Did you know that Edinburgh Castle was built on an extinct volcano? It houses the Honours (Crown Jewels) of Scotland, the Stone of Destiny, the famous 15th century gun Mons Meg, the One O’ Clock Gun and the National War Museum of Scotland.

Nestled in the heart of Edinburgh’s historic Old Town, behind Edinburgh Castle, the Grassmarket area is one of the most vibrant, picturesque and lively areas of the city. Here are hidden the best pubs and gift shops.

It is the Edinburgh’s oldest street which was built on top of a volcano. Walk and explore St Giles Cathedral and The Scottish Parliament building, stopping to visit Greyfriars Bobby along the way.

The official residence of the Queen in Scotland. Standing at the end of Edinburgh’s historic Royal Mile, this fine palace is the home of Scottish royal history. 

Holyrood Park is a short walk from Edinburgh’s Royal Mile in the heart of the city. The parks highest point is Arthur’s Seat, an ancient volcano, and sits 251m above sea level giving excellent view of the city. 

Calton Hill is one of Edinburgh’s main hills, set right in the city centre. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and has some of the city’s best views along with the National Monument.

A tranquil village of picturesque charm built around the Water of Leith. Dean Village was previously where milling of water mills took place, of which remains of this can still be seen by visitors. At the heart of the village is Well Court, the most iconic building in the village.

It is the largest complete example of town planning from the Georgian period anywhere in the world. Its mixture of classical architecture, grand squares and terraces, gardens and secluded lanes, means that a walk through its streets is a journey back in time to an age of elegance.

The Old Town is home to some of Edinburgh’s biggest and best attractions: Edinburgh Castle, Museum of Childhood, Camera Obscura, the Writer’s Museum, St. Giles Cathedral and many others.

See where Prince William and Prince Harry spent their summer holidays. Discover where kings and queens, world leaders and celebrities were wined and dined; from Frank Sinatra and Liz Taylor to Nelson Mandela and Sir Winston Churchill.

Portobello Beach, a few miles from Edinburgh city centre, is a charming seaside suburb, with a long, classic Victorian promenade and old-world waterfront that harks back to its heyday as a local beach resort.

Iconic and historic, Scotland’s UNESCO Forth Bridges are a wonder of the modern world. Towering side by side over the Forth, these structures represent the pinnacle of engineering from three centuries and offer a vacation photo to remember.

Craigmillar is one of the best-preserved medieval castles in Scotland. It’s been used by Mary Queen of Scots as a safe haven after the birth of her son James the VI.

With connections to the Knights Templar and the Holy Grail and the Da Vinci Code. With its unique and mysterious carvings and countless theories, myths and legends associated with the chapel a great experience for all.