Edinburgh, the capital of Scotland, is one of Europe's most handsome cities. The beauty of its setting and its predominantly stone buildings, allied with its intellectual traditions, have justly earned it the title of "Athens of the North". The city lies on rising ground, from the sea on the north side to hills on the south. The Old Town was developed from the 11th century, originally within defensive walls, around the rock on whose peak is situated the famed Edinburgh Castle. From the late 18th century, the City expanded to the north through a planned series of fine neo-classical streets and squares, which make up the New Town. Further expansion followed in the 19th & 20th centuries, and Edinburgh retains a rich architectural heritage within what is still a compact city of some 500,000 people. 

It is also a city of fine gardens, and open spaces including Holyrood Park - with the twin peaks of Arthur's Seat and Salisbury Crags - one of the largest city centre natural parks in Europe, and Princes Street Gardens, between the Old and New Towns. Its magnificent architecture shifts from the lofty buildings of its medieval Old Town, as they tumble down the spine of the Royal Mile, to the grace of the Georgian New Town. Above it all, in its towering splendour, stands the Castle.  Every step is a revelation - an alleyway which reveals an ancient courtyard, or a wynd which opens up a new panorama. And yet within this sweeping elegance is a compact city, a bustling city, above all a city which rewards every visitor.

Edinburgh's coast and countryside offer a beautiful backdrop to the towering grace of the capital. 
This is a historic setting, with castles, great houses and miles of glorious coastline. It's also the ancient home of the game of golf. You can find some of the great links and parkland courses of the world here. But trails and parkland open up the countryside for everyone - from picnickers on the fine golden beaches, to walkers high in the Pentland Hills. 

Edinburgh's festival spirit soars far beyond the famous International and Fringe Festivals held here every Summer. Edinburgh's Hogmanay draws people from all over the world, and there are festivals of science, of puppetry and for children. Towns of the Lothians have traditional summer celebrations, and there's even a Festival of Flight at East Fortune. 

A local event here can be anything from a fireworks concert to a village gala. Catching an event or two should be part of everyone's visit to Edinburgh and the Lothians and to help you do just that we've added a huge events search to this page.