by Michael Hogg

Created on: February 20, 2009

Edinburgh is the kind of city everyone has to make an attempt to visit at least once in their lifetime. Whilst not as universally known as the likes of other "must visit" destinations such as London, New York and Paris, it contains almost as much to look at in a much more compact space, mostly in the historic and beautiful "Old Town" which makes up most of the centre of the city.

This area boasts more historic buildings and fascinating stories from centuries past than you could possibly see in one stay, be it the iconic Edinburgh Castle, sat regally atop it's hilltop vantage point, gazing for miles across the Firth Of Forth to Fife in the North and towards the Borders in the South or the massive number of attractions along the Royal Mile between the Castle itself and Holyrood Palace. A stroll down this cobbled road shows you the archaeological site at the Tron, John Knox House, the ever controversial Scottish Parliament building (which is either a masterpiece of architecture or a horrible eyesore depending on who you talk to) and a working kilt weaving store.

A visitor arriving smack in the centre of the city at Waverley Station walks out into an incredible vista - the regal hotels and bank headquarters on your left, the extensive shopping provided on Princes Street to your right and Princes Street Gardens (a large and leafy escape from the hustle of city life) straight ahead. Parked outside the Gardens are the popular open-top tour buses which ferry travellers around the sights, allowing them the chance to hop on and off and make sure they don't miss anything.

Tradition is to be found everywhere with iconic bagpipe musicians in full dress to be found around the streets while ceilidhs are also to found in a number of pubs and clubs. Scottish history is also easy to find with a large number of museums and galleries spread around the city.Meanwhile, Edinburgh Zoo is very well stocked and was the first zoo in the world to house and breed penguins.

Edinburgh is well-known for the annual Edinburgh Festival, a collection of official and independent festivals held annually over about four weeks from early August. The number of visitors attracted to Edinburgh for the Festival is roughly equal to the settled population of the city. The Edinburgh Fringe (performing arts), The Edinburgh Tattoo (Military bands the world over at the Castle) and the Edinburgh International Book Festival are among the other world renowned events which can be visited.

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