Elegant EDINBURGH

Discover Scotland’s capital – one of the UK’s most beautiful and historic cities

- CLARE WALTERS

Edinburgh is rightly famous for its inspiring festivals – theatre, literature, jazz, science and more – but the city has masses to offer at other times, too, and the best way to explore it is on a bus tour or on walks along its elegant, though often steep, streets.

Where to walk

A good place to start a stroll is Princes Street, the first of the three parallel roads that form the heart of the New Town. Built on an elegant Georgian plan, the New Town is packed with classical buildings, big squares and sweeping vistas that offer intriguing glimpses of statues, monuments, water and far-distant hills.

The Old Town has quite a different, almost medieval feel. Here, you’ll find narrow streets, closes and wynds, as well as the Royal Mile, which connects the historic castle to the Palace of Holyroodhouse.

The Royal Mile offers heaps of sights, including Edinburgh’s oldest visitor attraction, the Camera Obscura.

The West End is another fun area, with many independent shops on William and Stafford streets, as well as buzzing pubs and bars.