Edinburgh is visually Scotland's most impressive city.
The city itself is fairly evenly split into the Old Town and New Town: the centuries old Town with its winding streets and steep staircases is heaven for fans for boutique shopping.
And being steeped in history it's the best side of the town for exploring- dungeon tours and world famous Castle can all be found here.
Edinburgh's status as the place Scotland does business has increased when it became home to the Scottish Parliament.
No matter what time of year, it's a place well worth looking around. Take time to have a look along Rose Street (running parallel at the back of Princes Street) and wander along the Royal Mile, avoiding the tackiest of tartan shops of which there are, inevitably, a few.
Edinburgh is busy, bustling and always filled with tourists so if the streets are too packed take one of the city bus tours which actually goes outwith the city centre and you'll see just how big the city really is - from 'posh' Morningside to seaside towns like Portobello.
The city also prides itself on being an all year round tourist attraction - and has worked hard to promote their now legendary New Year celebrations as well as the cultural event of the year - The Edinburgh International Festival, and Fringe, held every August.
There's a well known rivalrly between city smart Edinburgh and the brasher, more easy going Glasgow. But even most Glaswegians (who consider themselves more friendly than Edinburghers) would admit it's a city worthy of spending time in.
