During the 7th century the crown of England would make advances on the northern territory and conquer an area they would name Eiden''s burh. Burh being a reference to the fort which stood on the hill. English would rule the lands until the 10th century when the Scots returned to reclaim their land. It was not until the 11th century when Malcolm III built the castle on ''Castle Rock'', and a community was settled around the hill. Over the next hundred years the community flourished. In 1128 the Holyrood Abbey was built.

The settlement of Leith, though nearby, was independent of Edinburgh, but as wool production increased, so did exportation, and textiles along with hides from cattle and sheep were exported via these water trade routes. In 1296 the English captured Edinburgh Castle and were resisted passionately by Sir William Wallace in his efforts to avenge his father''s death and secure independence for Scotland. But the English would outnumber the Scots and would remain as a domineering presence until 1322. The people of Edinburgh were constantly plagued with the threat of war, but, despite this constant threat the people survived and a charter was given to Edinburgh in 1329 granting rights to the citizens of the town. Edinburgh would serve as the de facto capital of Scotland from the 15th century.

Fortifications were instituted during the 16th century when city walls were erected to safeguard the city from English invasions. But in 1547 the royal cavalry would successfully sack the Castle. Edinburgh also faced challenges during the civil war, and again when a severe outbreak of the plague rocked the population. Facing more English invasions at the end of the century, the city proved resilient, each time managing to recover from the devastation.

Prior to the turn of the 17th century the University was established, beginning a long legacy of scholarship among Edinburgians. The city continued to grow and prosper, but outbreaks of the plague in 1604 and 1645 were the result of overcrowding, and squalid living conditions among the lower classes. During this time however, expansion efforts were made, and the Gladstones, the Lady Stairs House and the Scottish House of Parliament were constructed. In 1633 Charles I was crowned in Edinburgh, but shortly after would lose control. After proposing a new prayer book riots broke out, and following months of unrest a covenant was established demanding that the King respect the given Catholic religion of Scotland. English would occupy the land again briefly during the mid-17th century, but their recession brought leagues more success to the area, and another period of prosperity would produce such distinct additions to Edinburgh society as the Botanic Gardens and the restoration of the Holyrood House.

The city of Edinburgh continued to prosper through the 18th century, but overcrowding again became an issue. Expansion was planned and a competition was devised to garner proposals for how the project should be managed. Young architect, James Craig, won the honor and proceeded to construct the New Town complete with broad streets. Shipbuilding also became an integral industry for Edinburgh.

Because the city of Edinburgh had traditionally been a scholarly place, the city was home to many intellectuals, lawyers and bankers. There was very little established industry, and so the 19th century brought Glasgow to the forefront, superceding Edinburgh as Scotland''s number one city. Over the next hundred years Edinburgh would become an integral financial center in Scotland. Many museums and theaters opened in the early 1900''s and today Edinburgh is highly popular tourist destination. It''s streets are alive with history and welcome visitors from around the world to share in the beauty that is Scotland.

Old Town - Home of the Royal Mile which is the city''s backbone and winds from Edinburgh Castle, down the volcanic hill, to the Palace of Holyroodhouse offers an abundance of medieval architectural details which will transport you to another age. This historic district offers many of the city''s sights and attractions.

New Town - This district also offers sights and attractions but is distinct from the Old Town in that it is more orderly and as the name alludes, construction and architecture are much newer. But the district offers some of the finest shopping to be had in all of Britain, notably Prices Street.

Leith - The city''s main port is north of central Edinburgh and is a quite fashionable area.

Portobello - If you are lucky enough to be traveling in Edinburgh during the warm summer months, and temperatures permit, you may find the beaches of Portabello quite alluring.

Edinburgh – Airport (EDI)

Distance from Edinburgh city: 13 kilometers

Phone Numbers:
Information : +44 (0) 131 333 1000

Princes Street - Arguably one of the world''s most impressive shopping areas lies within this principle street in Edinburgh.

Victoria Street - Colorful Victoria Street offers a variety of unique stores and shops intermingled with historic buildings.

Royal Mile - In the Old Town, this stretch of road is lined with shops and café''s as well as many historic buildings as well.

Grassmarket - Numerous shops, pubs and restaurants create a fun and energetic atmosphere at Grassmarket. Once the focal point and execution center of Edinburgh, this lively market place has become a very trendy spot for shoppers and sightseers.

Calton Hill - Absolutely the best vantage point in the city, this hill rises high above the New Town offering breathtaking views of Leith and hosts a collection of memorials, which themselves are breathtaking.

Edinburgh Castle - The impressive edifice that is Edinburgh Castle towers high above and dominates the cityscape while straddling an extinct volcano which dates over 325 million years ago.

Holyrood Park - Nearly 1 square mile of lush wilderness in the heart of an otherwise industrialized city is quite a refreshing break. Enjoy the many paths which wind through this area, and find the highest point where ''Arthur''s Seat,'' and weather-beaten ''seat'' of lava.

St. Gile''s Cathedral - This beautiful church played host to John Knox who preached the Calvinist message from it''s pulpit, thus inspiring the Scottish Reformation. A life-size statue stands in homage to him today.

Royal Observatory - Originally located on Calton Hill, the Observatory was moved to Blackford Hill in 1896. Today there is an exceptional gallery complete with multi-media explorations of astronomy. Be sure to catch the sweeping views of the city from the rooftop.

The hearty winter weather in the northern region of this island nation calls for warm, high-caloric meals, which can be found throughout the 10,000 pubs in Scotland. For those who prefer a traditional vegetarian dish there are vegetarian variations of Haggis, but you may also elect to try Colcannon, a stew of boiled cabbage, carrots and potatoes which is drained and fried in a pan with butter, salt and pepper. This delicious dish is a must for vegetarians traveling in Scotland.

The freshest local ingredients are combined to create a vast array of traditional dishes waiting to be sampled while you travel in Scotland. Local specialties include seafood, beef, lamb, game birds and ostrich, as well as fresh soft fruits like raspberries, tayberries and blackberries or ''brambles'' as they are called locally and of course fresh local vegetables include potatoes, carrots, turnips, cabbages and cauliflower. Cheese-making is also an art which the Scottish have mastered with such products as the cheddar of Galloway, a nice compliment to these local dairy delicacies are the smoked fish products from various coastal towns in Scotland, notably the Arbroath Smokie is a local favorite. And what would a trip to Scotland be without a spot of Scotch Whiskey?

Restaurants and Eateries in Edinburgh

Beehive Inn - 18-20 Grassmarket. This popular eatery offers a great selection of traditional Scottish fare at affordable prices.

Hadrian''s - 2 North Bridge. For a fine dining experience while in Edinburgh try Hadrian''s. The menu is a refreshing twist on traditional Scottish dishes with a unique European flare. The atmosphere is sophisticated, the service is exceptional and the prices, though on the high end, are well worth it!

The Internet Café - 18 West Maitland Street. Offering a full menu of sandwiches, salads and soups, you will also find sushi and gourmet coffee too, making it a great mid-day stop during your sightseeing tour of Edinburgh. We have included the Internet Café because their modern technology lends well to e-mailing friends and family while on your trip to Scotland!

Espionage - 9 Victoria Street. This trendy club is the number one nightspot in Edinburgh!

Frankenstein Pub - 26 IV Bridge. This unique pub offers great pub fare and a unique entertainment experience!