Edinburgh
Edinburgh is the capital of Scotland, known for its dramatic medieval Old Town, its annual arts festival, and its status as one of the United Kingdom's most visited cities.
Built across a dramatic volcanic landscape, Edinburgh's skyline is dominated by a castle perched atop an extinct volcano, giving the city one of the most distinctive silhouettes of any capital in Europe.
Edinburgh Castle
Perched atop Castle Rock, an extinct volcanic plug, Edinburgh Castle has served a defensive role for the city for centuries and remains one of Scotland's most visited historic sites.
Old Town and New Town
Edinburgh's Old Town and New Town together form a UNESCO World Heritage Site, contrasting the city's medieval winding streets with its later Georgian-era planned urban expansion.
The Edinburgh Festival
Edinburgh hosts the Edinburgh Festival Fringe each August, the largest arts festival in the world, drawing performers and audiences from across the globe for several weeks of concentrated cultural activity.
A Literary Capital
Edinburgh was named the world's first UNESCO City of Literature, reflecting its deep literary heritage, from Sir Walter Scott to more recent authors closely associated with the city.
