Knowhow-Now Article

Many people from all over the world visit Edinburgh and Scotland for the first time in August, when the Edinburgh International Festival takes over the city centre and transforms the historic capital into a colourful arts and entertainment hub for four weeks. Visiting Edinburgh during festival season is a great chance to see the city bustling with life, but if you're keen to avoid the crowds and see a more authentic side of Edinburgh life, it can be best to visit at other times of the year - whether you're longing to see Scotland in the snow at the height of winter or prefer a more temperate climate.

Edinburgh is a fascinating city for history lovers, and however much you know about this pivotal city or Scottish heritage before you arrive, you're sure to find something that appeals when heading to the Old Town and New Town that form Edinburgh's compact centre. The Old Town itself is built on steep hills, and today's visitors can choose whether to tackle the old steps or use the more convenient pavements and roads to get around.

The Royal Mile is the backbone of Edinburgh's heritage and is always bustling with locals and tourists alike. Spanning roughly a mile from Edinburgh Castle down to Holyrood Palace - the Queen's residence during annual visits to the city - you can find many of Edinburgh's most popular tourist sites along this cobbled route, as well as numerous one of a kind shops selling traditional Scotch whisky, kilts and other authentic local goods.

Edinburgh Castle itself is the city's most popular attraction, and can be easily seen from many vantage points throughout the city, perched on top of an extinct volcano. After you've seen the castle, there are many other locations to see Edinburgh's colourful history, and taking a guided walk can be the most convenient way to get around and find out more about different aspects of the city's heritage - from its breweries to its literary achievements. If you're feeling brave, you might even consider taking a ghost tour of churchyards, vaults and other locations in Edinburgh that the more mainstream tours often miss out.

Choosing a centrally located hotel Edinburgh will give you instant access to many of the city's top attractions, but it's always a good idea to book early if you're visiting during popular times of the year - such as the Edinburgh Festival, Christmas or New Year Hogmanay.

Fiona Roy writes for a digital marketing agency. This article has been commissioned by a client of said agency. This article is not designed to promote, but should be considered professional content.

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