The Dunstane Houses

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

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.

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

Grand, neoclassical Modern One, and Modern Two opposite – once a 19th-century orphanage – showcase an impressive permanent collection, changing exhibitions and Moore and Hepworth-studded sculpture park.

In the shadow of the castle, the original farmer’s market has jauntily striped stalls stocked with sauerkraut, smoked salmon and Arbroath Smokies. Held every Saturday from 9am-2pm, 3 mins walk from Edinburgh Castle.

Housed inside Edinburgh Castle, this free museum gives an insight into the Scots’ warring relationship with the English, the difference between Highland and Lowland soldiers and an overview of 300 years of military history.

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.

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