A Quick Guide to Edinburgh Scotland

Edinburgh is the capital city of Scotland. It is the second-largest city in the nation and boasts a population of 448,624. It is located in the east of the country and is, along with the Scotland's largest city, Glasgow, part of the Scottish Central Belt.

The Central belt is the area stretching between the two cities from the east to the west of the country. The two cities are located just seventy kilometres apart, and commuting between them is made easy by a reliable and affordable rail service. Though the two cities are equally famous, Edinburgh has long established itself as the more popular tourist destination and there are many reasons for this.

The city of Edinburgh is divided into two distinct areas, the Old Town (its historical epicentre) and the New Town (the city's main shopping and commercial area). The Old Town includes picturesque cobbled streets, period monuments and many wonderful cathedrals and churches from throughout its long and vibrant history. The most notable landmark of Edinburgh is undeniably Edinburgh Castle, located overlooking the city on Castle Rock, it dominates the city's skyline.

The castle is open to the public and includes a number of museums too.The New Town was first developed in the late 1700s. At its centre is Georges Street, which is flanked on either side by the city's two other main shopping areas Princes Street and Queens Street. The city contains many and varied museums, public parks, markets, sites, cafes, bars restaurants and has something really special to offer all its visitors.Each year Edinburgh hosts a number of major festivals, none more famous than the Edinburgh International Festival, which takes place from August to early September each year.

The festival attracts performers and audiences from all over the world and offers an eclectic mixture of theatre, films, readings, music and comedy amongst other things.

By: Dara Ward