Edinburgh, with its compact and hilly landscape, charms visitors with cobbled streets and hidden alleyways, world-class festivals and engaging attractions – not to mention being awarded UNESCO City of Literature status for its rich history.
Central Edinburgh is a divided city, though without animosity – a valley containing Princes Street Gardens and Waverley Station separates medieval Old Town from airy boulevards of New Town.
City of Literature
Edinburgh was designated UNESCO City of Literature in 1997 and as such boasts some incredible literary landmarks from all around the globe, such as Sir Walter Scott’s monument in Greyfriars Kirk or Robert Burns’ grave at Greyfriars Kirk – two national poets who inspired world-famous works in Edinburgh.
Explore more of these authors with a tour of historic streets where their characters roamed with an experienced guide, or by exploring some of the nation’s most celebrated books on a literature and culture themed museum visit. Or follow in their footsteps and attend the annual Burns and Beyond festival which celebrates Scotland’s national bard through music and art.
The Edinburgh UNESCO City of Literature Trust is an independent charity that is responsible for maintaining our title as well as connecting writers and readers to our city. Over its two decade long existence, they have created an international network of 53 cities of literature worldwide; organized programs for Scottish writers; created collaborative projects in Edinburgh; provided cultural activities including lines of poetry projected onto Edinburgh Castle from an illuminated installation created in collaboration with Terry Gilliam; as well as giving away over 93,000 books through schools and community programs.
Delegates from the Cities of Literature network gathered for its annual conference this month, celebrating and learning from one another’s achievements. Over four days they took part in official events and workshops hosted by Edinburgh’s Lord Provost as well as touring Abbotsford (formerly Sir Walter Scott’s home) as well as visiting Abbotsford Storytelling Centre, Scottish Storytelling Centre, Scottish Storytelling Centre and hosting networking lunch hosted by Edinburgh Lord Provost – to name just some highlights!
Delegates enjoyed a traditional Scottish lunch of Haggis, Neeps and Tatties at The Netherbow and heard from Edinburgh Makar (poet laureate) Hollie McNish as well as University of Edinburgh academics and Bremen-based writer Sadaf Zahedi. To round off their week they enjoyed an exciting evening featuring Edinburgh Makar Michael Pedersen alongside Edinburgh musicians Conor O’Brien and David McCormack from Edinburgh along with Bremen composer and musician Claudia McGehee from Bremen!
City of Music
Edinburgh is known for its literary and arts scene, yet also as an energetic musical hub. World-class large venues and an abundance of basement clubs, speakeasies and bars host an eclectic range of genres: country, electro-pop or folk. You are sure to find an event suitable to you here!
Edinburgh may not be considered the capital of Scottish music, but it does celebrate live music. From global superstars the Bay City Rollers with their tartan-trimmed bubblegum pop, to one of the first cities to embrace punk when local groups The Rezillos and Exploited launched in the early 80s, Edinburgh cherishes live music through many forms – daily folk sessions at Sandy Bell’s (established 1942), to singer-songwriters performing traditional tunes at pubs around town -and cherishing tradition through many acoustic singer-songwriters and traditional musicians playing traditional folk sessions at Sandy Bell’s; from daily folk sessions at Sandy Bell’s (established 1942), to singer-songwriters performing traditional pieces at pubs – every type of live musical genre is welcomed here – it all loves live music!
Edinburgh is home to numerous musicians who have made their mark, such as The Proclaimers, Franz Ferdinand and Paolo Nutini. Roddy Woomble stands out as a particular favourite, who captures Scotland with his captivating vocals and poetic lyrics.
Each week brings with it an array of musical events for everyone to enjoy, covering multiple genres. Choose between flamenco dance classes, operatic productions of Arthur Miller’s The Crucible or classical concerts by Royal Scottish National Orchestra with Assistant Conductor Derrick Morgan at Usher Hall; for something more contemporary try Royal Concert Hall’s night of chart-toppers from NOW That’s What I Call Music!
City of Sport
Edinburgh is home to many sporting events. Football, rugby and horse racing are popular spectator sports while visitors can also participate in numerous activities.
Edinburgh offers an abundance of cycle routes for exploring its sights on two wheels. Although its hills may present challenges, finding safe and level paths throughout the city should not be difficult. There are even dedicated bike lanes during peak hours. For those not keen on cycling, walking can also provide great ways to experience its culture – passing unexpected views while getting to know its rhythm.
Edinburgh offers plenty of green spaces where residents and visitors alike can stretch their legs, including Inverleith Park and Meadows near Edinburgh University – both popular with runners – with Park Run held each Saturday morning at both locations, providing free participation. Meanwhile, Edinburgh Botanic Gardens provide another green oasis, boasting lush parkland as well as a Victorian glasshouse.
Golfing is also popular among visitors to Edinburgh, offering some of Scotland’s most picturesque courses. Additionally, visitors can enjoy water skiing and artificial ski slopes at the Edinburgh International Climbing Arena – a renovated quarry which serves as Europe’s largest indoor climbing arena.
The Edinburgh Festival takes place annually in August and is an essential destination for arts fans. Offering an unparalleled combination of classic music, opera and ballet performances and theatre – plus comedy with Fringe Theatre as part of their lineup – this festival offers something special.
The Old Town, stretching down from where Edinburgh Castle sits, has retained much of its medieval street plan, due to a shortage of space when population growth skyrocketed during the 16th and 17th centuries. A solution was building high-rise blocks – some as tall as fourteen stories! As a result, Edinburgh boasts one of only three cities worldwide designated UNESCO World Heritage Site (1995), including highlights like Royal Mile which connects old and new towns as well as offering shops, restaurants, and pubs en route.
City of Food
Edinburgh may be known for being a traditional, old city; however, its culture is surprisingly vibrant and modern. From museums and art galleries to restaurants and pubs – Edinburgh offers something for every taste! You should certainly give its cuisine a try too – not only haggis, neeps and tatties should be part of your experience here!
Exploring Edinburgh’s rich cultural heritage is one of the best things to do here. Visit attractions like the National Library of Scotland, Museum of Writers, and literary-themed attractions like JK Rowling’s home town – Arthur Conan Doyle or Walter Scott all hailing from here!
At its literary heart lies this city. Indeed, its literary legacy was so strong that it became the first UNESCO City of Literature. When you walk the Old Town streets you may notice alleyways named for famed authors while closes are also open for public access.
Edinburgh’s food scene is as varied and exquisite as its literary heritage. Experience it first-hand on a walking food tour with Eat Walk Edinburgh, which highlights iconic dishes as well as lesser-known gems in this historic city. Additionally, Eat Walk Edinburgh caters to tourists with specific dietary restrictions or preferences; their tours cater to them all!
The city’s cuisine is heavily influenced by its seafaring history. You can access fresh seafood directly from nearby ports or sample oysters from local oyster farms; other specialities include fish and chips, smoked salmon gravy or fish and shellfish soup – you may even find vegetarian- and vegan-friendly seafood restaurants! Besides these offerings, sample local cheeses or meats before taking part in a whiskey tasting tour to gain further insights into our distilling history!
Edinburgh offers many culinary highlights, with Scottish cheese produced by small-scale producers being among them. You can sample their products in shops and boutiques around town as well as purchase souvenirs like kilts and tablet. Arthur’s Seat, an extinct volcano that overlooks Edinburgh can also give visitors a bird’s-eye view of this historic town.
Related Guides
- How to Get from Edinburgh Airport (EDI) to City Centre — Airport guide