With its cobblestone alleyways, cosy pubs, lush gardens and majestic castle, Scotland's capital of Edinburgh is best described as magical. It's easy to see how the charming city inspired JK Rowling to conjure up the enchanted world of Harry Potter. If you're planning a visit to the fairytale-like city, you shouldn't be at a loss for things to do.

Firstly, a visit to Edinburgh wouldn't be complete without a tour of the famous Edinburgh Castle. Though nearly every spot in the city boasts views of the towering fortress, you cannot get a better sense of the place than when you're walking through its ancient stone walls.

The city's most famous stretch of road is known as the Royal Mile, a charming cobblestone street that stretches from the Castle down to Holyrood Palace. Along the Royal Mile you can shop for souvenirs and gifts while taking in the city's bustling atmosphere. You can also check out the famous St. Giles Cathedral (probably one of the only cathedrals in the world to feature wood carvings of angels playing bagpipes) and statues of famous Scotsmen such as David Hume.

Once you reach the bottom of the Royal Mile, you can tour the Palace at Holyrood, one of the many homes belonging to the famous British Monarchy. The palace sits next to one of the city's most dominant features, Arthur's Seat. The large hill is a favourite destination among tourists and locals alike. Though the hill may look daunting, climbing it is easier than you'd think- most people can reach the top in less than half an hour. While at the peak of Arthur's Seat you can enjoy views of the city's skyline and the Firth of Forth.

During your stay in Edinburgh, you can explore the old town's bustling nightlife by checking out some of its most famous pub's in the Grassmarket area of the city. The Grassmarket sits directly underneath the castle and features a variety of pubs, including the always-popular Biddy Mulligan's Irish pub, the historic Last Drop pub and one of the city's quaintest gastro pubs, the White Heart.

After you've explored the old town, you can check out the area of the city known as the New Town. This area includes Princes Street, which is the city's most popular area for shopping. The New Town is also the location of the Scott Monument, a gothic-style tower built in honour of Scottish author Sir Walter Scott. You can climb the tower's very narrow winding staircases to the very top and take in the view of the bustling city below.

As you can see, there is no end of things to do in Edinburgh. Though this list only skims the surface of Edinburgh activities, it is a good start for anyone planning a trip to the Scottish capital. The city is a popular tourist destination, so there are many hotels in Edinburgh to choose from. Additionally, getting to and from the airport and train stations is fairly easy as Edinburgh is known for having one of the best bus systems in Europe.

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.