The city is brimming with shops, pubs, restaurants and places of interest, and this summer the Scottish capital will turn into a hotbed for culture when the annual Edinburgh Fringe Festival takes place in August.

Getting there

The city is accessible by car, train or plane. Edinburgh airport is situated 12km outside the city centre and is easy to reach from the surrounding motorway network. From the airport there is an Airlink bus service from just £3.50, which will take you to the city centre in just 30 minutes. Easyjet operates regular flights from London Gatwick and prices start from as little as £23.99 including taxes. The city's two main train stations are Edinburgh Waverley and Edinburgh Haymarket, which operate services to many destinations. National Express trains link Edinburgh and London via the east coast main line, with a journey time of just under five hours from Edinburgh Waverley to London's King Cross station. ScotRail also operates an overnight service, the Caledonian Sleeper, between London Euston and Edinburgh seven nights a week.

Staying there

From luxurious five star hotels to rustic rural retreats, Edinburgh boasts some great accommodation whether you're visiting alone, with friends, family or someone special. If you're looking for something upmarket with a contemporary edge, the Missoni is a perfect choice, located close to the Royal Mile and a stone’s throw from Edinburgh Castle. Double rooms are priced at around £160 per night. If you're feeling extravagant then you could stay at the most prestigious address in Edinburgh, number one Princes Street, home of the world renowned Balmoral Edinburgh Hotel. Double rooms start at £135 per night. If you're in the mood to relax and be pampered, treat yourself at Europe's most advanced city spa, One Spa, at the Sheraton Grand Hotel and Spa.

Edinburgh by day

An open top bus tour is a great way of familiarising yourself with the city. Tours follow a circuit through the city's medieval Old Town and the 18th century Georgian New Town, so after the tour you will end up back where you started. No one should leave the city without visiting Scotland's famous landmark, Edinburgh Castle. Perched on an extinct volcano, the castle is not only a place of historic interest, it also offers some stunning panoramic views of the city. Within the confines of the castle there is much to see, including Scotland's Crown Jewels and the historical Royal apartments, where from a tiny room Mary Queen of Scots gave birth to the future King of England James I in 1603. After spending a morning wandering around the castle, you can then hit the shops along Princes Street or visit one of Edinburgh's world-ranking museums and galleries - the city is home to Scotland's national gallery and museum, with a number of exhibitions to choose from all year round. This summer the Edinburgh Fringe festival will take place from August 6-30th and will include a jam packed programme of comedy, dance, opera, theatre, events and exhibitions. To find out more visit edfringe.com

Edinburgh by night

With Gothic buildings and narrow, cobbled streets steeped in history, the city is perfect for an after dark spooky walk. Ghost tours are Edinburgh's speciality and there are a number of tour guides who organise walks on a daily basis, including Mercat Walking Tours and City of the Dead tours starting from £8. The tours will take you to the deepest, darkest corners of the Old Town and its haunted spots. Afterwards, calm your nerves with a pint of real ale or a dram of Scottish whisky at one of Edinburgh's many traditional pubs. Some of these can be found along the Royal Mile, where you can quench your thirst and soak up the atmosphere while listening to live music.