World City Guide

Sightseeing

Sightseeing Overview
The main districts of Edinburgh are the Georgian New Town, the medieval Old Town and the Port of Leith. The castle dominates the urban landscape, marking the centre of the city and overlooking Princes Street, Edinburgh’s main thoroughfare, which has been described as one of the most beautiful streets in the world. The Royal Mile, which Daniel Defoe once declared the most beautiful street he had ever seen, links Edinburgh Castle and the Palace of Holyroodhouse and was the main artery of the medieval city. Careful preservation in the 20th century has maintained its distinctive character. To the north, along the Firth of Forth, the Leith docks have recently been regenerated with stylish waterfront hotels, restaurants, pubs and wine bars and this renaissance is gradually expanding east and west along the coastline with a flurry of development. Outside the centre, the islands of the Firth of Forth, the Pentland Hills and the charming coastal town of South Queensferry all await.

Tourist Information
The Edinburgh and Scotland Information Centre
3 Princes Street
Tel: (0131) 473 3800 or 0845 2255 121. Fax: (01506) 832222.
E-mail: esic@eltd.org
Website: www.edinburgh.org
Opening hours: Mon-Sat 0900-1700; Sun 1000-1700 open later in summer.

There are also city centre representatives (roaming tourist officers) who offer advice and assistance. They are found around the Royal Mile, Princes Street and Waverley station.

Passes
The new and excellent value Edinburgh Card (website: www.edinburgh.org/pass/) offers free access to 27 tourist attractions, a guidebook on the city, free transfers to and from the airport and unlimited use of local and regional buses as well as shopping discounts. The card comes in one day (£26), two day (£34) and three day (£40) permutations. The pass is available from the tourist office in Princes Street, at the airport and in advance on-line.