Presenting a rather Gothic cityscape as it spreads out below its ancient Castle, reaching out to the port of Leith, Edinburgh is far from dour. The canny Scots have crafted a capital that is crammed with culture, filled with fun and festivity, veneered with sophistication but reeking of history and mystery.

It's a heady combination that never fails to charm visitors to this city, built on a set of extinct volcanoes on the Firth of Forth, an inlet from the North Sea, just north of the border between Scotland and England.

The first thing that catches the eye is the looming battlements of the castle, sitting atop sheer granite cliffs that can only be accessed from one steep ridge. Today the castle heads up the Royal Mile and a linear set of streets making up the 'New Town', created when Edinburgh was re-designed in the 1700s, after the Act of Union with Britain. Tourists eagerly wander up and down the main street, Princes Street, all year round, browsing in the top quality stores and photographing the vista of the castle and the old town. When it comes to sightseeing, Edinburgh's attractions are largely based on historic stories and legends, from the churchyard where Greyfriar's Bobby, the terrier, refused to leave his master's grave, to the grand royal apartments of Holyrood House, where Mary Queen of Scots watched her husband kill her lover back in the 16th century.

Edinburgh oozes atmosphere, but never more so than during the summer months, when the vibrant Edinburgh Festival fills the city with drama, creativity and colourful visitors from around the world. Another occasion when Edinburgh pulls out all its stops is during the traditional Hogmanay New Year festival, when the jolly festivities are warmed by a great imbibing of Scottish malt whisky and ales pulled in the many local pubs.

Edinburgh is perhaps best summed up by one of its famous sons, the novelist Robert Louis Stevenson, who described it as 'a profusion of eccentricities; a dream in masonry and living rock'.

Edinburgh Castle

Address: Castlehill Edinburgh

Admission: £9.79 (adults), £4.89 (children 5-15 years). Other concessions available Daily (except 25-26 December) from 9.30am to 6pm, with early closing at 5pm in winter (1 October to 31 March). Last entry 45 minutes before closing time. Opening times for independent museum in the castle complex may vary

Telephone: (0)131 225 9846

The imposing castle that stands on the craggy mound of an extinct volcano in the heart of Edinburgh is the city's top attraction, a proud symbol of the Scots nation. The castle rock has been inhabited since 800 BC, but today most of the remaining structures date from around the 16th century (except for St Margaret's chapel, Edinburgh's oldest building, dating from the early 12th century). Of all the things to see and experience at the castle (including the spectacular view of the city) the favourite for visitors is the Crown Room, which contains the Scottish crown jewels and regalia of state. Also on view here is the legendary 'Stone of Scone' upon which all the monarchs of Scotland have been crowned. The castle also still functions as a military headquarters, and is the site of the annual, world-renowned and most spectacular military tattoo, held in August. At 1pm each day, except Sunday, the one o'clock gun is fired, traditionally to allow ships in the Firth of Forth to check their chronometers. The gun is also fired at New Year to mark midnight during the Hogmanay celebrations. Tickets should be pre-bought online to avoid queuing on arrival.

Palace of Holyrood House

Address: Canongate, Royal Mile Edinburgh

Admission: £10 (adults), £6 (children 5-16) Daily 9.30am to 6pm (except 25- 26 December and during Royal visits). Daily 9.30am to 4.30pm in winter (1 November to 29 February)

Telephone: (0)131 556 5100

The Palace of Holyrood was originally an abbey, built in the 12th century, and later the home of Mary, Queen of Scots, notorious for her turbulent reign and dramatic life. Today the Palace is the official Scottish residence of Queen Elizabeth II, and is used by the Royal family for state ceremonies and entertaining, but much of the imposing baroque building is open to visitors. An audio guide steers visitors around the grand royal apartments, which reflect the changing tastes of a line of monarchs, as well as the Throne Room, and the Great Gallery, culminating in the apartments of Mary Queen of Scots and her husband Lord Darnley, their bed-chambers linked by a secret staircase. A plaque on the floor marks the spot where Mary's Italian secretary David Rizzio was murdered in 1566. The rooms feature splendid plasterwork ceilings and magnificent furnishings and tapestries.

Royal Botanic Garden

Address: 20a Inverleith Row Edinburgh

Admission: General admission is free. Glasshouses: £3.50 (adults), £1 (children) Daily 10am to 4pm (November to February), 10am to 6pm (March and October), 10am to 7pm (April to September). Closed 25 December and 1 January

Telephone: (0)131 552 7171

Not just any garden, the Edinburgh Botanic Garden is acknowledged as one of the finest in the world, featuring six percent of all the world's known plants, the most tender being cosseted in glasshouses. Visitors can admire vegetation from 10 climate zones from tropical palms to arctic tundra, and see some of the world's oldest plants in the orchid and cycad house. The garden was established in 1670 as a physic garden in Holyrood, was later moved to Leith and was firmly planted in Inverleith in 1820, where it has remained a top attraction ever since.

National Gallery of Scotland

Address: The Mound, Princes Street Edinburgh

Admission: Free Daily 10am to 5pm (until 7pm on Thursdays)

Telephone: (0)131 624 6200 or 332 2266 (recorded information)

The National Gallery of Scotland is situated in the heart of Edinburgh and is home to Scotland's greatest collection of European paintings and sculpture from the Renaissance to Post-Impressionism. The museum opened to the public in 1859 and includes works by Botticelli, Cézanne, Van Dyck, Pisarro, Monet, Raphael, Rembrandt, and Titian. The Gallery also boasts the most comprehensive collection of Scottish painting in the world. The Scottish Portrait Gallery can be found nearby at 1 Queen Street and includes great paintings of Scots rather than by Scots.

St Andrews

Address: Edinburgh

Admission: Museum: £5.50 (adults), £2.90 (children 15 and under) Museum: daily 9.30am to 5.30pm (March to October); daily 10am to 4pm (November to March)

Telephone: (0)1334 460 046

The historic town of St Andrews is home to the most famous golf club in the world, The Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews. Often referred to as 'the home of golf', St Andrews and the British Golf Museum are musts for any enthusiasts of the sport. With 500 years of golfing history, and the home of the British Open, the museum will take visitors on an exciting journey through the sport's heritage and an introduction to the world's golfing legends.

Museum of Edinburgh

Address: 142 Canongate, Royal Mile Edinburgh

Admission: Free Monday to Saturday 10am to 5pm; Sundays during August 12pm to 5pm

Telephone: (0)131 529 4143

Get to grips with the mystery and magic of the ancient city of Edinburgh at the museum dedicated to its history, from prehistoric times to the present day. The museum contains important collections all relevant to the city's history, from pottery to documents, shop signs to silverware. The building in which the museum is housed is also of interest, dating from the 16th century with a chequered history of ownership and tenancy by a variety of people from aristocrats to common workers.

Scotch Whisky Experience

Address: 354 Castlehill, Royal Mile Edinburgh

Admission: £7.50 (adults), £3.00 (children 5-17). Other concessions available Daily 9.30am to 6.30pm (June, July, August), 10am to 6pm (September to May). Last tours depart an hour before closing time. Closed 25 December

Telephone: (0)131 220 0441

Alongside Edinburgh Castle visitors can enjoy a 'wee dram' and uncover the secrets of brewing Scotland's famed malt, grain and blended whiskies, known to the locals as 'the water of life'. The whisky tour includes a barrel ride through the history of whisky, a tutored tasting, and a chance to meet a resident ghost. The bar offers the chance to choose from 270 different whiskies, and a restaurant serves up traditional Scots cuisine. The interactive tour promises fun for all the family, although of course only adults are permitted to sample the wares.

Royal Yacht Brittania

Address: Ocean Terminal, Leith Edinburgh

Admission: £9.75 (adults), £5.75 (children 5-17). Other concessions available Daily from 10am to 4.30pm (April to October), 9.30am to 4.30pm (July and August) and 10am to 3.30pm in the remaining winter months. Closed Christmas day and New Years day

Telephone: (0)131 555 5566 (for pre-booking)

Pride of the Ocean Terminal in the port of Leith, Edinburgh's recently developed waterfront shopping and leisure area, is moored the famed Royal yacht, Britannia. Numerous illustrious passengers, including Sir Winston Churchill and Nelson Mandela, have trod her decks, not to mention the British Royal family themselves. Now visitors can board this vessel on a self-guided audio tour, cruising through the fabulous state apartments to the crew's quarters, and even the gleaming, polished engine room. Most of the accoutrements on board are original, and there are some surprises too: like the Queen's bedroom and one of her shiny Rolls Royces. At the Visitor Centre learn about celebrity life on this luxury ship, and browse in the souvenir shop.

Rosslyn Chapel

Address: Rosilin, Midlothian Edinburgh

Admission: £7.50 (adults), children less than 17 years are free Monday to Saturday 9.30am to 6pm (1 April to 30 September), 9.30am to 5pm (1 October to 31 March); Sundays all year round from 12pm to 4.45pm

Telephone: (0)131 440 2159

Made famous by the conclusion of the exciting novel, later turned movie, 'The Da Vinci Code' by Dan Brown, this 15th-century Gothic church has become a touristic place of pilgrimage, just six miles (10km) south of Edinburgh's city centre. Known among the clergy as the 'Collegiate Chapel of St Matthew', the church was founded in 1446 and features the famous apprentice pillar, and remains a working church with regular services on Sundays.

Edinburgh Festival Theatre

Address: Nicolson Street Edinburgh

The Edinburgh Festival Theatre is used primarily for musical events and touring groups and it is one of the main venues for the annual summer Edinburgh International Festival, as well as being the year-round venue for the Scottish Opera and the Scottish Ballet. This historic location is Edinburgh's oldest continuous theatre site; there has been a theatre there as far back as 1830. For nearly thirty years after 1963 the theatre became a bingo hall, but was still occasionally serving as a festival venue. It re-opened in June 1994 with a glass-fronted structure as the new entrance and a dramatic mix of art nouveau, beaux-arts and neo-classicism and now has adequate acoustics, serving all the artistic requirements of the community.

Royal Mile

Address: Edinburgh Old Town Edinburgh

A 'must see' in Edinburgh is the Royal Mile, a succession of streets forming the main thoroughfare of Edinburgh's Old Town. Fittingly, the Royal Mile is approximately one Scottish mile long, running between two historic attractions; Edinburgh Castle at the top of the Castle Rock and Holyrood Abbey. This is Edinburgh Old Town's busiest tourist strip, rivalled only by Princes Street in the New Town. The streets that make up the Royal Mile include Castle Esplanade, Castlehill, Lawnmarket, High Street, Canongate and Abbey Strand. The Hub, at the top end of the mile, plays host to the Edinburgh International Festival, and holds integral information on all the Edinburgh festivals. Its gothic spire, which is the highest point in central Edinburgh, towers over the adjacent castle and surrounding buildings.

Edinburgh Dungeon

Address: 31 Market Street Edinburgh

Admission: £13.95 (adults); £9.95 (children) Open daily. Closed Christmas Day

Telephone: 0131 240 1000

Like the London and York Dungeons, the Edinburgh Dungeon gives a graphic yet spine-chilling look into Edinburgh's history. The dungeon relies on every trick to scare the life out of its visitors, and it does a pretty good job. But behind the scary masks and gruesome make up, it offers an educational and interesting look at history - a fun way for children of all ages to learn.

Edinburgh Zoo

Address: 134 Corstorphine Road, Edinburgh Edinburgh

Admission: £14 (adults); £9.50 (children) Open daily. April – September: 9 am – 6pm; October – March: 9am – 5pm; November to February: 9am – 4.30pm

Telephone: 0131 3349171

Featuring a wonderful variety of cute and exotic animals, children will be absolutely thrilled with a visit to the Edinburgh Zoo. It also offers younger visitors a Kids Zone where they can do puzzles, meet new additions to the zoo, find out about wildlife in their own back garden and more.

Deep Sea World Aquarium

Address: Battery Quarry, North Queensferry, Fife Edinburgh

Admission: £11.75 (adults); £8 (children) Open Monday to Friday from 10am – 5pm and Saturday and Sunday from 10am – 6pm

Telephone: 01383 411 880

Located just 20 minutes from Edinburgh, Scotland's national aquarium, Deep Sea World is the perfect place for a fun-filled family outing on a rainy day. Children can view marine life such as sharks, eels and rays and even get to watch a shark-feeding session. There is even a series of shallow touch pools for younger tots to touch and handle some of the sea life, such as starfish.

The Museum of Childhood

Address: 42 High Street, Royal Mile, Edinburgh Edinburgh

Admission: Free Open Monday – Saturday from 10am - 5pm; Sundays during July and August from 12pm - 5pm. Closed Sundays in September and June

Telephone: 0131 529 4142

When travelling in Edinburgh with children, a trip to the Museum of Childhood is an absolute must and a favourite with adults and children alike. It contains wonderful displays featuring toys from the past and present and toys from all parts of the world.

Our Dynamic Earth

Address: Holyrood Rd, Edinburgh Edinburgh

Admission: £9.50 (adults); £5.95 (children) Open daily from 10am – 6pm

Telephone: 0131 550 7800

This science centre is a fabulous attraction for children of all ages and even adults alike and aims to educate and inspire visitors to think about our planet and its evolution. Featuring a number of changing exhibitions, there's always guaranteed to be something new to discover upon each visit to Our Dynamic Earth. Take a spin in the G-Force space ball, and explore the many wonders of the world in which we live.

Edinburgh Festival

Where: The Hub, Castle Hill,Edinburgh

When: 13 August to 5 September 2010

Widely hailed to be one of the most important celebrations of the arts in the world, the Edinburgh International Festival is now more than 50 years old, and is held every year during the summer months. Artists, performers, musicians, writers and anyone else wishing to partake flood the city from all over the world, and it is well advised to book accommodation beforehand. Almost every public venue in the city turns into a theatre or gallery during the summer, and visitors often find it difficult to choose what to see and do. A short stroll down the Royal Mile will reveal a crowd of performers giving free previews of their shows to help visitors make up their minds. The Military Tattoo takes place as part of the festival every year at the Edinburgh Castle and is so popular that it is sold out to over 217,000 people in advance and is synonymous with the festival.

Hogmanay

Where: The Hub, Castle Hill,Edinburgh

When: New Year's Eve

Hogmanay is Edinburgh's famous New Year's celebration, when the entire city becomes one huge party. In fact, it is so popular that entry to the city is open only to those with advance tickets. Over the years the organisation of Hogmanay has become increasingly professional, and a slick festival-style event, attracting major international musicians and bands who perform in the castle or the city's botanical gardens. Visitors are well advised to book tickets and accommodation beforehand, due to the sheer size of this event.

Edinburgh Fringe Festival

Where: Various,Edinburgh

When: 6 - 30 August 2010

Part of the greater Edinburgh International Festival, the Fringe Festival is one of the world's largest and most famous art festivals, which had its beginning when unofficial theatre groups set up their shows around the fringes of the main festival in 1947. Unlike the official festival, performers do not need to undergo a selection process to take part, and as a result it attracts a huge diversity of entertainers with hundreds of shows expressing a wide range of cultural and artistic performances.

Edinburgh International Science Festival

Where: Various,Edinburgh

When: 3 - 17 April 2010

Every Easter the city becomes a gigantic laboratory of discovery, exploration and entertainment, as non-stop shows, demonstrations, hands-on activities, workshops and exhibitions are presented to educate and astonish all ages. The Edinburgh International Science Festival is designed to encourage discovery about the sciences and amazing technological events, such as outer space, our planet, the inner body and modern gadgets. Kids can become who or what they want to be, climb inside an enormous, snotty nostril and try to break world records, while adults can explore the chances of survival of the human race in the 21st century.

Edinburgh Mela

Where: Pilrig Park,Edinburgh

When: August 2010 TBA

The Mela (meaning 'get-together' or 'celebration' in Sanskrit) is Scotland's biggest intercultural festival and was founded by Edinburgh's Pakistani, Indian and Bangladeshi communities to celebrate the city's cultural diversity, with the emphasis on South Asia. It presents a dazzling display of music, dance, art and crafts, fashion, food, sports and activities for the whole family.

Edinburgh International Book Festival

Where: Charlotte Square Gardens,Edinburgh

When: 14 - 30 August 2010

Every year the gardens are transformed into an enchanting tented village that is home to the biggest and most animated literary event in the world. The International Book Festival has a varied programme for adults and children, including debates and discussions, writing workshops, book signing and story telling, and gives book lovers the chance to meet their favourite authors, discover new writers and buy books.

Scottish International Storytelling Festival

Where: ,Edinburgh

When: October to November 2010 TBA

A celebration of live oral storytelling where Scottish and international storytellers share an exciting array of folk and fairy tales from around the world. Events for adults and children take place at top visitor attractions in and around Edinburgh, including Edinburgh Castle, Trinity House and the Scottish Storytelling Centre.

T in the Park

Where: Balado,Edinburgh

When: 8 - 11 July 2010

Scotland's biggest music festival, T in The Park, attracts party animals from across the United Kingdom every year for three days of unrivalled musical madness. Always serving up only the finest musical acts and sought after bands, the festival guarantees world class entertainment around the clock. Boasting that the festival becomes Scotland's sixth biggest city over the weekend, the event organisers promise that this years headliners, will be just as good as the last.

Abstract

Address: 33-35 Castle Terrace Edinburgh

Food Type: French

The city is still abuzz with the opening of Abstract which serves modern French meals with all the class and tradition one expects from a top rated restaurant. Try to book the chef's table to experience part of the cooking process and to try some wonderful treats off the tasting menu. Others prefer to enjoy the well decorated dining room and stay with enticing French influenced entrees such as roast Guinea fowl terrine. Reservations are advisable.

Britannia Spice

Address: 150 Commercial Street, Ocean Drive Edinburgh

Food Type: Indian

Some of Edinburgh's top restaurants are to be found not in the city, but by the sea. In the historic port of Leith just a short bus ride from the city centre you will find Britannia Spice, three time winner of the British Curry Awards and the 'Best Restaurant in Scotland' accolade for the BIBA restaurant awards. Of the waterfront restaurants pride of place goes to this stylish hotspot, serving up traditional cuisine from India, Bangladesh, Thailand and Nepal in its large, immaculate, nautical-themed dining salon. Open Mondays to Saturdays for lunch and dinner and Sundays for dinner.

Witchery by the Castle

Address: Castlehill, Royal Mile Edinburgh

Food Type: Local

Undoubtedly Edinburgh's most renowned restaurant, Witchery has been operating in a historic 16th-century building at the gates of Edinburgh Castle for so long that it has become part of the scenery. Numerous celebrities as well as local fans dine in Gothic splendour on a delicious menu featuring traditional Scots classics, including beef, lamb, game and seafood dishes. Some of the most popular items on the menu are hot smoked salmon with leeks, Angus beef fillet with smoked garlic broth and Scottish oysters. The atmospheric dining rooms and 'secret garden' can be savoured just as much as the food. Witchery offers lunch and dinner, with a à la carte menu. Even those on a budget can enjoy lunching at the Witchery, which offers a set two-course meal for £12.95. Visit www.thewitchery.co.uk for more information.

La Bruschetta

Address: 13 Clifton Terrace, Haymarket Edinburgh

Food Type: Italian

Small and intimate, it is wise to book at La Bruschetta because it is Edinburgh's most popular authentic Italian restaurant, particularly at lunch time when its bistro menu is available for £7.50. The owner, Giovanni Cariello, is also the chef and is a master of his craft. Specialties usually involve Scottish fish. La Bruschetta is closed Mondays, but open every other day from 12pm to 2pm and 6pm to 10.30pm.

Clam Shell Fish and Chip Shop

Address: 148 High Street Edinburgh

Food Type: Fish

No visitor to the United Kingdom worth his or her salt can leave the islands without indulging in a traditional fish and chip supper, and in Edinburgh the Clam Shell on the Royal Mile is reputedly the best 'chippy' in town, and perhaps the whole of Scotland. A veritable emporium of tasty delights, the Clam Shell doesn't stop at just battered fish and crispy fries: there is a whole range of food including local specialties like haggis, black pudding and a range of tasty sausages. The Clam Shell is open daily from 12pm to midnight.

Susie's Wholefood Diner

Address: 51/53 West Nicholson Street Edinburgh

Food Type: Modern Eclectic

Amazing healthy food (make your selection from a wide range displayed on the counter) and extremely reasonably prices make this lively spot a popular place to chill out during a hectic day's sightseeing, or just to come to soak up the 'alternative' bohemian atmosphere. Read a newspaper, chat to fellow diners, or peruse the amateur artworks on display while enjoying falafel and humus, delicious soup or a tasty stir-fry, on one of the old wooden tables. The salads are particularly recommended. On Friday and Saturday evenings the atmosphere is livened up with live Cajun and jazz music. Susie's opens from 9am to 9pm Monday to Saturday, and from 1pm to 8pm on Sunday.

Tower Restaurant and Terrace

Address: National Museum of Scotland, Chambers Street Edinburgh

Food Type: Modern Eclectic

A museum restaurant may not sound particularly inspiring for gourmets, but in Edinburgh the National Museum of Scotland sports a restaurant not inside, but on top, offering spectacular views of the castle and cityscape along with some of the city's finest cuisine. A high point for dining in more ways than one, the Tower has a chic, glamorous interior, excellent service and a vast menu, covering everything from oysters to melt-in-the mouth steaks. Specialities are seafood, especially Scottish lobsters. The Tower is also renowned for its huge award-winning wine list of about 150 varieties. The outside terrace, which seats 70 diners, is extremely popular in summer and arguably offers the best view of the city to be had anywhere. For lunch and pre-theatre suppers there is a set two-course menu, or choose from à la carte. The Tower is open daily from 12pm to 11pm.

Izzi

Address: 119 Lothian Road Edinburgh

Food Type: Oriental

The minimalist stainless-steel and glass interior may not quite suit the medieval image of Edinburgh, but excellent service and first-class food make up for the lack of atmosphere at Izzi, which offers an extensive menu of Japanese and Chinese dishes, including beautifully presented sushi. You may need the staff to help explain the intimidating menu, but this they are happy to do. Enjoy dishes like fried king prawns in honey lemon sauce, sprinkled with minced dry fish, or indulge in Chinese kung po beef. The restaurant is fronted entirely by glass, making it a good spot for people-watching. Izzi is open daily from 12pm to 11.30pm.

Centotre

Address: 103 George Street Edinburgh

Food Type: Italian

Built into a former bank, this Italian café and restaurant is much less formal than its building suggests. A breezy café and bar style inside serves simple and light Italian staples everyone knows and loves such as pizza and light pastas. The front is great for light daytime snacks and a downstairs accommodates intimate diners. Reservations are advisable except at the café and bar.