Scottish Cities | Scotland.org

Home to just under 500,000 people, Edinburgh is Scotland’s capital city. However, don’t let its small size deceive you, Edinburgh’s population swells to more than double this when people come from all over the world for the summer festivals.  

Things to do in Edinburgh 

You’ll be spoiled for choice when it comes to things to do in Edinburgh from exploring the treasures of the National Museum of Scotland and discovering Edinburgh Castle to climbing Arthur’s Seat to enjoy the spectacular views of the city.  

Edinburgh is a wonderful city to visit all year round. During August everything from small side-street venues to large concert halls brim with artists and festival goers. This is because Edinburgh is home to the world’s premier arts festival – the Edinburgh Festival Fringe!  

New Year is also an amazing time of year to visit Edinburgh when the Hogmanay celebrations take place and we play host to some of the world’s biggest parties! 

Scotland’s capital city also boasts an impressive range of dining options with more restaurants per head than any other city in the UK. This includes five Michelin-starred restaurants.

If you love getting up close and personal with some of the world's most impressive wildlife, then Edinburgh Zoo is the place to be. The 82-acre complex is just outside the city centre and is home to thousands of incredible animals from around the world. 

You’ll also have lots of opportunities to go shopping, with many designer brands set up in the city centre such as the UK’s own luxury department store Harvey Nichols.  

There's a great international feel to Edinburgh, with designer stores from all over the world, including Louis Vuitton, Calvin Klein, Burberry, and Hugo Boss. No wonder people from all over the world bring a little extra spending money when visiting the city. 

If you love literature, Edinburgh is a great place to visit. In 2004, Edinburgh became a UNESCO City of Literature. It even has a 61-metre-tall monument to honour a great Scottish writer, Sir Walter Scott.

You can also visit one of the largest book festivals in the world, the Edinburgh International Book Festival.  

Not only is Edinburgh the UNESCO City of Literature, but the Old and New Towns of Edinburgh are one of six UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Scotland.

You can explore the cobbled vennels and closes (another word for alleyways) of the medieval Old Town or enjoy the wonderful architecture that the New Town has to offer.  

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