Edinburgh Castle
One of the city's most distinctive and most visited landmarks, Edinburgh castle is perched high up in the city centre on the craggy remains of an extinct volcano. It was believed to have been the site of an Iron Age fort. Among its attractions are the Great Hall, a great siege gun Mons Meg, and the tiny room where Mary Queen of Scots gave birth to James VI of Scotland and I of England. It is still in use by the British army.
The Palace of Holyroodhouse
The queen's Scottish residence, and scene of royal garden parties in the Summer. It's on the edge of the hilly green of Holyrood Park and Arthur's Seat, if you fancy a walk.
Calton Hill
One of Edinburgh's many hills, it is unmistakable with its Athenian style acropolis poking above the skyline.
Craigmillar Castle
Classic Gothic-looking castle that was built by extremely wealthy merchant family, the Prestons in 1635-1639. Mary Queen of Scots stayed here and the Stuart family used it much like a holiday home from Holyrood Palace. Offers educational tours. Open 9.30am-6.30pm. Prices: £1.80. More information (0131) 661 4445 or at Historic Scotland.
Edinburgh Zoo
Many people feel ambivalent about Edinburgh Zoo. The animals seem so depressed in their confinement, but they are amazing to see. The zoo is also active in conserving endangered species like the Siberian tiger (a ferocious-looking beast). There are fewer than 150 left in the wild - captive breeding programmes like the one operated by Edinburgh zoo looks like being their only chance. Address: Edinburgh Zoo, Murrayfield, Edinburgh EH12 6TS. Tel: (0131) 334 9171.
National Museum of Scotland
The new museum of Scotland, completed in November 1998, is a fine example of traditional and modern architecture working in harmony. Inside the displays are fascinating and beautifully presented, with interactivity and evocative exhibits (oldest locomotive engine, Roman treasure, a viking skeleton, and more) adding to the experience. You can find photographs of the building and discover more about Scotland's history at the web site.
Royal Botanic Garden
This verdant oasis in Edinburgh's New Town area and Scotland's answer to Kew gardens is not only a place to learn about exotic flora, but its lush surroundings make it the perfect place to wile away a sunny afternoon. There is no admission charge and it is cleverly landscaped so that you can get lost in its few acres. Budding botanists will be glad to find everything is meticulously tagged and that there are frequent lectures for green-fingered types. Tip: go immediately after a rain shower: the flora is at its most fragrant, and people most scarce.
Scottish Parliament Building
The especially designed new Scottish parliament building has received a cool reception. The building opened three years after the opening of the new parliament, and £390 million over budget. Both Catalan architect, Enric Miralles, and the building's champion, the first First Scottish Minister Donald Dewar, died before seeing the building complete and it is widely held that the vision for the building, which was of an upturned boat design, was lost along the way. See it for yourself and decide. It's right next door to the Palace of Holyroodhouse.
Royal Yacht Britannia
The Queen was seen to publicly shed a tear -- not a common event -- when the Royal Yacht was put to pasture at the docks in Leith in 1998. Originally, launched from John Brown's Clydebank Shipyard in 1953, some are still surprised at how modest the ship is. The web site for the Royal Yacht has full stats for the yacht, potted history and gallery of images.
Edinburgh's Old Town
The web site for the Old Town Society is a hybrid of tourist guide and Edinburgh Old Town community forum. A bit slow, but has up-to-date prices for visitor attractions and a fair few photos.
Witchery Tours
Haunted tours of Edinburgh's Old Town.
Edinburgh Butterfly World
A little out of the way (outskirts of town), but a welcome palliative to all that history you've been soaking up, perhaps?
National Trust
for Scotland Historic buildings of Scotland.
Rosslyn Chapel
A twenty minute bus jouney from the city centre takes you to this ancient chapel. Built in 1446, the chapel is steeped in symbolism, mysticism and references to the Knights of the Templar, Freemasonary and the pagan "Green Man". The neighbouring Rosslyn Glen, a rambling, stretch of mature woodland, with fairly deep caves, is also well worth a visit.
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