Cheval Old Town Chambers

A military band and thundering cannon spectacular, set against the stunning backdrop of Edinburgh Castle.

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.

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

Edinburgh’s culinary scene, the best in Scotland, is an exciting mix of rustic field-to-fork eateries, glitzy Michelin-starred restaurants and earthy farmers’ markets.

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

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.

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 a unique experience that offers entertaining and educational presentations on optics and illusions. The main highlight is a rooftop chamber with a large periscope-like device that projects live, real-time images of the city onto a viewing table.

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