The Scottish Parliament has given Edinburgh a newfound dynamism. Among the cobbled streets and Gothic architecture you will find chic modern hotels and trendy restaurants.
How to get to Edinburgh
AIRPORT
Edinburgh airport is 13km west of the city centre. There are frequent buses to and from the airport.
AIRLINES FROM THE UK
British Airways (britishairways.com), easyJet (easyjet.com), British Midland (flybmi.com).
BY TRAIN
Direct trains go from King’s Cross London in around five hours.
BY CAR
The drive from London to Edinburgh takes just under eight hours.
Where to stay in Edinburgh
From original grand dame hotels to secret hideaways hidden down cobbled alleys, here are the best places to stay in Edinburgh.
Where to eat in Edinburgh
With more restaurants per head than any other city in the UK, the Scottish capital is sure to satisfy all kinds of cravings, whatever your taste and budget. See our round up of the best restaurants in Edinburgh.
Where to drink in Edinburgh
The city has a flourishing underground scene of basement bars, speakeasies and sophisticated saloons.
What to do in Edinburgh
From hilltop hikes with views across the city and a vast selection of galleries and museums to the UK's best vintage shopping scene, you'll be spoilt for choice.
The Edinburgh Festival
Every August, two million people flock to the city as Edinburgh morphs from Scotland’s stunning gothic capital to become the world's centre of art, theatre and culture. Here's our guide to the festival.
Insider tips
Actor and comedian Russel Tovey shares his favourite spots in the Scottish capital.
Our editors' favourite hotels
WHERE TO STAY OUTSIDE THE CITY
THE GLENEAGLES HOTEL
41 miles from Edinburgh. Described as 'a Riviera in the Highlands' when it opened in 1924, the 270-room château-style hotel is as popular today as it ever was - it was voted best UK leisure hotel in our Readers' Travel Awards 2002. The renowned golf course hosts many competitions and one of the hotel's four restaurants, run by Andrew Fairlie, has a Michelin star. There is also an equestrian centre and spa. ££ 0800 389 3737; gleneagles.com To see our full review of The Gleneagles Hotel, click here.