Scotland’s capital is a medieval city with cobblestone streets mixed with modern style. The city center is divided into the Old Town and New Town. The Old Town, which includes the Royal Mile and Edinburgh Castle, has a distinct medieval feel with big stone structures and small streets. The New Town is done up in Georgian style, which is a mix of grandeur and symmetry. A Georgian style block might be made up of townhouses with identical windows, terraces, and doors all the way down the street.

Edinburgh is known for the many festivals it hosts throughout the year and it is worth planning a visit around the one that interests you. The Edinburgh Military Tattoo is a showcase of Scottish culture and history as kilted bagpipers show off each year. The Edinburgh International Festival, a large arts and culture festival, has gained such popularity it has spawned several other festivals that take place around the same time or at the same time each year including the Fringe Festival.

The central attraction of Edinburgh is the historic district surrounding Edinburgh Castle and the Royal Mile. The castle perches atop an extinct volcano overlooking the city and Firth of Forth. Take a tour of the castle to see the Scottish crown jewels and the royal chambers of past monarchs. As you walk the walls of the former fortress, you can gaze out across the city and imagine it is your kingdom, and a beautiful one at that.

The Royal Mile, which terminates at the castle, cuts through Edinburgh’s medieval Old Town. While you’ll find souvenir shops, chain bookstores, and Starbucks along the Royal Mile, it retains a Middle Age feel in the architecture.

All avid Harry Potter fans know that Edinburgh is the home of author J. K. Rowling. The older ones will enjoy hunting out The Elephant House café where Rowling worked on writing her famous series. Rowling finished the book in a much more private place than the Elephant House (once the books became famous it was no longer practical for her to write in public). She finished the final book at the Balmoral Hotel and signed a bust in her suite to commemorate the day she finished it.

Just a short walk from the Royal Mile, the Scottish Storytelling Center is a fun place for kids to learn about the history and culture of Scotland through storytelling. Also just off the Royal Mile, you’ll find the Museum of Childhood, which is filled with games and toys from all over the world that your kids can play with while learning about childhood in other cultures.

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