Edinburgh is the city that has it all?

As the political, cultural and historical capital of Scotland, Edinburgh is a city that has something for everyone. From the ancient, meandering streets off the Old Town and the Royal Mile, flanked at each end by an ancient castle and a royal place, to the Greek-inspired architecture of the New Town, the city is very much a mix of old and, well, not so old.

Edinburgh's famous skyline is probably best viewed from Arthur's Seat, a hill in the centre of the city formed by moving glaciers some two million years ago. The view from the top is breathtaking and is well worth the moderately-difficult 30 minute amble to the top.

The most striking aspect of Edinburgh's cityscape is the lack of any modern skyscrapers. An abundance of church spires, tenements and a cacophony of weird and wonderful architectural shapes fill the skyline, making it a sight to behold both day and night.

However, for those who need more than the promise of good views from a city break, then the Scottish capital delivers on almost every front.

For food lovers, Edinburgh has four Michelin-star restaurants, three of which - The Kitchin, Plumed Horse and Martin Wishart - are all within a five minute walk of each other in the Leith area of the city. Of course, not everyone will have stacks of cash to spend on their nights out, and there are countless affordable quality restaurants and top Edinburgh hotels to be found across the city, covering every cuisine imaginable.

Theatre, too, features highly in Edinburgh's repertoire of 'things to do'. The Playhouse, Royal Lyceum, Traverse, Festival and Kings Theatre all regularly host some of the world's greatest acts, covering comedy, musicals, opera, ballet and dramas.

Whilst the nightlife in Scotland's capital city is a major selling point, its strategic position on the shores of the Firth of Forth ensures there is a an easy escape to a more sedate, relaxed way of life too. A short bus or train journey is all that stands between the hustle and bustle of city life and the tranquillity of South Queensferry, a small coastal village situated directly beneath the famous Forth Railway Bridge.

From here, visitors can amble along by the water (weather permitting!) and breathe in the fresh sea air. Ferries also leave from here, with the Maid of the Forth offering cruises, including live jazz and dinner, while day trips often include pit stops at one or more of the small islands nearby, each home to a variety of unique wildlife such as puffins and seals.

As a major UK city with a population approaching half a million people, there is plethora of things to see and do in Edinburgh. From the panoramic views of Arthur's Seat, to the shores of the Firth of Forth, there is something for everyone in what is one of Europe's most stunning cities.

About the Author

Daniel Collins writes on a number of topics on behalf of a digital marketing agency and a variety of clients. As such, this article is to be considered a professional piece with business interests in mind.

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