Attractions in Edinburgh

So what brought you to Edinburgh in the first place? Probably one of the city's big festivals, unique history tours or magnificent attractions. These are spots and events that spots no visitor to Edinburgh should miss. Plus, they make for some great photo ops.

Edinburgh's Royal Mile is the famous road leading upwards to Edinburgh Castle. Cobbled in places and pedestrian friendly the Royal Mile is home to the beautiful and historic buildings which run the length of the street. It is the definitive route to see Old Edinburgh Town. Many of the city's best restaurants and shops line the incline offering traditional Scottish food and memorabilia. Take a moment to wander down one of the narrow and sometimes secret Royal Mile closes, many providing the theatrical atmosphere for grizzly ghost tours.

The Forth Rail Bridge spans 1.5 miles over the Firth of Forth and weighs over 11,500 tons. It makes a stunning backdrop, particularly during sunset and sunrise, for photos.

The Edinburgh Festival Fringe is the world's largest and most popular art festival. It runs in mid-August and features more than 2,000 shows each year. Venues throughout the Old Town and New Town feature hilarious stand-up comedians, absurd puppet theatre, innovative dance and acrobatic creations and outlandish musical theater productions. Meanwhile, The Bank of Scotland Fireworks Concert is the grand finale to the Edinburgh International Festival. Join the Scottish Chamber Orchestra for a rousing night of some famous film music. The technical and artistic wizards of Pyrovision once again choreograph a stunning display to match the orchestra's exuberant music-making.

The Real Mary King's Close is an incredible tour of the long-forgotten underground streets of Edinburgh dating from the 16th and 17th centuries, which were paved over as the city grew. Guides dressed in period costumes walk you through these long-forgotten closes, buildings and streets while describing what life may have been like for the residents, particularly during the plague.

The City of the Dead tour is a walking tour that explores the gruesome past of Edinburgh's Old Town. The tour's most frightening stop is at Greyfriars Kirkyard, the site of the notorious and violent Mackenzie Poltergeist.

Princes Street Gardens, right in the centre of Edinburgh, is the location of the Hogmanay Winter Wonderland open-air ice rink. It is part of the festivities and attractions of Edinburgh's annual Christmas and Hogmanay fair starting in mid November until after the New Year. Go for a twirl around the rink or watch a Christmas show, where Santa makes an appearance each year. Around the rink, there are other attractions as well including amusement park rides, a bungy snowdome, the German market and other souvenir stalls. Sip on hot chocolate or shop for mittens and gloves before you put on your skating boots.

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