Edinburgh's highlights

There’s nothing like a breath of fresh, Scottish countryside air and with these exciting outdoor activities, you’ll be getting plenty of it. Take part in your very own Highland games, full of traditional Scottish games like caber tossing and haggis rolling. Try off-road driving, river buggies, white water rafting or canyoning to really get your heart pumping. Or, experience the mayhem of the It’s a Knockout TV show for yourself.

As the sun sets, Edinburgh transforms into a bustling nightlife destination with a wide variety of places to have a good time. Start the night crafting your own cocktails at fun party chains. Then, head to one of Edinburgh's many traditional or not-so-traditional pubs like the Frankenstein Pub. Dance the night away at one of the city’s most popular nightclubs or explore what the city has to offer on a bar crawl.

The Scottish capital is arguably one of the most beautiful cities in the world, with plenty of stunning architectural, historical and natural sights to see. With everything from the incredible Edinburgh Castle to the pretty Princes Street Gardens, you’ll discover fascinating gems around every corner. For sweeping views of the city, climb to the summit of Arthur’s Seat or take a peaceful stroll up Calton Hill. Check out our guide to Edinburgh's top attractions to really make the most of your time.

Visit in August to see Edinburgh truly come to life for the biggest event of the year. The Edinburgh Fringe Festival is a month-long celebration of the arts showcasing big names and up-and-coming comedians, musicians, actors and artists. With thousands of performers and shows, everyone will find something to get excited about. If you love comedy, the city is home to great stand-up acts all year long - check out a comedy night whilst in the city.

What makes Edinburgh’s Princes Street such a great shopping location isn’t the huge range of popular high-street brands - although it definitely has that - but the beauty of the area. You can see the picturesque gardens as you explore New Look, Zara, Primark and the famous Jenners department store, all in the shadow of Edinburgh Castle. For designer brands, try George Street instead.