Edinburgh as the capital city of Scotland is world famous for its landmarks and culture. It is a city with far too much to see and do to be able to list all its attractions here. However, below is a just a small selection of some of the places you cannot afford to miss during your visit!

A visit to Edinburgh would not be complete without seeing its most famous of all attractions - Edinburgh Castle, situated on top of volcanic rock it can be seen from various points throughout the city, none better so than Princes Street. One of Edinburgh's most noisy (and consistent) features is the one o clock gun, situated on the northern side of the Castle and fired daily. Originally fired to allow boats on the Firth of Forth to set their clocks, it is a tradition that continues. The Castle is open daily during April through to September and guided tours are available.

The Edinburgh Festival is the world's biggest Arts festival and takes place throughout August, always ending with a huge fireworks display which is not to be missed. Festival time is Edinburgh's busiest ever period and the streets are filled with performers. It is a time when there is no shortage of things to see and do.
The 'original' festival began in 1947 as a celebration of the end of the Second World War and now attracts performers, artists and musicians from all around the world. To find out more you can visit the Festival website at www.eif.scot.net

The Edinburgh Military Tattoo takes place every year in August and is held on the Esplanade of Edinburgh Castle. It is remnant of an age-old tradition whereby soldiers were informed of the closure of the pubs by the loud beating of drums.
The Tattoo is the most popular event during the festival and is a spectacular display of the Pipes and Drums of the Scottish Regiments together with that of the Massed Military Band.

The Palace of Holyroodhouse is situated at the end of the Royal Mile and is the Queen's official residence in Scotland. Mary, Queen of Scots, also lived at the Palace of Holyroodhouse during the 1560's until the murder there of her secretary and close friend David Rizzio. Bonnie Prince Charlie also held court here. The Palace gardens are open during summer months and only part of the Palace is open to the public via guided tours.

Greyfriars Bobby was a Skye terrier who became famous in Edinburgh in the 1850s when his master, an Edinburgh policeman called John Grey, died and was buried in Greyfriars Kirkyard. For fourteen years after Grey's death, Bobby refused to stray far from his masters grave. When Bobby died he too was buried in Greyfriars Kirkyard and today his grave always displays fresh flowers.
You can see a statue of Bobby on Candlemaker's Row or visit the Greyfriars Bobby Inn, which was renamed in his memory.

John Knox's House is located in the High Street section of the Royal Mile and is well worth a visit for its hand painted ceilings alone. John Knox, the famous Protestant reformer and one time Minister of St Giles' Cathedral, lived here between 1561-72. The three-storey house is open daily and has a museum within which is dedicated to Knox's life and work.

Also located on the High Street is the Museum of Childhood which has 5 separate galleries dedicated to the history of childhood. Comprising a vast collection of toys, games, dolls and comics - contemporary and antique - from around the world, the museum attracts over 250,000 visitors per annum.

The Royal Yacht Britannia is located at the Ocean Terminal within the historic port of Leith and is easy walking distance from the city centre. A visit and on-board tour of the yacht can be combined with a shopping trip to the new Ocean Terminal shopping mall, the views from which are quite spectacular.

Dynamic Earth is another one of Edinburgh's most popular attractions. It is a journey through time to learn about our earth using dramatic visual effects. Less than two years since opening to the public, it has already seen its one-millionth visitor. Visit www.dynamicearth.co.uk for more information.

Situated close to the castle is the Scotch Whisky Heritage Centre for those who fancy a real taste of Scotland! A tour of whisky-making is available daily in 8 languages. The centre's site can be found at www.whisky-heritage.co.uk

Arthur's Seat, (which is made up of volcanic rock) and Salisbury Crag's are situated within Holyrood Park which is Edinburgh's largest (650 acres) and natural park. At the summit of Arthurs Seat the magnificent views look out from Edinburgh in all directions - north to Fife, south to Mid-Lothian and the Borders, east to North Berwick and the North Sea and west along the Firth of Forth to the Bridges.