The Place

From fashionista's favourite Harvey Nichols in St. Andrew Square and designer shops such as Cruise and Phase Eight, to star studded jewellers such as Hamilton & Inches, ROX and Laings, George Street has it all going on. And when day turns to night, the street comes alive with well-groomed partygoers who flock to the area's many stylish bars. Proud to be at the centre of Essential Edinburgh's Business Improvement District, whose vision is to ensure that Edinburgh city centre excels as a place to work, a place to do business, a place to shop and a place to visit. Welcome to Edinburgh's most celebrated shopping area...

St Andrew Square is located at the East End of George Street in what was the hub of Edinburgh's financial world, but in an area that is now more characterised by its pubs, restaurants, and designer shops.

Come face to face with the people who shaped Scotland’s past, present and future at the Scottish National Portrait Gallery.

About Edinburgh Castle Standing on its great rock, Edinburgh castle dominates Scotland’s capital. Great events have taken place within its wall and it has witnessed many sieges. To control the castle was to hold the keys to the kingdom. Iron Age warriors understood the rock’s military potential and built a hill fort here. Our oldest poetry tells of a war band which feasted here for a year before riding to death in battle. During the Wars of Independence the castle changed hands many times. In 1314 it was retaken from the English in a daring night raid by Thomas Randolph, nephew of Robert the Bruce. The castle was home to kings and queens. Queen Margaret (later St Margaret) died here in 1093, and Mary Queen of Scots, gave birth to James VI in the royal palace in 1566. Her great-great-great grandson Charles Edward Stuart - Bonnie Prince Charlie - captured Edinburgh but couldn’t take the castle during the 1745-6 Jacobite rising. In 1996, the Stone of Destiny, on which kings were enthroned for centuries, was returned to Scotland and is displayed in the Crown Room. From the 1600s onwards the castle was a military base with a large garrison. Later it also held prisoners of war. Parts are still a military base, but the castle is now a world-famous visitor attraction and a key element of the Edinburgh World Heritage Site. Description taken from Edinburgh Castle's website: https://www.edinburghcastle.scot/discover/about-the-castle

Experience over 400 years of history, and discover the stories of your character guide. From myths and legends, to the deadly plague epidemic, and a famous royal visitor - there's a myriad of tales just waiting to be told on this one hour guided tour.

Calton Hill is one of Edinburgh's main hills, set right in the city centre. It is unmistakable with its Athenian acropolis poking above the skyline.