility and mystique. From castles and palaces to ancient pubs serving signature Scotch whiskeys, Edinburgh beckons to all travellers.

Things to do

To understand Edinburgh’s history, stroll through the Old Town’s Royal Mile to see the magnificent Edinburgh Castle. Inside its walls, you’ll find a wealth of treasures, including the Honours crown jewels and St. Margaret’s Chapel. Keep an eye out for the famous Mons Meg gun and walk through the eerie vaults, which once housed prisoners of war.

Royal experiences await at Holyroodhouse Palace, the official residence of the current queen. You can tour the Throne Room, the Morning Drawing Room and the Great Gallery housing portraits of Scotland’s kings. Walk to the adjacent Holyrood Park for spectacular views of the sea from Arthur’s Seat.

No trip to Edinburgh is complete without touring the Scotch Whiskey Experience. You can learn about the production process or opt for tastings of fine single malts. Spend some time on Carlton Hill, a public park founded in the early-1700s, to see monuments honouring Scottish writers, such as Robert Burns.

Feel like tasting some specialty food from the Scottish palette? Dive into a plate of haggis at Greyfriars Bobby’s Bar or take things up a notch with dinner at Dubh Prais on the Royal Mile. Embark on a pilgrimage to The Elephant House cafe to see where J.K. Rowling wrote portions of the “Harry Potter” series.

Getting around

You can walk through the cobbled streets of Old Town, while buses, cabs and trams offer transportation all over the city. Edinburgh Airport provides access to rental cars and shuttles.