Scotland's beautiful capital is where the past lives side by side with the present, where the historic setting gently encloses the busy, thriving modern community.
Steeped in history and tradition, Edinburgh is definitely the jewel in Scotland's crown.
After London, Edinburgh is the most important financial centre in Britain. The city also has four universities. The oldest, the University of Edinburgh, was established in 1583. Although it is more conservative than other Scottish cities (such as Glasgow), Edinburgh is still an exciting, forward-looking capital, full of art, culture, history and beauty. It has manifold art galleries and museums, five major performing-arts theatres and a year-round calendar of international festivals. The city is also a World Heritage Site, thanks to its medieval Old Town, 12th-century castle and 18th-century Georgian New Town. To complete the picture, a large proportion of the city is composed of green areas and parkland. The only dull note is its chilly damp climate, best summed up by the Scottish word ‘dreich’ that translates as ‘grey, damp and drizzly’.
Every step is a revelation here - an alleyway which reveals an ancient courtyard, or a wynd which opens up a new panorama. And yet within this sweeping elegance is a compact city, a bustling city, above all a city which matches every mood for every season with genial hospitality and friendly smiles.
Now let Sasha give you some useful tips for your Edinburgh trip.
