Edinburgh

The best way to discover Edinburgh, one of Europe's most beautiful and historically captivating cities, is on foot. The Old Town tumbles higgledy piggledy down a ridge to the east of the castle and is perhaps the most atmospheric place in the country for a wander, an architectural wonderland, with imposing edifices and vistas of hills, seas, and skies at every turn. The centerpiece is, of course, Edinburgh Castle, an astonishing creation blending perfectly into the volcanic crag it sits imperiously upon. Its battlements afford stunning views over the city and beyond. For a chance to wander medieval streets unchanged for the last 250 years, ...

The best way to discover Edinburgh, one of Europe's most beautiful and historically captivating cities, is on foot. The Old Town tumbles higgledy piggledy down a ridge to the east of the castle and is perhaps the most atmospheric place in the country for a wander, an architectural wonderland, with imposing edifices and vistas of hills, seas, and skies at every turn. The centerpiece is, of course, Edinburgh Castle, an astonishing creation blending perfectly into the volcanic crag it sits imperiously upon. Its battlements afford stunning views over the city and beyond. For a chance to wander medieval streets unchanged for the last 250 years, take a trip down Mary King's Close - a previously buried section of the Old Town excavated, unearthed, and open to the public. On the other side of Princes Street Gardens is the New Town and in complete contrast is made up of orderly, elegant Georgian terraces with cobblestone streets running in between. The New Town is cleverly designed giving a sense of space and wonderful views of the Firth of Forth and surrounding countryside.

About the Expert

Alan Murphy is coauthor of Lonely Planet's Britain, Scotland, India and North India. He has been writing and updating travel guidebooks for the past eight years.