Edinburgh is the most beautiful city in Scotland and one of the most beautiful in Europe. The town is dominated by Edinburgh Castle built on a rock of volcanic origin. The castle is held annually the famous Military Tattoo.

After the unification of the parliament of Scotland with England, Edinburgh lost its political importance but remained an important economic and cultural center. The capital is also a modern, dynamic city of art and culture with many museums, galleries, universities and festivals. The city is world famous for the Edinburgh Festival that takes place over three weeks in August. This is one of the largest art exhibitions, music, theater, dance and street theater in the world. The city also has one of the most prestigious universities in Europe and the world, Edinburgh University, a pioneer in computer science.

WHY GO?

An elegant city full of attractions.

August, when four festivals are happening in the city - the largest in the world, the Fringe.

The old town and beautiful countryside on the doorstep.

ORIENTATION

Scotland's capital (and second largest city) is located in an estuary called the Firth of Forth. At its center is Princes Street, the traditional dividing line between Old Town and New Town in the south to the north. With the exception of Dundas Street, New Town is mainly residential. In the Old Town are the most historic buildings, and while these are in general well preserved, the surrounding streets have a look worn and decayed. Finding your way is easy because the castle is almost always visible and is a great reference point.

There are a number of "villages" with its own character within the city: the South, Stockbridge is an enclave of trendy boutiques while the old port of Leith, although renewal has its own charm. The nightlife revolves around Broughton Street and George Street. Grassmarket in the Old Town and the castle soon ABIX is also an area of ​​bars and restaurants although a little more turn to the tourist clientele.

WHEN TO GO

Due to the location nearby in relation to the North Pole, Edinburgh is a cold city. In winter, the temperature is 6 ° C and can often achieve the 0 ° C, especially in January and February, the coldest months of the year. In summer the temperature is warm during the day and cold at night, rarely exceeds 20 ° C, but does not fall below 10 ° C. The city's average annual temperature is 8.3 ° C.

There is a dry and a rainy season. It rains about the same amount every month. The difference in the amount of inches of rain in the driest month (April, 41 mm) compared to the wettest month (September, 66 mm) is small. In total it rains about 669 mm and 55.75 mm per month.

HOW TO GET THERE

Edinburgh airport lies about 6 kms west of downtown. A taxi costs about 27 € and takes about 25 minutes, or you can take the Airlink 100, with departures every ten minutes to Waverley Bridge and takes about 25 minutes (5 € single, 8 € i / v). If you make a stop in London you can catch a flight low - cost to Edinburgh. The flight lasts about an hour. Or is the train that takes about 4 hours from London, or Virgo GNER train-station King's Cross in London to Waverley Station in Edinburgh.

GETTING AROUND

Edinburgh is a compact city, accessible and easy to visit on foot. There is also a lot of buses and taxis. For 3 pounds can buy a ticket that allows the company to use Lothian buses throughout the day. If you rented a car, go to the center during the day can be tricky because it will be tricky.

TOURIST INFORMATION

The main tourist office is in Waverley Market

3 Princes Street

open daily 9am to 18h to 20h in summer and on Sundays from 10am

 

www.edinburgh.org

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