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Edinburgh Local Information: 10 top things to know... more

  • 1. History of Edinburgh

    The city of Edinburgh grew from its Old Town – this is the area containing the Castle, the Royal Mile and Grassmarket. Edinburgh Castle sits on Castle Rock. Archaeologists have found evidence of a settlement there in the Bronze Age. A significant castle was built on the site in around 1130, although this was mainly timber and has been replaced over the years. The oldest build...Read moreing in the city is St Margaret’s Chapel, within the castle walls, which was also built around 1130 but was made of stone. Edinburgh University was founded in 1583. In 1707 the Act of Union joined England and Scotland, and power moved from Edinburgh’s parliament to London’s Westminster. The New Town was designed by a man called James Craig, and was completed in 1810. Read less

  • 2. Now in Edinburgh

    Scotland’s capital is a popular tourist attraction with plenty of historic sightseeing, shops, restaurants and nightlife. It has a population of about 1.2 million. It is considered a cosmopolitan city with great influence in the worlds of business, arts, science and financial services. Its university is famous all over the world. Scotland’s parliament is based in the city i...Read moren the Holyrood buildings at the end of the Royal Mile. Read less

  • 3. Events in Edinburgh

    Events are aplenty in the Scottish capital, with the Fringe Festival being one of the most famous. This comedy, music, theatre dance and events celebration is not the only festival in Edinburgh that attracts visitors from all over the world. There is also Edinburgh International Film Festival, Edinburgh Art Festival, Edinburgh International Book Festival, Edinburgh Internationa...Read morel Fashion Festival and many more. Thousands flock to the capital every year to join in the Hogmanay Street Party complete with fireworks. The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo is a two-hour event in the castle grounds that takes place throughout August. It is a display of military and civilian performers from around the world. Read less

  • 4. Attractions in Edinburgh

    Attractions in the city centre include Edinburgh Castle, Edinburgh Zoo, the Royal Botanic Garden of Edinburgh, the National Gallery of Scotland, the Royal Museum and Museum of Scotland and the now famous Holyrood parliament buildings. The Royal Yacht Britannia can be seen in the Edinburgh as well as the National War Museum of Scotland. During the Christmas season there is an op...Read moreen-air ice rink in the city centre. Read less

  • 5. Things To Do in Edinburgh

    ...Read more™s districts. Read less

  • 6. Business in Edinburgh

    Princes Street and George Street are busy streets full of designer stores and high street brands as well as restaurants, cafes and bars. Edinburgh is the second largest financial centre in the UK after London and it was given the titles of Best Small City of the Future and Top Location for Economic Potential 2010/11 in the Financial Times magazine awards. The city has many conf...Read moreerence and meeting venues and has hosted a NATO conference and G8 summit. Read less

  • 7. Transport in Edinburgh

    Edinburgh has its own airport and excellent rail links to the rest of Scotland and the UK. The city is served by major roads in all directions.

  • 8. Entertainment in Edinburgh

    There is something for everyone on the entertainment scene in Edinburgh. Nightclubs cover techno, indie, house, electro, hip-hop and soul. There are folk sessions in many of the Old Town pubs and plenty of venues for live jazz and comedy. The Edinburgh Playhouse is the place to see West End musicals and Usher Hall is the main concert venue. Edinburgh Castle Esplanade, Murrayfie...Read moreld Stadium and the Ross Theatre in Princes Street Gardens are other venues for live music. There is no shortage of theatres and film venues, including Edinburgh Corn Exchange, HMV Picture House and Cabaret Voltaire. Read less

  • 9. Famous Landmarks in Edinburgh

    The Royal Mile and Edinburgh castle are the most famous landmarks in the city. The unusual design of the Holyrood parliament buildings, based on Charles Rennie Mackintosh paintings and upturned boats, have recently put themselves on the map. The Palace of Holyroodhouse is the Queen’s official residence in Scotland and sits in the city centre at the end of the Royal Mile.

  • 10. Interesting Facts about Edinburgh

    Castle Rock, the site of Edinburgh Castle, is actually an extinct volcano.

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