Edinburgh Hotels

Attractions

With a history of settlement that dates back thousands of years, where do you start in a city like Edinburgh? From a purely logical sense, why not begin with the incomparable site that looms over the city. From the summit of Castle Rock, the complex of Edinburgh Castle dominates the scenery and represents peerless history.

With records of human habitation that date back to the 9th century BC, the Castle is a major landmark today. St. Margaret's Chapel, adjacent to the main structure, is a wonderful example of Norman architecture. Built around 1100, no other structure in Edinburgh is older. Other attractions of note include the National War Museum, Great Hall and Royal Palace.

Most tourism in Edinburgh takes place in the Old Town and New Town. The former, with famous Royal Mile streets that maintain the original medieval plan of the area, has some of the best architecture in the city. Notable sites include the National Museum of Scotland, Law Courts and St. Giles' Cathedral. A spiritual home for over 900 years, the Cathedral features a dramatic, cavernous interior, magnificent stained glass and vital city monuments.

The New Town of Edinburgh is not so in the literal sense. The area dates as far back as 1765 and features beautiful Georgian manors, with much Age of Enlightenment design influence. The shops on lovely Princes Street, the National Gallery of Scotland and Balmoral Hotel are prime New Town eye candy.

Events

Edinburgh is a hotbed of festivals and concerts. The Edinburgh Fringe is famous for avant-garde international acts and performers and remains the arts festival of record in the world. The offshoot Comedy Festival is now a top draw in the city as well, just one in a number of events the Fringe supports throughout the year.

Other notable festivals in the city include the Jazz and Blues Festival, International Book Festival, Art Festival and International Science Festival. There is hardly a theme or occasion the city of Edinburgh does not celebrate with a festival, it seems.

In the same vein, the annual Hogmanay party that spans from New Year's Eve to the Bank Holiday of January 2 is the best time to be in the city. Over 300,000 people attend the epic street bash, held on Princes Street and the Royal Mile.

Climate

In general, Edinburgh has a temperate maritime climate, with mild conditions, even in winter.

• Winter (November to February) 0-9°C

• Spring (March to May) 1.5-14°C

• Summer (June to August) 9-19°C

• Fall (September to October) 6- 16°C