The beautiful city attracts over one million overseas visitors a year, making it the second-most visited tourist destination in the United Kingdom. Edinburgh has a temperate climate with mild winters with moderate summers.
The city is a blend of medieval palaces and the best of modern architecture. Gothic churches, museums and galleries adorn the city of Edinburgh. To keep the tourist engaged, the city hosts an unequaled programme of festivals throughout the year. Hogmanay, the Scottish New Year, kicks off the festivities; the Edinburgh International Science Festival, Edinburgh International Film Festival, Edinburgh Jazz & Blues Festival, and the Edge Festival are the other major festivals organized in Edinburgh. During these festivals, the streets of Edinburg are decorated and one can find a number of performers who entertain you with their magic and tricks. The city map of Edinburgh is a perfect tourist guide for the traveler. It gives detailed information on the various tourist places in the city along-with the directions. The map also shows the major roads, highways, water bodies, cinema halls, hotels, hospitals, schools and colleges, churches, and other important places.
The major tourist destinations in Edinburgh include: Edinburgh Castle, Pentland Hills Regional Park, National Water Ski Centre, Abbey and Palace of Holyroodhouse, Scotch Whisky Heritage Center, the National Gallery of Scotland, and the Edinburgh Zoo.
The Edinburgh Castle is one of the best tourist spots; it is a royal fortress situated on an ancient volcanic rock, the towers of which seem to kiss the sky. The castle hosts the military tattoo during the Edinburgh Festival.
The National Museum of Scotland is a display of treasures from the edges of history. The exhibits in the museum tell the story of the nation from fascinating fossils to popular culture.
One of the most stunning tourist attractions in Edinburgh is the Royal Botanic Gardens. Founded in 1670, it is the second-oldest botanic garden in the United Kingdom.
If interested to know about how children were raised in the first half of the last century, one must visit the Museum of Childhood. The Museum speaks of the child rearing process in the first half of the last century. Also the museum has a vast collection of toys, including dolls, teddy bears, train sets and tricycles from all over the world.
Pentland Hills Regional Park is famous for mountain biking. The Ratho Adventure Centre will surely quench your thirst for indoor climbing. If your energy level knows no bound then you can visit the National Water Ski Center.
The picturesque scenery of Edinburgh captures the imagination of everyone who visits. The beautifully landscaped grounds are like a feast for the senses, providing a tranquil atmosphere and leaving the traveler enchanted.
