Edinburgh is a World Heritage Site and is the second financial centre in the British Isles.  Edinburgh Airport is located to the west of the city with a number of key European destinations and the journey by rail from London is approximately 4 hours 30 minutes. 

Here are a few of Edinburgh's attractions at no (or minimal) cost:

• City Art Centre, Dean Gallery, located in the heart of the city with 6 exhibition galleries
• The Writers Museum, dedicated to Robert Burns, Walter Scott and Robert Louis Stevenson in particular
• National Gallery of Scotland, The Mound, paintings, furniture and sculpture on display from Raphael and Rubens
• Visit Scotland's new parliament building and watch the debates in action (weekdays)
• View the Forth Bridges from the viewing platform in South Queensferry
• Museum of Childhood, 42 High Street.  Re-visit your childhood and show the children the toys you used to play with!
• National Gallery of Modern Art, Belford Road, works of Bacon, Picasso, Matisse and Pollock are on view
• Royal Botanic Gardens, 20 Inverleith Row. Over 70 acres including rare plants and Britain's tallest palm house
• Tartan Weaving Mill & Exhibition, The Scotch House, 39/41 Princes Street.  Discover the rich Celtic tapestry of tartan and find your own!

Other famous attractions:  Edinburgh Castle which sits atop an extinct volcanic crag, Greyfriars Kirk, Palace of Holyrood House,  Royal Mile, Murrayfield Stadium, National Library of Scotland, Edinburgh Quay, The Edinburgh Dungeon, Nelson Monument, Scottish Seabird Centre, Scottish Mining Museum, Scott Monument, The Royal Yacht Britannia, Edinburgh Zoo, Our Dynamic Earth, the Loch Ness Discovery Centre and the Scotch Whisky Heritage Centre

Edinburgh Shopping:  The city centre is compact so walking is an excellent way to explore.  Princess Street has stunning views of the castle and you can rest your weary feet in the Princess Street Gardens between shopping sprees.  George street, which runs parallel to Princess Street and the High Street which is off the Royal Mile also have excellent shopping.  (The Royal Mile connects the Castle to the Palace of Holyrood House and is said to be the finest street for buildings in the world).

Events:  The Military Tattoo and Fringe Festival are held during the Summer - plus the world famous new year celebration of Hogmanay.  Along with 6 Nation matches during the Rugby season and a variety of festivals throughout the year.

Edinburgh is a subtle blend - rough and smooth, old and new - and a treat for every visitor.