Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo

Where to go and what to see in Edinburgh to get the most from your trip – a 5-day itinerary from destination expert and travel writer Lucy Gillmore.

Capital treats abound, from mighty castles and royal palaces to gourmet restaurants and arguably the world’s best performing arts festival.

Disneyland-style mock distillery tour, with a glimpse of the world’s largest Scotch whisky collection.

Scotland’s history, culture, art and design, science and technology – under one state-of-the-art roof. Special exhibits include the story of Mary Queen of Scots and Dolly the sheep.

Edinburgh’s impressive hilltop castle, with bags of history and a bird’s-eye view over the capital.

Peek into the life of the monarchy, past and present, at this ancient royal residence – once the home of Mary Queen of Scots.

An underground yomp through the darkest episodes in the city’s history, including the story of body-snatchers Burke & Hare, a torture chamber and the Grassmarket Gallows – a re-creation of when Edinburgh’s central square was famous for its hangings.

Deep beneath the Royal Mile, a cast of characters weaves gritty tales of medieval life around a perfectly preserved 17th-century street.

This hidden gem in the medieval Old Town is a treasure trove of artifacts and manuscripts belonging to three of Scotland’s most famous writers; Sir Walter Scott, Robert Burns and Robert Louis Stevenson.

The city’s oldest purpose-built tourist attraction, at the top of the Royal Mile, is topped with a periscope that transfers images of Edinburgh’s skyline onto a table-top.