Edinburgh really does have it all. Grand buildings sprinkled with history, a remarkable castle, mazy streets full of charming nooks and a warm welcome to boot. It’s also a place of pilgrimage for Harry Potter fans, given this is where JK Rowling wrote some of her famous books.
The royal rock
Proudly gazing down on the city below, Edinburgh Castle is perched on Castle Rock, a dormant volcano that’s hundreds of millions of years old. The castle is more recent, of course, but can still tell a story 1,000 years in the making. Take a tour and you’ll be diving deep into Scottish royal history, with dozens of battles and sieges to learn about.
The city’s famed Royal Mile runs from here to Holyrood Palace, where Mary Queen of Scots once dwelled. Marriage, murder and intrigue have made the Palace famous, and an audio tour brings the centuries of colourful history to life. Look back towards the castle at night – it’s illuminated once darkness falls.
The famous festival
Many visitors time their arrival for Edinburgh’s slew of festivals. The original International Festival still rolls on, although the Edinburgh Fringe, which also started in 1947, eclipses it in size as the largest arts festival in the world.
Book well in advance for the hot tickets in comedy, music and theatre, although part of the joy is taking a punt on something on the day. There are so many events during a given day – from the mainstream to the obscure – that you could be the only person in the audience. Tom Stoppard once premiered a play here to an audience of a mere seven people - a year later it was at the National Theatre.
That’s not the full story of a city that has festival fever. There are also brilliant annual events in the worlds of jazz, film, science, children, art and books. And if you can’t get a ticket, it doesn’t matter – the city is still awash with street entertainment and an unrivalled atmosphere.
Wizards and other wonders
JK Rowling may have started her first Harry Potter book elsewhere, but the series has indelible links with Edinburgh. Various cafes stake their claim on hosting the then unknown writer as she crafted the world of Hogwarts, but the Elephant House is perhaps the most famous. She ended the story here in Edinburgh too, finishing Deathly Hallows in room 552 of the Balmoral Hotel, and leaving a souvenir signature there.
The city is also home to a number of culinary wizards. For destination dining, head to Michelin-starred delights Restaurant Martin Wishart, The Kitchen or 21212. But don’t overlook the city’s many casual dining options, including some brilliant Indian restaurants, numerous hot new tickets and an abundance of child-friendly places to eat out.
A city of charm and good looks, with Edinburgh car hire you can really delve deep into Scotland’s magical capital.