Although it’s not one of Europe’s main capitals, Edinburgh gives the likes of London and Paris a run for their money. The no-nonsense, down-to-earth Scottish capital, soaked in Celtic mythology and home to some of the world’s best whisky distilleries, has bred and inspired some of the world’s most famous authors, actors, politicians and engineers.

The Old Town is said to be one of the most haunted places in the world

Ian Rankin, one of the UK’s most famous crime writers, once said: “Edinburgh isn’t so much a city, more a way of life… I doubt I’ll ever tire of exploring Edinburgh, on foot or in print.”

As you approach Edinburgh Airport, you can spot its rival Glasgow just 75 kilometres away and enjoy a bird’s eye view (weather permitting, as Scotland is notoriously wet and windy) of the picturesque Scottish capital bordered on one side by the Firth of Forth, which leads out to the North Sea, and on the other by the Pentland Hills.

Sprawled over a luscious green landscape, Edinburgh was formed on a bed of early volcanic activity, and landmarks like the peak of Arthur’s Seat, one of the city’s green lungs, were shaped by glaciers during the Ice Age.

From the airport, it’s just a short 20-minute hop to downtown Edinburgh whose medieval Old Town and Georgian New Town districts are Unesco World Heritage Sites.

The city is said to have the most conservation areas in the UK with around 4,500 buildings listed as protected, bearing witness to its long and somewhat turbulent history, which helps drive the Scottish sense of identity and patriotism.

Archaeologists have uncovered human traces dating back to the Bronze and Iron Ages, and the Romans and Anglo Saxons have also made their mark on modern-day Edinburgh, but it was during the Renaissance period that the city really flourished.

Its impressive wall, built in the 16th century to protect the locals from English invasion, meant that space was limited, hence the high ‘skyscrapers’ which can still be seen in the Old Town. In the 18th century, to deal with the overcrowded Old Town, young architect James Craig designed a New Town with many Georgian buildings. Today, George Street and Princes Street, in the New Town, are the city’s main shopping thoroughfares.

In 1707, Scotland became part of the Kingdom of Great Britain, a union which was opposed fervently by many Scots and gave rise to several uprisings.

It wasn’t long before the city became a hotbed for famous intellectuals like Robert Burns, Walter Scott, David Hume and James Hutton, who also made their mark on their European counterparts.

While Glasgow overtook Edinburgh as an industrial centre during the 19th century, Edinburgh retained its reputation as a cultural and strategic hub, a position it still holds today.

When the Scotland Act of 1998 was enforced, the Scottish Parliament was given responsibility for local issues but Westminster continued to govern defence, taxation and foreign affairs.

Edinburgh attracts tourists by the hordes every year, making it one of the most visited cities in the UK.

It has also bred its fair share of famous faces, from politicians and authors to intellectuals, engineers, and scientists. Former British Prime Minister Tony Blair was schooled in Edinburgh, as was his successor Gordon Brown. The first James Bond, Sir Sean Connery, is Edinburgh-born and bred.

The city has also inspired many an author, from Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, the creator of Sherlock Holmes, Robert Louis Stevenson, the great novelist behind Treasure Island and Kidnapped, to, more recently, J.K. Rowling, the creator of Harry Potter, who is said to have started her first book in an Edinburgh coffee shop.

When it comes to royalty, Prince William and Kate (now the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge) met at university in St Andrew’s, a stone’s throw away from Edinburgh, while one of the city’s most famous landmarks, the Palace of Holyrood, is the official Scottish residence of the Queen and Duke of Edinburgh.

On a more sinister side, Edinburgh has long been associated with spooks and criminals. Its Old Town is said to be one of the most haunted places in the world.

The Castle, one of the city’s key attractions, is rumoured to be haunted by ghosts, with visitors reporting sightings of headless drummers and phantom pipers. Whether you believe in this stuff or not, it gives you an insight into some of the city’s former residents and escapades with a bit of added spice.

Edinburgh just has that X factor, regardless of the weather

One such colourful character was the notorious Deacon Brodie (1741-1788) who was, by day, a respectable businessman who turned into a burglar by night and was later hanged. His house on the Royal Mile has been turned into a cafe – Deacon’s House Cafe – with a life-size statue of the man himself outside the door.

One of Edinburgh’s most lovable icons is the little skye terrier, Greyfriars Bobby, who was so attached to his deceased owner, policeman John Gray, that he sat on his grave at Greyfriars Kirkyard for 14 years, going down as one of the most loyal dogs in history and inspiring many a book and movie.

And if you’re a Dan Brown fan, part of his bestseller The Da Vinci Code was set at Rosslyn Chapel, not far from Edinburgh.

A mecca of culture and history, Edinburgh has something for even the greatest culture-sceptic. Each year it hosts the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, said to be one of the largest performing-arts festivals in the world, and the Edinburgh Military Tattoo, with massed pipers and fireworks.

The annual Hogmanay street party, held on New Year’s Eve, is beloved by locals and foreigners alike.

Even if the rain pours and the wind howls, Edinburgh just has that X factor, regardless of the weather.

As the author Robert Louis Stevenson once said about the city: “This profusion of eccentricities, this dream in masonry and living rock is not a drop scene in a theatre, but a city in the world of reality.”

Practical info

Where to stay:
Stay downtown so you can explore the city easily on foot. For a touch of luxury, splash out on the Balmoral Hotel (www.thebalmoralhotel.com); The George Hotel (www.georgehoteledinburgh.co.uk) and Roxburghe Hotel (www.macdonaldhotels.co.uk) are both charming hotels with great locations, effortlessly combining historic and modern charm. The Roxburghe is particularly good value for money.

Getting around:
You won’t need a car rental if you’re planning on staying within the greater city limits as the public transport is efficient. Buy a day bus ticket for £3.50 if you’re planning a few bus trips.

When to go:
Edinburgh can get busy especially around rugby season, during the Fringe Festival, Military Tattoo, Hogmanay and so on. Check the event calendar before booking.

Don’t miss…

Edinburgh Castle: Perched atop a volcanic rock for a spectacular view of the city and a great insight into local history.

Royal Mile: Running from the Castle down to Holyrood Palace, this is the main street in the Old Town with all the usual tourist paraphernalia and cafes.

Scotch Whisky Experience: On the Royal Mile, you can take a journey through the whisky-making process and sample a few at the end.

Arthur’s Seat: Popular for hill-walking, mythology claims this craggy peak hill-fort was perhaps the seat of Camelot, the legendary castle of King Arthur.

National Museum of Scotland: Explore the natural world, world cultures, art and design, science and technology and Scottish history all under one roof.

Grassmarket: This former horse and cattle market square in the Old Town is now full of lively restaurants, bars, pubs and hotels.

Scottish Parliament building: Designed by Catalan architect Enric Miralles, it was opened by Queen Elizabeth II in 2004.

Shopping: Work your way down Princes Street, stopping at legendary Jenners department store. Check the shops out on Rose Street before browsing the more exclusive brands on George Street.

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