Quezi

Edinburgh Castle - courtesy mr mackey - CC-BY

Edinburgh is the capital of Scotland, and the seventh largest city in the United Kingdom.

Edinburgh’s history began in the Iron and Bronze Ages. At its formal founding it was a part of the Kingdom of Northumbria, an Anglian kingdom on the east side of Great Britain and finally became the capital of Scotland in 1437.

Built on extinct volcanoes atop an inlet from the North Sea (the Firth of Forth) and enveloped by rolling hills, lakes and forests, Edinburgh invites exploration. With stunning Georgian and Victorian architecture, and twisting medieval streets, it’s easy to see why the city has been listed as a World Heritage Site. But Edinburgh is not stuck in the past, and it’s not just a city for tourists. Neither is it all about bagpipes, and tartan. In fact, the city is one of the most cosmopolitan cities in Europe and is regularly voted as one of the best places in the world to live. Edinburgh is also the world’s festival City. During the peak Edinburgh International Festival season in summer, the population doubles as it hosts hundreds of thousands of visitors and performers from all over the world. The huge range and number of artistic events, performances and exhibitions make it the world’s largest arts festival. Also, Edinburgh is a great city for the diner. There is a vast selection of restaurants found in every part of the city, catering to all tastes, prices and styles. Princes Street is the main shopping street in Edinburgh. It has large chain stores such as HMV for music, Topshop and H&M for clothes, tourist oriented shops, and department stores.  Edinburgh is considered a safe city.  Just take normal precautions.

In the coldest months, January and February, temperatures average between 1 – 6 C (34 – 43 F). In summer  52 F – 65 F (18 – 11°C). It may rain anytime.

Edinburgh is served by Edinburgh Airport.  Public transportation is bus and taxi, especially buses. The city’s public transport system is relatively poor next to London and other major British cities, being heavily reliant on buses.

Edinburgh population is 468,070 (2007).

+44 is the international calling code for United Kingdom
131 is the area code for Edinburgh

For more information about Edinburgh