Edinburgh Flights And Sights

Earthy yet stylish, and casually cosmopolitan, Edinburgh is as proud of its medieval cobbled alleyways as its famous edgy Fringe Festival when the world descends on its pleasure palaces. But it's not all about the crowds: Blessed with an outstanding array of scenery, Scotland's capital drapes over seven hills and is crowned by Edinburgh Castle, a dramatic and brooding landmark, with the bucolic Princes Street Gardens running through the city center.

Things to Do

There aren't many cities that can boast a volcano: the dormant Arthur's Seat in Holyrood Park rises above the city and offers views of the Firth of Forth waters. The New Town is dominated by sweeping Georgian terraces, next to contemporary architectural masterpiece the Scottish Parliament Building, a mix of oak and granite. Lose yourself in Old Town's labyrinthine alleyways along the Royal Mile, and find your way along the canal-side walk through Dean Village to coastal Leith. Get goosebumps on a ghost tour in vaults underneath the city's cobbled streets

Shopping

In the castle's shadow, dynamic Princes Street is the hub of popular high-street brands. Department store Jenners is a much-loved gem, and boutiques and jewelry stores fill nearby, elegant George Street. Villagey Stockbridge is known for its bohemian vintage clothes and antique shops, and for a fine bottle of single malt, head to Royal Mile Whiskies along the historic mile-long shopping street. Choose among 200 patterns at Geoffrey (Tailor) Kiltmakers, good enough for Sean Connery and the Scottish rugby team.

Nightlife and Entertainment

Edinburgh enjoys year-round cultural festivals, although it's easy to find local bands playing live in pubs, or a concert at an Old Town church. Join the glitterati at fashionable bars on George Street for a cocktail, or if you want to sample the country's best malt whiskies or real ales there's plenty of jovial babble at a wood-paneled local around Grassmarket. Scotland is the home of golf: while away long summer evenings with a challenging round at Braid Hills municipal course.

Restaurants and Dining

This is the city to taste Scottish specialties like meaty haggis in gastropubs, or venison at stylish restaurants in the West End. Just off Princes Street, diners choose the elegant old-world charm, complete with elaborate stained glass windows, of Café Royal Oyster Bar for fresh seafood platters. Travel north to waterfront Leith for an alfresco dinner of Arbroath smokies overlooking the harbor, or Scottish cuisine with a contemporary edge at Michelin-starred Restaurant Martin Wishart.

American Airlines can help you find flights to Edinburgh for an unforgettable trip to the capital of Scotland in the United Kingdom. Known as the Athens of the North for its role in the Enlightenment, this beautiful city is full of sites with significant historical and cultural interest. See it all during your stay here with our tips on the best things to do in Edinburgh.

One of the most well-known activities in Edinburgh (and one of our favorites) is touring Edinburgh Castle. St. Margaret's Chapel, the oldest portion of the Castle, dates back to the 12th century and the Great Hall can be traced back to the early 1500s. Edinburgh Castle is home to the Crown Jewels of Scotland, the Stone of Destiny, the country's National War Museum, and Mons Meg -- a massive cannon from the mid-15th century. The Castle's stewards offer guided tours, but if you want to wander at your own pace, there are also audio tours available.

From Edinburgh Castle, at the top of Castle Rock, down to the Palace of Holyroodhouse (the Queen's official residence in Scotland) is a stretch of streets that are known as the Royal Mile. A walk along the Royal Mile, Old Town's busiest area, is another must on our list of things to do in Edinburgh. Don't miss Cannonball House, so named for the cannonball stuck in the wall. Legend has it that a cannon from Edinburgh Castles fired it accidentally. A very affordable and informative way to experience the entire area is the Secrets of Edinburgh's Royal Mile Afternoon Walking Tour. It just takes an hour and a half and you'll learn about the neighborhood's history and architecture.

A stroll through the Royal Botanic Garden is also among our favorite activities in Edinburgh. You'll be able to see more than 70 acres of flora and serenity. It was founded in 1670 and is arguably one of the finest gardens of its kind in the world. You'll enjoy the vast green spaces and mounds of flowers. Plus, admission is free.

For those who enjoy sporting pursuits, one of the most unforgettable things to do in Edinburgh is to play a round or two of golf. The sport traces back to the 15th century in Scotland (Queen Mary of Scots is rumored to have been a golfer). Musselburgh Links is the oldest course in Scotland and the oldest continuously played course in the world, dating back to 1567. After a day on the links, why not indulge in another of Scotland's most famous interests: Scotch whisky. The Whisky Tasting and Dinner in Edinburgh is perfect for everyone from connoisseurs to beginners, with a whisky expert who will educate you on its history and traditions. However you'd like to spend your time in this fascinating Scottish destination, American Airlines can help you fly to Edinburgh. Plan your trip today.