Edinburgh

Edinburgh is a city of dramatic contrasts, where a medieval Old Town of narrow closes and towering tenements sits alongside the elegant Georgian terraces of the New Town. Edinburgh Castle, perched on an ancient volcanic rock above the city, has dominated the skyline for over 900 years and remains Scotland's most visited attraction. The Royal Mile, stretching from the castle gates down to the Palace of Holyroodhouse, is packed with history at every step, from St Giles' Cathedral and the Real Mary King's Close to hidden courtyards and centuries-old pubs. Edinburgh's reputation as one of the world's most haunted cities draws visitors from around the globe. The underground vaults beneath South Bridge, sealed since the 18th century, are said to be among the most paranormally active sites in Britain. Ghost tours through the Old Town after dark bring the city's grisly history to life, from the body snatchers Burke and Hare to the plague victims of Mary King's Close. The city also has deep connections to literature, being the birthplace of Sherlock Holmes creator Arthur Conan Doyle and the city where J.K. Rowling wrote much of Harry Potter in local cafes. Scotland's whisky heritage is best experienced in Edinburgh, which serves as the gateway to the country's famous distilling regions. The Scotch Whisky Experience on the Royal Mile offers an excellent introduction, while specialist whisky bars like the Bow Bar and Cadenhead's let you sample rare single malts from every corner of Scotland. Beyond the city, day trips to the Scottish Highlands reveal some of the most breathtaking landscapes in Europe, from the haunting beauty of Glencoe to the shores of Loch Ness. August brings the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, the largest arts festival on Earth, transforming the entire city into a stage.