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 mores 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.

Close Window
Thumb
  • Low cost appointments

    Low cost appointments

    In light of the current financial hardships faced by many, we are delighted to announce a limited number of low cost appointments available with one of our Counselling Psychologists. Contact us for more information.
    Get this offer

  • Discounts for self -funding clients

    Discounts for self -funding clients

    Clients who self-fund (i.e. they are not being referred by an organisation or insurance company) can take advantage of reduced rates.
    Get this offer

  • Winter Wonder Weekdays

    Winter Wonder Weekdays

    Double rooms, FROM £19, Sunday to Thursday inclusive.
    Get this offer

  • Free No-obligation 360 Lifestage Review

    Free No-obligation 360 Lifestage Review

    We aim to give you the information so you can decide if and when you would like to use our services...whether you are newly married, a single parent, a small business owner, coming up for retirement or in a second time marriage we can help by taking a look at your life from an all-round perspective. The review takes about an hour and is held by one of our expert client advisors and our only intention is to give you a better idea of the kind of legal, financial and property services that might be appropriate to your individual circumstances. You have nothing to lose and potentially a whole lifetime of peace of mind to gain...so book your review today!
    Get this offer

  • 6 Lessons for £100

    6 Lessons for £100

    When you book your first six lesson or a block booking of six lessons, you will get all 6 for just a one off payment of £100. Call us now on 07952 987498 for more information
    Get this offer

Special Offers

Top Business Reviews

Edinburgh Events

Cityvisitor is a great place to advertise events.

Do you know of an event in your area that you would like to share with others? Are you involved in an event taking place in your area? Post your local events for FREE here!

Click here to add an event

Edinburgh Marketplace

Edinburgh Blog

  • £1.5m houses put Grange street at top of the rankings

    An Edinburgh street where the average home costs £1.5 million has been named as Scotland’s most expensive street. Dick Place, in the Grange area of Edinburgh, was top of the list and 13 of the top 20 were also located in Scotland’s capital city. The majority of these addresses are in the New Town and Merchiston. Residents of the Grange have said that there is still a community feel, despite the wealth in the popular Edinburgh area. Kathleen King lives …

    Continue reading →

  • Teenager has locks shaved off in aid of Cancer Research

    The majority of teenagers would find the idea of having their hair shaved off incredibly hair-raising, but 13-year-old Florence Clark decided to shave off her hair all in the name of charity. “My friend at school, her cousin has just been diagnosed with skin cancer and we decided we would both get our heads shaved to raise money for Cancer Research UK.” Even though her friend had to back out, she still decided to complete her pledge in the hopes …

    Continue reading →

  • We want to go the extra mile in 2012 for our friend

    Friends Brian Taylor and Roz Currie are taking on a mammoth fundraising challenge on water, foot, and bike, across four countries and two continents to raise money for the Cystic Fibrosis Trust. The pair will be completing 12 events in 12 months in 2012 after being inspired by their friend, 33-year-old Anders Gibson, who suffers from the life-threatening disease. Five of the events will take place in Edinburgh and they will also compete in the Chicago half-marathon in America. Brian, …

    Continue reading →

  • Pint-sized Ronnie Corbett is handed big honour

    Edinburgh born performer Ronnie Corbett has been recognised in the Queen’s New Year Honours list where his OBE that he received in 1978 has been upgraded to a CBE. The pint sized comedy legend shot to fame with Ronnie Barker as one of the much loved Two Ronnies. Ronnie Barker was also awarded an OBE in 1978, but passed away in 2005. 81 year old Corbett is a keen golfer and has been a favourite on British television since the …

    Continue reading →

  • See more blogs

Edinburgh News